RFID Overview

The R140 printer contains special hardware necessary to program RFID tags. To use the RFID capabilities of this printer, you will need the appropriate RFID media. Currently the Tag-It and I•Code tag types are supported. This media is collectively known as an RFID tag, and includes the label, backing, and an RFID transponder inlay encased by the label material.

The RFID capabilities of the printer allow you to program, read, and obtain certain information regarding the status of the RFID subsystem. The RFID printers incorporate an antenna to program the RFID tags. RFID tags have coils built into them. When these tags line-up over the antenna, you are able to communicate to the tag to obtain information and program the tag.

Before printing on the label, the RFID commands are executed. This is done through newly added ZPL commands. After the RFID tag is programmed and verified, the printer will format and print the remaining ZPL commands.

Each tag has memory blocks that are programmed and read through ZPL commands. The ZPL commands allow the user to adjust the number of retries to get a successful execution of the command. If a block can not be programmed within the number of retries, then the formatted label is fed out with the word VOID overlaid.

After the failed tag is fed, an attempt will be made to program the tag again with the corresponding format. The reprogramming of the tag will follow the same series of commands to the tag, and the same number of retries for each block. If this tag fails to program, then this label will be fed out overlaid with a the word VOID. One final attempt will be made to reprogram the tag. If unsuccessful, a third VOID tag will be printed.

After three VOID tags, the customer format will be removed from the print queue, and will proceed with the next format (if one exists in the buffer).

Supported Tags

The R-140 currently supports two transponder types: Tag-it and I•Code.

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Zebra R-140 User’s Guide