What is unique about Times-7 True NearField antennas?
Times-7 True NearField antennas utilise proprietary processes to create magnetic fields, unlike traditional designs. The following points make our antennas special and unique:
a) they have uniform surface power distribution, regardless of antenna size
b) they do not have any surface dead zones or null regions
c) they are available in different sizes – enabling scalability in dimensions
d) they are low-profile
e) their flat surfaces allow smooth asset movement.
What is True NearField?
True NearField antennas have a lesser propagating electric field but a powerful surface magnetic field to detect proximity assets. Compared to traditional far-field antennas, the True NearField antennas have a very confined read zone. Their unique abilities open a wide range of opportunities to improve the read accuracy in a variety of applications, where far-field antennas wouldn't perform well.
What is the difference between RAIN Near-field and NFC?
RAIN Near-field and NFC (Near-Field Communications) are two distinct types of passive RFID systems.
RAIN operates in the UHF frequency range (865 – 868 / 902 – 928 MHz) whereas NFC operates in 13.56 MHZ – same as the High-Frequency RFID. HF RFID and UHF RFID use ISO/IEC 18000-3 and ISO/IEC 18000-6 (or GS1) communication protocols, respectively. HF RFID systems are governed by two more standards viz., ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 14443.
The following table shows more similarities and differences between RAIN Near-field and NFC
Parameter
|
NFC
|
RAIN (UHF) Near-field
|
Similarities
|
A type of RFID technology
|
The tag must be close to the RFID reader antenna for efficient detection.
|
Reduced RF absorption when liquid is present
|
Differences
|
Operates in 13.56 MHz frequency
|
Operates in 865-868 MHz or 902-928 MHz frequencies
|
Uses the ISO/IEC 18000-3 or ISO/IEC 15693 or ISO/IEC 14443 protocol
|
Uses the unified ISO/IEC 18000-6 (GS1) protocol
|
Only one tag can be read at a time
|
Multiple tags can be read at a time (up to 1000 tags per second)
|
Slower data transfer
|
Achieves higher data rate
|
NFC tags are larger
|
RAIN near-field tags are smaller and miniature
|
NFC uses inductive coupling between the reader antenna and the tag antenna
|
RAIN uses both inductive and capacitive coupling
|
User memory: up to 1912 byte
(Reference: NXP NT3H2211W0FTT)
|
User memory: 32 to 2048 bits
(Reference: NXP Ucode-7)
|
|
EPC memory: 96 bits
|
What is the gain of the True NearField antennas?
True NearField antennas have a lesser propagative electrical field and thus their gain and far-field radiation pattern is usually not measured. To help our customers understand this better, we have compared the radiation parameter (gain) of our True NearField antennas against a reference far-field antenna. The gain of our True NearField antennas is significantly lower than those of the traditional far-field antennas.
NF Antenna
|
Gain (dBi)
|
A1115
|
-10.5 dBi
|
A5020 NF
|
-31.5 dBi
|
A1130
|
-11.5 dBi
|
A1163
|
-12.5 dBi
|
What is the bandwidth of True NearField antennas?
The antenna’s bandwidth is sufficient enough to operate across global UHF RFID frequencies. They are available for the following frequencies: 865-867 MHz (ETSI), 902-928 MHz(FCC).
What tags work with True NearField antennas?
To achieve the best read zone definition we recommend using near-field tags. However, both near-field and far-field tags work with True NearField antennas. The
table below shows the compatibility between the types of reader antennas and
tags:
Reader antenna type
|
Tag type
|
Read distance
|
Remarks
|
Far-field antenna
|
Hybrid tags
|
Long
|
Polarization dependent
|
Far-field antenna
|
‘Near-field only’ tag
|
Shorter
|
Surface dead-spots present
|
Near-field antenna
|
Hybrid tags
|
Shorter
|
No Surface Dead Zones
|
Near-field antenna
|
‘Near-field only’ tag
|
Extremely Short
|
No Surface Dead Zones
Pure near-field communication
|
How can True NearField antennas be mounted?
All models of the True NearField antenna series can be either flush-mounted on flat surfaces using mounting screws or VESA mounted using the available mounting plate accessories, designed specifically for the True NearField Antenna Series. Each antenna provides partially-drilled through mounting holes, which on delivery are only visible on the rear side of the antenna.
These holes can be drilled fully through without damaging the product or interfering with the performance. For further assistance please go to our mounting guide.
Each antenna is also provided with a self-adhesive rubber feet kit if mounting is not required. These feet can be attached over the integrated mounting holes to stop the antenna from slipping.
How to clean Times-7 True NearField antennas?
These antennas can be cleaned carefully with a mild detergent or Isopropyl alcohol.
Can I order different radome colours?
The True NearField series antennas can be ordered with either a black or white radome. Certain other colour options are possible for Minimum Order Quantities in excess of 500. If you have a special colour request please contact sales@times-7.com.