RFID Chips 101

The Xerafy engineering team’s guide to RFID chips used in asset tracking and inventory management

Passive UHF RFID chips compliant with EPCglobal Gen2v2 and ISO 18000-63 standards have found widespread application in various industrial settings, facilitating reliable asset tracking and inventory management systems.

These chips, also known as RAIN RFID, operate in the 860MHz to 960MHz frequency band and come in a variety of configurations with varied features.

With this guide, the award-winning Xerafy engineering team shares its know-how on which chips to look out for in an RFID tag, label, or sensor to ensure full compatibility within an existing tracking system, as well as maximize data capture accuracy, interoperability with other systems, and overall security.

Who are the major RFID chip manufacturers?

Impinj’s latest additions to its Monza M78x series were announced in November 2022 with the series’ first expanded memory chips, the new M780 and M781 RAIN RFID tag chips.

NXP launched its current UCODE 9 series in 2020, with the fully configurable UCODE 9xm announced in March 2023.

What are the most recent evolutions in RFID chips?

Over the past decade, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips have undergone significant advancements in terms of performance and features:

  1. Read range and accuracy – These advancements have expanded the adoption of RFID technology across several sectors and use cases, including retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing.
  2. Data storage capacity – Read Write RFID chips can store more information, enabling the inclusion of additional data, such as product details, manufacturing history, and authentication codes.
  3. Data transfer rates – This allows for quicker data exchange between the RFID chip and the reader, enabling faster inventory management, supply chain tracking, and asset identification.
  4. Sensing capabilities – In recent years, RFID chips have started to incorporate sensor capabilities, such as temperature, humidity, and motion sensors. This integration allows for the collection of real-time data and enables more advanced applications, such as cold chain monitoring and asset tracking with environmental monitoring.
  5. Security and privacy features – RFID chip manufacturers have placed a greater emphasis on security and privacy features. Advanced encryption algorithms and authentication protocols have been implemented to protect data integrity and prevent unauthorized access.
  6. Cost – The cost of RFID chips has decreased over the past decade thanks to advancements in manufacturing processes and economies of scale. This cost reduction has made RFID technology more accessible to a wider range of industries and applications.

RFID Chips for Asset Tracking

An overview of passive UHF RFID chips compliant with EPCglobal Gen2v2 and ISO 18000-63

RFID CHIP
(click for datasheet)
Examples of RFID TagsKey FeaturesEPC MEMORYUSER MEMORYTID MEMORYSerial NumberTID PrefixAccess PasswordKill PasswordRead sensitivityWrite sensitivityOperating Temperatures
Alien Technology Higgs 4MICRO Heat128 bits128 bits64 bits32 bits32 bits32 bits-20.5 dBm-17 dBm-50°C to +85°C
Alien Technology Higgs 9MICRO high temp,
Slim TRAK
Large user memory96 bits688 bits48 bits32 bits32 bits32 bits-20 dBm-18 dBm-50°C to +85°C
Alien Technology Higgs 3PICO small,
ROSWELL toughest,
XS
smallest
Large user memory96 bits512 bits64 bits32 bitsE200 341232 bits32 bits-18.0 dBm-13.5 dBm-50°C to +85°C
NXP UCODE 9xmLarge user memory880 bits (flexible)880 bits (flexible)96 bits48 bits32 bits32 bits-24 dBm-22 dBm-40°C to +85°C
NXP UCODE 9METAL SKIN printable labels96 bits096 bits48 bits32 bits32 bits-24 dBm-22 dBm-40°C to +85°C
Impinj Monza M750MICRO Power,
Cargo OUTDOOR,
TRAK series,
XPLATE series
96 bits32 bits96 bits48 bitsE280 119032 bits32 bits-24 dBm-21 dBm-40°C to +85°C
Impinj Monza M781Large user memory128 bits512 bits96 bits48 bitsE280 11C132 bits32 bits-23.5 dBm-20.5 dBm-40°C to +85°C
Impinj Monza M780496 bits128 bits96 bits48 bitsE280 11C032 bits32 bits-23.5 dBm-20.5 dBm-40°C to +85°C
NXP UCODE 8PICO series128 bits096 bits48 bits32 bits32 bits-23 dBm-18 dBm-40°C to +85°C
Impinj Monza R6-POUTDOOR series128 bits32 bits96 bits48 bitsE280 117032 bits32 bits-22.1 dBm-17.3 dBm-40°C to +85°C
Impinj Monza M4E96-496 bits128 bits96 bits48 bitsE280 110C32 bits32 bits-19.5 dBm-16.7 dBm-40°C to +85°C
Impinj Monza M4QTLarge user memory128 bits512 bits96 bits48 bitsE280 110532 bits32 bits-19.5 dBm-16.7 dBm-40°C to +85°C
Quanray Qstar-56GNMICRO X-II AutomotiveLarge user memory528 bits2 kbits256 bits32 bits32 bits-19 dBm-11 dBm-40°C to +85°C
Axzon Magnus S3Passive temperature-sensing capabilities128 bits128 bits64 bits32 bits32 bits-16.6 dBm-9.9 dBm-40°C to +125°C
Asygn AS3211.6XENSE sensorsPassive sensing capabilities192 bits96 bits48 bits32 bits32 bits-13 dBm-12dBm-40°C to +125°C
Asygn AS3212.5Passive sensing capabilities192 bits32 bits48 bits32 bits32 bits-13 dBm-12dBm-40°C to +120°C
Asygn AS3213.3Passive sensing capabilities192 bits32 bits48 bits32 bits32 bits-13 dBm-12dBm-40°C to +120°C
Fujitsu MB97R8050-AP15-ESXSKIN GammaSurvives repeated Gamma ray irradiation160 bits0176 bits32 bits32 bits-12/20 dBm-12 dBm-40°C to +55°C
EM Microelectronic echo-V EM4425Dual frequency NFC+RFID, Large user memory480 bits512 bits96 bits-20 dBm-14.5 dBm-40°C to +85°C

FAQs RFID Chips

What is EPC Memory?

EPC (Electronic Product Code) memory is a specific type of memory found in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips. It is used to store the unique identification number of an item or product. It can be updated or rewritten using the EPCglobal standard (aka encoded) by authorized users to reflect changes in the product or item.

The EPCglobal standard specifies a unique identifier for each item or product, which consists of three elements:

  1. Header: Specifies the type of EPC code being used.
  2. Unique Identifier (ID): A 96-bit number that uniquely identifies the item or product.
  3. Optional filter value: Can be used to group items or products based on certain criteria, such as the manufacturer or the product type.

EPC memory is separate from other types of memory on the RFID chip or tag, such as user memory or reserved memory. It is a non-volatile memory, meaning that it retains its data even when the chip or tag loses power. The amount of EPC memory available on an RFID chip or tag can vary, depending on the specific chip or tag and its intended application.

What is TID Memory?

TID is short for “Tag ID” and refers to the unique serial number assigned and written to the TID memory of a RFID chip by the manufacturer. The TID is made up of an unique identifier and may also contain other information such as the chip manufacturer’s information, the date and location of manufacturing, and the chip version number. 

It cannot be modified or changed by the user. As such, it provides a unique identifier that allows RFID readers to distinguish one chip from another, even when multiple tags are present in the same field.

TID is important in RFID applications because it enables the reader to identify and differentiate between different types of RFID chips. For example, if a reader is designed to work only with a specific type of RFID chip, it can use the TID to verify that the correct chip is being used. In addition, TID can be used to track the origin and manufacturing history of the RFID chip.

TID prefix also plays a role in ensuring the security and privacy of RFID systems. By using unique TID prefixes, it is possible to prevent unauthorized access to the system and detect counterfeit or cloned RFID chips. This is especially important in applications where security and privacy are critical, such as in the healthcare, finance, and defense industries.

What is User Memory in an RFID chip?

User memory is a type of memory found in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips and tags that can be used to store custom data or information specific to a particular application or use case. User memory is distinct from the other types of memory typically found in RFID chips, such as TID (Tag Identifier) memory and EPC (Electronic Product Code) memory, which are used for identification and tracking purposes.

User memory can be used to store a wide range of data or information, such as product specifications, maintenance records, or custom fields specific to a particular application or use case. This data can be read or written to the chip using specialized RFID readers and software applications.

The amount of user memory available on an RFID chip can vary depending on the specific chip or tag. Some chips may have only a small amount of user memory, while others may have several kilobytes or even megabytes of user memory available.

User memory can be useful in a variety of applications, such as asset tracking, inventory management, and supply chain management. By storing custom data or information specific to a particular application or use case, user memory can help to provide greater visibility and control over assets and inventory, and can facilitate more efficient and effective business processes.

In summary, user memory is a type of memory found in RFID chips and tags that can be used to store custom data or information specific to a particular application or use case. User memory is distinct from other types of memory typically found in RFID chips, such as TID memory and EPC memory, which are used for identification and tracking purposes. User memory can be useful in a variety of applications, such as asset tracking and inventory management, and can help to provide greater visibility and control over assets and inventory.

What is an RFID chip’s Reserved Memory?

The reserved memory stores an RFID chip data protection features: Two different security commands, “access” and “kill,” that allow users to control access to the data stored on a chip.

The “access” command is used to control read and write access to the data stored on the chip. It can be used to set up different levels of access for different users or applications, and can also be used to prevent unauthorized access to the data.

The “kill” command, on the other hand, is used to permanently disable the RFID chip or tag. It is typically used as a last resort to protect the data stored on the chip if it is lost or stolen. The “kill” command renders the chip or tag unusable, preventing anyone from accessing the data stored on it.

What is RFID read or write Sensitivity?

Read sensitivity is a measure of the ability of an RFID chip or tag to detect and respond to signals from an RFID reader. On the other hand, write sensitivity is a measure of the ability of an RFID chip or tag to receive and encode data from an RFID reader during the writing process.

A sensitivity value represents the minimum power level at which the chip or tag can reliably process the signal from the reader. It is measured in decibels per milliwatt (dBm) and is typically expressed as a negative value because it is a logarithmic measure of power ratios, with higher negative values indicating lower power levels and lower read sensitivity.

Read sensitivity and write sensitivity are important factors in RFID applications because they affect the reliability, range, and accuracy of the system. A more sensitive chip or tag can detect and respond to signals from a reader at longer distances, in noisy environments, or when there are obstructions or interference. On the other hand, a less sensitive chip or tag may require a stronger signal or a closer proximity to the reader to operate reliably, which can limit the range and efficiency of the system. A less sensitive chip might also be a preferred feature in a system as a solution for RFID collision prevention.

Sensitivity is determined by various factors, including the design and quality of the antenna, the power consumption, and the operating frequency. Different chips or tags may have different read sensitivities depending on their specifications and intended applications.

What are Operating Temperatures for RFID chips?

Operating temperatures refer to the range of temperatures within which an RFID chip can function properly, i.e. be read and written reliably.

RFID chips are sensitive to temperature and can be affected by extreme hot or cold temperatures. If an RFID chip is exposed to temperatures outside of its specified operating range, it may not function properly and need to wait for temperatures to be within ranges.

In applications where RFID is used in harsh environments, such as industrial settings or outdoor environments, this usually involves selecting specialized tags (e.g. high- temperature tags) and designing the workflow around temperature cycling

It is important to select chips and tags that are designed to withstand the specific operating temperatures and environmental conditions of the application.

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