The standout feature of the EDGE Line is its ultra-slim form factor. At only 6mm thick, these RAIN RFID antennas do away with the traditional bulky housing that has long been a hallmark of industrial UHF RFID antenna design. Despite ditching the enclosure, Kathrein has maintained an IP54 protection rating across the range, meaning the antennas can handle exposure to dust and splashing water without issue. That makes them viable for both indoor warehouse environments and outdoor logistics yards where weather resistance matters.

The antenna family includes two wide-range versions, giving integrators flexibility depending on read zone requirements. Each unit features a TNC antenna socket mounted on the rear, keeping cable connections tidy and out of the way during installation. The housing-free design also simplifies mounting, allowing the antennas to be integrated flush against surfaces or embedded into existing infrastructure with minimal visual impact.

Sustainability is another thread running through the EDGE Line’s development. Kathrein says the antennas are manufactured using 30% recycled materials, a meaningful step for a sector that has historically paid little attention to the environmental footprint of its hardware. As more organisations face pressure to demonstrate sustainable supply chain practices, choosing RFID infrastructure with a lower material impact could become a differentiator.

The decision to strip back to a housing-free design reflects a broader trend in RFID hardware development. System integrators and end users are increasingly looking for components that can be deployed in tight spaces, whether that is on conveyor systems, inside retail fixtures, or at dock doors where bulky equipment creates obstructions. The EDGE Line addresses this demand without sacrificing the durability that industrial RFID deployments require.

Kathrein Solutions has announced that the EDGE Line antennas are expected to be available from Q3 2026, with full technical specifications accessible through the company’s antenna data sheets. For logistics operators and IoT solution providers evaluating their next-generation RFID infrastructure, the EDGE Line represents a compelling option that balances performance, size, and environmental responsibility.

Read more at https://www.kathrein-solutions.com/en/news/edge-line-kathrein-solutions-presents-new-antenna-family/

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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.

The post Kathrein RFID Solutions Tests ITS Certification at Eberswalde Airport first appeared on RFID News.