Zebra launches fully upgradable RFID encoders
upgraded in the likely event that RFID protocols and standards will
change in the future.
Printing solutions specialist Zebra Technologies, a pioneer of radio frequency identification (RFID) labels, has launched two new UHF (ultra high frequency) EPC (electronic product code) multi- protocol printer/encoders, the Zebra R110Xi and R170Xi.
In addition to their built-in multi-protocol flexibility, these printer/encoders can be easily upgraded to include future protocols as existing standards evolve and new ones emerge.
Zebra argues that this protects companies in the long-term against the uncertainty of changing RFID protocols and standards.
Until now, many companies needing to comply with RFID mandates set to take effect 1 January 2005 were concerned that evolving standards would make current investments in RFID technology obsolete.
This month, 20 suppliers of German supermarket chain Metro equipped goods pallets with RFID chips. Another 80 suppliers are scheduled to follow next year, and by January 2006, Metro Group plans to have 300 suppliers sending RFID-tagged pallets and cases to its distribution centres.
This follows the trend set by Wal-Mart in the US. The cost of implementation has been noticeable, and given the current profit squeeze on the manufacturing sector, companies are concerned that expensive upgrades are just around the corner as the technology advances.
However, Zebra contends that the R110Xi and R170Xi eliminate this concern by being the first multi-protocol RFID printer/encoders to provide fully integrated support for Class 1, Class 0, Matrics' 0+ (read/write), ISO 18000-06B and Philips UCODE 1.19. The company also offers a cost-free upgrade path for support of "Gen 2" and other future RFID protocols as they evolve.
"Our customers told us they have an immediate need for a low-risk, cost- effective solution that supports both current and future smart label standards to enable them to meet RFID compliance mandates," said Bob Cornick, vice president and general manager of RFID for Zebra.
"These printer/encoders meet this requirement. Zebra's objective is to provide a broad array of tools to help ensure that the RFID investments our customers make today deliver long- term benefits and effortless accommodation to evolving standards and technology shifts."
Zebra's R110Xi and R170Xi are the only printer/encoders to embed ThingMagic's Mercury4e RFID reader module, which uses advanced software radio technology to read and encode virtually any EPC tag without compromising performance. The reader's unique software architecture allows remote software upgrades for new protocols, including the forthcoming EPC Generation 2, which will be downloadable free of charge on Zebra's website.
As the sixth and seventh RFID printer/encoders to be introduced by Zebra this year, the R110Xi and R170Xi are built on Zebra's proven Xi series platform and offer an unprecedented level of on-demand printing flexibility for tag placement and label size (4-inch and 6-inch print widths).
They also support XML encoding for seamless integration into enterprise systems, automatic inlay position calibration for easier smart label formatting, program position for flexibility of transponder placement, and multiple power levels for precisely encoding small labels.
RFID tags are tiny computer chips connected to miniature antennae that can be affixed to physical objects. The most commonly application of RFID contains an Electronic Product Code (EPC) with sufficient capacity to provide unique identifiers for all items produced worldwide.
When an RFID reader emits a radio signal, tags in the vicinity respond by transmitting their stored data to the reader. Passive (battery-less) RFID tags, read-range can vary from less than an inch to 20-30 feet, while active (self-powered) tags can have a much longer read range. The data is then sent to a distributed computing system involved in supply chain management or inventory control.
