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Featured Solutions

Label Printing ➝

Modernized label printing tools to help your operations keep up with ever changing demands and regulations – all in one powerful software package.

Asset Tracking ➝

Asset tracking software for monitoring equipment and assets. Optimize usage, locate tools faster, and improve efficiency with our RFID applications.

MarkMagic ➝

Relied on by thousands of customers worldwide, MarkMagic solves barcoding, labeling and forms design and printing challenges. Modernize the way you manage and print your documents with MarkMagic.​ Design and print your forms, labels, barcodes, and RFID tags from one powerful software package.

Why MarkMagic?

MarkMagic is the chosen enterprise barcode label and form printing engine for major WMS products, ERP systems, 3PLs, and teams around the world.

EdgeMicro ➝

A simple RFID starter solution that solves common issues in logistical and inventory management. Ideal for lower scale needs, smaller environments, or proof of concept RFID projects. Deploy RFID into your supply chain without big investments or customizations.

RFID Starter Solution

EdgeMicro is easy to use, easy to implement, and brings immediate results to your operation without heavy investments in time, effor, and capital.

Edgefinity IoT ➝

Edgefinity IoT is an RFID software application built for organizations looking to gain visibility across large industrial environments. Whether you need to track large amounts of inventory, locate misplaced equipment, or ensure the safety of your employees, Edgefinity IoT lets you quickly deploy advanced, industrial strength tracking capabilities.

Enterprise RFID

Edgefinity IoT is an application that combines RFID with tracking technology and gives users the ability to track assets, locate inventory, and monitor employees.

Hardware ➝

For the warehouse, retail floor, in transit, and beyond - We offer the latest hardware products that work with our software applications from brands such as Alien, Brother, Zebra, Bixolon, SATO, Xerafy, and many others.

RFID Tunnel

CYBRA’s RFID tunnel is a 99.99% accurate carton validation solution for conveyor belts. Built for distributors looking to improve shipping accuracy.

[2024 RFID Integration Guide]

Have you been handed an RFID tag mandate from one of your retail partners? This ebook is a complete guide that will help manufacturers, and distributors reap great benefits from deploying RFID into your operations.

About CYBRA

CYBRA specializes in RFID technology, real time tracking systems, and enterprise barcode label software solutions.

Careers at CYBRA
Careers

We are always looking for bright and talented people to join us.

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Become a Partner

Join the CYBRA Partner Network to integrate or resell our software.

Axial Ratio

What is the Axial Ratio of an RFID Antenna?

The axial ratio is a common measurement used when working with RFID antennas. The axial ratio (AR) is the ratio between the major and minor axis of a circularly polarized antenna pattern. The axial ratio of an antenna is defined as the minor axis to major axis ratio of an electromagnetic wave. It is a measure of the deviation from an ideal circular polarized antenna pattern over a given angular range.

 

Axial Ratio

 

Axial Ratio of an RFID Antenna

It is important to understand what the axial ratio of an antenna is because it is the main factor that determines the performance of the reader and how many tags can be read at any given time. A low axial ratio means that you can get more tags in the reading zone with a given power output from your reader.

Circular polarization (helix, crossed dipoles and patch) – this is the most common type of antenna in the world today for reading RFID tags. It is a good choice when you need to read tags in random orientation because it has a very low axial ratio, but you lose 3dB when you use this type of antenna.

Crossed dipoles – the electromagnetic wave travels along two planes, creating a crossed polarization (like a corkscrew). This is also the best choice when you want to read tags in random orientation because it has the lowest axial ratio of all the other types of antenna.

The crossed dipoles of this antenna have a matching network that uses two large L-shaped strips joining the arms of the dipoles to match their impedances. This creates a very simple tuning network and enables the antenna to operate in high-inductance environments without damaging its axial ratio.

The flexibility of RFID antennas is important to consider when you need to read tags in random orientation and are limited by the amount of current available from your reader or you just don’t like the size or weight of the previous type of antenna.

Antennas that have a low axial ratio allow you to read more tags in the reading zone with a single power output from your reader because they give you more gain than an antenna with a higher axial ratio!

Another advantage of a low axial ratio antenna is that it can be used with other antennas and frequencies as long as they are within the same frequency band. This is because a low axial ratio antenna has a lower output impedance than a linear antenna that has the same input impedance.

When it comes to selecting an antenna for a specific application there are many factors that you will need to consider. The axial ratio, size and gain of the antenna are all important factors to consider.

Generally speaking a small antenna will have a low axial ratio as it has lower gain. This is because it has a lower input impedance than a larger antenna and so has less resistance to the energy in the radio wave that is generated by your reader.

In addition to axial ratio the other important factor to consider is the antenna frequency. You need to make sure that the antenna is able to cover all of the frequencies you need it to in order for it to be effective. This is because the antenna can be influenced by other waves that are emitted around it such as a cell phone, WiFi or motors that can cause signal strength degradation.