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Introduction to RFID
RFID Label Selection
11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A
Accounting for Transponder Inlay Placement
Communication between the RFID label and the printer is established when the label’s
transponder inlay lines up with the printer’s antenna. The optimal transponder programming
position varies with the transponder size, its configuration, and the type of RFID IC chip used.
For transponder inlay placement information, go to http://www.zebra.com/rfid_transponders.
Print quality may be affected by printing directly over the transponder. In particular, there is an
area on each label immediately around the location of the IC chip where the printer may print
with low quality. Design your printed label around the location of the chip in the type of
approved RFID label that you select.
Selecting and Purchasing RFID Labels
Before you purchase a large quantity of the RFID labels you selected, test a small batch of the
labels to make sure they function as you need them to. You may need to adjust the transponder
location or switch to a different tag type if the RFID labels do not work in your application.
To order labels with transponders that are approved for your specific RFID printer, contact
your authorized Zebra reseller, or go to http://www.zebra.com/smart_labels for more
information.
Performing Label Placement Tests
After an RFID label is encoded, how well it functions depends on several things:
• where the label is placed on an item
• the contents of the item (such as metals or liquids)
• the location of the RFID readers.
Perform label placement tests with your readers to identify where labels should be placed on
an item to ensure high read rates. Contact the supplier of your RFID transponders for
assistance with these types of issues.
Storing RFID Labels
Store RFID labels at temperatures ranging from 60 to 203 °F (15.5 to 95 °C) in
environmentally stable conditions. Limit RFID label exposure to electrostatic discharge
(ESD). Low-humidity environments may require the use of antistatic mats, straps, or clothing
to help counter ESD.