Alien Technology Introduces Two New UHF Passive RFID Reader Antennas

Alien Technology introduced two new UHF passive RFID reader antennas for use with Alien or non-Alien RFID readers.
 
The ALR-A1001 is an ultra-thin form factor, 10-inch by 10-inch antenna that is approximately one- half inch thick, which is half the depth of many traditional antennas. Despite the compact size, this circular polarized antenna still has an excellent 8.5dBic gain, matching that of a traditional form factor antenna.
 
This new antenna will be particularly relevant to restricted space reader cabinets where the antenna is sharing depth with other system technologies, or where aesthetics are an important part of the solution sale. Examples are slim portals, ceiling-mounted antenna or wall- mounted solutions where it is desirable to reduce people or objects hitting the protruding antenna. The ALR-A1001 is priced similarly to traditional antenna, minimizing the cost difference often required to support such a thin antenna.
 
The second antenna, the ALR-A0501, is a traditional depth 5-inch by 5-inch antenna with 6dBic gain. This antenna replaces the similarly sized, lower gain ALR-9608 antenna that was only available as a FCC frequency variant.
 
“These two new antennas continue Alien’s goal of providing customers more system options for their RFID solutions while driving up capabilities and reducing solution costs along the way,” said Neil Mitchell, senior director marketing at Alien Technology. “Both antenna have an IP rating of 67, making them suitable for use in dusty or damp environments, and both come in FCC and ETSI frequency variants to support our worldwide customer base.”
 
As a result of both antennas using the SubMiniature version A (SMA) connector, Alien is also introducing a range of supporting cables. These cables use an SMA connector at one end for connection to the antenna and a Reverse Threaded Neill–Concelman (RNTC) connector at the other for connection to Alien Readers. Currently these cables are available in three lengths: the ALX-421-3 is a 3 meter (~10ft), cable, the ALX-421-6 is a 6 meter (~20ft) cable and the ALX-421- 9 is a 9 meter (~30ft) cable. Both antennas are available today.