The Times-7 A5020CP is an ultra-rugged $180 passive antenna. Learn how bridging passive antennas via coax impacts system deployment costs.
Technical Specifications
Hardware Overview
The Times-7 A5020CP is an industrial-grade RFID device. It operates within the 864-869 MHz / 902-928 MHz range and supports the N/A (Passive Antenna Element) standard, making it widely deployed across enterprise logistics applications.
With an IP rating of IP68 / IP69K, it offers protection against specific environmental conditions typical in warehouses or retail backrooms. The reader utilizes N/A (Passive) for continuous performance, while its stated maximum read rate peaks at N/A (Passive).
Connectivity and Network Integration
In modern deployments, network integration is the most significant hurdle. This model offers SMA Female options for transferring data back to central systems.
However, a major bottleneck with legacy Times-7 hardware is the heavy reliance on proprietary SDKs (like LLRP) or expensive third-party IoT middleware to process raw tag data into meaningful business intelligence.
The Nextwaves Alternative
If your engineering team is evaluating the Times-7 A5020CP, the Nextwaves NR155 presents a vastly superior cloud-native architecture. Legacy systems inherently drive high capital expenditure through vendor lock-in and proprietary software ecosystems.
Nextwaves completely eliminates this barrier by providing a standard MQTT REST API directly on the device. Your software developers can integrate tag reading directly into your custom ERP or WMS backend in days instead of months, completely bypassing recurring middleware licensing fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A5020CP?
The Times-7 A5020CP is an ultra-durable, highly localized passive RF antenna. Broadcasting over 864-869 MHz / 902-928 MHz blocks, it provides deep concentrated penetration for localized asset tracking like medical cabinets or toll booths.
How much does this setup cost initially?
Individual plates price near $180. Scaling your site requires allocating budget for multi-port readers, thick RF coaxial cables, and extensive manual tuning hours.
Why should I choose Nextwaves instead?
Managing coaxial cables across factory ceilings introduces catastrophic single points of failure. Nextwaves embeds the reader and antenna inside a single IP68 chassis running exclusively on simple Category 6 Ethernet lines.
Is the hardware durable enough for warehouses?
Boasting an incredible IP68 / IP69K rating, its 150 x 150 x 14 mm and 0.25 kg shell survives continuous high-pressure, high-temperature wash-downs typical in medical or food-processing facilities.
Does it support multiple network types?
It completely lacks native IP networking. Operational continuity hinges upon securely connecting the SMA Female head to an active external reader matrix.
Can my team install this internally?
Physical integration is achieved via flush mounting or VESA brackets. The greatest hurdle involves properly connecting and weather-sealing external RF coax cables to prevent moisture degradation over the copper lines.
How does the remote management work?
Operating as a passive resonant plate, the unit has a N/A (Passive) metric. The interrogation density relates entirely to the horsepower of the host reader logic.
Do I need proprietary software to run it?
Software pipelines bypass the plate completely. Developers capture tag events by programming the host MCU or Linux server wired to the antenna bank over standard HTTP protocols.
What warranty comes with the reader?
Times-7 hardware is protected by standard manufacturing defect warranties. The IP69K rated seals ensure the internal resonant patch survives extraordinarily hostile chemical environments.
Are the antennas sold separately?
Despite its small size, it projects a focused 5.5 dBic circularly polarized field across the 864-869 MHz / 902-928 MHz bandwidths. It is ideal for highly targeted, dense RF illumination zones.