Linear polarized panel antenna
Panel / flat
What is it?
Linear polarized panel antennas concentrate all their radiated energy in a single plane, delivering higher gain than circular antennas of the same size. This makes them the best choice when tag orientation is known and consistent - such as tags on pallets that are always applied in the same position, or conveyor systems where items pass in a predictable orientation. The higher gain translates directly to longer read range, but tags rotated 90° from the antenna's polarization plane will be nearly invisible.
How it works
The antenna radiates an electromagnetic field with the electric field vector aligned in a single plane - either horizontal or vertical depending on mounting orientation. When a tag's dipole antenna is aligned with this plane, maximum energy transfer occurs and read range is at its peak. As the tag rotates away from alignment, the received signal drops following a cosine relationship, reaching zero at 90° (cross-polarization null). This is why linear antennas are only used when tag orientation is controlled. The higher gain comes from concentrating energy in one plane rather than splitting it across two as circular antennas do.
Industries
Use cases
- Conveyor systems with consistently oriented tags
- Pallet tracking where labels are always in the same position
- Vehicle identification (licence plate or windscreen tags)
- Toll collection (tags mounted consistently on windscreens)
- Production line WIP tracking with fixed tag placement
Pros
- Higher gain than circular of same size (~3 dB advantage)
- Longer read range with properly aligned tags
- Narrower beamwidth can reduce stray reads in some deployments
- Lower cost than equivalent circular models in some product lines
- Simpler antenna design - fewer manufacturing variables
Cons
- Tags must be consistently oriented - cannot read randomly placed items
- 90° tag rotation causes complete read failure
- Not suitable for retail, healthcare, or any environment with random tag orientation
- Less forgiving of installation misalignment
- Requires more careful site survey and read-zone engineering
Specifications
| Form factor | Panel / flat |
|---|---|
| Polarization | Linear |
| Frequency | UHF (860–960 MHz) |
| Gain | 8–12 dBi |
| Beamwidth | 50°–65° (3 dB) |
| Read range | 5–15 m with aligned tags |
| Connector | RP-TNC, SMA, or N-type |
| IP rating | IP54–IP67 |
| Dimensions | Typically 260 × 260 mm to 330 × 330 mm |
| Price range | $80–$400 |