Build a high-performing RAIN RFID checkout bin by choosing the right antenna for your setup. This guide outlines two proven configurations, premium and basic, to suit both high tag volumes with mixed materials and simpler, cost-sensitive deployments. Each option is designed to deliver accurate reads while keeping the read zone controlled, helping you achieve a more efficient checkout process.
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May 29, 2024
In our testing, we constructed a mock checkout bin measuring 37 x 37 x 36 cm (L x W x H) and prepared three sets of tagged items covering various item materials and tags to assess low, medium, and high tag densities.
The tests were conducted using two different 4-port readers and associated software: Zebra FX9600 and Impinj R700.
More details about the set items, tags, and readers can be found in the Appendix RAIN Check Out Bin
This configuration reliably reads a high number of mixed retail items, including liquids and metal objects, as they enter and exit the read zone. The field is contained, with a 5-10cm keep out distance horizontally around the box to eliminate stray reads.
|
Antenna |
Quantity |
Position |
Power** |
RSSI |
|
A7030C |
1 |
base |
16 dBm |
max. sensitivity |
|
A1130NF |
3 |
sides |
18 dBm |
max. sensitivity |
**Recommended power settings are applicable for FX9600 and R700
A7030C
The A703C is a circularly polarised antenna providing the main mid-high gain element, capturing tags in all orientations.
A1130 TrueNearfield™ Antenna
The three A1130 antennas, which are mounted on three sides of the checkout bin, are part of Times-7's True-NearField family. Leveraging the unique characteristics of our True-NearField technology, these antennas ensure accurate reading of challenging item materials often encountered in a mixed assortment of retail items, such as metallics, creams, foils, and liquids. Additionally, the surrounding antennas serve as field containment and shielding, restricting the read zone within the enclosure. Therefore, it is crucial that the three side-mounted A1130s face the aisle of the checkout area when mounted.
This variation is the ideal solution for reading small numbers of RF-friendly items and is available at a lower cost.
|
Antenna |
Quantity |
Position |
Power** |
RSSI |
|
A7030C |
1 |
base |
16 dBm |
max. sensitivity |
|
Shielding |
RF reflective foil or absorbing mats |
|||
**Recommended power settings are applicable for FX9600 and R700
The Basic Solution retains the A7030C to provide the main tag orientation agnostic reading while using shielding to contain the RF field within the bin. This also applies to a scaled longer bin utilizing the A7030C's tiling feature.
Many Times-7 clients apply the checkout bin configuration suggested in this blog in real-world situations. However, projects and specifications vary, and this will affect the solution's RF read area, read accuracy, and unwanted reads.
When installing a new RAIN solution, we advise comprehensive testing to determine the solution’s RF read zone, read performance, and stray reads.
The selection of the correct antenna is crucial to achieving two primary objectives:
Ensuring 100% read accuracy across a variety of items, materials and orientations.
Preventing RF spillage outside the checkout bin.
