How to Select the correct UHF RFID tag label requires analysing the object's material (metal vs. non-metal), required read range (up to 10+ meters), environmental conditions, and regional frequency (FCC 902-928 MHz or ETSI 865-868 MHz).
Passive UHF tags are preferred for long-range, high-volume, and durable digital identification in logistics, retail, and asset tracking.
Main RFID UHF Tag Selection Factors:
Materials and Environment (Surface Interference):
On-Metal: Use specialised "on-metal" or "mount-on-metal" tags, which utilise the metal surface as an antenna or feature a spacer to prevent signal absorption.
Non-Metal/General: Standard UHF paper labels are cost-effective for cardboard, plastic, and general merchandise.
Harsh Environments: Select ruggedised tags (IP-rated, high-temperature resistant, chemical-resistant) for outdoor, industrial, or washing applications.
RFID Reading Distance and Performance:
UHF passive tags offer long-range reading (typically 5–10+ meters).
Larger tags generally provide longer read ranges, while smaller tags are limited by antenna size.
Sensitivity: Modern IC Chips like NXP UCODE 9 or Impinj ICs: M730/M750 offer the best reading performance.
RFID UHF Frequency Regions (FCC vs. ETSI):
FCC (North America): 902-928 MHz.
ETSI (Europe): 865-868 MHz.
Note: Ensure the tag is optimised for the region to avoid poor performance.
Application & Durability:
Logistics/Retail: High-volume,, short-term usage, usually printable paper labels.
Asset Tracking/Asset Tracking: Long-term durability, hard tags or durable labels.
Duration: Passive tags have no battery and last until destroyed, while battery-assisted tags (BAP) offer extra range but last 3–5 years.
Digital Identity Functionality:
Tags hold a unique EPC (Electronic Product Code) which enables instant, bulk identification of objects without line-of-sight.
Consider data capacity requirements for on-tag data storage.
Selection Checklist:
RFID Tag Orientation: Will the tag be read from the front, side, or in random orientations? (Affects antenna selection).
RFID Tag Mounting Method: Adhesive, rivets, screws, or zip ties.
RFID Tag Size Constraints: Must fit the physical dimension of the asset.
RFID Tag Tagging Volume: High-volume requires cost-effective paper labels, while low-volume, high-value assets may need durable tags
Technical Specifications of Impinj RFID UHF Integrated Circuits (ICs):
UHF IC TID EPC User Memory Read Sensitivity
Impinj Monza 4QT 96 Bit 128 Bit 512 Bit -22 dBm
Impinj Monza 4E 96 Bit 496 Bit 128 Bit -22 dBm
Impinj Monza 4D 96 Bit 128 Bit 32 Bit -22 dBm
Impinj Monza 4i 96 Bit 256 Bit 480 Bit -22 dBm
Impinj Monza 5 96 Bit 128 Bit 32 Bit -20 dBm
Impinj Monza R6 96 Bit 96 Bit -- -22.1 dBm
Impinj Monza R6-A 96 Bit 96 Bit -- -22.1 dBm
Impinj Monza R6-P 96 Bit 96-128 Bit* 32-64 Bit* -22.1 dBm
Impinj Monza X 96 Bit 128 Bit 8 KBit -21.6 dBm
Impinj M730 96 Bit 128 Bit -- -24 dBm
Impinj M750 96 Bit 96 Bit 32 Bit -24 dBm
Impinj M770 96 Bit 128 Bit 32 Bit -24 dBm
Impinj M775 96 Bit 128 Bit 32 Bit -24 dBm
Impinj M780 96 Bit 496 Bit 128 Bit -23.5 dBm
Impinj M781 96 Bit 128 Bit 512 Bit -23.5 dBm
Impinj M830 96 Bit 128 Bit -- -25.5 dBm
Impinj M850 96 Bit 96 Bit 32 Bit -25.5 dBm
Impinj Gen2X is an advanced, standards-compatible enhancement to the RAIN RFID (GS1 UHF Gen2) standard that improves tag read range, increases inventory speed, boosts security, and lowers overall solution costs. Developed by Impinj, it is designed for challenging environments in retail, logistics, and manufacturing, allowing for faster, more accurate, and secure tracking of items. Gen2X is built into tags using the Impinj M800 series endpoint ICs and supported by a wide range.
Main Features and benefits of Gen2X RFID include:
Improved Performance: Offers extended tag read ranges and faster inventory counting, reducing labour costs.
Enhanced Reliability: Better readability for small, embedded, or hard-to-read items (e.g., in cosmetics, food) and improved resistance to electromagnetic interference.
Increased Security: Features like Impinj Endpoint IC Verification help detect counterfeits, and "Protected Mode" enhances consumer privacy by hiding tags until authorised.
Operational Efficiency: Minimizes stray reads at retail self-checkouts and improves accuracy at dock doors, preventing mis-shipments.
Compatibility:Fully backward compatible with existing GS1 UHF Gen2 and ISO/IEC 18000-63 standards.

