Zebra's Ultra-Rugged RFID Antennas are designed to withstand the harshest environments, offering exceptional durability and performance in industrial, manufacturing, and outdoor settings. These antennas are built to handle extreme conditions such as high temperatures, exposure to dust, moisture, and physical impacts, making them perfect for industries that require reliable, high-performance RFID tracking solutions.

The AN510, AN520, and AN720 are part of Zebra's ultra-rugged antenna lineup, providing various options to meet the unique needs of different environments.

Models Overview

1. AN510
   • Overview: The AN510 is an ultra-rugged, high-performance antenna that supports global UHF RFID frequencies. It is designed for industrial environments that require durable, long-lasting performance.
   • Key Features:
     • Frequency Range: Supports UHF (860–960 MHz) global standards.
     • Rugged Design: Built to withstand tough environments such as warehouses, factories, and outdoor locations.
     • Durability: IP66-rated for water and dust resistance.
     • Use Case: Ideal for industrial applications, asset tracking, and inventory management in rugged environments.
2. AN520
   • Overview: The AN520 is another ultra-rugged antenna that provides enhanced performance for applications requiring high signal strength and long read range. It offers a robust solution for industries that need RFID performance in harsh conditions.
   • Key Features:
     • Frequency Range: Supports UHF (860–960 MHz) frequencies.
     • High Gain: Provides a superior range and excellent read performance.
     • Rugged Construction: Designed to withstand impact, dust, and moisture exposure.
     • Use Case: Best suited for large industrial operations, including supply chain management and large-scale warehousing.
3. AN720
   • Overview: The AN720 is Zebra’s most rugged option, designed for heavy-duty industrial environments. It offers enhanced range and performance, making it ideal for use in outdoor applications or extreme environments.
   • Key Features:
     • Frequency Range: UHF (860–960 MHz), supports global frequencies.
     • Ultra-Rugged: IP67-rated, making it dust-tight and resistant to submersion in water.
     • High Gain: Provides high signal strength for long-range RFID tracking.
     • Use Case: Perfect for environments with high demands for performance and durability, such as outdoor asset tracking and large logistics operations.

Comparison Table: Ultra-Rugged RFID Antennas

Key Specifications

1. Frequency Range:

   • All three models (AN510, AN520, AN720) support UHF (860–960 MHz), making them suitable for global use across regions with different RFID standards.

2. Durability:

   • AN510: IP66-rated (dust-tight and resistant to water jets), designed to withstand dust, moisture, and harsh industrial environments.
   • AN520: IP66-rated, built for demanding industrial applications.
   • AN720: IP67-rated (dust-tight and waterproof to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes), making it the most rugged of the three, suitable for outdoor and extreme environments.

3. Gain:

   • AN510: Provides 6 dBic gain, offering reliable performance for medium-range applications.
   • AN520: 8 dBic gain, making it ideal for applications requiring higher read ranges and signal strength.
   • AN720: 9 dBic gain, offering the highest gain and ideal for long-range RFID tracking in large-scale operations or outdoor environments.

4. Installation:

   • All models can be mounted on ceilings, walls, or floors, offering flexible installation options depending on the specific needs of the site.

Typical Applications

• AN510:

  • Industrial Applications: Ideal for warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other industrial environments where durability is crucial.
  • Asset Tracking: Suitable for tracking equipment, tools, and inventory in harsh conditions.

• AN520:

  • Large Warehouses: Its high gain and rugged design make it perfect for large-scale warehouse applications.
  • Supply Chain & Logistics: Used in environments that require long-range RFID tracking for the efficient movement of goods.

• AN720:

  • Outdoor Asset Tracking: With its IP67 rating, it is ideal for tracking assets in outdoor environments where exposure to dust and water is common.
  • Large Logistics Centers: Suitable for large-scale operations requiring high durability and extended range.