RFID Chips Explained
RFID chips are the tiny integrated circuits (ICs) found inside RFID tags or labels. Despite their small size, these chips are highly integrated, containing essential components such as a controller, memory storage, and a microprocessor. They operate by receiving power through the waves emitted by the antenna, and the RFID reader processes the stored data from the integrated circuit and transmits it.
With ongoing technological advancements, new RFID chips are constantly being developed, offering increased memory capacity and enhanced functionality. These chips provide a wide range of features, including password protection, data encryption capabilities, and integration with Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems. Some chips even combine UHF RFID and NFC technologies, such as the EM4423 found in the Smartrac Belt DF tag.
Key Features of RFID Integrated Circuits
– EPC (Electronic Product Code): A unique serial number designed to individually identify any object or product. This code can be customized according to user needs.
– User Memory: Allows storage of relevant information such as dates, product batches, expiry dates, and other important data.
– TID (Tag Identifier): A unique, non-modifiable identifier that ensures the singularity of each RFID tag globally. It is factory-locked and cannot be altered.
– Password Protection: A password can be set to prevent unauthorized individuals from reprogramming the chip.
Key Features of NFC Integrated Circuits
– UID (Unique Identifier): Similar to the RFID TID, it is a unique and non-modifiable identifier that guarantees the uniqueness of each NFC tag worldwide.
– Password Protection: As with RFID, a password can be added to prevent unauthorized reprogramming of the chip.
– Memory: It offers the capacity to store data in 4-byte blocks. The standard encoding format is NDEF, which allows storing URLs, dates, product batches, locations, contacts, and more.
Leading Manufacturers of Integrated Circuits (IC)
– Impinj
– NXP Semiconductors
– Alien Technology
Common Types of Chips (IC) in RFID UHF Technology
Abbreviation | Number | EPC Memory | User Memory | TID Prefix | TID Memory |
Higgs 3 | Alien Higgs 3 | 96-bit | 512-bit | E200 3412 | 64 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
Higgs 9 | Alien Higgs 9 | 96/496-bit | Up to 688-bit | – | 48 bits of serialized TID with 32-bit serial number |
Higgs 4 | Alien Higgs 4 | 128-bit | 128-bit | 64 bits of serialized TID with 32-bit serial number | |
M4D | Impinj Monza 4D | 128-bit | 32-bit | E280 1100 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
M4i | Impinj Monza 4i | 256-bit | 480-bit | E280 1114 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
M4QT | Impinj Monza 4QT | 128-bit | 512-bit | E280 1105 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
R6-B | Impinj Monza R6-B | 96-bit | – | E280 1171 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
R6 | Impinj Monza R6 | 96-bit | – | E280 1160 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
R6-P | Impinj Monza R6P | 96/128-bit | 64/32-bit | E280 1170 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
M730 | Impinj Monza M730 | 128-bit | – | E280 1191 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
M750 | Impinj Monza M750 | 96-bit | 32-bit | E280 1190 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
M770 | Impinj Monza M770 | 128-bit | 32-bit | ||
M775 | Impinj Monza M775 | 128-bit | 32-bit | ||
M780 | Impinj Monza M780 | 496-bit | 128-bit | ||
M781 | Impinj Monza M781 | 128-bit | 512-bit | ||
M4E | Impinj Monza 4E | Up to 496-bit | 128-bit | E280 110C | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
X-2K | Impinj Monza X-2K Dura | 128-bit | 2176-bit | – | 96 bits of serialized TID |
X-8K | Impinj Monza X-8K Dura | 128-bit | 8192-bit | – | 96 bits of serialized TID |
im | NXP im | 256-bit | 512-bit | E280 680A | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
M5 | NXP UCODE 5 | 128-bit | 32-bit | E280 1102 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
R6 | NXP UCODE 6 | 96-bit | – | E280 1160 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
U7 | NXP UCODE 7 | 128-bit | – | E280 6810 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
U7XM+ | NXP UCODE 7+ | 448-bit | 2K-bit | E280 6D92 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
U7XM-1k | NXP UCODE 7XM | 448-bit | 1K-bit | E280 6D12 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
U7XM-2k | NXP UCODE 7XM | 448-bit | 2K-bit | E280 6F12 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
U8 | NXP UCODE 8 | 128-bit | – | E280 6894 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
U9 | NXP UCODE 9 | 96-bit | – | E280 6995 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
UDNA | NXP UCODE DNA | 224-bit | 3K-bit | E2C0 6892 | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
UDNA C | NXP UCODE DNA City | 224-bit | 1K-bit | – | 96 bits of serialized TID |
UDNA T | NXP UCODE DNA Track | 448-bit | 256-bit | 96 bits of serialized TID | |
I2C | NXP UCODE I2C | 160-bit | 3328-bit | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number | |
G2iM | NXP UCODE G2iM | 256-bit | 320/640-bit | E200 680A | 96 bits of serialized TID with 48-bit serial number |
G2iM+ | NXP UCODE G2iM+ | 448-bit | 512-bit | ||
G2iL | NXP UCODE G2il | 128-bit | – | E200 6806 | 64 bits of serialized TID with |