Printer Setup

Types of Media

RFID “Smart” Labels

“Smart” labels are usually made from two components: media and an embedded RFID transponder (Figure 12). For more information about reading and encoding RFID tags, see RFID Guidelines on page 69.

•The media (usually a label with a UHF transponder embedded between the label and liner) is usually comprised of synthetic- or paper-based material that can be printed upon using direct thermal or thermal transfer printing techniques. The media is typically made from the same materials and adhesives that a non-RFID barcode printer would use.

•The UHF transponder, which is sometimes called the RFID tag, is usually comprised of an antenna that is bonded to an integrated circuit (IC) chip. If you hold a “smart” label up to the light, you can see the transponder’s antenna embedded within the label, and you can feel a bump in the label where the IC chip is located.

•The IC chip contains the RF circuit, coders, decoders, and memory. At a minimum, “smart” labels have memory that can be read, while the vast majority also have memory that can be encoded by the user as well. For more information about encoding “smart” labels, see ZPL II Commands for RFID on page 63.

Figure 12 • RFID “Smart” Labels

1

2

3

4

(label profile)

1Liner

2Label

3Location of embedded transponder

4Outline of transponder antenna (shape varies by manufacturer)

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RXiIIIPlus User Guide

6/21/2004 23063L-001 Rev. 2