RFID chips are integrated circuits (IC) inside RFID tags or labels. Despite their small size, they are highly-integrated microchips that contain all the components of a controller, memory and microprocessor.

The chip operates by receiving energy via the waves the antenna emits. Then, the reader processes the readings to transmit the data that are stored in the same integrated circuit.

New integrated circuits with the latest technology are being launched every day, with increased internal memories and higher quality. Today, they have a multitude of possibilities and features, such as adding passwords, data encryption functions and the possibility to have an EAS alarm system. There are other types of chips that combine UHF RFID technology with NFC technology, such as the it matters 4425, with the tag Smartrac Web DF.

UHF integrated circuits have 4 main characteristics

• EPC: The Electronic Product Code is a universal identifier to provide a unique identity for every object and product. The serial number can be customised. Example: F6789019011201311980681D
• User memory: It is designed to record the data required by users, such as dates, batches and product expiry date.
• TID: It is the unique identifier of RFID tags. Since there cannot be duplicates, this means each tag is unique worldwide. It is factory locked and cannot be changed. Example: E200001908120237172068DA
• Password: A password can be entered so that no unauthorised person can write over the chip.

NFC integrated circuits have 3 main features

• UID: It is the unique identifier of NFC tags. Since there cannot be duplicates, this means each tag is unique worldwide. It is factory locked and cannot be changed. It has a 7-byte memory, which is equivalent to 14 hexadecimal characters. Example: 04 9C 64 D2 45 2B 80
• Password: A password can be entered so that no unauthorised person can write over the chip.
• Memory: It is designed to write data that users need into 4-byte blocks. The standard encoding format supported by all devices is NDEF. You can write URLs, dates, batches, locations, contacts, etc.

The main manufacturers of integrated circuits (IC)

• Impinj
• NXP Semiconductors

The most commonly used types of chips (IC) in RFID UHF technology are available in the following tags catalogue.