Kathrein RFID Solutions has completed ITS certification testing at Eberswalde Airport near Berlin, working alongside an external testing institute to validate its latest UHF RFID toll collection hardware across three standardised scenarios.
The tests covered Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) using an overhead RFID gantry, Single-Lane Free Flow (SLFF) with a gantry-mounted configuration, and Multi-Lane Free Flow using Kathrein’s InLane reader. Together, these scenarios represent the core deployment models used in modern electronic toll collection (ETC) systems worldwide.
At the heart of the testing were two of Kathrein’s fixed UHF RFID readers, the RRU 7700 and RRU 7800, paired with newly optimised antenna configurations. The antenna setups are based on the WiRa 40° PRO and WiRa 25° 35° PRO platforms, both designed specifically for the demands of multi-lane tolling environments where reliable read performance across wide carriageways is critical.
Kathrein also put its new generation of security transponders through their paces. These transponders are built to be detectable at vehicle speeds of up to 200 km/h, a requirement that reflects the realities of high-speed motorway tolling where even brief gaps in read reliability can result in lost revenue or enforcement failures.
Perhaps the most notable piece of hardware under test was the InLane Reader. Unlike conventional overhead gantry readers, this unit is designed for installation below the road surface. It features an integrated antenna with selectively switchable, orthogonally aligned beams in four directions. This allows it to read IDePLates, which are license plates with integrated RFID transponders, while also determining the direction of vehicle travel. The ability to distinguish travel direction is particularly valuable in complex toll zone configurations where vehicles may enter and exit from multiple points.
ITS certification is a significant milestone for any toll collection hardware manufacturer. It demonstrates that equipment meets the interoperability and performance standards required for deployment in national and international tolling schemes. For Kathrein, passing these tests with both gantry and in-road reader configurations positions the company to supply a full range of RFID-based toll solutions.
The Eberswalde testing highlights the continued evolution of UHF RFID technology in the intelligent transport systems sector. As countries expand and modernise their tolling infrastructure, the demand for readers, antennas, and transponders that can operate reliably at highway speeds and across multiple lanes continues to grow. Kathrein’s latest hardware appears well suited to meet that demand.