RFID Labels - DRAFT PAGE
What Are RFID Labels?
RFID labels, or Radio-Frequency Identification labels, are advanced identification devices that consist of a microchip and a small antenna. These labels can store and transmit data wirelessly using radio waves to specially designed RFID readers, enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of products throughout the supply chain. This information could include things like the product name, price, or even the location of the item. Additionally, they can be read without line-of-sight, meaning that they can be read through materials and from a distance, making them highly versatile and effective in a wide range of settings.
The information is encoded on the inlay using a specially designed printer-encoder such as our industrial RFID printers: T6000e, T4000 or T800, and these labels can be printed with additional information such as a traditional barcode, product identification or shipping information.
Once placed on a product, the label is read when it passes through the radio waves of a specially designed scanner, portals, or gateways. Product data can then automatically be updated locally or to the cloud with specialised software. By using RFID labels, businesses have access to accurate, real-time information.
Technical Properties
RFID labels typically come with either High Frequency (HF) RFID, Near Field Communication (NFC) chips operating at 13.56MHz, or Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID chips operating in the 860-960MHz band. The specific frequency used can vary depending on the region. For instance, the EU uses the 865-868MHz band, North America typically uses the 902-928MHz band, and other regions like China and Japan have their own designated frequencies within the 860-960MHz range.
The operational principles of RFID technology revolve around the use of radio waves for communication. There are three types of RFID systems: passive, active, and semi-passive. Passive RFID labels, the most common type, have no power source and rely on the energy from the reader’s radio waves to power the chip. Active and semi-passive labels have their own power source, which allows them to broadcast their own signal, resulting in a longer read range and larger physical shape.
The RFID chip in the label stores data, which can be a simple identifier or more complex information depending on the type of chip and its memory capacity. This data is encoded in a specific format that the reader can interpret. When the label is within range of a compatible reader, the chip is powered, and it transmits the stored data to the reader. This process allows for the efficient and accurate identification and tracking of items.
Images: Icons for:
- Long range
- Short range
- Data transmission
Types of RFID Labels
RFID labels can be categorised in several ways depending on their design and use case:
By Frequency
- UHF RFID Labels: Long-range, ideal for bulk scanning and logistics
- HF/NFC Labels: Short-range, suitable for secure interactions and consumer engagement
By Application Surface
- Standard RFID Labels: Suitable for general-purpose use on non-metal surfaces
- On-Metal RFID Labels: Designed to perform reliably on metal surfaces
- Tamper-Proof RFID Labels: Provide security by indicating interference or removal
By Environment
- Durable RFID Labels:
Built to withstand harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, moisture, and chemicals
Ideal for industrial and outdoor environments - Disposable RFID Labels:
Cost-effective options for short-term use
Common in logistics and packaging applications
- Durable RFID Labels:
By Encoding Type
- Read-Only RFID Labels:
Data is permanently encoded during manufacturing and cannot be altered - Read-Write RFID Labels:
Data can be updated multiple times, offering greater flexibility for dynamic applications
- Read-Only RFID Labels:
Related Webpages & Downloads
RFID in Industries
RFID Printers & Scanners
RFID Media Guidelines
Genuine Supplies Resource Library