ZEBRA RFID Programming Guide
RFID
Programming Guide 3
for Link-OS RFID printers
P1062165-05EN
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Publication Date
June 25, 2020
2
Contents
Introduction to RFID.............................................................................................................................. 6
RFID Overview................................................................................................................. 6
Electronic Product Code (EPC)....................................................................................... 7
EPC Fields................................................................................................................ 7
EPC Structure in RFID Labels.................................................................................. 7
EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)................................................................................. 7
Data and Tag Security.............................................................................................. 7
Gen 2 Memory Map.................................................................................................. 8
Using RFID Features ............................................................................................................................ 9
Performing Firmware Updates ......................................................................................... 9
RFID Label Selection .................................................................................................... 10
Considering RFID Transponder Characteristics..................................................... 10
Accounting for Transponder Inlay Position............................................................. 10
Testing RFID Labels............................................................................................... 10
Maximizing RFID Potential......................................
Avoiding Radio Frequency Interference ................................................................. 12
Storing or Handling RFID Labels Correctly ............................................................ 12
Using the Correct RFID Settings.................................................................................... 12
Setting the RFID Values Using Tag Calibration ..................................................... 13
Setting the RFID Values Manually.......................................................................... 13
Restoring the Printer’s Default Programming Position ........................................... 13
Locking RFID Tags ....................................................................................................... 14
....................................................... 12
RFID Printer Configuration ................................................................................................................. 15
Creating Basic RFID Label Formats ................................................................................................... 20
Create and Send an RFID Label Format ....................................................................... 20
Sample RFID Label Formats......................................................................................... 21
3
Contents
RFID Label Format 1—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in Hexadecimal................................ 21
RFID Label Format 2—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in ASCII ........................................... 22
RFID Label Format 3—Read Data from Tag and Print Data on Label ................... 23
RFID Label Format 4—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Print Data on Label ............. 24
RFID Label Format 5—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Return Results to Host ........ 26
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 28
RFID Problems............................................................................................................... 28
RFID Error Codes and Messages .................................................................................. 31
ZPL Commands for RFID ................................................................................................................... 34
^HL or ~HL.....................................................................................................................35
Return RFID Data Log to Host ............................................................................... 35
^HR ................................................................................................................................ 37
Calibrate RFID Tag Position................................................................................... 37
^HV ................................................................................................................................ 43
Host Verification ..................................................................................................... 43
^RB ................................................................................................................................ 44
Define EPC Data Structure..................................................................................... 44
^RF................................................................................................................................. 46
Read or Write RFID Format.................................................................................... 46
^RL................................................................................................................................. 50
Lock/Unlock RFID Tag Memory ............................................................................. 50
^RLM – Lock/Unlock the Specified Memory Bank .................................................. 50
^RLB – Permanently Lock Specified Memory Sections.......................................... 51
~RO................................................................................................................................ 52
Reset Advanced Counters...................................................................................... 52
^RR ................................................................................................................................ 53
Enable Adaptive Antenna Selection ....................................................................... 53
^RS ................................................................................................................................ 54
Set Up RFID Parameters........................................................................................ 54
^RU ................................................................................................................................ 57
Read Unique RFID Chip Serialization .................................................................... 57
^RW ............................................................................................................................... 59
Set RF Power Levels for Read and Write............................................................... 59
SGD Commands for RFID .................................................................................................................. 61
device.applicator.rfid_void.............................................................................................. 62
odometer.rfid.valid_resettable ........................................................................................ 63
odometer.rfid.void_resettable......................................................................................... 64
4
Contents
rfid.adaptive_antenna..................................................................................................... 65
rfid.antenna_sweep........................................................................................................ 66
rfid.country_code............................................................................................................ 67
rfid.enable ...................................................................................................................... 68
rfid.error.response.......................................................................................................... 69
rfid.hop_table_version .................................................................................................... 70
rfid.log.clear.................................................................................................................... 71
rfid.log.enabled...............................................................................................................72
rfid.log.entries................................................................................................................. 73
rfid.position.program ...................................................................................................... 74
rfid.reader_1.antenna_port............................................................................................ 75
rfid.reader_1.firmware_version....................................................................................... 77
rfid.reader_1.hardware_version...................................................................................... 78
rfid.reader_1.model ........................................................................................................ 79
rfid.reader_1.power.read................................................................................................ 80
rfid.reader_1.power.write................................................................................................ 81
rfid.recipe_version ......................................................................................................... 82
rfid.region_code.............................................................................................................. 83
rfid.tag.calibrate.............................................................................................................. 84
rfid.tag.data .................................................................................................................... 85
rfid.tag.read.content ....................................................................................................... 86
rfid.tag.read.execute ...................................................................................................... 87
rfid.tag.read.result_line1................................................................................................. 88
rfid.tag.read.result_line1_alternate ................................................................................. 89
rfid.tag.read.result_line2................................................................................................. 90
rfid.tag.read.result_line2_alternate ................................................................................. 91
rfid.tag.test.content......................................................................................................... 92
rfid.tag.test.execute........................................................................................................ 93
rfid.tag.test.result_line1 .................................................................................................. 94
rfid.tag.test.result_line2 .................................................................................................. 95
5
Introduction to RFID
This section describes the basic concepts of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and how RFID works
with your printer.
RFID Overview
An RFID printer encodes (writes) information on ultra-thin HF or UHF RFID transponders that are
embedded in “smart” labels, tickets, and tags. The printer encodes the information; verifies proper
encoding; and prints bar codes, graphics, and/or text on the label’s surface.
The RFID transponder is sometimes called the RFID tag or an inlay. The transponder is usually made of
an antenna that is bonded to an integrated circuit (IC) chip. The IC chip contains the RF circuit, coders,
decoders, and memory. If you hold an RFID label up to the light, you can see the transponder’s antenna,
and you can feel a bump in the label where the IC chip is located.
Encoding and printing of an RFID label usually are completed on the first try, but some failures may occur.
If you experience consistent failures, it may signal a problem with the RFID tags, with your label formats, or
with the transponder placement.
6
Introduction to RFIDIntroduction to RFID
Electronic Product Code (EPC)
EPC is a product-numbering standard administered by GS1 that can be used to identify a variety of items
by using RFID technology. The 96-bit EPC code links to an online database, providing a secure way of
sharing product-specific information along the supply chain.
NOTE: The information in this section is provided for your convenience only and is subject to change. Go
to http://gs1.org/epcglobal for the latest EPC information.
EPC Fields
As with bar codes, EPC is divided into numbers that identify the manufacturer and product type. However,
EPC contains the following additional information:
• Header—identifies the length, type, structure, version, and generation of EPC
• Manager Number—identifies the company or company entity
• Object Class—similar to a stock keeping unit (SKU)
• Serial Number—the specific instance of the Object Class being tagged
Additional fields may be used as part of the EPC code to encode and decode information from different
numbering systems into human-readable form. For more information about EPC specifications, refer to the
EPC Global web site.
EPC Structure in RFID Labels
In the printer, you can subdivide transponder data into unique fields. You can customize these fields to
create “smart” labels that meet your needs or that meet the standards necessary in EPC programming.
The
^RB ZPL command (see ^RB on page 44 for) is used to define EPC structure. EPC field data can be
delimited with any of the following characters:
, ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * | . < > / \ : ;
EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)
Gen 2 tags typically have a 96-bit EPC identifier and can support large data structures. The size of user
memory available (if any) varies by the model and manufacturer of the tag.
Data and Tag Security
Tag Passwords You can set optional 32-bit passwords that allow you to access tag data, to lock tag data,
or to permanently disable (kill) a tag. If desired, use the ZPL command ^RF on page 46 to set the
passwords and ^RL on page 50 to specify the type of lock.
Data Locking Options Tag memory can be safeguarded with flexible locking options using ^RL on
page 50. For example, you can lock a tag’s memory to prevent it from being encoded accidentally and later
unlock it for writing. A permanent locking feature prevents rewriting of tag data.
7
Gen 2 Memory Map
Figure 1 shows how information is stored on a Gen 2 tag.
Figure 1 Gen 2 Memory Map
Introduction to RFIDIntroduction to RFID
8
Using RFID Features
This section guides you through some ideas to consider and some tasks that you may need to perform
before you begin using RFID labels. When you have completed this section, you will be ready to program
your RFID label formats.
Performing Firmware Updates
Zebra may update printer firmware periodically to add new functionality or to fix any known issues with
older firmware. At any time, you may download the most recent firmware for your RFID printer. For the
firmware files and the downloading instructions, go to http://www.zebra.com/firmware.
IMPORTANT: Download only the firmware designed for your printer. Downloading inappropriate firmware
may disable your printer or some or all of the RFID functionality. Before downloading new firmware, print a
printer configuration label and verify that the new printer firmware version is appropriate for your printer.
9
Using RFID Features
RFID Label Selection
To select RFID labels for your printer, consider the RFID transponder (commonly called the RFID tag) and
where the transponder is placed in the label. Run tests to determine if the RFID labels that you selected
work as you expected before you purchase a large quantity of them. This section provides a brief overview
of things that you should take into account. Additional RFID media considerations specific to your printer
may be found at http://www.zebra.com/transponders/.
IMPORTANT: To use Silverline RFID media, you must use a ZT410 printter with the Silverline Printing
Solution or a ZT411 with the On-metal Tagging Solution. Other RFID printers may not handle this media
correctly.
Considering RFID Transponder Characteristics
Before you purchase Gen 2 RFID labels, determine which RFID transponder (tag) to use. Many RFID
transponders look similar, but they behave differently. For different transponders, the following
characteristics vary:
• the amount of programmable memory (which corresponds to the amount of data that can be encoded in
it)
• the way that data is segmented
• custom commands that can be used (such as block lock)
Select the transponder that best suits your needs.
Accounting for Transponder Inlay Position
Communication between the RFID label and the printer is established when the RFID label’s transponder
lines up with the printer’s RFID antenna or active antenna element. The optimal tag programming position
varies with the transponder size, its configuration, and the type of chip used. Figure 2 on page 11 shows
the physical specifications that should be taken into account for each transponder when deciding where to
place the transponder on a label.
For center-justified printers, the RFID inlay should always be centered horizontally in the label.
IMPORTANT: 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.
Testing RFID Labels
Before you purchase a large quantity of Gen 2 RFID labels, test a small batch to make sure that they
function as you need them to. You may need to adjust the transponder location or change transponders if
the RFID labels do not work in your application.
10
Using RFID Features
feed direction
Figure 2 Transponder Placement Guidelines
a
Inlay Center Left inner edge to
transponder (inlay) center.
Viewed from face stock
side, feed direction down.
x
Inlay Position Label Start to transponder
antenna leading edge.
y
Inlay Pitch Distance from the leading
edge of one transponder
antenna to the next.
RF coupling with the transponder can change horizontally across
the width of the label. This dimension is relative to the center of
the transponder antenna, which is not always the same as the
chip location.
This measurement is typically defined with a ±3 mm tolerance.
The Inlay Position ensures proper RF encoding with the
transponder in the current label. This dimension is relative to the
leading edge of the transponder antenna and is the optimal
distance from the print line to the antenna during encoding.
This measurement is typically defined with a ±3 mm tolerance.
If transponders are spaced too closely together, coupling to
multiple transponders can sometimes occur. This dimension
defines the minimum pitch required to ensure coupling only with
the transponder in the current label. The minimum pitch for
printers supported by this manual is 16 mm (0.63 in.)
11
Using RFID Features
Maximizing RFID Potential
After an RFID label is encoded, how well it functions depends where the label is placed on an item, the
contents of the item (such as metals or liquids), the location of the RFID readers, and how the label is
stored.
Avoiding Radio Frequency Interference
Radio Frequency (RF) interference can be caused by many sources. This interference can affect RFID
performance by limiting the range of the RFID tags or preventing reading/writing to the tags.
• Metal reflects radio frequency signals and is a leading source of RF interference. Foil or metal-based
media should only be used for RFID applications if the tags are designed to work correctly with that
type of media.
• Water and other liquids can absorb RF signals. Some media adhesives and label materials can be
unexpected sources of liquids that cause performance problems.
• Other RF equipment can cause interference if the equipment is positioned too close together. Allow
sufficient physical space between the RFID printer and other RF products that share the same
bandwidth (such as antennas, readers, wireless LANs, or other RFID printer/encoders).
Storing or Handling RFID Labels Correctly
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.
Using the Correct RFID Settings
You can perform two types of calibration on an RFID printer. Media calibration sets the printer for the
media criteria, such as label length and interlabel gap. RFID tag calibration sets the printer for RFID
criteria, such as the optimal programming position.
For best results, run tag calibration each time you change RFID media to allow the printer to select the
best programming position and other RFID settings for you. If tag calibration does not produce the desired
results, you can adjust the values manually.
NOTE: In the ZD500R printer with firmware version V74.19.6Z, any time that a new label length is
measured, the programming position returns to the default value. This can happen in the following
situations:
• any calibration methods that measure length
•
^SS parameter for Label Pitch Length
With all other printers and firmware versions supported by this manual, the program position is persistent.
12
Using RFID Features
Setting the RFID Values Using Tag Calibration
Before running tag calibration, calibrate your printer for the media being used, close the printhead, and
feed at least one label to make sure that tag calibration will begin from the correct position. For more
information on media calibration, refer to the User Guide for your printer.
Perform tag calibration using one of the following ways:
• using the
• using the
host computer.
• using the
page 100).
During the tag calibration procedure, the printer feeds an RFID label 1 mm at a time while taking readings
(via READ TAG and WRITE TAG commands) to profile the location of the RFID transponders in the media.
This process ensures that only the current tag will be encoded, not the tag before or after it. Based on the
results, the printer selects optimal values for the following items for the media being used:
• the programming position
• the read/write power levels
• the antenna element (for printers with more than one antenna element)
These values are saved to nonvolatile memory (the value is saved even if the power is turned off) and are
used for all subsequent labels unless a label format specifies a different value.
If the tag cannot be read during the RFID tag calibration process, RFID calibration fails, and the printer
defaults are used. Try running the RFID tag calibration again with another RFID label.
RFID CALIBRATE user menu option (see RFID Tag Calibration (RFID Calibrate) on page 16)
^HR ZPL command (see ^HR on page 50). This command also returns a results table to the
"run" option in the rfid.tag.calibrate SGD command (see rfid.tag.calibrate on
Setting the RFID Values Manually
You can manually change the RFID settings in several ways. See Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings on
page 22 for more information.
Restoring the Printer’s Default Programming Position
To restore the printer’s default programming position at any time, use the "restore" option in the
rfid.tag.calibrate SGD command (see rfid.tag.calibrate on page 100).
13
Locking RFID Tags
If an RFID tag supports locking, you can lock/unlock or permanently lock (permalock)/permanently unlock
memory banks or blocks/sectors of the tag’s memory.
To perform a lock/unlock command or a permalock command, the access password used for the lock
command must match the access password that is stored on the tag. The default access password that is
stored on tags is 00000000. This value must be changed to something other than zero to perform
lock/unlock functions; however, it can remain zero for permalock functions.
If the access password on a tag needs to be changed, use the following command:
^RFW,H,P^FD<access password>^FS
If the correct password is already encoded on your tag, you do not need to write the password to the tag as
part of the label format, thereby adding to the programming time. Instead, you may simply specify the
password as part of the format using the following command, which saves the time of writing it to the tag:
^RFS,H,P^FD<access password>^FS
For more information, see ^RF on page 58 and ^RL on page 62.
Using RFID Features
14
RFID Printer Configuration
This section presents the printer RFID settings that you can change and identifies the ways for changing
them. These ways include the following:
• Through the printer’s display (if the printer has one)
NOTE: The settings shown here may not be in the same order in which you see them on your printer.
•ZPL and Set/Get/Do (SGD) commands
• The printer’s user menus
• The printer’s web pages when the printer has an active wired or wireless print server connection (See
the ZebraNet Wired and Wireless Print Servers User Guide for more information about accessing the
web pages. A copy is available at http://www.zebra.com/manuals.)
Table 1 RFID Settings
RFID Country Code Select the RFID country code (if applicable).
NOTE: A prompt for the country code appears only on some printers the first time
that they are powered up, depending on the world region to which the printers were
shipped. Specify the appropriate country to access the printer’s RFID features.
SGD command used: rfid.country_code on page 67
Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup > RFID
COUNTRY CODE
RFID Status Display the status of the RFID subsystem of the printer.
Related ZPL command(s): ^HL or ~HL on page 35
SGD command used: rfid.error.response on page 69
15
Table 1 RFID Settings (Continued)
RFID Printer Configuration
RFID Tag Calibration
(RFID Calibrate)
Initiate tag calibration for RFID media. (Not the same as media and ribbon calibration.)
During the process, the printer moves the media, calibrates the RFID tag position, and
determines the optimal settings for the RFID media being used. These settings include the
programming position, the antenna element to use, and the read/write power level to use.
IMPORTANT: Before running this command, load the printer with RFID media,
calibrate your printer, close the printhead, and feed at least one label to make sure
that tag calibration will begin from the correct position.
Leave all transponders before and after the tag that is being calibrated. This allows
the printer to determine RFID settings which do not encode the adjacent tag. Allow a
portion of media to extend out the front of the printer to allow for backfeed during the
tag calibration procedure.
Related ZPL command(s): ^HR on page 37
SGD command used: rfid.tag.calibrate on page 84
Read RFID Data Read and return the specified tag data from the RFID tag located over the RFID antenna.
No printer movement occurs while tag data is being read. The printhead can be open or
closed.
Accepted values: •
epc = reads the EPC data based on the EPC size
specified in the RFID tag’s protocol bits, up to 160
bits
•
tid information = reads the first 32 bits of the TID
(Tag ID)
•
password status = reads the tag’s access and kill
passwords
•
protocol bits = reads the protocol bits from the
EPC memory banks and converts that value to the
EPC size
•
memory bank sizes = reads the EPC, TID, and user
memory banks sizes
•
up = sets the command to the previous test
•
down = sets the command to the next test
Related ZPL command(s): ^RF on page 46
SGD command used: rfid.tag.read.content on page 86 and
rfid.tag.read.execute on page 87
16
RFID Printer Configuration
Table 1 RFID Settings (Continued)
RFID Test During the RFID test, the printer attempts to read and write to a transponder. No printer
movement occurs with this test.
Accepted values: •
SGD command used: rfid.tag.test.content on page 92 and
quick = performs a read EPC test and a write EPC
test (using random data)
•
read = performs a read EPC test
•
write = performs a write EPC test (using random
data)
•
up = sets the command to the previous test
•
down = sets the command to the next test
rfid.tag.test.execute on page 93
RFID Programming
Position
If the desired programming position (read/write position) is not achieved through RFID tag
calibration, a value may be specified. See Using the Correct RFID Settings on page 12 for
more information.
Accepted values:
F0 to Fxxx (where xxx is the label length in millimeters
or 999, whichever is less)—The printer feeds the label
forward for the specified distance and then begins
programming.
B0 to B30—The printer backfeeds the label for the
specified distance and then begins programming. To
account for the backfeed, allow empty media liner to
extend out of the front of the printer when using a
backward programming position.
NOTE: Backward program positions of
B1 to B30
may not yield the best results with some media.
If a backward programming position does not
yield the desired results, consider redesigning
your label format so that the printer uses a
forward program position of
F0 to Fxxx.
Related ZPL command(s): ^RS on page 54
SGD command used: rfid.position.program on page 74
Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup >
PROGRAM POSITION
17
RFID Printer Configuration
Table 1 RFID Settings (Continued)
RFID Antenna Element If the desired antenna is not achieved through RFID tag calibration, a value may be
specified.
NOTE: This applies only to ZT400 and ZT600 series RFID printers, which have
multiple antenna elements. Other printers, which only have one antenna element,
always use an antenna element value of
Accepted values: A1, A2, A3, A4
B1, B2, B3, B4
C1, C2, C3, C4
D1, D2, D3, D4
E1, E2, E3, E4
Related ZPL command(s): ^RW on page 59
SGD command used: rfid.reader_1.antenna_port on page 75
Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup > RFID
ANTENNA
RFID Adaptive Antenna NOTES:
A1.
• This applies only to ZT400 and ZT600 series RFID printers, which have multiple
antenna elements.
• The label length must be 2 in. (51 mm) or longer.
• Activating this feature may slow throughput on damaged or weak RFID tags.
This command enables or disables adaptive antenna selection.If the printer cannot find
RFID tags with the antenna element specified, the printer may try neighboring antenna
elements. If the printer is unsuccessful communicating with the RFID tag after trying the
neighboring antenna elements, the printer voids the label.
Accepted values: •
none = The printer uses only the current antenna
element selection.
•
neighbors = The printer attempts to read the tag
using the antenna elements to the left/right and
above/below the current antenna. The antenna
element that is successful is used for all subsequent
RFID commands until the next unsuccessful
attempt.
Related ZPL command(s): ^RR on page 53
SGD command used: rfid.adaptive_antenna on page 65
Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup >
ADAPTIVE ANTENNA
18
RFID Printer Configuration
Table 1 RFID Settings (Continued)
RFID Antenna Sweep NOTE: This feature applies to ZT400 and ZT600 printers. The label must be 2 in.
(51 mm) or longer, and the label format must have a programming position of F0.
This feature enables/disables the antenna sweep feature. If the RFID media loaded in the
printer is known to be in range of an antenna at the F0 programming position, you can avoid
RFID calibration by using the RFID antenna sweep feature. With this feature enabled, when
the first RFID format is sent after a printer powerup or printhead close, the printer scans
through the antennas to find the optimal antenna element.
Accepted values:
Related ZPL command(s): rfid.antenna_sweep on page 66
RFID Read Power If the desired read power is not achieved through RFID tag calibration, a value may be
specified.
Accepted values: 0 to 30
Related ZPL command(s): ^RW on page 59
SGD command used: rfid.reader_1.power.read on page 80
Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup > RFID
RFID Write Power If the desired write power is not achieved through RFID tag calibration, a value may be
specified.
Accepted values: 0 to 30
Related ZPL command(s): ^RW on page 59
on, off
READ PWR
SGD command used: rfid.reader_1.power.write on page 81
Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup > RFID
WRITE PWR
RFID Valid Counter Resets the RFID valid label counter to zero.
Related ZPL command(s): ~RO on page 52
SGD command used: odometer.rfid.valid_resettable on page 63
RFID Void Counter Resets the RFID void label counter to zero.
Related ZPL command(s): ~RO on page 52
SGD command used: odometer.rfid.void_resettable on page 64
19
Creating Basic RFID Label Formats
Use the ZPL samples in this section as a base for programming your own RFID label formats.
For specific information about individual ZPL commands, see ZPL Commands for RFID on page 34.
Create and Send an RFID Label Format
The following pages contain sample RFID label formats that you can modify to create your own RFID label
formats.
To create an RFID label based on a sample label, complete these steps:
1. Using any word processor or text editor that is capable of creating ASCII-only files (for example, use
Microsoft
sample.
2. Save the file to your computer.
When naming the file, use
file
3. Set up the printer, and turn the power On (I).
4. Copy the file to the printer. One way to do this is by using the Zebra Setup Utilities (to download go to
http://www.zebra.com/us/en/products-services/software/manage-software/zebra-setup-utility.html).
5. Compare your label results with those shown in the sample. If your results are not the same as those
shown, confirm that the file you created is identical to the format shown, and then repeat the printing
procedure.
6. Check the RFID data on your label.
a. Open the printhead, and place the label above the antenna in the printer.
b. Use one of the methods given in Read RFID Data on page 16 to view the transponder data.
c. Compare your RFID data with that shown in the sample. If your data does not look like what is
7. When you are certain that the file you created is correct, substitute your data in the label format where
necessary.
®
Word and save as a .txt file), type in the label format exactly as shown in the desired
.zpl as the extension for the file (for example, you may choose to name a
format1.zpl).
shown, confirm that the file you created is identical to the format shown, and then resend the label
format to the printer.
20
Creating Basic RFID Label FormatsCreating Basic RFID Label Formats
Simple write example
▼
READ RFID DATA
EPC
▲
11223344556677889900
1122
READ
Sample RFID Label Formats
Use the formats in this section to assist you in creating your own RFID label formats.
RFID Label Format 1—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in Hexadecimal
Line
Number
1
2
^XA
^FO50,50
^A0N,65
^FDSimple write example
^FS
3
^RFW,H
^FD112233445566778899001122
^FS
4
Resulting Label
^XZ
Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code
Indicates start of label format.
Prints “Simple write example” on the label
at location 50,50.
W,H = write hex
Encodes the 12 bytes of data (96 bits) to
the tag. The data written is:
112233445566778899001122
Indicates end of label format.
Programmed to Transponder
112233445566778899001122
Sample Control Panel Display
21
Creating Basic RFID Label FormatsCreating Basic RFID Label Formats
Simple write example
▼
READ RFID DATA
EPC
▲
30302072666964206461
7461
READ
RFID Label Format 2—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in ASCII
This label format is different in what shows on the control panel. The control panel always displays RFID
data in hexadecimal.
Line
Number
1
2
^XA
^FO50,50
^A0N,65
^FDSimple write example
^FS
3
^RFW,A
^FD00 rfid data
^FS
4
Resulting Label
^XZ
Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code
Indicates start of label format.
Prints “Simple write example” on the label at
location 50,50.
W,A = write ASCII
Encodes 00 rfid data to the tag in hexadecimal
format, which is 12 bytes of data (96 bits). The
data written is:
303020726669642064617461
Indicates end of label format.
Programmed to Transponder
303020726669642064617461
Sample Control Panel Display
22
Creating Basic RFID Label FormatsCreating Basic RFID Label Formats
112233445566778899001122
▼
READ RFID DATA
EPC
▲
11223344556677889900
1122
READ
RFID Label Format 3—Read Data from Tag and Print Data on Label
This example assumes that the tag created using RFID Label Format 1—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in
Hexadecimal on page 21 is being read.
Line
Number
1
2
^XA
^FO50,50
Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code
^A0N,40
^FN0
^FS
3
^FN0
^RFR,H
^FS
4
Read from Transponder
^XZ
112233445566778899001122
Resulting Label
Indicates start of label format.
^FN0 is a placeholder field variable for the tag data
that will be read in the following line. When the
label prints, the data read from the tag will be
printed at location 50,50.
R,H = read hexadecimal
The read results are put into field variable 0 (
At this point, the printer substitutes previous
instances of
from this field. If necessary, the data read from the
tag will be padded with zeroes to the maximum bit
size.
Indicates end of label format.
^FN0 in the label format with the data
^FN0).
Sample Control Panel Display
23
Creating Basic RFID Label FormatsCreating Basic RFID Label Formats
0data
RFID Label Format 4—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Print Data on Label
Line
Number
1
2
^XA
^FO60,60
Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code
^A0N,40
^FN7
^FS
3
^RFW,A
^FD0data
^FS
4
^FN7
^RFR,A
^FS
5
Programmed to Transponder
^XZ
Indicates start of label format.
When the label prints, the data read from the tag at
field variable 7 (
60,60.
W,A = write ASCII
Encodes 0data into the block in hexadecimal
format, padded with 8 bytes of zeroes to make the
data 12 bytes. The data written is:
306461746100000000000000
R,A = read ASCII
Reads the tag data into field variable 7 (
After this occurs, any fields in this label format that
^FN7 will be replaced with this read data.
have
Because ASCII format was specified, the
hexadecimal value is converted back to ASCII
format before being printed on the label.
Indicates end of label format.
^FN7) will be printed at location
^FN7).
306461746100000000000000
Read from Transponder
306461746100000000000000
Resulting Label
24
Creating Basic RFID Label FormatsCreating Basic RFID Label Formats
▼
READ RFID DATA
EPC
▲
30646174610000000000
0000
READ
Sample Control Panel Display
25
Creating Basic RFID Label FormatsCreating Basic RFID Label Formats
010203040500000000000000
RFID Label Format 5—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Return Results to Host
Line
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code
^XA
^FO50,50
^A0N,65
^FN3
^FS
^RFW,H
^FD0102030405
^FS
^FN3
^RFR,H
^FS
^HV3
^XZ
Indicates start of label format.
When the label prints, the data read from the tag at
field variable 3 (
50,50.
W,H = write hex
Encodes 12 bytes of data (96 bits) to the tag with
7 bytes of zeroes as padding. The data written is:
010203040500000000000000
R,H = read hexadecimal
Reads the tag data into field variable 3 (
After this occurs, any fields in this label format that
^FN3 will be replaced with this read data.
have
Returns the value in ^FN3 to the host computer.
Data is sent over whichever communication
channel is established with the host (such as
parallel, serial, USB, Ethernet). In this example,
010203040500000000000000 would be returned to
the host.
Indicates end of label format.
^FN3) will be printed at location
^FN3).
Programmed to Transponder
010203040500000000000000
Read from Transponder
010203040500000000000000
Resulting Label
26
Creating Basic RFID Label FormatsCreating Basic RFID Label Formats
▼
READ RFID DATA
EPC
▲
01020304050000000000
0000
READ
Sample Control Panel Display
Sent to Host Computer
010203040500000000000000
27
Troubleshooting
This section provides information about RFID operational errors that you might need to troubleshoot. For
other types of problems, consult the User Guide for your printer.
RFID Problems
Table 2 identifies problems that may occur with RFID printers, the possible causes, and the recommended
solutions.
Table 2 RFID Problems
Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution
The printer encodes the
wrong tag.
The printed data does not
match the encoded data.
RFID tag calibration fails. Some RFID inlays are more
The printer is not calibrated for the
media being used.
sensitive than others. The RFID
inlay being calibrated may be more
or less sensitive than others on the
same roll of media.
On ZQ511, ZQ521, and ZQ630
printers, the RFID inlays are placed
too close together.
1. Perform media calibration. Refer to the User Guide
for your printer for media calibration instructions.
2. Perform RFID tag calibration. (See Setting the
RFID Values Using Tag Calibration on page 13.)
3. If necessary, adjust the RFID settings manually.
(See RFID Printer Configuration on page 15.)
Perform RFID tag calibration again. (See Setting the
RFID Values Using Tag Calibration on page 13.)
1. Manually set the program position and read/write
power levels. (See RFID Printer Configuration on
page 15.)
2. Verify that the tags are being programmed with the
correct information.
Change the spacing of the RFID inlays.
28
Table 2 RFID Problems (Continued)
Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution
Low yields. Too many
RFID tags per roll are
voided.
Some RFID inlays are more
sensitive than others and may
require special printer settings.
TroubleshootingTroubleshooting
1. Perform RFID tag calibration. (See Setting the
RFID Values Using Tag Calibration on page 13.)
2. If necessary, adjust the RFID settings manually.
(See RFID Printer Configuration on page 15.)
3. If the problem persists, consider using a different
tag type. Contact an authorized Zebra RFID
reseller for more information.
The printer stops at the
RFID inlay.
Radio frequency (RF) interference
from another RF source.
The printer is using outdated
printer firmware.
The printer calibrated the label
length only to the RFID inlay
instead of to the interlabel gap.
Do one or more of the following as necessary:
• Move the printer away from fixed RFID readers.
• Make sure that the media door is closed at all
times during RFID programming.
Go to www.zebra.com/firmware for updated firmware.
1. Perform media calibration. Refer to the User Guide
for your printer for media calibration instructions.
2. Perform RFID tag calibration. (See Setting the
RFID Values Using Tag Calibration on page 13.)
29
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