Zebra Technologies radio frequency identification User Manual

Zebra

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Programming Guide

58978L-008

therein are owned by ZIH Corp. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software and/or firmware in the printer may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $10,000 (17 U.S.C.506). Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability.

, ZPL II®, and ZebraLink™ programs; Element Energy Equalizer® Circuit; E3®; and

ZebraLink and all product names and numbers are trademarks, and Zebra, the Zebra logo, ZPL, ZPL II, Element Energy Equalizer Circuit, and E

All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. For additional trademark information, please see “Trademarks” on the product CD.

This RFID product is manufactured under one or more licenses, which contain certain exclusions. This product may not be sold, used, leased, offered for sale, or otherwise transferred, exported, and im ported in the Transpor tation Market. The Transportation Market means (i) Electronic Toll and Traffic Management (ETTM), (ii) Public Sector Vehicle Registration, Inspection and Licensing Programs, (iii) Railroad Locomotive and Wagon tracking, (iv) airport-based ground transportation management systems (GTMS) and taxi dispatch, (v) revenue-based parking, and (vi) vehicle-initiated mobile payment applications, where the RFID tag is initially attached to the vehicle but not incorporated at the point of vehicle manufacture.

Proprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation and its

subsidiaries (“Zebra Technologies”). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the express, written permission of Zebra Technologies Corporation.

Product Improvements Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation.

All specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

Liability Disclaimer Zebra Technologies Corporation takes steps to ensure that its published Engineering

specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies Corporation reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.

Limitation of Liability In no event shall Zebra Technologies Corporation or anyone else involved in the creation,

production, or delivery of the accompanying product (including hard ware and software) be liab le for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, consequential damages including loss of busin ess profi ts, business interruption, or loss of business information) arising out of the use of, the results of use of, or inability to use such product, even if Zebra Technologies Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Part Number: 58978L-008 Rev. A

About This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Who Should Use This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Document Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

1 • Introduction to RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

RFID Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

RFID Label Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Considering RFID Transponder (Tag) Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Accounting for Transponder Inlay Placement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Selecting and Purchasing RFID Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Performing Label Placement Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Storing RFID Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Radio Frequency Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ZPL Commands for RFID Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

SGD Commands for RFID Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2 • RFID Printer Setup and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Set Tag Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Set RF Power Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Perform RFID Transponder Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Download Latest Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3 • RFID Control Panel Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Contents

4 • Creating Basic RFID Label Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Create and Send an RFID Label Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Sample RFID Label Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

RFID Label Format 1—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in Hexadecimal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

RFID Label Format 2—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in ASCII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

RFID Label Format 3—Read Data from Tag and Print Data on Label . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

RFID Label Format 4—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Print Data on Label . . . . . . . . . 34

RFID Label Format 5—Encode a Class 1 64-bit Tag in Hexadecimal . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

RFID Label Format 6—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Return Results to Host. . . . . . . 37

5 • RFID Antenna Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

RXi and RXi HF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

RZ400 and RZ600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

R110PAX4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

RP4T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

R4Mplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

6 • Transponder Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Basic Transponder Characteristics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Electronic Product Code (EPC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

EPC Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

EPC Structure in RFID Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Data Content. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Data and Tag Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Gen 2 Memory Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

7 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

RFID Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

RFID Error Codes and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Error and Status Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

8 • ZPL II Commands for RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

ZPL Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Printer and Firmware Compatibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

^HL or ~HL Return RFID Data Log to Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

^HR Calibrate RFID Transponder Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

^HV Host Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

^MM Print Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

^RA Read AFI or DSFID Byte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

^RB Define EPC Data Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

^RE Enable/Disable E.A.S. Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

^RF Read or Write RFID Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Contents

^RI Get RFID Tag ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

^RM Enable RFID Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

^RN Detect Multiple RFID Tags in Encoding Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

~RO Reset Advanced Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

^RQ Quick Write EPC Data and Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

^RR Specify RFID Retries for a Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

^RS Set Up RFID Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

^RT Read RFID Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

~RV Report RFID Encoding Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

^RW Set RF Power Levels for Read and Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

^RZ Set RFID Tag Password and Lock Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

^WF Encode AFI or DSFID Byte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

^WT Write (Encode) RFID Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

^WV Verify RFID Encoding Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

9 • SGD Commands for RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Printer and Firmware Compatibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

odometer.rfid.valid_resettable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

odometer.rfid.void_resettable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

rfid.error.response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

rfid.position.program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

rfid.reader_1.antenna_port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

rfid.reader_1.power.read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

rfid.reader_1.power.single_power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

rfid.reader_1.power.write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

rfid.tag.calibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

rfid.tag.data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

rfid.tag.test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

rfid.tag.type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

10 • RFID Applicator Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Timing Diagrams for RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Single Signal Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Double Signal Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Applicator Interface Connector Pin Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Jumper Configurations and Pinouts for +5 V I/O Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Pinouts for +24-28 V I/O Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Contents

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

About This Document

This section provides you with contact information, documen t struc ture and organization, and additional reference documents.

Contents

Who Should Use This Document. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

About This Document

Who Should Use This Document

This Programming Guide is intended for use by the label format developer o r printer integrator to create label formats that will encode RFID tags. The following printers/print engines are supported by this Programming Guide:

• R110Xi, R170Xi, and R110Xi HF

• RZ400 and RZ600

•R110PAX4

• R4Mplus

• R2844-Z

•RP4T

How This Document Is Organized

The RFID Programming Guide is set up as follows:

Section Description

About This Document on page 7 This section provides you with contact information, document

structure and organization, and additional reference documents.

Introduction to RFID on page 13 This section describes the basic concepts of Radio Frequency

Identification (RFID) and how RFID works with your printer.

RFID Printer Setup and Operation on page 17

RFID Control Panel Parameters on page 21

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats on page 29

Troubleshooting on page 49 This section provides information about RFID operational errors

ZPL II Commands for RFID

on page 79 SGD Commands for RFID

on page 129

How you set up your printer for RFID applications is de termined in part by the transponder that you select. This section guides you through some tasks that you may need to perform on your printer to make RFID reading and encoding possible. When you have completed this section, you will be ready to program your RFID label formats.

This section shows the control panel para meters that appear on most Zebra RFID printers that have a graphic display.

After you have selected a transponder type and set your printer appropriately, use the ZPL samples in this section as a base for programming your own RFID label formats.

that you might need to troubleshoot. For other types of pr oblems, consult the user guide for your printer.

This section contains the ZPL II commands for RFID-specific applications.

This section contains the Set/Get/Do (SGD) commands for RFIDspecific applications.

RFID Antenna Location on page 39 Operations to test the RFID functions and display RFID tag data

require you to place an RFID label over the RFID antenna area. This section shows the location of the RFID antenna in the various Zebra RFID printers.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Section Description

About This Document

How This Document Is Organized

Transponder Characteristics on page 43

This section describes the dif ferent characteristi cs of some common transponder types.

RFID Applicator Signals on page 149 This section applies to printers that have applicator ports and that

are being used in a print and apply system. Included are timing diagrams for good and bad RFID tags and the pin configuration for the applicator port. For basic timing diagrams, see the User Guide for your printer.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

About This Document

Contacts

Technical Support via the Internet is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Web Site: www.zebra.com E-mail Back Technical Library:

E-mail address: emb@zebra.com Subject line: Emaillist

Self Service Knowledge Base: www.zebra.com/knowledgebase Online Case Registration: www.zebra.com/techrequest

Which Department

Do You Need?

Regional Headquarters

Technical Support

For questions on the operation of Zebra equipment and software, please call your distributor. For additional assistance, contact us.

Please have your model and serial numbers available.

Repair Service Department

For back-to-base service and repair.

Technical Tr aining Department

For Zebra product training courses.

Inquiry Department

For product literature and distributor and dealer information.

Customer Service Department (US) Internal Sales Department (UK)

For printers, parts, media, and ribbon, please call your distributor or contact us.

Key:

T: Telephone F: Facsimile E: E-mail

The Americas

Zebra Technologies In ternational, LLC 333 Corporate W oods Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 60061-3109 U.S.A.

T: +1 847 793 2600 Toll-free +1 800 423 0422 F: +1 847 913 8766

T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327) F: +1 847 913 2578

Hardware: ts1@zebra.com Software: ts3@zebra.com

Kiosk printers:

T: +1 866 322 5202 E: kiosksupport@zebra.com

T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327) F: +1 847 821 1797

E: repair@zebra.com To request a repair in the U.S.,

go to www.zebra.com/repair T: +1 847 793 6868

T: +1 847 793 6864 F: +1 847 913 2578

E: ttamerica@zebra.com

T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327) E: inquiry4@zebra.com

T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327) E: clientcare@zebra.com

Europe, Africa,

Middle East, India

Zebra Technologies Europe Limited Dukes Meadow Millboard Road Bourne End Buckinghamshire, SL8 5XF United Kingdom

T: +44 (0) 1628 556000 F: +44 (0) 1628 556001

T: +44 (0) 1628 556039 F: +44 (0) 1628 556003

E: Tseurope@zebra.com

T: +44 (0) 1772 693069 F: +44 (0) 1772 693046

New requests: ukrma@zebra.com Status updates:

repairupdate@zebra.com

T: +44 (0) 1628 556000 F: +44 (0) 1628 556001

E: Eurtraining@zebra.com

T: +44 (0) 1628 556037 F: +44 (0) 1628 556005

E: mseurope@zebra.com

T: +44 (0) 1628 556032 F: +44 (0) 1628 556001

E: cseurope@zebra.com

Asia Pacific

Zebra Technologies Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. 120 Robinson Road #06-01 Parakou Building Singapore 068913

T: + 65 6858 0722 F: +65 6885 0838

T: +65 6858 0722 F: +65 6885 0838

E: China: tschina@zebra.com

All other areas:

tsasiapacific@zebra.com

T: +65 6858 0722 F: +65 6885 0838

E: China: tschina@zebra.com

All other areas:

tsasiapacific@zebra.com

T: + 65 6858 0722 F: +65 6885 0838

E: China: tschina@zebra.com

All other areas:

tsasiapacific@zebra.com

E: China: GCmarketing@zebra.com

All other areas:

AP ACChannelmarketing@zebra.com

T: +65 6858 0722 F: +65 6885 0836

E: China: order-csr@zebra.com

All other areas:

csasiapacific@zebra.com

58978L-008 RFID Programming Guide 11/14/08

Document Conventions

PAUSE

The following conventions are used throughout this document to convey certain information.

Alternate Color (online only) Cross-references contain hot links to other sections in this guide. If you are viewing this guide online in .p df format, you can click the cross-reference (blue text) to jump directly to its location.

LCD Display Examples Text from a printer’s Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) appears in

Bubbledot ICG font.

Command Line Examples Command line examples appear in Courier New font. For example, type

Files and Directories File names and directories appear in Courier New font. For example, the

Icons Used

ZTools to get to the Post-Install scripts in the bin directory.

Zebra<version number>.tar file and the /root directory.

About This Document

Document Conventions

Important • Advises you of informatio n that is essential to complete a task.

Note • Indicates neutral or positive information that emphasizes or supplements important

points of the main text.

Example • Provides an example, often a scenario, to better clarify a section of text.

Illustration Callouts Callouts are used when an illustration contains information that needs

to be labeled and described. A table that contains the labels and descriptions follows the graphic. Figure 1 provides an example.

Figure 1 • Sample Figure with Callouts

FEED button

CANCEL button

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

About This Document

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Document Conventions

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Introduction to RFID

This section describes the basic concepts of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and how RFID works with your printer.

Contents

RFID Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

RFID Label Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Considering RFID Transponder (Tag) Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Accounting for Transponder Inlay Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Selecting and Purchasing RFID Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Performing Label Placement Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Storing RFID Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Radio Frequency Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ZPL Commands for RFID Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

SGD Commands for RFID Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Introduction to RFID

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 cir cu it (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 fe el a bump in the label whe re 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.

RFID Label Selection

To select RFID labels for your printer, consider the type of RFID transponder and where the transponder is placed on the label.

Considering RFID Transponder (Tag) Types

When selecting RFID labels, consider both your RFID printer and your application. Use tag types that have been specifically approved for use in your printer. Failure to do so may result in the inability to read or write to (encode) the embedded RFID tags. To ensure that an approved tag type will perform up to your expectations, evaluate the transponder’s data transmission rates, memory, antenna design, and write capabilities.

As new transponders become commercially available, Zebra will evaluate them for compatibility with your printer. For more information about which tag types can be used with your printer, see Table 9, Supported Tag Types and Default Values, on page 111, or contact your authorized Zebra reseller.

Note • RFID transponders operate on different frequencies. You must use a frequency that

complies with local regulations in your country.

For different transponder types, the following characteristics vary:

• The amount of programmable memory, which can include a tag ID (TID), Electronic Product Code (EPC) data, and user memory.

• The way that data is segmented.

• Whether the tag can be locked.

Before you purchase RFID labels, determine what type of RFID transponder to use. Different transponder types can have different attributes. Some transponders can only be read while others can be read and written to repeatedly. Transponders also have different amounts of available memory, which corresponds to the amount of data that can be encoded in it. Select the combination that best suits your needs. For more information on different transponder types, see Transponder Characteristics on page 43.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

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 pri nting directly ove r 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.

Introduction to RFID

RFID Label Selection

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 th e use of anti stat ic ma ts, straps, or clothing to help counter ESD.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Introduction to RFID

Radio Frequency Interference

Radio Frequency (RF) interference can be caused by many sources. This interference can affect RFID performance by limiting the ra nge of the RFID tag s or prev enting readin g/writin g to the tags.

• Foil and metal-based media should not be used for RFID applications. Metal reflects radio frequency signals and is a leading source of RF interference.

• 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).

ZPL Commands for RFID Applications

Each RFID label has memory that can be read and most have memory that can be written to through Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) commands. Use ZPL to read and write to (encode) RFID labels just as you would use ZPL to print data on the labels. You can use serialized fields, field variables, and any other ZPL features (such as the command ^HV

on page 88 to return the results to a host computer).

RFID-specific ZPL commands are described in ZPL II Commands for RFID on page 79. For examples of how to use the ZPL commands, see Create and Send an RFID Label Format

on page 30.

For more information about non-RFID ZPL commands and how to use them, refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide. A copy is available online at http://www.zebra.com/manuals.

SGD Commands for RFID Applications

Your RFID printer is able to use Set/Get/Do (SGD) commands just as it does ZPL commands. Many ZPL commands have equivalent SGD commands. Usually, you will need to run one SGD command for each parameter in the corresponding ZPL command . RFID-specific SGD commands are described in SGD Commands for RFID on page 129.

For more information about non-RFID SGD commands and how to use them, refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide. A copy is available online at http://www.zebra.com/manuals.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Printer Setup

and Operation

How you set up your printer for RFID applications is determined in part by the transponder that you select. This section guides you through some tasks that you may need to perform on your printer to make RFID reading and encoding possible. When you have completed this section, you will be ready to program your RFID label formats.

Contents

Set Tag Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Set RF Power Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Perform RFID Transponder Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Download Latest Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

RFID Printer Setup and Operation

Set Tag Type

After you select a transponder type and purchase labels, set the transponder (tag) type on the printer. Do this through the control panel menu (see Specify RFID Tag Type on page 27) or through the

Set RF Power Levels

Each transponder has specific radio frequency (RF) power setting requirements for read and write operations, which define how much power is necessary to “energize” the transponder in its targeted encoding field. The tag type that you are using must match the RFID power settings of the printer. If necessary, you can change the power settings:

• through the control panel (see View or Change RFID Read Power on page 24 or View or

Change RFID Write Power on page 25)

• through the

• through SGD commands (see

• rfid.reader_1.power.read on page 137

• rfid.reader_1.power.single_power on page 138

• rfid.reader_1.power.write on page 139)

^RS ZPL command (see ^RS on page 108).

^RW ZPL command (see ^RW on page 118)

Perform RFID Transponder Calibration

If you are using RFID labels that were desi gned to meet the specifications of your printer, you do not need to perform RFID transponder calibration. The printer will automatically place the labels in the optimal programming position. For transponder placement specifications, go to

http://www.zebra.com/rfid_transponders.

If you are using RFID labels that were n ot desi gned for your printer, you may need to perform an RFID transponder calibration to determine the optimal programming position for your media. You can perform this calibration through the parameter (see Calibrate RFID Tag on page 23) or through the

or ~HL on page 84). To return to the default programming position at any time, use the

RESTORE option in the

Tag on page 23).

RFID TAG CALIB control panel parameter (see Calibrate RFID

RFID TAG CALIB control panel

^HR ZPL command (see ^HL

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Download Latest Firmware

Zebra may update printer and reader firmware periodically to add new functionality or to fix any known issues with older firmware. At any time, you may download th e 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 and for your region or

country. Downloading inappropriate firmware may disable your printer or some or all of the RFID functionality.

Before downloading new firmware, p rint a printe r configuration label and verify that the ne w printer firmware version is appropriate for your printer. The underlined part of the firmware version shown in Table 1 must match exactly with what was originally installed on your printer.

Table 1 • RFID Printer Firmware Versions

RFID Printer Setup and Operation

Download Latest Firmware

Printer

Firmware Version

R110Xi/R170Xi (UHF) R60.X.X R110Xi HF R65.X.X R110PAX4R62

.X.X

R63.X.X

R4Mplus SP994X

SP999

X SP1027X SP1056X SP1082

RZ400/RZ600 R53.X.X

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

RFID Printer Setup and Operation

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Download Latest Firmware

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Control Panel

Parameters

This section shows the control panel parameters that appear on most Zebra RFID printers that have a graphic display.

Note • The RP4T does not display these parameters.

The parameters shown in Table 2 on page 22 display only if you have an RFID reader and antenna installed. Depending on whi ch type of printer you have an d which version of firmware that you are using, not all parameters or options for the parameters may display.

Note • When you enter Setup mode, press PREVIOUS or MINUS (-) (depending on the

printer) to access the RFID parameters without scrolling through all of the other printer parameters. Refer to the user guide for your printer for specific instruc tions on how to use the control panel.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

RFID Control Panel Parameters

PRINT MODE

- RFID +

RFID TEST QUICK SLOW

Table 2 • RFID Parameters (Page 1 of 7)

Parameter Action/Explanation

Select Print Mode

Print mode settings tell the printer the method of media delivery to use. Make sure that your printer can support the selected optio n. Use RFID mode when printing batches of RFID labels to increase throughput time.

Default: (R110PAX4) APPLICATOR Default: (all other RFID printers) RFID Selections: vary by printer

To change the value shown:

1. Press the left oval/MINUS (-) or the right oval/PLUS (+) to scroll

through the options.

Perform RFID Test

In the RFID test, the printer attempts to read and write to a transponder. In the slow version, the printer first displays the hardware version, the reader firmware version, and the program position. If the printer fails the test, the control panel displays READ ERROR. No printer movement occurs with this test.

To perform the RFID test:

1. Position an RFID label with its transponder over an RFID antenna location. For the location of the RFID antenna on your printer, see

RFID Antenna Location on page 39.

2. Press the left oval/

MINUS (-) to select QUICK.

OR Press the right oval/

PLUS (+) to select SLOW.

3. If necessary, press the right oval/PLUS (+) to select CONTINUE.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Table 2 • RFID Parameters (Page 2 of 7)

RFID TAG CALIB RESTORE RUN

Parameter Action/Explanation

Calibrate RFID Tag

This parameter sets the RFID programming position through a tag calibration, or it restores the programming position back to the printer default.

RESTORE Selecting this option resets the RFID programming position to the printer default.

Note • With some printers and firmware versions, no label

movement or changes to the control panel occur. W ith others, the printer displays PROGRAM POSITION RESTORED.

• For the R110PAX4, the RFID programming po sition is zero (the printer programs the tag without moving the label). By default, the print engine has backfeed set to After, which places the transponder in the optimal place for encoding for Zebra-specified media. If you are using a backfeed setting other than After, do not use the RESTORE function unless the position of the transponder in your media accounts for this change.

• For other RFID printers, the RFID programming position is the label length minus 1 mm (0.04 in.).

RFID Control Panel Parameters

RUN If the media being used does not conform to transponder placement

requirements for your printer, use the

RUN option to have the printer

determine the optimum programming position for the non-standard labels.

Important • Do not perform transponder calibration for RFID

media that meets the transponder placement specifications for your printer. RFID tag calibration is necessary only if the transponder is not in the ideal location for programming at the printer’s default position.

The printer feeds an RFID label one millimeter at a time while taking readings (via the READ TAG command and the WRITE TAG commands) to profile the RFID transponder. Based on the results, the printer determines the optimum programming position for the me dia and saves th e position to nonvolatile memory (the value is saved even if the power is turned off). The calibrated value is used as the programming position for

^RS command unless the command specifies a different value.

the Tag calibration takes into account the print mode, backfeed mode, and tear

off position. The

^HR ZPL command performs the same calibration and

returns a results table to the host (see ^HL or ~HL on page 84). An auto- calibration occurs after the tag calibration. This realigns the media to its proper rest position and updates the media tracking values in the printer.

To restore the programming position to the default:

1. Press the left oval/MINUS (-) to select RESTORE.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

To calibrate an RFID tag:

1. Loa d the printer with RFID media.

2. Close the printhead.

3. Press the right oval/

PLUS (+) to select RUN.

RFID Control Panel Parameters

RFID VALID CTR

956 RESET

RFID VOID CTR

23 RESET

RFID READ PWR

Printer Firmware Version

Selections

Default

H, M, L 0–30

RXi R60.15.8Z and earlier X — L

R60.16.4Z X X L R60.16.5Z and later (M4xxx…x reader) X X L R60.16.5Z and later (M5xxx…x reader) — X 16

R4Mplus SP994P, SP999F, SP1027F, SP1056E, SP1082F,

and earlier

X—L

SP994Q, SP999G, SP1027G , SP1056F, SP1082G, and later

XXL

R110PAX4 R62.15.8Z and earlier X — L

R62.16.4Z and later X X L R63.15.8Z and earlier X — L

R63.16.4Z and later X X L RZx00 all versions — X 16 RP4T all versions — X 16

Table 2 • RFID Parameters (Page 3 of 7)

Parameter Action/Explanation

View Valid RFID Label Counter

This parameter displays the total number of valid RFID labels that have been printed/encoded. You can use this parameter or

odometer.rfid.valid_resettable on page 132 to reset the counter to zero.

To reset the counter to zero:

1. Press the right oval/PLUS (+) to select RESET.

View Void RFID Label Counter

This parameter displays the total number of RFID labels that have been voided. You can use this parameter or odometer.rfid.void_resettable

on page 133 to reset the counter to zero.

To reset the counter to zero:

1. Press the right oval/PLUS (+) to select RESET.

View or Change RFID Read Power

This parameter displays the current value for RFID read power.

Note •

· This parameter does not appear on the R110Xi HF printer.

· On some printers, the options vary based on the reader. Check

the printer configuration label for the RFID_HW_VER line or perform the RFID SLOW test (see Perform RFID Test

on page 22) to determine the reader type.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

To change the value shown:

1. Press the left oval/MINUS (-) or the right oval/PLUS (+) to scroll

through the options.

Table 2 • RFID Parameters (Page 4 of 7)

RFID WRITE PWR

Printer Firmware Version

Selections

Default

H, M, L 0–30

RXi R60.15.8Z and earlier X — L

R60.16.4Z X X L

R60.16.5Z and later (M4xxx…x reader) X X L

R60.16.5Z and later (M5xxx…x reader) — X 16 R4Mplus SP994P, SP999F, SP1027F, SP1056E, SP1082F,

and earlier

X—L

SP994Q, SP999G, SP1027G , SP1056F, SP1082G,

and later

XXL

R110PAX4 R62.15.8Z and earlier X — L

R62.16.4Z and later X X L

R63.15.8Z and earlier X — L

R63.16.4Z and later X X L RZx00 all versions — X 16 RP4T all versions — X 16

RFID POWER

LOW

Parameter Action/Explanation

View or Change RFID Write Power

This parameter displays the current value for RFID write power.

Note •

· This parameter does not appear on the R110Xi HF printer.

· On some printers, the options vary based on the reader. Check

the printer configuration label for the RFID_HW_VER line or perform the RFID SLOW test (see Perform RFID Test

on page 22) to determine the reader type.

RFID Control Panel Parameters

To change the value shown:

1. Press the left oval/MINUS (-) or the right oval/PLUS (+) to scroll

through the options.

View or Change RFID Read/Write Power

Note • This parameter appears only for the R110Xi HF printer,

which uses identical RF power settings for read and write operations.

This parameter displays the current value for RFID power.

Default: LOW Selections: HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

To change the value shown:

1. Press the left oval/MINUS (-) or the right oval/PLUS (+) to scroll

through the options.

RFID Control Panel Parameters

RFID ANTENNA ANTENNA PORT 1

RFID ERR STATUS

Table 2 • RFID Parameters (Page 5 of 7)

Parameter Action/Explanation

Select the RFID Antenna Port

This parameter displays the current antenna port.

Default: ANTENNA PORT 1 Selections: ANTENNA PORT 1, ANTENNA PORT 2

To change the value shown:

1. Press the left oval/MINUS (-) or the right oval/PLUS (+) to scroll

through the options.

RFID Error Status

During an error condition, an error message show s on the second li ne of the display. See Table 6 on page 53 in the RFID Troubleshooting section for descriptions of the error messages. This field cannot be modified.

Note • This parameter appears only for the R110Xi HF printer.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Table 2 • RFID Parameters (Page 6 of 7)

RFID TAG TYPE CLASS 1 96-BIT

Parameter Action/Explanation

Specify RFID Tag Type

Select the RFID tag type that you are using. See Table 9, Supported Tag

Types and Default V a lu es on page 111 for tag types that your printer

supports. If a tag type is supported but does not appear on your printer’s control panel, you may need to upgrade the printer’s firmware (see

http://www.zebra.com/firmware).

UHF Tag Type Selections

• NONE

• CLASS 0 (EPC Class 0)

• CLASS 0+ (EPC Class 0 Plus)

• CLASS 1 64-BIT (EPC Class 1 64-bit)

• CLASS 1 96-BIT (EPC Class 1 96-bit)

•UCODE EPC 1.19

• CLASS 0+ IMPINJ (Impinj Class 0 Plus)

• ISO18000A (ISO 18000-06A)

• GEN2 (EPC Class 1, Gen 2)

• ISO18000B (ISO 18000-06B)

HF Tag Type Selections

• NONE

• AUTO DETECT (query tag to determine)

• TAG-IT (Texas Instruments Tagit tags)

• ICODE (Phillips Icode tags)

• PICO (Pico Tag Inside Technology’s)

• ISO15693

• EPC (13.56 MHz)

•UID

• MIFARE ULTRALT (Mifare UltraLight)

RFID Control Panel Parameters

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

To change the value shown:

1. Press the left oval/MINUS (-) or the right oval/PLUS (+) to scroll

through the options.

RFID Control Panel Parameters

RFID TAG DATA

Table 2 • RFID Parameters (Page 7 of 7)

Parameter Action/Explanation

Read and Display RFID Tag Data

When this option is selected, the reader attempts to read a tag over the RFID antenna, even if the printhead is open. Results are displayed in hexadecimal format. The printer rereads the tag every 2 seconds, so if the tag changes, data is displayed for the current tag over the antenna. No printer movement occurs while tag data is read.

• If no tag data can be read, the text line of the LCD display.

• If a tag is present, the data for that tag appears on the b ottom line of the display in hexadecimal format. If there is more data than can fit on th e bottom line (such as for 96-bit tags), the bottom line will cycle from the first 8 bytes (most significant) to the next 4 byt es (least sig nificant) approximately every 2 seconds. The hexadecimal data that can fit on two screens is displayed and cycled through.

For example, if the tag contains the data

0x112233445566778899001122, when this option is selected,

the bottom line of the display shows: seconds followed by through these indefinitely.

NO DATA appears on the bottom

1122334455667788 for 2

99001122 for 2 seconds. The printer cycles

To read RFID tag data:

1. Position an RFID label with its transponder over an RFID antenna location. For the location of the RFID antenna on your printer, see

RFID Antenna Location on page 39.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Creating Basic RFID

Label Formats

After you have selected a transponder type and set your printer appropriately, 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 II Commands for RFID

on page 79.

Contents

Create and Send an RFID Label Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Sample RFID Label Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

RFID Label Format 1—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in Hexadecimal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

RFID Label Format 2—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in ASCII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

RFID Label Format 3—Read Data from Tag and Print Data on Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

RFID Label Format 4—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Print Data on Label . . . . . . . . . . 34

RFID Label Format 5—Encode a Class 1 64-bit Tag in Hexadecimal . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

RFID Label Format 6—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Return Results to Host . . . . . . . 37

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

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

Word and save as a .txt file), type in the label format exactly as

shown in the desired sample.

2. Save the file to your computer.

When naming the file, use choose to name a file

3. Set up the printer, and turn the power On (I).

4. Copy the file to the printer.

.zpl as the extension for the file (for example, you may

format1.zpl).

If you are connected to the printer via the parallel port, from the DOS command window, use the “COPY” command to send a file to the printer. For example, if your file name is format1.zpl, type:

COPY FORMAT1.ZPL XXXX

XXXX is the port to which your printer is connected (such as LPT1).

where

5. Compare you r lab el re sults with t hose sh own in the samp le. If yo ur print out d oes not look

like the one shown, confirm that t he fil e yo u crea ted is identica l to the format sh own, t hen 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 the control panel to view the transponder data (see Read and Display RFID Tag

Data on page 28).

c. Co mpare your RFID data with that shown i n the samp le. If yo ur control pa nel displ ay

does not look like what is shown, confirm that the file you created is id entical to the format shown, then repeat the printing procedure.

7. When you are certain that the file you created is correct, substitute your data in the label

format where necessary.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Simple write example

RFID TAG DATA 1122334455667788

RFID TAG DATA 99001122

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 3

Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

^XA ^RS8 ^FO50,50

^A0N,65

Indicates start of label format. Sets tag type to Gen 2 Prints “Simple write example” on the label

at location 50,50.

^FDSimple write example ^FS

^RFW,H ^FD112233445566778899001122 ^FS

^XZ

W,H = write he x Encodes the 12 bytes of data (96 bits) to the

tag. The data written is: 112233445566778899001122

Indicates end of label format.

Resulting Label

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Programmed to Transponder

112233445566778899001122

Control Panel Display (toggles between these two)

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Simple write example

RFID TAG DATA 3030207266696420

RFID TAG DATA 64617461

Sample RFID Label Formats

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 3

Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

^XA ^RS8 ^FO50,50

^A0N,65

Indicates start of label format. Sets tag type to Gen 2 Prints “Simple write example” on the label at

location 50,50.

^FDSimple write example ^FS

^RFW,A ^FD00 rfid data ^FS

^XZ

W,A = write ASCII Encodes the 12 bytes of data (96 bits) to the tag. The

data written is: 00 rfid data Indicates end of label format.

Resulting Label

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Programmed to Transponder

00 rfid data

Control Panel Display (toggles between these two)

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

112233445566778899001122

RFID TAG DATA 1122334455667788

RFID TAG DATA 99001122

Sample RFID Label Formats

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 31 is being read.

Line

Number

1 2 3

Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

^XA ^RS8 ^FO50,50

^A0N,40 ^FN0 ^FS

^FN0 ^RFR,H ^FS

^XZ

Indicates start of label format. Sets tag type to Gen 2

is a placeholder field variable for the tag data

^FN0

that will be read in the following line. When the l abel 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. 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

Read from Transpon der

112233445566778899001122

Resulting Label

^FN0).

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Control Panel Display (toggles between these two)

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

0data

Sample RFID Label Formats

RFID Label Format 4—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Print Data on Label

Line

Number

1 2 3

Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

^XA ^RS8 ^FO60,60

^A0N,40 ^FN7 ^FS

^RFW,A ^FD0data ^FS

^FN7 ^RFR,A ^FS

^XZ

Indicates start of label format. Sets tag type to Gen 2 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 padded with 8 bytes

of zeroes to make the data 12 bytes. The data written is: 306461746100000000000000 (“0data” in ASCII)

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 Indicates end of label format.

^FN7) will be printed at location

Programmed to Transponder

306461746100000000000000

^FN7).

Read from Transpon der

306461746100000000000000

Resulting Label

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Control Panel Display (toggles between these two)

RFID TAG DATA 3064617461000000

RFID TAG DATA 00000000

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Sample RFID Label Formats

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Simple write example

RFID TAG DATA 1122334455667788

Sample RFID Label Formats

RFID Label Format 5—Encode a Class 1 64-bit Tag in Hexadecimal

Line

Number

1 2 3

Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

^XA ^RS3 ^FO50,50

^A0N,65

Indicates start of label format. Sets tag type to EPC Class 1 64-bit. Prints “Simple write example” on the label at

location 50,50.

^FDSimple write example ^FS

^RFW,H ^FD1122334455667788 ^FS

^XZ

W,H = write he x Encodes the 8 bytes of data (64 bits) to the tag. The

data written is: 1122334455667788 Indicates end of label format.

Resulting Label

Programmed to Transponder

1122334455667788

Control Panel Display

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

010203040500000000000000

Sample RFID Label Formats

RFID Label Format 6—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Return Results to Host

Line

Number

1 2 3

Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

^XA ^RS8 ^FO50,50

^A0N,65 ^FN3 ^FS

^RFW,H ^FD0102030405 ^FS

^FN3 ^RFR,H ^FS

^HV3

Indicates start of label format. Sets tag type to Gen 2 When the label prints, the data read from the tag at

field variable 3 ( 50,50.

W,H = write he x 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.

^FN3) will be printed at location

^FN3).

^XZ

Programmed to Transponder

010203040500000000000000

Read from Transpon der

010203040500000000000000

Resulting Label

Indicates end of label format.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

RFID TAG DATA 0102030405000000

RFID TAG DATA 00000000

Sample RFID Label Formats

Control Panel Display (toggles between these two)

Sent to Host Computer

010203040500000000000000

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Antenna Location

Operations to test the RFID functions and display RFID tag data require you to place an RFID label over the RFID antenna area. This section shows the location of the RFID antenna in the various Zebra RFID printers.

Contents

RXi and RXi HF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

RZ400 and RZ600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

R110PAX4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

RP4T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

R4Mplus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

RFID Antenna Location

RXi and RXi HF

Figure 2 • RXi and RXi HF Antenna Location

RZ400 and RZ600

Figure 3 • RZ400 and RZ600 Antenna Location

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

R110PAX4

Figure 4 • R110PAX4 Antenna Location

RFID Antenna Location

R110PAX4

RP4T

Figure 5 • RP4T Antenna Location

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

RFID Antenna Location

R4Mplus

Figure 6 • R4Mplus Antenna Location

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Transponder

Characteristics

This section describes the different characteristics of some common transponder types.

Contents

Basic Transponder Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Electronic Product Code (EPC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

EPC Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

EPC Structure in RFID Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Data Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Data and Tag Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Gen 2 Memory Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Transponder Characteristics

Basic Transponder Characteristics

Table 3 shows some of the basic characteristics of common transponder types.

Table 3 • Characteristics of Transponder Types

Transponder Type

Class 0 Yes No 96 bits Class 0+ Yes Yes 96 bit (TID)

Class 1 64 bits Yes Yes 64 bits Class 1 96 bits Yes Yes 96 bits ISO18000-6A Yes Yes Varies ISO18000-6B Yes Yes Varies Gen 2 Yes Yes Varies by manufacturer and tag. See

Depending on which printer you have and which firmware you are using, you may or may not be able to use the tag types shown in this section. Go to Table 9, Supported Tag Types and

Default Values, on page 111 for more information about which tag types work with which

printers.

Read Write Size (in bits)

104 bit (USER)

Gen 2 Memory Map on page 46 for

additional memory information.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

EPC is a product numbering standard that can be used to identify a variety of items by using RFID technology. The 96-bit EPC code links to an online database, prov id in g 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://www.epcglobalinc.org 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 ab ou t EPC specifications, refer to the EPC Global web site.

Transponder Characteristics

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

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.

^RB ZPL command is used to define EPC structure. EPC field data ca n be deli mited with

The any of the following characters:

, ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * | . < > / \ : ;

See ^RB on page 93 for more information about and examples for defining EPC structure.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Transponder Characteristics

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)

EPC Gen 2 tags offer advantages over other tag types. The tag identification (TID) memory in a Gen 2 tag includes the chip manufacturer and model number in formation, which can be us ed to identify which optional featu res are present on the tag. These optional features include those for data content and security.

See Table 9, Supported Tag Types and Default Values, on page 111 for the UHF printers and firmware versions that can use Gen 2 tags.

Data Content

Gen 2 tags typically have a 96-bit EPC identifier, which is different from the 64-bit identifiers common in early EPC tags. Gen 2 tags also support much larger 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 op tio nal 32-bit passwords that allow you to access tag data, to

lock tag data, or to permanently disable (kill) a tag. Use the ZPL comma nd ^RZ on page 120 to set the passwords (if desired) and ^RF on page 96 to re ad the passwords.

Data Locking Options User-allocated memory can be safeguarded with flexible locking options using ^RZ on page 120. For example, you can lock a tag’s blank memory to prevent it from being encoded accidentally and later unlock it for writing. A permanent locking feature prevents rewriting of tag data.

Gen 2 Memory Map

Table 4 shows how information is stored on a Gen 2 tag.

Bank Memory Bank

3User 2TID

1EPCEPC (15:0)

Table 4 • Gen 2 Tag Logical Memory Map

Memory Contents

… …

TID (15:0) TID (31:16)

…

EPC (N:N-15) PC (15:0) CRC-16 (15:0)

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Transponder Characteristics

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)

Table 4 • Gen 2 Tag Logical Memory Map (Continued)

Bank Memory Bank

0 Reserved

Memory Contents

…

access password (15:0) access password (31:16) kill password (15:0) kill password (31:16)

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Transponder Characteristics

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Troubleshooting

This section provides information about RFID operati onal errors that you might need to troubleshoot. For other types of problems, consult the user guide for your printer.

Contents

RFID Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

RFID Error Codes and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Error and Status Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Problems

Table 5 identifies problems that may occur with RFID printers, the possible causes, and the

RFID Error Codes and Messages

In the event of an RFID error, the printer does the following:

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

• displays an RFID error or status message on the second line of the control panel parameter

• returns RFID error codes to the RFID data log (see ^HL or ~HL on page 84 for more information about the RFID data log)

Table 6 provid es the po ssible problems sorted by the error message, while Table 7 on page 66

provides these problems sorted by the error code.

Error and Status Messages

Table 6 shows the possible error and status messages, the corresponding error codes, and the

action required (if any).

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions

Error Code

8104

0405

0033

RFID Error or

Status Message

ACTIVATE TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. AFE NOT ON Internal problem with the reader. The Analog Front End is turned

ANT FAILURE Antenna failure. Contact Technical Support.

RFID ERR STATUS

Description/Action Required

off. Contact T echnical Support.

0025

900F

F003

9401

8201

0026

0201

000A

ANT. BAD/GONE The RFID reader cannot detect the RFID antenna (coupler), or the

antenna (coupler) does not work. Contact Technical Support.

ANT. BAD/GONE The RFID reader cannot detect the RFID antenna (coupler), or the

antenna (coupler) does not work. Contact Technical Support.

ANTENNA SEL ERR The printer firmware could not verify that the selected RFID

antenna (coupler) is properly connected. If selecting the antenna through ZPL, ensure that your printer

supports this feature and that your parameters are correct. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

AUTHEN RDR ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. AUTHEN TAG ERR Tag not authenticated. BAD ANT.MUX Internal problem with the reader. Contact Technical Support. BAD APP END ADD The RFID reader received a command to erase some part of the

flash memory. This typically would happen during a reader firmware upgrade. Make sure that you download the appropriate version of reader firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

BAD COMMAND The reader received a bad command from the printer. If the

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

0004

0005

0200

0001

0008

0009

0052

000B

RFID Error or

Status Message

BAD CRC The last valid message string had a bad Cyc lic Redundancy Check

BAD DATA The reader received bad data from the printer. If the problem

BAD IMAGE CRC The RFID reader received a command to erase some part of the

BAD MESSAGE Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

BAD MSG HEAD Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

BAD MSG TAIL Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

BAD PASSCODE Bad passcode for kill tag function. BAD SUBCMD Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

Description/Action Required

(CRC). An integrity check of the reader firmware failed. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

persists, contact Technical Support.

flash memory. This typically would happen during a reader firmware upgrade. Make sure that you download the appropriate version of reader firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

persists, contact Technical Support.

0053

8005

9103

8409

0054

0010

8003

8303

8403

8508

BAUD ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

BLOCK(S) LOCKED A write operation could not be performed because a block was

locked.

BOOTLOADER ERR The reader failed to enter bootloader mode, which is necessary to

upgrade firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

CLEAR FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

CMD FAIL Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

persists, contact Technical Support.

CMD INHIBITED Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

persists, contact Technical Support.

COLLISION ERR Multiple tags in the field have the same tag ID. CREATE APPLI ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

CREATE FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

CREDIT VALUE ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

0100

0037

040B

8105

8509

840B

800D

8408

RFID Error or

Status Message

DATA AMOUNT ERR Two situations can result in this error:

DATA CRC An integrity check of the reader firmware failed. If the problem

DATA TOO LARGE Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

DEACTIV. TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. DEBIT VALUE ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. DEC VAL FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

DECRYPT TAG ERR The data read from the tag was not decrypted properly or was

DELETE FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Description/Action Required

• The data length in a message to the RFID reader from the printer is less than the number of arguments in the message.

• The data length is greater than the number of arguments. The reader will wait indefinitely until it receives all of the data specified in the data length field.

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

persists, contact Technical Support.

Technical Support.

corrupted.

Technical Support.

8502

9403

8501

9402

800C

810B

8ACA

8011

0300 0301 0302 0303 0304 0305 0306

DISABLE EAS ERR There was an error while clearing the EAS bit.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this feature.

DISABLE_DEBG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. ENABLE EAS ERR There was an error while setting the EAS bit.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this feature.

ENABLE_DEBUG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. ENCRYPT TAG ERR The data to be written to the tag was not encrypted properly. ERASE TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. EXIT TAGLOOP ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

FILE NOT FOUND The specified file was not found on the application. FLASH ERROR An error occurred reading or writing from the reader’s Flash

memory. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

810C

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

FORMAT TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

0048

0423

042F

042B

0424

0420

0430

8301

RFID Error or

Status Message

FPGA OLD The FPGA code is out of date. This would typically happen during

GEN2 BAD PC Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GEN2 ERROR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GEN2 LOW PWR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GEN2 MEM LOCKED Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GEN2 PROT OTHER Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GEN2 UNKNWN ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GET APPLI ID ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Description/Action Required

a reader firmware upgrade. Make sure you download the appropriate version of reader firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Technical Support.

9302

8401

8404

8108

8107

0046

0601

840A

800E

0409

GET DEFAULT ERR There was a problem reading a parameter from the non-volatile

memory of the reader. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

GET FILE IDs ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

GET FILE SET ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

GET LOCK STA ERR The reader was unable to acquire the lock status from the tag. GET TAG INFO ERR The reader was unable to acquire the information from the tag.

The reader may not contain information for the selected tag.

HARDWARE ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. ID BUFFER FULL The tag ID buf fer is full. If th e problem persists, contact Technical

Support.

INC VAL FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

INVALD SIGNATURE The HMAC written to the tag did not match the data and the key. INVALID ADDR The RFID reader received a command to write to an invalid

address in the tag data address space. Make sure that the address specified is within the scope of the tag data address space.

9005

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

INVALID ADDRESS The address specified for the command was invalid. If the

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

800F

010A

0109

9002

9003

9009

9006

0104

RFID Error or

Status Message

INVALID AUTH KEY The key number does not exist or is invalid for authentication with

INVALID BAUD Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act

INVALID CMD The command does not exist or is invalid for the reader.

INVALID CRC Invalid CRC sent in the request to the reader. If the problem

INVALID DATA LEN The length of the data specified in the request was invalid for the

INVALID FLAGS The flags specified were invalid for the command specified. If the

INVALID FREQ The RFID reader received a command to set the frequency outside

Description/Action Required

a specific reader or tag.

Technical Support.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

persists, contact Technical Support.

command specified. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

of the supported range. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

0500

8014

8013

9004

0101

OOOC OOOD

0105

INVALID FREQ The RFID reader received a command to set the frequency outside

of the supported range. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID KEY LEN The key length is not valid for the tag type, the command, or the

reader.

INVALID KEY NO. The key number does not exis t or is ou t of th e ran ge o f v ali d k eys. INVALID MESS LEN The number of bytes sent to the reader was invalid for the

command or for the message length passed in. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID OPCODE The opCode received by the RFID reader is invalid or not

supported with the current version of reader firmware. Make sure you download the appropriate version of reader firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID PARAM The RFID reader received a valid command with an unsupported

or invalid value for one of the parameters. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID PARAM The RFID reader received a valid command with an unsupported

or invalid value for one of the parameters. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

0402

8001

0045

0408

810F

9007

RFID Error or

Status Message

INVALID PROTOC The RFID reader received a command for a protocol value that is

INVALID TAG TYPE The tag type was not valid for the command specified.

INVALID VAR. Invalid configuration variable. Internal problem with the re ader . If

INVALID WR DATA In EPC 0+, the first two bits determine the tag ID length. If the

INVENTORY DONE Status message indicating that the reader exited the Inventory

INVLD ASCII BYTE A non-ASCII byte value was sent in an ASCII mode command. If

Description/Action Required

not supported with the current version of reader firmware. Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by your printer.

Make sure that you are using the right tag type for your operation. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

first two bits are 0b00, then the tag ID must be 96 bits. Otherwise, the tag ID is 64 bits.

Make sure that the first two bits have the correct values, depending on the tag ID length.

mode. No action required.

the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

9008

8109

0029

9101

8602

0403

0039

003A

INVLD NO. BLOCKS The number of blocks field in the request was invalid for the

command specified. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

KILL TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. LISTEN BUSY Listen before transmit; all frequencies occupied. Internal problem

with the reader. If the problem persists, contact T ec hnical Su pport.

LOAD DEFAULT ERR The reader was unable to successfully load its default parameters.

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

LOAD KEY ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. LOCK ERROR The lock process failed during a write tag data for an ISO 18 000-

6B tag. The write tag command passed, but the lock did not. This could indicate a bad tag.

Repeat the process with another RFID tag. Make sure that the tag is placed within the RF field.

LOCKED BLOCK Attempt to write to a read-only tag or to a locked bloc k. Make sure

you have the right tag type selected and that you are u sing a tag that is supported by your printer. Ensure that the block that you are trying to write to is not already locked.

LOST LOCK UHF synthesizer error. Internal problem with the reader. If the

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

0042

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

MEMORY ERR Non-volatile memory data element does not exist or was not found

when requesting a read of a specific element in non-volatile memory. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

0003

8405

1237

8010

0404

8012

0044

RFID Error or

Status Message

MESSAGE SYNCH Point-to-point only. Current message head or “}” character

MOD FILE SET ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

MULTIPLE TAGS More than one RFID tag was detected in the RF field.

NO APPLI PRESENT The application specified could not be found.

NO DATA READ The RFID tag used failed or does not have the correct CRC.

NO FILE SELECTED The command requires a file, but none was selected. NO NVM PRESENT Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Description/Action Required

interrupted a previous message. Turn the printer power off (

printer power on ( Support.

Technical Support.

Make sure only one label is in the RF field and that another tag is not elsewhere in the field. Make sure that the labels meet transponder placement specifications.

Try to read a few other tags. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Technical Support.

I). If the problem persists, contact Technical

O). W ait ten seconds, and then turn the

0401

0035

0036

NO PROTOCOL The RFID reader received a command to perform a protocol

command, but no protocol was initially set. The reader powers up with no protocols set.

Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by your printer.

NO RF FIELD Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

NO TAG NO TAG FOUND

No RFID tag was detected in the RF field. Several things can cause this error:

• No acceptable RFID tag is in the RF field. This can happen if an

• The read/write power being used is too low.

• The RFID tag is weak or dead.

Retry with another RFID tag. Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by yo ur printer. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Note • This error message varies by reader type.

RFID label is present but the transponder is not placed correctly within the label or if the wrong tag type is used.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

0400

8002

RFID Error or

Status Message

NO TAG NO TAG FOUND

Description/Action Required

Note • This error message varies by reader type.

No RFID tag was detected in the RF field. Several things can cause this error:

• No acceptable RFID tag is in the RF field. This can happen if an RFID label is present but the transponder is not placed correctly within the label or if the wrong tag type is used.

• The read/write power being used is too low.

• The RFID tag is weak or dead.

Retry with another RFID tag. Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by yo ur printer. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Note • This error message varies by reader type.

No RFID tag was detected in the RF field. Several things can cause this error:

• No acceptable RFID tag is in the RF field. This can happen if an RFID label is present but the transponder is not placed correctly within the label or if the wrong tag type is used.

• The read/write power being used is too low.

• The RFID tag is weak or dead.

Retry with another RFID tag. Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by yo ur printer. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

0407

NOT IMPLEMENTED The reader received a command that is not supported by the tag

type. Make sure that you have the latest reader firmware, that you have

the right tag type selected, and that you are using a tag that is supported by your printer. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

0603

NUM IDS TOO LG Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

0043

NVM FULL Internal problem with the reader. If you are upgrading reader

firmware, try resending the file. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

0102

0055

F004

0103

0106

RFID Error or

Status Message

OPCODE UNAVAIL The opCode received by the RFID reader is invalid or not

OVERWRITE EPC Error trying to overwrite a valid EPC code.

POWER SELECT ERR The printer could not verify that the intended power setting has

POWER TOO HI The RFID reader received a command to set the read or write

POWER TOO LOW The RFID reader received a command to set the read or write

Description/Action Required

supported with the current version of reader firmware.

1. Make sure you download the appropriate version of reader

firmware.

2. Turn the printer power off (

turn the printer power on (

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

been set successfully. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

power to a level that is higher than the RFID reader supports. Check the versions of the reader firmware and printer firmware.

You may need to download different versions.

power to a level that is lower than the RFID reader supports. Check the versions of the reader firmware and printer firmware.

You may need to download different versions.

O). Wait ten seconds, and then

I).

0022

1234

F002

— RDR ERR

8505

8102

8507

8406

RAM ERROR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

RDR COM TIMEOUT The printer was not able to communicate with the reader. If the

READ AFI ERR There was an error reading the AFI byte.

READ DATA ERR This can occur when one of a number of RFID operations fails.

READ DSFID ERR There was an error reading the DSFID byte.

READ FILE ERR Internal problem with the reade r. If the problem persists, cont act

xxxx

Technical Support.

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

problem persists, contact Technical Support. Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act

Technical Support.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this feature. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Check that the tag is good, and repeat the process with another RFID label. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this feature. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Technical Support.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

9201

0602

9102

810A

0031

0000

0023

800C

RFID Error or

Status Message

READ SYS ERR There was a problem reading a parameter from the non-volatile

REPEATED ID One of the protocols is trying to add an existing tag ID to the

RESET DEVICE ERR The reader was unable to successfully reset the reader. If the

REVIVE TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. RF SECTION ERR Radio controller does not respond or general RF section failure.

RFID OK Normal operation. ROM ERROR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

R-T DATARATE ERR The reader to tag data bit rate is not supported by the reader, the

Description/Action Required

memory of the reader. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

buffer. Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act

Technical Support.

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

Technical Support.

tag, or both.

0051

0050

0027

002A

0028

8503

8302

RX R/T FAIL Receiver tuning runtime failure.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

RX TUNE FAIL Receiver tuning training failure.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

RXD POWER HI RXD reflective power too high.

Check antenna or cable connection. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

RXD POWER MAX RXD reflective power max fault.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

RXD WARNING RXD reflective power warning level. Occurs at –10 dBm.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

SCAN EAS ERR The reader did not detect an EAS code in the field.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this fea ture and that the EAS bit is enabled.

SELECT APPLI ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

8402

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

SELECT FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

8101

002F

8202

0024

000E

000F

RFID Error or

Status Message

SELECT TAG ERR The reader failed to select a specified tag in the RF field.

SELF TST ERR Self-test error.

SEND PASSWRD ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

SERIAL # ERR Serial number chip error.

SERIAL ERROR 1 High level serial error 1.

SERIAL ERROR 2 High level serial error 2.

Description/Action Required

Verify that a tag is within the field and that the current tag type is valid with the printer firmware (see Table 9, Supported Tag Types

and Default Values, on page 111).

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

Technical Support.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

0011

9301

810D

8106

8601

7F00

0041

040A

SERIAL OVERFLW Serial overflow error.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

SET DEFAULT ERR There was a problem writing a parameter to the non-volatile

memory of the reader. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

SET RDR DAT RATE Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

SET TAG DAT RATE If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. STORE KEY ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. SYS UNKNWN ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

TAG DATA LOST In serial polled or RF continuous mode, incoming new tag data

overwrote old tag data between polls. Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act

Technical Support.

TAG ERROR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

0600

8004

8006

0038

8007

0021

0107

RFID Error or

Status Message

TAG ID FAULT The reader received a command to get a certain number of tag IDs

TAG INTEGRITY ERR Response from the tag failed the CRC check. TAG NOT AUTHENTC An operation could not be performed on the tag because the tag

TAG NOT FOUND Good tag data is available, but the tag specifically requested was

TAG NOT IN FIELD The tag specified was not in the RFID field. TEMP ERROR Temperature sensor error.

TIMEOUT TO LONG Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Description/Action Required

from the tag ID buffer . The re ader contains less tag IDs stored in its tag ID buffer than the number the host sent.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

was not authenticated.

not found (^RT, ^WT commands). Repeat the process with another RFID label. If the problem

persists, contact Technical Support.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

Technical Support.

7F01

800B

9001

1236

003B

8504

8103

TM ASSERT FAIL Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

T-R DATARATE ERR The tag to reader data bit rate is not supported by the reader, the

tag, or both.

UNKNOWN ERR An unidentified error occurred.

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

VERIFY FAIL In ternal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

VERIFY FAILED The write operation could not be verified because the tag data

could not be read. Check that the tag is good, and repeat the process with another

RFID label. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

WRITE AFI ERR There was an error writing to the AFI byte.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this fea ture and that they byte is unlocked. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

WRITE DATA ERR This can occur when one of a number of RFID operations fails.

Check that the tag is good, and repeat the process with another RFID label. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 6 • RFID Error and Status Message Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

8506

0406

8407

9202

RFID Error or

Status Message

Description/Action Required

WRITE DSFID ERR There was an error writing to the DSFID byte.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this fea ture and that they byte is unlocked. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

WRITE FAILED This can occur when one of a number of RFID operations fails.

Check that the tag is good, and repeat the process with another RFID label. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

WRITE FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

WRITE SYS ERR There was a problem writing a parameter to the non-volatile

memory of the reader. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Error Codes

Table 7 shows the possib le error codes, the corresponding error or status message, and the

action required (if any).

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions

Error Code

— RDR ERR

0000

0001

0003

0004

0005

0008

0009

Status Message

RFID OK Normal operation. BAD MESSAGE Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

MESSAGE SYNCH Point-to-point only. Current message head or “}” character

BAD CRC The last valid message string had a bad Cyc lic Redundancy Check

BAD DATA The reader received bad data from the printer. If the problem

BAD MSG HEAD Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

BAD MSG TAIL Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

RFID Error or

xxxx

Description/Action Required

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

persists, contact Technical Support.

interrupted a previous message. Turn the printer power off (

printer power on ( Support.

(CRC). An integrity check of the reader firmware failed. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

persists, contact Technical Support.

I). If the problem persists, contact Technical

O). W ait ten seconds, and then turn the

0010

0011

000A

000B

OOOC OOOD

000E

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

CMD INHIBITED Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

persists, contact Technical Support.

SERIAL OVERFLW Serial overflow error.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

BAD COMMAND The reader received a bad command from the printer. If the

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

BAD SUBCMD Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID PARAM The RFID reader received a valid command with an unsupported

or invalid value for one of the parameters. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

SERIAL ERROR 1 High level serial error 1.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

000F

0021

0022

0023

0024

0025

0026

0027

RFID Error or

Status Message

SERIAL ERROR 2 High level serial error 2.

TEMP ERROR Temperature sensor error.

RAM ERROR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

ROM ERROR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

SERIAL # ERR Serial number chip error.

ANT. BAD/GONE The RFID reader cannot detect the RFID antenna (coupler), or the

BAD ANT.MUX Internal problem with the reader. Contact Technical Support. RXD POWER HI RXD reflective power too high.

Description/Action Required

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

Technical Support.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

antenna (coupler) does not work. Contact Technical Support.

Check antenna or cable connection. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

0028

0029

002A

002F

0031

0033

0035

RXD WARNING RXD reflective power warning level. Occurs at –10 dBm.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

LISTEN BUSY Listen before transmit; all frequencies occupied. Internal problem

with the reader. If the problem persists, contact T ec hnical Su pport.

RXD POWER MAX RXD reflective power max fault.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

SELF TST ERR Self-test error.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

RF SECTION ERR Radio controller does not respond or general RF section failure.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

ANT FAILURE Antenna failure. Contact Technical Support. NO RF FIELD Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

0036

0037

0038

RFID Error or

Status Message

NO TAG NO TAG FOUND

DATA CRC An integrity check of the reader firmware failed. If the problem

TAG NOT FOUND Good tag data is available, but the tag specifically requested was

Description/Action Required

Note • This error message varies by reader type.

No RFID tag was detected in the RF field. Several things can cause this error:

• No acceptable RFID tag is in the RF field. This can happen if an RFID label is present but the transponder is not placed correctly within the label or if the wrong tag type is used.

• The read/write power being used is too low.

• The RFID tag is weak or dead.

Retry with another RFID tag. Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by yo ur printer. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

persists, contact Technical Support.

not found (^RT, ^WT commands). Repeat the process with another RFID label. If the problem

persists, contact Technical Support.

0039

003A

003B

0041

0042

0043

0044

LOCKED BLOCK Attempt to write to a read-only tag or to a locked bloc k. Make sure

you have the right tag type selected and that you are u sing a tag that is supported by your printer. Ensure that the block that you are trying to write to is not already locked.

LOST LOCK UHF synthesizer error. Internal problem with the reader. If the

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

VERIFY FAILED The write operation could not be verified because the tag data

could not be read. Check that the tag is good, and repeat the process with another

RFID label. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

TAG DATA LOST In serial polled or RF continuous mode, incoming new tag data

overwrote old tag data between polls. Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act

Technical Support.

MEMORY ERR Non-volatile memory data element does not exist or was not found

when requesting a read of a specific element in non-volatile memory. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

NVM FULL Internal problem with the reader. If you are upgrading reader

firmware, try resending the file. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

NO NVM PRESENT Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

0045

0046

0048

0050

0051

0052

0053

0054

RFID Error or

Status Message

INVALID VAR. Invalid configuration variable. Internal problem with the re ader . If

HARDWARE ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. FPGA OLD The FPGA code is out of date. This would typically happen during

RX TUNE FAIL Receiver tuning training failure.

RX R/T FAIL Receiver tuning runtime failure.

BAD PASSCODE Bad passcode for kill tag function. BAUD ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

CMD FAIL Internal communications problem with the reader. If the problem

Description/Action Required

the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

a reader firmware upgrade. Make sure you download the appropriate version of reader firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

Technical Support.

persists, contact Technical Support.

0055

0100

0101

0102

OVERWRITE EPC Error trying to overwrite a valid EPC code.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

DATA AMOUNT ERR Two situations can result in this error:

• The data length in a message to the RFID reader from the printer is less than the number of arguments in the message.

• The data length is greater than the number of arguments. The reader will wait indefinitely until it receives all of the data specified in the data length field.

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID OPCODE The opCode received by the RFID reader is invalid or not

supported with the current version of reader firmware. Make sure you download the appropriate version of reader firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

OPCODE UNAVAIL The opCode received by the RFID reader is invalid or not

supported with the current version of reader firmware.

1. Make sure you download the appropriate version of reader

firmware.

2. Turn the printer power off (

turn the printer power on (

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

O). Wait ten seconds, and then

I).

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

0103

0104

0105

0106

0107

0109

RFID Error or

Status Message

POWER TOO HI The RFID reader received a command to set the read or write

INVALID FREQ The RFID reader received a command to set the frequency outside

INVALID PARAM The RFID reader received a valid command with an unsupported

POWER TOO LOW The RFID reader received a command to set the read or write

TIMEOUT TO LONG Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

INVALID CMD The command does not exist or is invalid for the reader.

Description/Action Required

power to a level that is higher than the RFID reader supports. Check the versions of the reader firmware and printer firmware.

You may need to download different versions.

of the supported range. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

or invalid value for one of the parameters. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

power to a level that is lower than the RFID reader supports. Check the versions of the reader firmware and printer firmware.

You may need to download different versions.

Technical Support.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

010A

0200

0201

0300 0301 0302 0303 0304 0305 0306

INVALID BAUD Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act

Technical Support.

BAD IMAGE CRC The RFID reader received a command to erase some part of the

flash memory. This typically would happen during a reader firmware upgrade. Make sure that you download the appropriate version of reader firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

BAD APP END ADD The RFID reader received a command to erase some part of the

flash memory. This typically would happen during a reader firmware upgrade. Make sure that you download the appropriate version of reader firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

FLASH ERROR An error occurred reading or writing from the reader’s Flash

memory. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

0400

0401

0402

RFID Error or

Status Message

NO TAG NO TAG FOUND

NO PROTOCOL The RFID reader received a command to perform a protocol

INVALID PROTOC The RFID reader received a command for a protocol value that is

Description/Action Required

Note • This error message varies by reader type.

No RFID tag was detected in the RF field. Several things can cause this error:

• No acceptable RFID tag is in the RF field. This can happen if an RFID label is present but the transponder is not placed correctly within the label or if the wrong tag type is used.

• The read/write power being used is too low.

• The RFID tag is weak or dead.

Retry with another RFID tag. Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by yo ur printer. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

command, but no protocol was initially set. The reader powers up with no protocols set.

Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by your printer.

not supported with the current version of reader firmware. Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by your printer.

0403

0404

0405

0406

0407

LOCK ERROR The lock process failed during a write tag data for an ISO 18 000-

6B tag. The write tag command passed, but the lock did not. This could indicate a bad tag.

Repeat the process with another RFID tag. Make sure that the tag is placed within the RF field.

NO DATA READ The RFID tag used failed or does not have the correct CRC.

Try to read a few other tags. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

AFE NOT ON Internal problem with the reader. The Analog Front End is turned

off. Contact T echnical Support.

WRITE FAILED This can occur when one of a number of RFID operations fails.

Check that the tag is good, and repeat the process with another RFID label. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

NOT IMPLEMENTED The reader received a command that is not supported by the tag

type. Make sure that you have the latest reader firmware, that you have

the right tag type selected, and that you are using a tag that is supported by your printer. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

0408

0409

040A

040B

0420

0423

0424

RFID Error or

Status Message

INVALID WR DATA In EPC 0+, the first two bits determine the tag ID length. If the

INVALID ADDR The RFID reader received a command to write to an invalid

TAG ERROR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

DATA TOO LARGE Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GEN2 PROT OTHER Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GEN2 BAD PC Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GEN2 MEM LOCKED Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Description/Action Required

first two bits are 0b00, then the tag ID must be 96 bits. Otherwise, the tag ID is 64 bits.

Make sure that the first two bits have the correct values, depending on the tag ID length.

address in the tag data address space. Make sure that the address specified is within the scope of the tag data address space.

Technical Support.

042B

042F

0430

0500

0600

0601

0602

GEN2 LOW PWR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

GEN2 ERROR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

GEN2 UNKNWN ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

INVALID FREQ The RFID reader received a command to set the frequency outside

of the supported range. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

TAG ID FAULT The reader received a command to get a certain number of tag IDs

from the tag ID buffer . The re ader contains less tag IDs stored in its tag ID buffer than the number the host sent.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

ID BUFFER FULL The tag ID buf fer is full. If th e problem persists, contact Technical

Support.

REPEATED ID One of the protocols is trying to add an existing tag ID to the

buffer. Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act

Technical Support.

0603

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

NUM IDS TOO LG Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

1234

1236

1237

7F00

7F01

8001

8002

RFID Error or

Status Message

RDR COM TIMEOUT The printer was not able to communicate with the reader. If the

VERIFY FAIL In ternal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

MULTIPLE TAGS More than one RFID tag was detected in the RF field.

SYS UNKNWN ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

TM ASSERT FAIL Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

INVALID TAG TYPE The tag type was not valid for the command specified.

NO TAG NO TAG FOUND

Description/Action Required

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Technical Support.

Make sure only one label is in the RF field and that another tag is not elsewhere in the field. Make sure that the labels meet transponder placement specifications.

Technical Support.

Make sure that you are using the right tag type for your operation. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Note • This error message varies by reader type.

No RFID tag was detected in the RF field. Several things can cause this error:

• No acceptable RFID tag is in the RF field. This can happen if an RFID label is present but the transponder is not placed correctly within the label or if the wrong tag type is used.

• The read/write power being used is too low.

• The RFID tag is weak or dead.

Retry with another RFID tag. Make sure you have the right tag type selected and that you are using a tag that is supported by yo ur printer. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

8003

8004

8005

8006

8007

800B

800C

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

COLLISION ERR Multiple tags in the field have the same tag ID. TAG INTEGRITY ERR Response from the tag failed the CRC check. BLOCK(S) LOCKED A write operation could not be performed because a block was

locked.

TAG NOT AUTHENTC An operation could not be performed on the tag because the tag

was not authenticated.

TAG NOT IN FIELD The tag specified was not in the RFID field. T-R DATARATE ERR The tag to reader data bit rate is not supported by the reader, the

tag, or both.

ENCRYPT TAG ERR The data to be written to the tag was not encrypted properly. R-T DATARATE ERR The reader to tag data bit rate is not supported by the reader, the

tag, or both.

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

800D

800E

800F

8010

8011

8012

8013

8014

8101

8102

RFID Error or

Status Message

DECRYPT TAG ERR The data read from the tag was not decrypted properly or was

INVALD SIGNATURE The HMAC written to the tag did not match the data and the key. INVALID AUTH KEY The key number does not exist or is invalid for authentication with

NO APPLI PRESENT The application specified could not be found.

FILE NOT FOUND The specified file was not found on the application. NO FILE SELECTED The command requires a file, but none was selected. INVALID KEY NO. The key number does not exis t or is ou t of th e ran ge o f v ali d k eys. INVALID KEY LEN The key length is not valid for the tag type, the command, or the

SELECT TAG ERR The reader failed to select a specified tag in the RF field.

READ DATA ERR This can occur when one of a number of RFID operations fails.

Description/Action Required

corrupted.

a specific reader or tag.

reader.

Verify that a tag is within the field and that the current tag type is valid with the printer firmware (see Table 9, Supported Tag Types

and Default Values, on page 111).

Check that the tag is good, and repeat the process with another RFID label. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

8103

8104

8105

8106

8107

8108

8109

810A

810B

810C

810D

810F

8201

WRITE DATA ERR This can occur when one of a number of RFID operations fails.

Check that the tag is good, and repeat the process with another RFID label. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

ACTIVATE TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. DEACTIV. TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. SET TAG DAT RATE If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. GET TAG INFO ERR The reader was unable to acquire the information from the tag.

The reader may not contain information for the selected tag.

GET LOCK STA ERR The reader was unable to acquire the lock status from the tag. KILL TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. REVIVE TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. ERASE TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. FORMAT TAG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. SET RDR DAT RATE Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

INVENTORY DONE Status message indicating that the reader exited the Inventory

mode. No action required.

AUTHEN TAG ERR Tag not authenticated.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

8202

8301

8302

8303

8401

8402

8403

8404

8405

RFID Error or

Status Message

SEND PASSWRD ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GET APPLI ID ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

SELECT APPLI ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

CREATE APPLI ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GET FILE IDs ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

SELECT FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

CREATE FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

GET FILE SET ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

MOD FILE SET ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Description/Action Required

Technical Support.

8406

8407

8408

8409

840A

840B

8501

8502

8503

READ FILE ERR Internal problem with the reade r. If the problem persists, cont act

Technical Support.

WRITE FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

DELETE FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

CLEAR FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

INC VAL FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

DEC VAL FILE ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

ENABLE EAS ERR There was an error while setting the EAS bit.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this feature.

DISABLE EAS ERR There was an error while clearing the EAS bit.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this feature.

SCAN EAS ERR The reader did not detect an EAS code in the field.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this fea ture and that the EAS bit is enabled.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Error Code

8504

8505

8506

8507

8508

8509

8601

RFID Error or

Status Message

WRITE AFI ERR There was an error writing to the AFI byte.

READ AFI ERR There was an error reading the AFI byte.

WRITE DSFID ERR There was an error writing to the DSFID byte.

READ DSFID ERR There was an error reading the DSFID byte.

CREDIT VALUE ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. DEBIT VALUE ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. STORE KEY ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Description/Action Required

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this fea ture and that they byte is unlocked. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this feature. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this fea ture and that they byte is unlocked. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

Verify that the tag that you are using supports this feature. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

8602

8ACA

9001

9002

9003

9004

9005

9006

9007

9008

LOAD KEY ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. EXIT TAGLOOP ERR Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, contact

Technical Support.

UNKNOWN ERR An unidentified error occurred.

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID CMD The command does not exist or is invalid for the reader.

Internal problem with the reader. If the problem persists, cont act Technical Support.

INVALID CRC Invalid CRC sent in the request to the reader. If the problem

persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID MESS LEN The number of bytes sent to the reader was invalid for the

command or for the message length passed in. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID ADDRESS The address specified for the command was invalid. If the

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVALID FLAGS The flags specified were invalid for the command specified. If the

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVLD ASCII BYTE A non-ASCII byte value was sent in an ASCII mode command. If

the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

INVLD NO. BLOCKS The number of blocks field in the request was invalid for the

command specified. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Table 7 • RFID Error Code Definitions (Continued)

Troubleshooting

Error Code

9009

9101

9102

9103

9201

9202

9301

RFID Error or

Status Message

INVALID DATA LEN The length of the data specified in the request was invalid for the

LOAD DEFAULT ERR The reader was unable to successfully load its default parameters.

RESET DEVICE ERR The reader was unable to successfully reset the reader. If the

BOOTLOADER ERR The reader failed to enter bootloader mode, which is necessary to

READ SYS ERR There was a problem reading a parameter from the non-volatile

WRITE SYS ERR There was a problem writing a parameter to the non-volatile

SET DEFAULT ERR There was a problem writing a parameter to the non-volatile

Description/Action Required

command specified. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

upgrade firmware. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

memory of the reader. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

9302

9401

9402

9403

900F

F002

F003

F004

GET DEFAULT ERR There was a problem reading a parameter from the non-volatile

memory of the reader. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

AUTHEN RDR ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. ENABLE_DEBUG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. DISABLE_DEBG ERR If the problem persists, contact Technical Support. ANT. BAD/GONE The RFID reader cannot detect the RFID antenna (coupler), or the

antenna (coupler) does not work. Contact Technical Support.

RDR COM TIMEOUT The printer was not able to communicate with the reader. If the

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

ANTENNA SEL ERR The printer firmware could not verify that the selected RFID

antenna (coupler) is properly connected. If selecting the antenna through ZPL, ensure that your printer

supports this feature and that your parameters are correct. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

POWER SELECT ERR The printer could not verify that the intended power setting has

been set successfully. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

RFID Error Codes and Messages

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

ZPL II Commands for RFID

This section contains the ZPL II commands for RFID-specific applications. For non-RFID ZPL commands, refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide. A copy is available

on the User CD provided with your printer and online at http://www.zebra.com/manuals.

Contents

ZPL Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Printer and Firmware Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

^HL or ~HL Return RFID Data Log to Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

^HR Calibrate RFID Transponder Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

^HV Host Verification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

^MM Print Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

^RA Read AFI or DSFID Byte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

^RB Define EPC Data Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

^RE Enable/Disable E.A.S. Bit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

^RF Read or Write RFID Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

^RI Get RFID Tag ID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

^RM Enable RFID Motion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

^RN Detect Multiple RFID Tags in Encoding Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

~RO Reset Advanced Counters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

^RQ Quick Write EPC Data and Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

^RR Specify RFID Retries for a Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

^RS Set Up RFID Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

^RT Read RFID Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

~RV Report RFID Encoding Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

^RW Set RF Power Levels for Read and Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

^RZ Set RFID Tag Password and Lock Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

^WF Encode AFI or DSFID Byte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

ZPL II Commands for RFID

Contents (Continued)

^WT Write (Encode) RFID Tag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

^WV Verify RFID Encoding Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

ZPL Overview

In addition to reading or encoding RFID tags, the RFID ZPL commands also provi de for RFID exception handling, such as setting the number of read/write retries befo re declaring a transponder defective (set with be attempted if an error occurs (set with

For example, if an RFID label fails to program correctly or if the transponder cannot be detected, the printer ejects the label and prints VOID across it. The printer will try to print another label with the same data and format for the number of RFID labels specified by the

^RS command. If the problem persists, the printer follows the error handling instructions

specified by the queue and proceed with the next format (if one exists in the buffer), or it may place the print er in Pause or Error mode.

Important • Consider the following before using any command in this section:

• Before using a particular command, verify that it is compatible with your printer and

firmware version. See Table 8 on page 82.

• If a parameter in the following tables is designated as not applicable for a particular

printer, any value entered for the parameter will be ignored, but the place holder for the field is required.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

ZPL Overview

^RR, ^RT, and ^WT) or setting the number of labels that will

^RS).

^RS command: the printer may remove the problematic format from the print

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

ZPL II Commands for RFID

Printer and Firmware Compatibility

R2844-Z

R110Xi HF

RP4T

R4Mplus

Firmware

UHF Printers HF Printers

R110PAX4

RZ400 and RZ600

all

SP1082X

SP1056X

SP1027X

SP999X

SP994X

R63.X.X

R62.X.X

R53.16.X

* * * * ****

or later)

(R63.13.0.11Z

or later)

(R62.13.0.13ZC

** — — — — — —* *—

Table 8 shows which RFID ZPL commands you can use with different printers and firmware versions.

Printer and Firmware Compatibility

Ta ble 8 • Supported Commands Based on Printer and Firmware

and R170Xi

R110Xi

all

* ** * * * * * ***—

— —— — — — — — —— *—

— —— — — — — — —— **

* ** * * * * * ***—

or later)

(R60.13.0.13ZD

* ** * * * * * ***—

or later)

(R60.13.0.3

* ** * * * * * ***—

Return RFID Data Log to Host

Command Function

^HL or ~HL

on page 84

^HR on page 85 Calibrate RFID Transponder Position

^RA on page 91 Read AFI or DSFID Byte

^HV on page 88 Host Verification * ** * * * * * **a **

^RB on page 93 Define EPC Data Structure

^RE on page 95 Enable/Disable E.A.S. Bit

^RF on page 96 Read or Write RFID Format

^RI on page 100 Get RFID Tag ID

^RM on page 101 Enable RFID Motion

^RN on page 102 Detect Multiple RFID Tags in Encoding Field

~RO on page 103 Reset Advanced Counters

* = Supported — = Not supported

a. Not ^FH capable. Also, parameters t and a do not apply. b. For parameter e, the only accepted value is N for No Action.

c. Use the ^RF, ^RM, and ^RR commands rather than the ^RT command. d. Use the ^RF, ^RM, ^RR, and ^WV commands rather than the ^WT command.

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

ZPL II Commands for RFID

Printer and Firmware Compatibility

R2844-Z

R110Xi HF

RP4T

R4Mplus

Firmware

UHF Printers HF Printers

R110PAX4

all

SP1082X

SP1056X

SP1027X

SP999X

SP994X

R63.X.X

——————*——

R62.X.X

or later)

(R62.15.7Z

*——

***

or later)

(SP999C

or later)

(SP994J

RZ400 and RZ600

and R170Xi

R110Xi

Table 8 • Supported Commands Based on Printer and Firmware (Continued)

R53.16.X

* *

all

(R60.15.7Z or

* * * ********—

* * * ******* b * *

later)

* * * **

* * * ********—

* c * c * c * c * c * c * c * c * c * c * c *

* * * *******——

— — — ———————*—

* d * d * d * d * d * d * d * d * d * d * d *

Command Function

^RQ on page 105 Quick Write EPC Data and Passwords

^RR on page 107 Specify RFID Retries for a Block

^RS on page 108 Set Up RFID Paramete rs

^RT on page 115 Read RFID Tag

~RV on page 117 Report RFID Encoding Results

^RW on page 118 Set RF Power Levels for Read and Write

^RZ on page 120 Set RFID Tag Password and Lock Tag

^WF on page 123 Encode AFI or DSFID Byte

^WT on page 125 Write (Encode) RFID Tag

^WV on page 127 Verify RFID Encoding Operation

* = Supported — = Not supported

a. Not ^FH capable. Also, parameters t and a do not apply. b. For parameter e, the only accepted value is N for No Action.

c. Use the ^RF, ^RM, and ^RR commands rather than the ^RT command. d. Use the ^RF, ^RM, ^RR, and ^WV commands rather than the ^WT command.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HL or ~HL

Return RFID Data Log to Host

Description The printer continually logs RFID data a nd stores it in the print er’s RAM. Use

this command to request that the RFID data log be returned to the host computer, to clear the current data log, and to restart data recording. The data returned show the status of the RFID read, write, and lock commands and show any resulting error codes.

Format ^HL or ~HL Comments

• Data is shown in the format sent by the ^RFW command (ASCII, Hex, or EPC).

• In the log, the data displays in this manner:

C,EEEE,DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

where C = the RFID operation

UHF:

R = Read W=Write L=Lock Q = Quick Write EPC Data and Passwords Z = Set RFID Tag Password and Lock Tag A = Read Password I = Read RFID Tag ID

HF:

R = read (^RF) W= write (^RF) r=read (^RT) w=write (^WT) l=Lock TIDR = Read RFID Tag ID EASS = Enable/Disable E.A.S. Bit AFIR = Read AFI Byte DSFIDR = Read DSFID Byte AFIW = Encode AFI Byte DSFIDW = Encode DSFID Byte

EEEE = the RFID error code (see RFID Error Codes and Messages on page 53) DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD = data read or written

• If the log exceeds 64K (approximately 2000 operations), the data log is cleared automatically , and data recordi ng restarts. When this happens, the following app ears in the log:

Logfile automatically reset

• If the printer loses power , the log is lost. If the log re sults are important to you, retrieve the log frequently.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/08

^HR

Calibrate RFID Transponder Position

Important • Consider the following before using this command:

• This command is not supported by all printers or firmware. See Printer and Firmware

Compatibility on page 82 for the list of printers and firmware with which you can use this

command.

• Do not perform transponder calibration for RFID media that meets the transponder

placement specifications for your printer. Doing so will slow the printer’s throughput unnecessarily. To order media that is designed for use with your RFID printer, cont act your authorized Zebra reseller.

Description Use this command to initiate an RFID transponder calibration for a specific RFID label. Results are returned to the host computer. This calibration is used to determine the optimal programming position for RFID media that may not meet the transponder placement specifications for the printer.

During transponder calibration, the printe r feeds the RFID labe l one millimete r at a time wh ile taking readings (via the READ T AG command and the WRITE TAG commands) to profile the RFID transponder. Based on the results, the printer determines the optimal programming position for the label and returns a results table to the host. The calibrated value is used as the programming position for the saved to nonvolatile memory (the value is saved even if the power is turned off).

^RS command, can be overwritten by the ^RS command, and is

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HR

This calibration takes into account the print mode, backfeed mode, and tear off position. The

RUN option in the RFID TAG CALIB control panel parameter performs the same

calibration but does not create a results table.

Important • If a label format specifies a value for parameter p (read/write position of the

transponder) in the all RFID labels until a new posi tion i s specifi ed or u ntil the printer i s turned Of f ( back On (

Format ^HRa,b

This table identifies the parameters for this format.

Parameters Details

I).

a = start string

=end string

^RS command, that value will be used for the programming position for

O) and then

User text to appear before the results table.

Accepted values: any string less than 65 characters Default value:

User text to appear after the results table.

Accepted values: any string less than 65 characters Default value:

start

end

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HR

Comments

• Based on the recommended transponder placement position for most RFID labels, the printer’s default RFID programming position is zero for the R110PAX4. For other RFID printers, the default programming position is the label length minus 1 mm (0.04 in.). T o return to the default programming position at any time, use the RESTORE option in the

RFID TAG CALIB control panel parameter (see Calibrate RFID Tag on page 23).

• To see the current programming position (shown in dot rows), refer to the printer configuration label:

or use the SGD command rfid.position.program on page 135.

• At the end of calibration, a results table is returned to the host. Each line in the results table appears as:

Row, Read Result, Write Result

where

Row = the millimeter where calibration occurred Read Result = results of calibration (R = read, " " = unable to read) Write Result = results of calibration (W = write, " " = unable to write)

The programming position is indicated in dot rows.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HR

Example • If the following command is sent to the printer:

^XA^HR^XZ

The printer starts the transponder calibration and return s a results table such as the followi ng:

start position=480 82, , 80, , 79, , . . . 56,R, 55,R,W 54,R,W 53,R,W 52,R,W 51,R,W 50,R,W 49,R,W 48,R,W 47,R,W 46,R,W 45,R,W 44,R,W 43,R,W 42,R,W 41,R,W 40,R,W <---**** 480 dots 39,R,W 38,R,W 37,R,W 36,R,W 35,R,W 34,R,W 33,R,W 32,R,W 31,R,W 30,R,W 29,R,W 28,R,W 27,R,W 26,R,W 25,R,W 24,R,W 23,R, 22, , 21, , . . . end

In this example, performed on a 300 dpi printer, the optimal programming position is at 40 mm or 480 dot rows. This is identified at the top of the table ( an the arrow (

<---****) in the table.

position=480) and with

11/14/2008 RFID Programming Guide 58978L-008 Rev. A

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HV

Host Verification

Description Use this command to return data from specified fields, along with an optional

ASCII header, to the host computer. You can use this command with any field that has been assigned a number with the

Format ^HV#,n,h,t,a

This table identifies the parameters for this format:

Parameters Details

^RT command or the ^FN and ^RF commands.

# = field number

specified with another command

n = number of bytes to be

returned

h = header to be returned

with the data

t = termination

a = command applies to

Example • The following code:

The value assigned to this parameter should be the same as the one used in another command.

Accepted Values: Default Value: 0

Accepted Values: 1 to 256 Default Value: 64

Delimiter characters terminate the string. This field is Field Hex (^FH) capable.

Accepted Values: Default Value: no header

This field is Field Hex (^FH) capable. Accepted Values: 0 to 3072 characters

When ^PQ is greater than 1, send one response for a label format or one for every label printed.

Accepted Values:

F =Format L = Label

Default Value: F

0 to 9999

0 to 3072 bytes

^XA . . .

^FH_^HV0,8,EPC[,]_0D_0A,L^FS ^PQ2 ^XZ

Would return data such as this:

EPC[12345678] EPC[55554444]

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

^MM

Print Mode

ZPL II Commands for RFID

Description The ^MM command determines the action the printer takes after a label or

group of labels has printed.

Format ^MMa,b

This table identifies the parameters for this format:

Parameters Details

^MM

a = desired mode

Accepted Values:

T = Tear-off P = Peel-off (not available on S-300) R = Rewind (depends on printer model) A = Applicator (depends on printer model) C = Cutter (depends on printer model) D = Delayed cutter (depends on printer model)

F = RFID (not valid on the RP4T)

Default Value:

The values available for parameter printer being used and whether it supports the option.

For supported RFID printers, the defaults are as follows:

A = R110PAX4 print engines F = other RFID printers

b = prepeel select Accepted Values:

N = no Y = yes

Default Value:

The command is ignored if parameters are missing or invalid. The current value of the command remains unchanged.

a depend on the

This list identifies the different modes of operation:

• Tear-off — after printing, the label advances so the web is over the tear bar. The label, with liner attached, can be torn off manually.

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ZPL II Commands for RFID

^MM

• Peel-off — after printing, t he label moves forward and ac tivates a Label Available Sensor . Printing stops until the label is manually removed from the printer.

Power Peel – liner automatically rewinds using an optional internal rewind spindle. Value Peel – liner feeds down the front of the printer and is manually removed. Prepeel – after eac h labe l is manually removed, t he printer feeds th e next label forward to

prepeel a small portion of th e label away from the liner material. The printer then backfeeds and prints the label. The prepeel feature assists in the proper peel operation of some media types.

• Rewind — the label and backing are rewound on an (optional) external rewind device. The next label is positioned under the printhead (no backfeed motion).

• Applicator — when used with an application device, the label move far enough forward to be removed by the applicator and applied to an item.

• Cutter — after printing, the media feed s forward and is automatically cut into predetermined lengths.

• Delayed cutter — When the printer is in the Delayed Cut PRINT MODE, it will cut the label when it receives the ~JK (Delayed Cut) command. To activate the ~JK command, the printer's PRINT MODE must be set to Delayed Cut and there must be a label waiting to be cut. When the printer is not in the Delayed Cut PRINT MODE, the printer will not cut the label when it receives the ~JK command.

The Delayed Cut feature can be activated:

• through PRINT MODE on the printer’s control panel

•with a ^MMD command

• RFID — increases throughput time when printing batches of RFID labels by eliminating backfeed between labels.

Comments Be sure to select the appropriate value for the print mode being used to avoid unexpected results.

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

^RA

Read AFI or DSFID Byte

Important • This command is not supported by all printers or firmware. See Printer and

Firmware Compatibility on page 82 for the list of printers and firmware with which you can

use this command.

Description Use this command to read the AFI or DSFID byte. The data can be returned to the host via the

Format ^RA#,f,r,m,b

This table identifies the parameters for this format.

Parameters Details

^HV command.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RA

# =field number

specified with another command

f = format

r = number of retries

m = motion

b = type of byte to read

The value assigned to this parameter should be the same as the one used in the

Accepted values: 0 to 9999 Default value: 0

Accepted values:

^RT command.

0 = ASCII 1 = Hexadecimal

Default value: 0 Accepted values: 0 to 10

Default value: 0 Accepted values:

0 = Feed label after writing. 1 = No Feed after writing. Other ZPL may cause a feed.

Default value: 0 Accepted values:

A = AFI byte D = DSFID byte

Default value: A

Example 1 •This example reads the AFI byte in ASCII format and returns AFI Byte:x

to the host. The printer will retry the command five times if necessary. A voided label is generated if the read is unsuccessful after these retries. The data read will go into the location of the recalled format.

^FN1

^XA ^FO20,120^A0N,60^FN1^FS ^RA1,0,5,0^FS ^HV1,,AFI Byte:^FS ^XZ

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ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RA

Example 2 •This example reads the DSFID byte in ASCII format and returns

DSFID Byte:x to the host. The printer will retry the command three times if necessary. A

voided label is generated if the read is unsuccessful after these retries. The data read will go into the

^FN1 location of the recalled format.

^XA ^FO20,120^A0N,60^FN1^FS ^RA1,0,3,0,D^FS ^HV1,,DSFID Byte:^FS ^XZ

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^RB

Define EPC Data Structure

Important • This command is not supported by all printers or firmware. See Printer and

Firmware Compatibility on page 82 for the list of printers and firmware with which you can

use this command.

Description Use this command to define the structure of EPC data, which can be read from or written to an RFID transponder. For more in formation about EPC specifications, refer to the EPC Global web site. All parameters in this command are persistent and will be used in subsequent formats if not provided. The values are initially set to the default values.

RFID transponders can have different partitions defined. This command specifies the number of partitions and how many bits are in each partition.

Format ^RBn,p0,p1,p2, ..., p15

This table identifies the parameters for this format.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RB

Parameters Details

n = total bit size of the

partitions

p0 ... p15

partition sizes

Example 1 •The following command specifies that there are 96 bits used with three fields.

Fields 0, 1, and 2 contain 10, 26, and 60 bits, respectively.

Specify the number of bits to include in the partitions.

Accepted values: 1 to n, where n is the bit size of the tag. Default value:

Specify the number of bits to include in the individual partitions. The partition sizes must add up to the bit size specified for the previous parameter. The largest individual partition size is 64 bits.

Accepted values: 1 to 64 Default value:

^RB96,10,26,60

The ZPL code to encode a tag with this format would look like this:

^RFW,E^FD1000.67108000.1122921504606846976^FS

When the tag is being encoded, the tag stores the data in the following way:

• Field 0 contains

1000. This value is stored in the first 10 bits

• Field 1 contains 67108000. This value is stored in the next 26 bits.

• Field 2 contains 1122921504606846976. This value is stored in the remaining 60 bits.

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ZPL II Commands for RFID

Header Filter Value

Company

Prefix Index

Item Reference Serial Numb er

SGTIN-64 2 bits 3 bits 14 bits 20 bits 25 bits

(binary value)

8 (decimal capacity)

16,383 (decimal capacity)

9 to 1,048,575

(decimal

capacity*)

33,554,431

(decimal capacity)

* Capacity of Item Reference field varies with the length of the company prefix.

0.3.12345.544332.22335221

^RB

Example 2 •The following command specifies that there are 64 bits used with eight 8-bit

fields.

^RB64,8,8,8,8,8,8,8,8^FS

The ZPL code to encode a tag with this format would look like this:

^RFW,E^FD1.123.160.200.249.6.1.0^FS

When writing to the tag, each set of data is written in its respective 8-bit field.

Example 3 •This example uses the SGTIN-64 standard, which defines 64-bit structure in the

following way:

The ZPL code to encode a tag with this format would look like this:

^XA ^RB64,2,3,14,20,25 ^RFW,E^FD0,3,12345,544332,22335221^FS ^XZ

These commands would put

• 0 in the header

• 3 as the filter value

• 12345 as the company prefix

• 544332 as the item reference

• 22335221 as the serial number

To read this EPC data and print the results on the label, you woul d use the following code:

^XA ^RB64,2,3,14,20,25 ^FO50,50^A0N,40^FN0^FS ^FN0^RFR,E^FS ^XZ

The resulting label would look like this:

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

^RE

Enable/Disable E.A.S. Bit

Important • This command is not supported by all printers or firmware. See Printer and

Firmware Compatibility on page 82 for the list of printers and firmware with which you can

use this command.

Description Use this command to enable or disable the Electronic Article Surveillance (E.A.S.) bit that is available in some ISO15693 tags (such as Philips). This command works only on those ISO15693 transponders and will be ignored if the tag does not support E.A.S.

Format ^REt,r

The following table identifies the parameters for this format.

Parameters Details

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RE

t = Enable/disable the

E.A.S. bit in the ISO15693 transponder

r = number of retries

Example • This example enables the E.A.S. bit in the transponder. It will retry the command

five times if necessary.

Accepted values:

N = Disable E.A.S. Y = Enable E.A.S.

Default value: N Accepted values: 0 to 10

Default value: 0

^XA ^REy,5 ^XZ

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ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RF

Read or Write RFID Format

Important • This command is not supported by all printers or firmware. See Printer and

Firmware Compatibility on page 82 for the list of printers and firmware with which you can

use this command.

Description Use this command to read or write to (encode) an RFID tag. When using this command to read a tag, you may use a field variable to print the tag data on the label or to return the data to the host. See Create and Send an RFID Label Format on page 30 for examples that use a field variable.

Format ^RFo,f,b,n,m

This table identifies the parameters for this format.

Parameters Details

o = operation

f =format

Specifies the action to be performed.

Accepted Values:

W=write to (encode) the tag L=write with LOCK (if supported by tag type; Gen 2

tag type does not use this locking function)

R=read the tag P = read password (Gen 2 tag type only)

Default Value: W Accepted Values:

A = ASCII H = Hexadecimal E = EPC (ensure proper setup with the ^RB command)

Default Value: H

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Parameters Details

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RF

b = s tarting block

number

n = number of bytes to

read or write

For tag types other Gen 2:

Specifies the starting block number. Accepted Values: 0 to n, where n is the maximum number of

blocks for the tag. Default Value: 0

For Gen 2 tag type only:

What you specify for this parameter depends on what you entered for the operation parameter.

• When W, L, or R are specified for the operation parameter,

this parameter specifies a 16-bit word block number. Accepted Values: 0 to n, where n is the maximum number

of blocks for the bank specified in the memory bank parameter

Default Value: 0

• When P is specified for the operation parameter, this

parameter specifies which password to read.

Accepted Values:

K=kill password A=access password

Default Value: K

Specifies the number of bytes to read or write.

For high-frequency (HF) printers:

Accepted Values: 1 to n, where n is the maximum number of bytes for the tag.

Default Value: 1

For Gen 2 tag type only:

When E is specified for the memory bank parameter, this value is not required.

Accepted Values: 1 to n, where n is the maximum number of bytes for the tag.

Default Value: 1

For all other printers and tag types:

This parameter applies only when the starting block number is 1.

Accepted Values: 1 to n, where n is the maximum number of bytes for the tag. For UCODE EPC 1.19, n is 32.

Default Value: 1

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ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RF

Parameters Details

m = memory bank

Note • This parameter applies to Gen 2 tags only.

Specifies the Gen 2 memory bank. See Gen 2 Memory Map

on page 46 for more information about Gen 2 memory.

Accepted Values:

E = EPC 96-bit (command automatically performs

operation on Gen 2 bit address 20 12 bytes of the EPC memory bank)

0 = Reserved 1 = EPC 2 = TID (Tag ID) 3 = User

Default Value: E

Example 1 •This example encodes 96-bit data in ASCII format.

^XA ^RS4 ^RFw,a^FD00 my data^FS ^XZ

and accesses

Example 2 •This example encodes 64-bit data in hexadecimal format.

^XA ^RS3 ^RFW,H^FD1122334455667788^FS ^XZ

Example 3 •This example encodes 96-bit EPC data, as specified by the ^RB command.

^XA ^RB96,8,3,3,20,24,38 ^RFw,e^FD16.3.5.78742.146165.1234567891^FS ^XZ

Example 4 •This example encodes 4 bytes of hexadecimal formatted data, starting in

block 3 of Gen 2 EPC bank 1.

^XA ^RS8 ^RFW,H,3,4,1^FD11112222^FS ^XZ

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ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RF

Example 5 •This example reads the extended Gen 2 tag ID (TID), which is not read by the

^RI command, and returns the results to the host computer. The results are labeled with the header “8-byte Tag ID Data.”

^XA ^RS8 ^RFR,H,0,8,2^FN1^FS^HV1,,8-byte Tag ID Data:^FS ^XZ

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100

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RI

Get RFID Tag ID

Important • This command is not supported by all printers or firmware. See Printer and

Firmware Compatibility on page 82 for the list of printers and firmware with which you can

use this command.

Description Use this command to get the unique serial number of the tag and return it in hexadecimal format. The data can be sent back to the host via the

For Gen 2 tag types, this command will return the 32-bit tag ID (TID) for the tag. If your Gen 2 tag supports TID data beyond 32 bits, see ^RF on page 96 to access the TID memory bank.

Format ^RI#,s,r,m

This table identifies the parameters for this format.

Parameters Details

^HV command.

# = number to be

assigned to the field

s = specify data order

Accepted values: 0 to 9999 Default value: 0

Note • This parameter applies only to the R110Xi HF

and R2844-Z printers.

Accepted values: Accepted Values:

0=Most significant byte first for Tag*It and PicoTag.

Least significant byte first for I*code and ISO15693.

1=Reverse the data order

Default value: 0

r = number of retries

m = motion

Accepted values: 0 to 10 Default value: 0

Accepted values:

0 = Feed label after writing 1 = No Feed after writing (other ZPL commands may

cause a feed)

Default value: 0

Example • This example reads a tag ID, prints it on a label, and sends string

Tag ID:xxxxxxxx to the host. The data read will go into the ^FN0 location of the

format. The printer will retry the command five times, if necessary.

^XA ^FO20,120^A0N,60^FN0^FS ^RI0,,5^FS ^HV0,,Tag ID:^FS ^XZ

58978L-008 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 11/14/2008

Zebra Technologies radio frequency identification User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

About This Document

Who Should Use This Document

How This Document Is Organized

Contacts

Document Conventions

Introduction to RFID

RFID Overview

RFID Label Selection

Considering RFID Transponder (Tag) Types

Accounting for Transponder Inlay Placement

Selecting and Purchasing RFID Labels

Performing Label Placement Tests

Storing RFID Labels

Radio Frequency Interference

ZPL Commands for RFID Applications

SGD Commands for RFID Applications

Set Tag Type

Set RF Power Levels

Perform RFID Transponder Calibration

Download Latest Firmware

Create and Send an RFID Label Format

Sample RFID Label Formats

RFID Label Format 1—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in Hexadecimal

RFID Label Format 2—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in ASCII

RFID Label Format 3—Read Data from Tag and Print Data on Label

RFID Label Format 4—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Print Data on Label

RFID Label Format 5—Encode a Class 1 64-bit Tag in Hexadecimal

RFID Label Format 6—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Return Results to Host

RFID Antenna Location

RXi and RXi HF

RZ400 and RZ600

R110PAX4

RP4T

R4Mplus

Basic Transponder Characteristics

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

EPC Fields

EPC Structure in RFID Labels

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)

Data Content

Data and Tag Security

Gen 2 Memory Map

Troubleshooting

RFID Problems

RFID Error Codes and Messages

Error and Status Messages

Error Codes

ZPL II Commands for RFID

ZPL Overview

Printer and Firmware Compatibility

^HL or ~HL

Calibrate RFID Transponder Position

Host Verification

Print Mode

Read AFI or DSFID Byte

Define EPC Data Structure

Enable/Disable E.A.S. Bit

Read or Write RFID Format

Get RFID Tag ID