HARTING’s Ha-VIS LOCFIELD antenna creates new possibilities in RFID deployment

HARTING’s new game-changing Ha-VIS LOCFIELD travelling wave UHF antenna makes it possible to create a passive RFID reading zone with a single antenna for applications like smart shelving systems, wireless sensor networks, door and window pass- throughs and tool identification processes in machines. It overcomes the challenges in trying to create a viable, large transponder reading zone the conventional way, which typically involves using multiple patch antennas with their fixed radiation patterns.

LOCFIELD stands for LOCalized FIELD. The antenna generates a localized electromagnetic field along the contour of the antenna cable. A single Ha-VIS LOCFIELD coax cable, which comes in standard lengths of up to three metres or custom lengths up to 10 metres, becomes the antenna itself when connected to a high-power RFID reader. Two such antennas can be plugged into a dual port reader creating a reading zone up to 20 metres in almost any shape desired. The cable can be adapted to the layout or contours of any building, door, vehicle or machine interior or warehouse racking system, making it suitable for warehousing and logistics, transportation, as well as applications in the processing and manufacturing sectors. The LOCFIELD read range on FCC frequencies 902-928 MHz can extend from a few centimetres to over two meters, depending on the power of the RFID reader. This outstanding product, the first of its type, has been extensively field-tested by large systems integrators in North America, Europe, and Asia, with excellent results. Many of these customers are finding that the LOCFIELD concept allows them to think of new opportunities to exploit the full potential of RFID tracking technology.