RFID, or radio frequency identification, is a system using small tags or labels embedded with a device that stores and transmits data and information. An RFID reader collects this data. The readers use different types of antennas. An RFID patch antenna is a rectangular piece of metal that doesn't look like an antenna at all. Antennas have either circular or vertical polarization and many transmit or receive in a single direction.

Components of a typical RFID system include:

1. RFID tags, or transponders, contain a microchip that stores data and an antenna which transmits and receives information.

2. Readers, also called interrogators, read information from the tags and, in some cases, transmit or write data back to the tags.

3. Tags and readers both have antennas, but the difference is that an RFID tag antenna is a non-removable part of the tag, and reader antennas can be a separate, attached component.

4. And a controller, which tells the reader how to read the tags, what information to read from them and for how long.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy from an RFID antenna manufacturer

Manufacturers of RFID antenna, reader and tag hardware use several criteria to differentiate between various antennas. Choose antennas whose frequency matches the frequency of the tags you use and have a polarity direction that works best with your tags.

I recommend: Intermec Technologies Corporation manufactures antennas for fixed application and vehicle mounting. Texas Instruments Incorporated sells low frequency RFID antennas for asset tracking.

Choose from a variety of antennas when dealing with an RFID antenna supplier

Use an antenna with circular polarization if the orientation of the RFID tags is not under your control. Antennas with a circular polarization have a shorter read range than those with linear polarization.

I recommend: Purchase RFID antennas made by several different manufacturers at BuyRFID.com, where they also sell other RFID supplies. Shop by manufacturer at RFIDSupplyChain.com, where they sell RFID products from several different manufacturers.

Use a custom-designed antenna for RFID readers

RFID system vendors design specialized antennas for specific situations. Order a specialized antenna as part of a custom RFID system for your business. You might consider a custom antenna if you have a problem with your current reader not reading your tags correctly.

I recommend: Order custom antennas with various inlay designs, materials, adhesives and face stocks from RSI ID Technologies. Obtain custom RFID antennas compatible with a number of popular readers from iCommerce Corporation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you need an RFID tag reader that reads tags relatively far away, look for an antenna with a high antenna gain.
• •  Buy RFID antennas from the same source you purchased your other RFID supplies and hardware from or choose a vendor that is knowledgeable about the brand you use.