Using adjacent tags, near-field tech creates a precise 5–30 cm read zone via magnetic coupling, keeping tags outside that zone inactive to prevent cross-reads. Advanced algorithms handle 200+ tags/sec without overlap and read through barriers like 8 mm glass or thin plastics, ideal for fast inventory in retail cases. In one example, a European pharmacy cut medication misidentification by 98% using CK-C5 antennas in drug cabinets.

Key metrics:

Near-field antennas like the CK-A5 overcome metal and liquid interference with a shielded stainless steel–PCB housing, adaptive tuning that keeps VSWR under 1.3 near metal, and circular polarization to avoid signal nulls, achieving 99.5% read rates on metal-backed tags. For best results, mount on non-metal brackets with a 5–10 mm air gap, align the 45° beam perpendicular to shelves, and clean the radome quarterly with isopropyl alcohol.​

CK-A5 works with both old and new RFID systems, supporting ISO 15693, ISO 18000-3 Mode 1, and EPC C1G2, with SMA/MMCX ports for linking up to 8 antennas, GPIO triggers for motion or PLC automation, and ready-made AWS/Azure drivers for cloud data. For instance, an auto parts company swapped far-field antennas for CK-C5s on 50 tool shelves, set their Siemens RF660 readers to near-field mode, and got 100% tool check-out accuracy while cutting unplanned downtime by 40%.