Choosing the right antenna is crucial for improving the performance of your RFID system. In this context, we examine two antennas from our partner Times-7: the A5010 Circularly Polarized (CP) antenna and the A5020CP Circularly Polarized antenna. This comparison helps you in selecting the most suitable option for your project.
What Sets A5010 and A5020CP Antennas Apart?
Both the A5010 and A5020CP are multi-purpose antennas designed to flood large spaces with RF energy to read hundreds of tagged assets, whether static or in motion, within a given area. Thanks to their rugged, aesthetically pleasing housings, they can be deployed in various use cases, from logistics, healthcare to retail. Additionally, both offer flexible VESA and flush mounting options.
However, a few varying attributes may help you decide which one to choose for your applications. We have broken it down into three main differences to simplify the selection.
1. Read Range
| |
A5010
|
A5020
|
Gain
|
8.5 dBiC typical |
5 dBiC typical |
Indicative read range
|
8 to 9m typically |
5 to 6m typically |
When selecting an antenna, the gain is the most significant difference and top attribute to consider. With 8.5 dBiC the A5010’s typical read range is up to 9 m, whereas the A5020 CP has a max read range of up to 6 m with only 5 dBiC gain. However, the read ranges are only indicative. It heavily depends on various factors, including the read range of the asset tags, reader settings, cable length, and environmental conditions.
For applications with significantly longer distances to cover with RF energy, we recommend the A5010. You should also consider the A5010 if the cable length between the reader and the antenna is too long. The longer the cable, the more power loss you will experience, affecting the antenna's read range.
2. Size and weight
| |
A5010
|
A5020
|
Size
|
250 mm x 250 mm x 14 mm |
150.7 mm x 149.4 mm x 14.5 mm |
Weight
|
0.75kg |
0.23 kg |
Both antenna models offer the typical Times-7 slim profile despite their rugged housing. However, as gain increases, so does the physical size of the antenna. The A5010's width and height are nearly twice that of the A5020, while both antennas share the same depth of 14mm. With 150 x 150 mm, the A5020 is ideal for space-constrained environments.
3. Environmental Protection (IP rating)
| |
A5010
|
A5020
|
Environmental rating
|
IP67 |
IP68 |
Operating/storage temperature
|
0° to +65°C |
-30° to +65°C |
Both antennas provide a knock-proof housing and are suitable for outdoor use. However, the A5020 is just that little bit more rugged. It can withstand extreme environmental conditions. The dust and water-tight housing protects the antenna ensuring reliable performance. It’s been successfully deployed in freezers as well as at ports where it was exposed to salty air.
Typical applications for the A5010 and A5020
Thousands of A5010 and A5020s have been successfully deployed since their release. Here are some of the RFID use cases that we know of:
A5010
|
A5020
|
| Baggage tracking solutions |
Medical fridges and freezers |
| Access control solutions |
POS / checkouts |
| Medical and pharmaceutical – Tracking medicines and fridges |
Manufacturing lines |
| Laundry tracking |
Waste management |
| Dock doors / portals (Outdoor rated) |
Luggage tracking |
In conclusion, selecting the right antenna for your RFID system is paramount to its overall performance. This comparison of the A5010 and the A5020CP antennas has highlighted key distinctions to aid in your decision-making process.
Consider factors such as read range, size, weight, and environment when making your choice. The A5010 is ideal for applications demanding an extended read range, while the A5020's compact size makes it a great fit for space-constrained environments. The A5020's IP68 environmental rating also showcases its resilience in harsh conditions.
With these insights, you can confidently select the antenna that aligns seamlessly with your RFID objectives and optimize your system’s performance. To view our full range of UHF RFID antennas, click here. If you need more clarification, contact our team, we can offer support to ensure your RFID setup aligns seamlessly with your objectives.