Custom vs. Standard Antennas: How to choose the right antenna for your application.

When deploying a RAIN RFID solution, selecting the appropriate antenna plays a critical role in system performance. While standard antennas offer versatility and quick deployment, certain applications demand tailored solutions.

Blogs

Times-7

July 08, 2025

Times-7's offering

Our comprehensive off the shelf portfolio of standard antennas, cover both near-field and far-field antennas. These are available in a range of sizes, temperature tolerances and IP ratings to cover most UHF RFID applications.

However, we also understand that one size may not fit all, with some use cases demanding more tailored solutions. 

This is why we offer a custom antenna design and manufacture service. 

Understanding standard vs. custom antennas

Standard antenna

Custom antenna

Standard antennas are pre-designed antennas that are part of our current portfolio and cater to a broad range of applications.  

Custom antennas are specifically engineered to meet unique application needs and precise antenna specifications. 

Advantages include

Quick deployment: Immediate availability for rapid integration

Tailored design: Optimised for unique form factors and performance.

Cost-effective: Lower initial investment compared to custom designs. 

Tightly coupled integration: The custom antenna components are precisely engineered and electronically optimised to align with the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the surrounding system architecture.

Proven performance: Tested and validated for multiple use cases across various industries and environments. 

 

Streamlined system design: Incorporating components and features not found in standard antennas, efficiencies can be created within the system

 

Custom Antenna Services

Examples of project category classes

(This is not an exhaustive list and could include variations based on requirements) 

Integrated antenna elements

Designing antenna components for seamless integration into devices or infrastructure, such as: 

  • Built-in read points within existing systems 
  • Embedded antennas in devices 
  • Customised antennas for specific enclosures 

Modified standard antennas

Adapting existing antenna designs to meet specific requirements, including: 

  • Custom colours 
  • Alternative connectors or cable lengths 
  • Adjusted sizes or mounting options 

Fully Custom Antenna/ System of Antennas

Developing antennas from the ground up based on client specifications and encompassing a larger scope of work which typically include: 

  • Design and testing,  
  • Product enclosure,  
  • Mounting enclosure,  
  • Variation in SKU’s,  
  • Mechanical IP and environmental considerations 
  • Fully formed product customised and delivered. 

 

 

 

The 4 D's in the custom development process

Our custom antenna design service follows an easy four stage process, which includes a discovery and proposal phase, design specification, prototype & testing, and delivery. 

Discovery

We begin by discussing your project requirements. This phase includes

  • Assessment of whether any of our standard antennas meet your need
  • Defining the project scope, timelines, and costs
  • Submission of a clear and tailored proposal

Design and specification

Upon proposal acceptance, we would develop a design proposal detailing:

  • Product specifications including RF performance,
  • Form factor and
  • Functional integration requirements for your review and sign-off. 

Development and testing

Our engineering team then

  • Develops,
  • Tests, and
  • Iterates prototypes to ensure they meet all agreed specifications
  • Sample units are supplied for hands-on evaluation to validate fit and functionality. 

Delivery

Based on feedback:

  • Final design is locked in and moved into production.
  • We ensure manufacturing consistency and provide full support through to delivery.
  • Our commitment doesn’t end with delivery.
  • We offer dedicated after-sales support to ensure long-term success and satisfaction

Making the right choice

Whether off-the-shelf or custom-built, you can rely on Times-7 to deliver precision-engineered RFID antennas backed by global expertise and industry-leading service. 

Should you require a custom antenna for your next deployment:

  1. Fill out the form at the bottom of the page
  2. Select custom antenna request from the drop down and 
  3. We will get in touch.

It's that simple!

Read More

Looking to find out more? Contact our sales team.

Invalid value

Invalid value

Invalid value

Invalid value

Invalid value

Invalid value

Please complete the reCAPTCHA.