16 RXiIIIPlus User Guide 6/21/2004 23063L-001 Rev. 2
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
Liner
2
Label
3
Location of embedded transponder
4
Outline of transponder antenna
(shape varies by manufacturer)
(label profile)
1234
