What is a UHF RFID Token?
An Ultra High Frequency Radio-Frequency Identification (UHF RFID) token is a hard, rugged UHF RFID tag consisting of a UHF RFID chip and copper antenna housed within a sealed casing. UHF RFID tokens feature waterproof ingress protection (IP) rated housings made from materials such as printed circuit board (PCB), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) plastic, epoxy-filled ABS, and ceramic that are sealed by ultrasonic welding or injection molding. Unlike UHF RFID labels, which are thin and flexible with longer read ranges, UHF RFID tokens are rigid with thick profiles designed for outdoor and harsh environments, though this results in shorter read ranges than UHF RFID labels. Compared to UHF RFID cable ties, both are durable and waterproof, but UHF RFID tokens mount to flat surfaces, whereas UHF RFID cable ties affix to objects through tie mechanisms.
UHF RFID tokens identify and track physical objects such as tools, equipment, and containers in industrial and outdoor environments where durability and weather resistance are essential. UHF RFID tokens serve as permanent proxies for valuable assets requiring long-term identification in challenging conditions.
How to Choose a UHF RFID Token
- Size and Performance: Choose based on the required read range and available mounting space. Small disc tokens (5 to 13 mm ⌀) have read ranges from 0.8 to under 3 meters; larger rectangular tokens (up to 100+ mm) can reach 6 to 15 to 20 meters with proper reader setups.
- Material and Durability: PCB is rigid and compact but less impact-resistant. ABS+PC is robust for general-purpose use. ABS with epoxy filling improves sealing and temperature resistance. Ceramic provides excellent thermal stability and high IP ratings, but is more brittle.
- Shape and Size: Standard circular and rectangular forms are available with or without mounting holes. Additional shapes like squares, screw-in tags, and plant tags are available by special order from existing molds rather than creating entirely new designs.
- Mounting Options: Most UHF RFID tokens have 1 to 2 holes; adhesive-backed options use 3M 300 LSE or other adhesives by request. All UHF RFID tokens can be used on or near metal due to the housing providing the required separation from interfering surfaces.
- Availability: Primarily, special order products are available with lead times of 2 to 3 weeks and volume-based pricing. Customization affects minimum order quantities (MOQs) and delivery schedules.
- UHF RFID Chip Type: Choose UHF RFID chips based on memory requirements and specific application needs. Impinj Monza R6 offers cost-effective serialization. NXP UCODE 8 and Monza 4D provide user memory for additional data storage. High-security applications require UCODE 9 or UCODE DNA.
Customizing a UHF RFID Token
- Color of Material: PCB tokens are black; ABS+PC tokens are commonly black or white; yellow, blue, and other colors may be available depending on mold inventory and order size.
- Surface Engraving: Long rectangular tokens support laser engraving of serial numbers, barcodes, or custom identifiers.
- Encoding: GoToTags can pre-encode UHF RFID tags with specific Electronic Product Code (EPC), Tag Identifier (TID), or user memory data, or customers can encode later using the GoToTags Desktop App.
Recommendations
- Use UHF RFID tokens for permanent installations in harsh environments where labels or flexible tags would fail.
- Choose ceramic or PCB tokens for high-temperature applications; ABS or PC for general industrial use with moderate environmental exposure.
- Expect reduced read range.
- Ensure read range requirements by field testing with specific token sizes and reader configurations.
- Avoid tokens if a thin, flexible form factor is required; use UHF RFID labels or UHF RFID inlays instead.
