RFID Programming Guide 3 V3

User Manual:

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About This Document
- Who Should Use This Document
- How This Document Is Organized
Introduction to RFID
Using RFID Features
RFID Printer Configuration
- Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings
- RFID User Menu
Creating Basic RFID Label Formats
- Create and Send an RFID Label Format
- Sample RFID Label Formats
Troubleshooting
- RFID Problems
- RFID Error Codes and Messages
ZPL II Commands for RFID
SGD Commands for RFID
Index

P1062165-002 Rev. A

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Programming Guide 3

Zebra®

for the ZT400™ Series and

ZD500R™ printers

therein are owned by ZIH Corp. and Zebra’s licensors. 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.

This product may contain ZPL®, ZPL II®, and ZebraLink™ programs; Element Energy Equalizer® Circuit; E3®; and

Zebra, the Zebra head graphic, Link-OS, ZPL, and ZPL II are trademarks of ZIH Corp., registered in many

Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth SIG.

All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. For additional trademark

information, please see “Trademarks” on the product CD.

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.

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

specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

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

manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies reserves the right to correct any such errors and

disclaims liability resulting therefrom.

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

or delivery of the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever

(including, without limitation, consequential damages including loss of business profits, 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 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.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement (for printers with radios or RFID encoders) This equipment

complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be

installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator and your body.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Part Number: P1062165-002 Rev. A

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Contents

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

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

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

1 • Introduction to RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

RFID Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Electronic Product Code (EPC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

EPC Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

EPC Structure in RFID Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Data and Tag Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Gen 2 Memory Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2 • Using RFID Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Performing Firmware Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

RFID Label Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Considering RFID Transponder Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Accounting for Transponder Inlay Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Testing RFID Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Maximizing RFID Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Avoiding Radio Frequency Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Storing or Handling RFID Labels Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Using the Correct RFID Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Setting the RFID Values Using Tag Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Setting the RFID Values Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Restoring the Printer’s Default Programming Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Locking RFID Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Contents

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

3 • RFID Printer Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

RFID User Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4 • Creating Basic RFID Label Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Create and Send an RFID Label Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Sample RFID Label Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

RFID Label Format 1—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in Hexadecimal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

RFID Label Format 2—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in ASCII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

RFID Label Format 3—Read Data from Tag and Print Data on Label . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

RFID Label Format 4—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Print Data on Label . . . . . . . . . 36

RFID Label Format 5—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Return Results to Host . . . . . . 37

5 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

RFID Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

RFID Error Codes and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

6 • ZPL II Commands for RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

^HL or ~HL Return RFID Data Log to Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

^HR Calibrate RFID Tag Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

^HV Host Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

^RB Define EPC Data Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

^RF Read or Write RFID Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

^RL Lock/Unlock RFID Tag Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

^RLM – Lock/Unlock the Specified Memory Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

^RLB – Permanently Lock Specified Memory Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

~RO Reset Advanced Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

^RR Enable Adaptive Antenna Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

^RS Set Up RFID Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

^RU Read Unique RFID Chip Serialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

^RW Set RF Power Levels for Read and Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

7 • SGD Commands for RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

odometer.rfid.valid_resettable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

odometer.rfid.void_resettable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

rfid.adaptive_antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

rfid.antenna_sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

rfid.country_code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

rfid.enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

rfid.error.response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

rfid.hop_table_version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

rfid.position.program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

rfid.reader_1.antenna_port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

rfid.reader_1.firmware_version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

rfid.reader_1.hardware_version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Contents

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

rfid.reader_1.model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

rfid.reader_1.power.read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

rfid.reader_1.power.write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

rfid.region_code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

rfid.tag.calibrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

rfid.tag.read.content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

rfid.tag.read.execute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

rfid.tag.read.result_line1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

rfid.tag.read.result_line1_alternate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

rfid.tag.read.result_line2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

rfid.tag.read.result_line2_alternate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

rfid.tag.test.content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

rfid.tag.test.execute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

rfid.tag.test.result_line1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

rfid.tag.test.result_line2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Contents

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Notes • ____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

About This Document

This section provides you with contact information, document structure and organization, and

additional reference documents.

Contents

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

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

About This Document

Who Should Use This Document

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Who Should Use This Document

The RFID Programming Guide 3 is intended for use by the label format developer or printer

integrator to create label formats that will encode RFID tags. The following printers are

supported by this guide:

• ZT400 Series with RFID option installed

•ZD500R

For other printers, refer to the original RFID Programming Guide, part number 58978L-XXX,

or to RFID Programming Guide 2, part number P1026148-XXX. You can download the most

recent version from http://www.zebra.com/manuals.

How This Document Is Organized

The RFID Programming Guide 3 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 9 This section describes the basic concepts of Radio Frequency

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

Using RFID Features on page 13 This section guides you through some ideas to consider and some

tasks that you may need to perform before you begin using RFID

labels. When you have completed this section, you will be ready to

program your RFID label formats.

RFID User Menu on page 27 This section shows the parameters that appear on your printer in the

RFID User Menu.

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

on page 31 Use the ZPL samples in this section as a base for programming your

own RFID label formats.

Troubleshooting on page 39 This section provides information about RFID operational errors that

you might need to troubleshoot. For other types of problems, consult

the User Guide for your printer.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

on page 47 This section contains the ZPL II commands for RFID-specific

applications.

SGD Commands for RFID on page 73 This section contains the Set/Get/Do (SGD) commands for RFID-

specific applications.

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Introduction to RFID

This section describes the basic concepts of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and how

RFID works with your printer.

Contents

RFID Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Electronic Product Code (EPC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

EPC Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

EPC Structure in RFID Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Data and Tag Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Gen 2 Memory Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Introduction to RFID

RFID Overview

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

RFID Overview

An RFID printer encodes (writes) information on ultra-thin HF or UHF RFID transponders

that are embedded in “smart” labels, tickets, and tags. The printer encodes the information;

verifies proper encoding; and prints bar codes, graphics, and/or text on the label’s surface.

The RFID transponder is sometimes called the RFID tag or an inlay. The transponder is

usually made of an antenna that is bonded to an integrated circuit (IC) chip. The IC chip

contains the RF circuit, coders, decoders, and memory. If you hold an RFID label up to the

light, you can see the transponder’s antenna, and you can feel a bump in the label where the IC

chip is located.

Encoding and printing of an RFID label usually are completed on the first try, but some

failures may occur. If you experience consistent failures, it may signal a problem with the

RFID tags, with your label formats, or with the transponder placement.

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

EPC is a product-numbering standard administered by GS1 that can be used to identify a

variety of items by using RFID technology. The 96-bit EPC code links to an online database,

providing a secure way of sharing product-specific information along the supply chain.

EPC Fields

As with bar codes, EPC is divided into numbers that identify the manufacturer and product

type. However, EPC contains the following additional information:

•Header—identifies the length, type, structure, version, and generation of EPC

•Manager Number—identifies the company or company entity

•Object Class—similar to a stock keeping unit (SKU)

•Serial Number—the specific instance of the Object Class being tagged

Additional fields may be used as part of the EPC code to encode and decode information from

different numbering systems into human-readable form. For more information about EPC

specifications, refer to the EPC Global web site.

Note • The information in this section is provided for your convenience only and is subject to

change. Go to http://gs1.org/epcglobal for the latest EPC information.

Introduction to RFID

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

EPC Structure in RFID Labels

In the printer, you can subdivide transponder data into unique fields. You can customize these

fields to create “smart” labels that meet your needs or that meet the standards necessary in

EPC programming.

The ^RB ZPL command (see ^RB on page 55 for) is used to define EPC structure. EPC field

data can be delimited with any of the following characters:

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

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)

Gen 2 tags typically have a 96-bit EPC identifier and can support large data structures. The

size of user memory available (if any) varies by the model and manufacturer of the tag.

Data and Tag Security

Tag Passwords You can set optional 32-bit passwords that allow you to access tag data, to

lock tag data, or to permanently disable (kill) a tag. If desired, use the ZPL command ^RF

on page 57 to set the passwords and ^RL on page 61 to specify the type of lock.

Data Locking Options Tag memory can be safeguarded with flexible locking options

using ^RL on page 61. For example, you can lock a tag’s memory to prevent it from being

encoded accidentally and later unlock it for writing. A permanent locking feature prevents

rewriting of tag data.

Introduction to RFID

EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Gen 2 Memory Map

Figure 1 shows how information is stored on a Gen 2 tag.

Figure 1 • Gen 2 Memory Map

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Using RFID Features

This section guides you through some ideas to consider and some tasks that you may need to

perform before you begin using RFID labels. When you have completed this section, you will

be ready to program your RFID label formats.

Contents

Performing Firmware Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

RFID Label Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Considering RFID Transponder Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Accounting for Transponder Inlay Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Testing RFID Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Maximizing RFID Potential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Avoiding Radio Frequency Interference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Storing or Handling RFID Labels Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Using the Correct RFID Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Setting the RFID Values Using Tag Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Setting the RFID Values Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Restoring the Printer’s Default Programming Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Locking RFID Tags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Using RFID Features

Performing Firmware Updates

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Performing Firmware Updates

Zebra may update printer firmware periodically to add new functionality or to fix any known

issues with older firmware. At any time, you may download the most recent firmware for your

RFID printer. For the firmware files and the downloading instructions, go to

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

The RFID features described in this manual require the supported printers to have the

firmware version listed in Table 1. For other printers, refer to the original RFID Programming

Guide, part number 58978L-XXX, or to RFID Programming Guide 2, part number

P1026148-XXX. You can download the most recent version of any of these manuals from

http://www.zebra.com/manuals.

Important • Download only the firmware designed for your printer (Table 1). Downloading

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

Before downloading new firmware, print a printer configuration label and verify that the new

printer firmware version is appropriate for your printer.

Table 1 • RFID Printer Firmware Versions

Printer Firmware Version

ZT400 Series V75.19.7Z or later

ZD500R V74.19.7Z or later

Using RFID Features

RFID Label Selection

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

RFID Label Selection

To select RFID labels for your printer, consider the RFID transponder (commonly called the

RFID tag) and where the transponder is placed in the label. Run tests to determine if the RFID

labels that you selected work as you expected before you purchase a large quantity of them.

This section provides a brief overview of things that you should take into account. Additional

RFID media considerations specific to your printer may be found at

http://www.zebra.com/transponders/.

Considering RFID Transponder Characteristics

Before you purchase Gen 2 RFID labels, determine which RFID transponder (tag) to use.

Many RFID transponders look similar, but they behave differently. For different transponders,

the following characteristics vary:

• the amount of programmable memory (which corresponds to the amount of data that can

be encoded in it)

• the way that data is segmented

• custom commands that can be used (such as block lock)

Select the transponder that best suits your needs.

Accounting for Transponder Inlay Position

Communication between the RFID label and the printer is established when the RFID label’s

transponder lines up with the printer’s RFID antenna or active antenna element. The optimal

tag programming position varies with the transponder size, its configuration, and the type of

chip used.

Figure 2 on page 16 shows the physical specifications that should be taken into account for

each transponder when deciding where to place the transponder on a label.

Testing RFID Labels

Before you purchase a large quantity of Gen 2 RFID labels, test a small batch to make sure that

they function as you need them to. You may need to adjust the transponder location or change

transponders if the RFID labels do not work in your application.

Important • Print quality may be affected by printing directly over the transponder.

In particular, there is an area on each label immediately around the location of the IC chip

where the printer may print with low quality. Design your printed label around the location of

the chip in the type of approved RFID label that you select.

Note • For the ZD500R, which is a center-justified printer, the RFID inlay should always be

centered horizontally in the label.

Using RFID Features

RFID Label Selection

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Figure 2 • Transponder Placement Guidelines

feed direction

aInlay

Center Left inner edge to

transponder (inlay) center.

Viewed from face stock

side, feed direction down.

RF coupling with the transponder can change horizontally

across the width of the label. This dimension is relative to the

center of the transponder antenna, which is not always the

same as the chip location.

This measurement is typically defined with a ±3 mm tolerance.

xInlay

Position Label Start to transponder

antenna leading edge. The Inlay Position ensures proper RF encoding with the

transponder in the current label. This dimension is relative to

the leading edge of the transponder antenna and is the optimal

distance from the print line to the antenna during encoding.

This measurement is typically defined with a ±3 mm tolerance.

yInlay

Pitch Distance from the leading

edge of one transponder

antenna to the next.

If transponders are spaced too closely together, coupling to

multiple transponders can sometimes occur. This dimension

defines the minimum pitch required to ensure coupling only

with the transponder in the current label. The minimum pitch

for printers supported by this manual is 16 mm (0.63 in.)

Using RFID Features

Maximizing RFID Potential

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Maximizing RFID Potential

After an RFID label is encoded, how well it functions depends where the label is placed on an

item, the contents of the item (such as metals or liquids), the location of the RFID readers, and

how the label is stored.

Avoiding Radio Frequency Interference

Radio Frequency (RF) interference can be caused by many sources. This interference can

affect RFID performance by limiting the range of the RFID tags or preventing reading/writing

to the tags.

• Metal reflects radio frequency signals and is a leading source of RF interference. Foil or

metal-based media should only be used for RFID applications if the tags are designed to

work correctly with that type of media.

• Water and other liquids can absorb RF signals. Some media adhesives and label materials

can be unexpected sources of liquids that cause performance problems.

• Other RF equipment can cause interference if the equipment is positioned too close

together. Allow sufficient physical space between the RFID printer and other RF products

that share the same bandwidth (such as antennas, readers, wireless LANs, or other RFID

printer/encoders).

Storing or Handling RFID Labels Correctly

Store RFID labels at temperatures ranging from 60 to 203 °F (15.5 to 95 °C) in

environmentally stable conditions.

Limit RFID label exposure to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Low-humidity environments may

require the use of antistatic mats, straps, or clothing to help counter ESD.

Using RFID Features

Using the Correct RFID Settings

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Using the Correct RFID Settings

You can perform two types of calibration on an RFID printer. Media calibration sets the

printer for the media criteria, such as label length and interlabel gap. RFID tag calibration sets

the printer for RFID criteria, such as the optimal programming position.

For best results, run tag calibration each time you change RFID media to allow the printer to

select the best programming position and other RFID settings for you. If tag calibration does

not produce the desired results, you can adjust the values manually.

Setting the RFID Values Using Tag Calibration

Before running tag calibration, calibrate your printer for the media being used, close the

printhead, and feed at least one label to make sure that tag calibration will begin from the

correct position. For more information on media calibration, refer to the User Guide for your

printer.

Perform tag calibration using one of the following ways:

•using the RFID CALIBRATE user menu option (see Perform RFID Tag Calibration

on page 27)

•using the ^HR ZPL command (see ^HR on page 49). This command also returns a results

table to the host computer.

•using the "run" option in the rfid.tag.calibrate SGD command (see

rfid.tag.calibrate on page 92).

During the tag calibration procedure, the printer feeds an RFID label 1 mm at a time while

taking readings (via READ TAG and WRITE TAG commands) to profile the location of the

RFID transponders in the media. This process ensures that only the current tag will be

encoded, not the tag before or after it. Based on the results, the printer selects optimal values

for the following items for the media being used:

• the programming position

• the read/write power levels

• the antenna element (ZT400 Series printers only)

These values are saved to nonvolatile memory (the value is saved even if the power is turned

off) and are used for all subsequent labels unless a label format specifies a different value.

If the tag cannot be read during the RFID tag calibration process, RFID calibration fails, and

the printer defaults are used. Try running the RFID tag calibration again with another RFID

label.

Note • In the ZD500R printer with firmware V74.19.6Z, any time that a new label length is

measured, the programming position returns to the default value. This can happen in any of

the following situations:

•any calibration methods that measure length

•^SS parameter for Label Pitch Length

•failed RFID tag calibration

With all other printers and firmware versions supported by this manual, the program position

is persistent.

Using RFID Features

Locking RFID Tags

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Setting the RFID Values Manually

You can manually change the RFID settings in several ways. See Adjust the Printer’s RFID

Settings on page 22 for more information.

Restoring the Printer’s Default Programming Position

To restore the printer’s default programming position at any time, use the "restore" option

in the rfid.tag.calibrate SGD command (see rfid.tag.calibrate on page 92).

Locking RFID Tags

If an RFID tag supports locking, you can lock/unlock or permanently lock

(permalock)/permanently unlock memory banks or blocks/sectors of the tag’s memory.

To perform a lock/unlock command or a permalock command, the access password used for

the lock command must match the access password that is stored on the tag. The default access

password that is stored on tags is 00000000. This value must be changed to something other

than zero to perform lock/unlock functions; however, it can remain zero for permalock

functions.

If the access password on a tag needs to be changed, use the following command:

^RFW,H,P^FD<access password>^FS

If the correct password is already encoded on your tag, you do not need to write the password

to the tag as part of the label format, thereby adding to the programming time. Instead, you

may simply specify the password as part of the format using the following command, which

saves the time of writing it to the tag:

^RFS,H,P^FD<access password>^FS

For more information, see ^RF on page 57 and ^RL on page 61.

Using RFID Features

Locking RFID Tags

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Notes • ____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

RFID Printer Configuration

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

Contents

Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

RFID User Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

RFID Printer Configuration

Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings

This section presents the printer RFID settings that you can change and identifies the tools for

changing them. These tools include the following:

•ZPL and Set/Get/Do (SGD) commands

• The printer’s user menus

• The printer’s web pages when the printer has an active wired or wireless print server

connection (See the ZebraNet Wired and Wireless Print Servers User Guide for more

information about accessing the web pages. A copy is available at

http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came with your printer.)

Table 2 • RFID Settings

RFID Country

Code Select the RFID country code (if applicable).

Note • A prompt for the country code appears only on some printers the first

time that they are powered up, depending on the world region to which the

printers were shipped. Specify the appropriate country out to access the printer’s

RFID features.

Accepted values: N/A

Related ZPL command(s): N/A

SGD command used: rfid.country_code on page 79

User menu item: RFID COUNTRY CODE on page 27

Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup >

RFID COUNTRY CODE

RFID Status Display the status of the RFID subsystem of the printer.

Accepted values: N/A

Related ZPL command(s): ^HL or ~HL on page 48

SGD command used: rfid.error.response on page 81

User menu item: RFID STATUS on page 27

Printer web page: N/A

RFID Tag

Calibration Initiate tag calibration for RFID media. (Not the same as media and ribbon calibration.)

Accepted values: N/A

Related ZPL command(s): ^HR on page 49

SGD command used: rfid.tag.calibrate on page 92

User menu item: RFID CALIBRATE on page 27

Printer web page: N/A

RFID Printer Configuration

Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Read RFID Data Read and return the specified tag data from the RFID tag located over the RFID

antenna. No printer movement occurs while tag data is being read. The printhead can be

open or closed.

Accepted values: epc = reads the EPC data based on the EPC size

specified in the RFID tag’s protocol bits, up to

160 bits

tid information = reads the first 32 bits of the

TID (Tag ID)

password status = reads the tag’s access and kill

passwords

protocol bits = reads the protocol bits from the

EPC memory banks and converts that value to

the EPC size

memory bank sizes = reads the EPC, TID, and

user memory banks sizes

Related ZPL command(s): ^RF on page 57

SGD command used: rfid.tag.read.content on page 93 and

rfid.tag.read.execute on page 94

User menu item: READ RFID DATA on page 27

Printer web page: N/A

RFID Test During the RFID test, the printer attempts to read and write to a transponder. No printer

movement occurs with this test.

Accepted values: quick = performs a read EPC test and a write EPC

test (using random data)

read = performs a read EPC test

write = performs a write EPC test (using random

data)

Related ZPL command(s): N/A

SGD command used: rfid.tag.test.content on page 99 and

rfid.tag.test.execute on page 100

User menu item: RFID TEST on page 28

Printer web page: N/A

Table 2 • RFID Settings (Continued)

RFID Printer Configuration

Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Programming

Position If the desired programming position (read/write position) is not achieved through RFID

tag calibration, a value may be specified. See Using the Correct RFID Settings

on page 18 for more information.

Accepted values: F0 to Fxxx (where xxx is the label length in

millimeters or 999, whichever is less)

The printer prints the first part of a label until it

reaches the specified distance and then begins

programming. After programming, the printer

prints the remainder of the label.

B0 to B30

The printer backfeeds the label for the

specified distance and then begins

programming. To account for the backfeed,

allow empty media liner to extend out of the

front of the printer when using a backward

programming position.

Related ZPL command(s): ^RS on page 66

SGD command used: rfid.position.program on page 83

User menu item: RFID PROGRAM POS. on page 28

Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup >

PROGRAM POSITION

RFID Antenna

Element If the desired antenna is not achieved through RFID tag calibration, a value may be

specified.

Note • This parameter does not apply to ZD500R printers, which always use an

antenna element value of A1.

Accepted values: A1, A2, A3, A4

B1, B2, B3, B4

C1, C2, C3, C4

D1, D2, D3, D4

E1, E2, E3, E4

Related ZPL command(s): ^RW on page 71

SGD command used: rfid.reader_1.antenna_port on page 84

User menu item: RFID ANTENNA on page 28

Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup >

RFID ANTENNA

Table 2 • RFID Settings (Continued)

RFID Printer Configuration

Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

RFID Adaptive

Antenna Note •

•This feature does not apply to ZD500R printers, which always use an antenna

element value of A1.

•The label length must be 2 in. (51 mm) or greater.

If the printer cannot find RFID tags with the antenna element specified, the printer may

try neighboring antenna elements. If the printer is unsuccessful communicating with the

RFID tag after trying the neighboring antenna elements, the printer voids the label.

Accepted values: none = The printer uses only the current antenna

element selection.

neighbors = The printer attempts to read the tag

using the antenna elements to the left/right and

above/below the current antenna. The antenna

element that is successful is used for all

subsequent RFID commands until the next

unsuccessful attempt, until the printhead is

opened, or until the printer is power cycled.

Related ZPL command(s): ^RR on page 65

SGD command used: rfid.adaptive_antenna on page 77

User menu item: N/A

Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup >

ADAPTIVE ANTENNA

RFID Antenna

Sweep Note •

•This feature does not apply to ZD500R printers, which always use an antenna

element value of A1.

•The label length must be 2 in. (51 mm) or greater, and the programming

position must be F0.

If the RFID media loaded in the printer is known to be in range of an antenna at the F0

programming position, you can avoid RFID calibration by using the RFID antenna

sweep feature. With this feature enabled, when the first RFID format is sent after a

printer powerup or printhead close, the printer scans through the antennas to find the

optimal antenna element.

Accepted values: on, off

Related ZPL command(s): N/A

SGD command used: rfid.antenna_sweep on page 78

User menu item: N/A

Printer web page: N/A

Table 2 • RFID Settings (Continued)

RFID Printer Configuration

Adjust the Printer’s RFID Settings

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

RFID Read

Power If the desired read power is not achieved through RFID tag calibration, a value may be

specified.

Accepted values: 0 to 30

Related ZPL command(s): ^RW on page 71

SGD command used: rfid.reader_1.power.read on page 89

User menu item: RFID READ POWER on page 28

Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup >

RFID READ PWR

RFID Write

Power If the desired write power is not achieved through RFID tag calibration, a value may be

specified.

Accepted values: 0 to 30

Related ZPL command(s): ^RW on page 71

SGD command used: rfid.reader_1.power.write on page 90

User menu item: RFID WRITE POWER on page 29

Printer web page: View and Modify Printer Settings > RFID Setup >

RFID WRITE PWR

RFID Valid

Counter Resets the RFID valid label counter to zero.

Accepted values: N/A

Related ZPL command(s): ~RO on page 64

SGD command used: odometer.rfid.valid_resettable on page 75

User menu item: RFID VALID COUNT on page 29

Printer web page: N/A

RFID Void

Counter Resets the RFID void label counter to zero.

Accepted values: N/A

Related ZPL command(s): ~RO on page 64

SGD command used: odometer.rfid.void_resettable on page 76

User menu item: RFID VOID COUNT on page 29

Printer web page: N/A

Table 2 • RFID Settings (Continued)

RFID Printer Configuration

RFID User Menu

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

RFID User Menu

This section shows the parameters that appear on your printer in the RFID User Menu.

Items in this section are shown in the order in which they appear when you scroll through the

RFID menu on your printer’s control panel. For instructions on how to access the menus and

navigate through them, refer to the User Guide for your printer.

Select the RFID Country Code

Select the RFID country code (if applicable).

Note • A prompt for the country code appears only on some

printers the first time that they are powered up, depending

on the world region to which the printers were shipped.

Specify the appropriate country to access the printer’s

RFID features.

View the RFID Status

This parameter displays the status of the RFID subsystem of the

printer. During an error condition, an error message displays.

See RFID Status on page 22 for more information.

Perform RFID Tag Calibration

Initiate tag calibration for RFID media.

See RFID Tag Calibration on page 22 for more information.

Read and Display the RFID Tag Data

When this option is selected, the reader attempts to read the

specified information from an RFID tag, even if the printhead is

open. No printer movement occurs while tag data is being read.

If you wish to read and display the information stored in an RFID

tag:

1. Position the RFID label with its transponder over the RFID

antenna.

2. Use the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW to select the type

of information that you want read and displayed.

RFID COUNTRY CODE

▼NOT SELECTED ▲

RFID STATUS

RFID OK

RFID CALIBRATE

START

▼

READ RFID DATA

EPC ▲

12345ABC12345ABC124

5ABC

READ

RFID Printer Configuration

RFID User Menu

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

3. Press RIGHT SELECT to select READ.

The results of the test are shown on the display.

See Read RFID Data on page 23 for more information.

Perform an RFID Test

During the RFID test, the printer attempts to read and write to a

transponder. No printer movement occurs with this test.

If you wish to test an RFID label:

1. Position the RFID label with its transponder over the RFID

antenna array.

2. Press RIGHT SELECT to select START.

The results of the test are shown on the display.

See RFID Test on page 23 for more information.

Display or Change the RFID Programming Position

This menu item displays the current programming position. If the

desired programming position is not achieved through RFID tag

calibration, a value may be specified.

See Programming Position on page 24 for more information.

Display or Change the RFID Antenna Element*

This menu item displays the RFID antenna element in use. If the

desired antenna element is not selected through RFID tag

calibration, a value may be specified.

See RFID Antenna Element on page 24 for more information.

* This menu item does not appear for printers that contain only

one RFID antenna element.

Display or Change the RFID Read Power

This menu item displays the current read power setting. If the

desired read power is not achieved through RFID tag calibration, a

value may be specified.

See RFID Read Power on page 26 for more information.

RFID TEST

READ OK

WRITE OK

START

▼

RFID PROGRAM POS.

F0 ▲

▼

RFID ANTENNA

A1 ▲

▼

RFID READ POWER

16 ▲

RFID Printer Configuration

RFID User Menu

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Display or Change the RFID Write Power

This menu item displays the current write power setting. If the

desired write power is not achieved through RFID tag calibration,

a value may be specified.

See RFID Write Power on page 26 for more information.

Display or Reset the RFID Valid Counter

Displays the RFID valid label count or resets the counter to zero.

See RFID Valid Counter on page 26 for more information.

Display or Reset the RFID Void Counter

Displays the RFID void label count or resets the counter to zero.

See RFID Void Counter on page 26 for more information.

▼

RFID WRITE POWER

16 ▲

RFID VALID COUNT

RESET

RFID VOID COUNT

RESET

RFID Printer Configuration

RFID User Menu

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Notes • ____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Creating Basic RFID

Label Formats

Use the ZPL samples in this section as a base for programming your own RFID label formats.

For specific information about individual ZPL commands, see ZPL II Commands for RFID

on page 47.

Contents

Create and Send an RFID Label Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Sample RFID Label Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

RFID Label Format 1—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in Hexadecimal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

RFID Label Format 2—Encode a Gen 2 Tag in ASCII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

RFID Label Format 3—Read Data from Tag and Print Data on Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

RFID Label Format 4—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Print Data on Label . . . . . . . . . . 36

RFID Label Format 5—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Return Results to Host . . . . . . . 37

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Create and Send an RFID Label Format

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

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

choose to name a file format1.zpl).

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

4. Copy the file to the printer. One way to do this is by using the Zebra Setup Utilities (to

download go to http://www.zebra.com/us/en/products-services/software/manage-

software/zebra-setup-utility.html).

5. Compare your label results with those shown in the sample. If your results are not the

same as those shown, confirm that the file you created is identical to the format shown,

and then repeat the printing procedure.

6. Check the RFID data on your label.

a. Open the printhead, and place the label above the antenna in the printer.

b. Use one of the methods given in Read RFID Data on page 23 to view the transponder

data.

c. Compare your RFID data with that shown in the sample. If your data does not look

like what is shown, confirm that the file you created is identical to the format shown,

and then resend the label format to the printer.

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

format where necessary.

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Sample RFID Label Formats

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

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

Resulting Label

Programmed to Transponder

112233445566778899001122

Control Panel Display

Line

Number Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

1^XA Indicates start of label format.

2^FO50,50

^A0N,65

^FDSimple write example

^FS

Prints “Simple write example” on the label at

location 50,50.

3^RFW,H

^FD112233445566778899001122

^FS

W,H = write hex

Encodes the 12 bytes of data (96 bits) to the

tag. The data written is:

112233445566778899001122

4^XZ Indicates end of label format.

Simple write example

▼

READ RFID DATA

EPC ▲

11223344556677889900

1122

READ

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Sample RFID Label Formats

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

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.

Resulting Label

Programmed to Transponder

303020726669642064617461

Control Panel Display

Line

Number Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

1^XA Indicates start of label format.

2^FO50,50

^A0N,65

^FDSimple write example

^FS

Prints “Simple write example” on the label at location

50,50.

3^RFW,A

^FD00 rfid data

^FS

W,A = write ASCII

Encodes 00 rfid data to the tag in hexadecimal

format, which is 12 bytes of data (96 bits). The data

written is:

303020726669642064617461

4^XZ Indicates end of label format.

Simple write example

▼

READ RFID DATA

EPC ▲

30302072666964206461

7461

READ

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Sample RFID Label Formats

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

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 33 is being read.

Read from Transponder

112233445566778899001122

Resulting Label

Control Panel Display

Line

Number Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

1^XA Indicates start of label format.

2^FO50,50

^A0N,40

^FN0

^FS

^FN0 is a placeholder field variable for the tag data

that will be read in the following line. When the label

prints, the data read from the tag will be printed at

location 50,50.

3^FN0

^RFR,H

^FS

R,H = read hexadecimal

The read results are put into field variable 0 (^FN0).

At this point, the printer substitutes previous instances

of ^FN0 in the label format with the data from this

field. If necessary, the data read from the tag will be

padded with zeroes to the maximum bit size.

4^XZ Indicates end of label format.

112233445566778899001122

▼

READ RFID DATA

EPC ▲

11223344556677889900

1122

READ

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Sample RFID Label Formats

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

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

Label

Programmed to Transponder

306461746100000000000000

Read from Transponder

306461746100000000000000

Resulting Label

Line

Number Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

1^XA Indicates start of label format.

2^FO60,60

^A0N,40

^FN7

^FS

When the label prints, the data read from the tag at

field variable 7 (^FN7) will be printed at location

60,60.

3^RFW,A

^FD0data

^FS

W,A = write ASCII

Encodes 0data into the block in hexadecimal format,

padded with 8 bytes of zeroes to make the data

12 bytes. The data written is:

306461746100000000000000

4^FN7

^RFR,A

^FS

R,A = read ASCII

Reads the tag data into field variable 7 (^FN7). After

this occurs, any fields in this label format that have

^FN7 will be replaced with this read data. Because

ASCII format was specified, the hexadecimal value is

converted back to ASCII format before being printed

on the label.

5^XZ Indicates end of label format.

0data

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Sample RFID Label Formats

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Control Panel Display

RFID Label Format 5—Encode Tag, Read Tag, and Return Results

to Host

▼

READ RFID DATA

EPC ▲

30646174610000000000

0000

READ

Line

Number Type This ZPL Code Function of ZPL Code

1^XA Indicates start of label format.

2^FO50,50

^A0N,65

^FN3

^FS

When the label prints, the data read from the tag at

field variable 3 (^FN3) will be printed at location

50,50.

3^RFW,H

^FD0102030405

^FS

W,H = write hex

Encodes 12 bytes of data (96 bits) to the tag with

7 bytes of zeroes as padding. The data written is:

010203040500000000000000

4^FN3

^RFR,H

^FS

R,H = read hexadecimal

Reads the tag data into field variable 3 (^FN3). After

this occurs, any fields in this label format that have

^FN3 will be replaced with this read data.

5^HV3 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.

6^XZ Indicates end of label format.

Creating Basic RFID Label Formats

Sample RFID Label Formats

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Programmed to Transponder

010203040500000000000000

Read from Transponder

010203040500000000000000

Resulting Label

Control Panel Display

Sent to Host Computer

010203040500000000000000

▼

READ RFID DATA

EPC ▲

01020304050000000000

0000

READ

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Troubleshooting

This section provides information about RFID operational errors that you might need to

troubleshoot. For other types of problems, consult the User Guide for your printer.

Contents

RFID Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

RFID Error Codes and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Troubleshooting

RFID Problems

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

RFID Problems

Table 3 identifies problems that may occur with RFID printers, the possible causes, and the

recommended solutions.

Table 3 • RFID Problems

Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution

The RFID-enabled

printer voids every

label.

The printer is not calibrated for

the media being used.

1. Perform media calibration. Refer to the User

Guide for your printer for media calibration

instructions.

2. Perform RFID tag calibration. (See RFID Tag

Calibration on page 22.)

3. If necessary, adjust the RFID settings

manually. (See Adjust the Printer’s RFID

Settings on page 22.)

You are using an incorrect

value for the programming

position or another RFID

setting.

1. Perform RFID tag calibration. (See RFID Tag

Calibration on page 22.)

2. If necessary, adjust the RFID settings

manually. (See Adjust the Printer’s RFID

Settings on page 22.)

You are sending RFID ZPL or

SGD commands that are

incorrect.

1. Check your label formats. See ZPL II

Commands for RFID on page 47 or SGD

Commands for RFID on page 73.

2. For sample label formats, see Sample RFID

Label Formats on page 33.

The printer is unable to

communicate with the RFID

reader.

1. Turn off (O) the printer.

2. Wait 10 seconds.

3. Turn on (I) the printer.

4. If the problem persists, you may have a bad

RFID reader or a loose connection between

the RFID reader and the printer. Contact

Technical Support or an authorized Zebra

RFID service technician for assistance.

The printer is unable to

communicate with the encoding

module. (ZT400 Series printers

only)

1. Turn off (O) the printer.

2. Wait 10 seconds.

3. Turn on (I) the printer.

4. If the problem persists, you may have a bad

encoding module or a loose connection

between the encoding module and the printer.

Contact Technical Support or an authorized

Zebra RFID service technician for assistance.

Troubleshooting

RFID Problems

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

(Continued from

previous page)

The RFID-enabled

printer voids every

label.

The settings are incorrect in

your label designer software. The software settings override the printer

settings. Make sure that the software and printer

settings match.

Radio frequency (RF)

interference from another RF

source.

Do one or more of the following as necessary:

•Move the printer away from fixed RFID

readers or other RF sources.

•Make sure that the media door is closed at all

times during RFID programming.

Low yields. Too many

RFID tags per roll

are voided.

Some RFID tags are more

sensitive than others and may

require special printer settings.

1. Run RFID tag calibration (see Setting the

RFID Values Using Tag Calibration

on page 18).

2. If the problem persists, consider using a

different tag type. Contact an authorized

Zebra RFID reseller for more information.

Radio frequency (RF)

interference from another RF

source.

Do one or more of the following as necessary:

•Move the printer away from fixed RFID

readers.

•Make sure that the media door is closed at all

times during RFID programming.

The printer is using outdated

printer firmware. Go to http://www.zebra.com/firmware for

updated firmware.

The printer stops at

the RFID inlay. The printer calibrated the label

length only to the RFID inlay

instead of to the interlabel gap.

1. Perform media calibration. Refer to the User

Guide for your printer for media calibration

instructions.

2. Run RFID tag calibration (see Setting the

RFID Values Using Tag Calibration

on page 18).

The DATA light

flashes indefinitely

after you attempt to

download printer

firmware.

The download was not

successful. For best results,

cycle power on the printer

before downloading any

firmware.

1. Turn off (O) the printer.

2. Wait 10 seconds.

3. Turn on (I) the printer.

4. Attempt to download the firmware again.

5. If the problem persists, contact Technical

Support.

Table 3 • RFID Problems (Continued)

Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution

Troubleshooting

RFID Problems

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

RFID parameters do

not appear in Setup

mode, and RFID

information does not

appear on the printer

configuration label.

The printer does not

void RFID labels that

are not programmed

correctly.

An incorrect version of

firmware was loaded on the

printer.

1. Compare the firmware version on your

printer to those listed in Table 1, RFID

Printer Firmware Versions, on page 14.

2. Download the correct printer firmware if

necessary.

3. If the problem persists, contact Technical

Support.

The printer is unable to

communicate with the RFID

subsystem.

1. Turn off (O) the printer.

2. Wait 10 seconds.

3. Turn on (I) the printer.

4. If the problem persists, you may have a bad

RFID reader or a loose connection between

the RFID reader and the printer. Contact

Technical Support or an authorized service

technician for assistance.

RFID is disabled. The SGD

command rfid.enable is set

to "off".

1. Change rfid.enable to "on". (See

rfid.enable on page 80.)

2. Restart your printer for changes to take effect.

Table 3 • RFID Problems (Continued)

Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

RFID Error Codes and Messages

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

• displays an RFID error or status message on the second line of the RFID STATUS

control panel display

• returns RFID error codes to the RFID data log (see ^HL or ~HL on page 48 for more

information about the RFID data log)

Table 4 lists the error codes. Numbers that appear in the format “READER ERR xxxxxxxx”

are not listed individually.

Table 4 • RFID Error Codes

Error

Code

RFID Error or

Status Message Description/Action Required

XXXXXXXX READER ERR

XXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXX is 8 hex characters returned from the reader.

This error can indicate a read/write error with your RFID tag, or

it could indicate an internal problem with the RFID reader. If the

problem persists, contact Technical Support.

00000000 RFID OK The RFID operation completed successfully.

02000100 DATA AMOUNT ERROR The wrong amount of data was specified in an RFID reader

command.

02000101 INVALID OPCODE The command sent to the RFID reader module was invalid.

02000102 UNKNOWN OPCODE The command sent to the RFID reader module is not known by

the module firmware.

02000103 RFID PWR TOO HIGH An attempt was made to set the power of the RFID reader to a

value that is too large.

02000104 INVALID FREQUENCY The frequency selected in an RFID command to reader module

is not valid.

02000105 INVALID PARAMETER A parameter of an RFID command for the reader module is not

valid.

02000106 RFID PWR TOO LOW An attempt was made to set the power of the RFID reader to a

value that is too small.

02000109 INVALID COMMAND The command sent to the RFID reader module was invalid.

0200010A INVALID BAUD RATE An attempt was made to set the serial communication baud rate

of the RFID reader to a value that is not valid.

0200010B INVALID REGION An attempt was made to set the region of the RFID reader to a

value that is not valid.

0200010C BAD LICENSE KEY The RFID reader firmware's license key does not match the

RFID reader firmware.

02000200 BAD IMAGE CRC The RFID reader firmware had a bad validation checksum.

02000201 READER FW ERROR An error occurred in the RFID reader module.

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

02000300 RFID FLASH ERROR An error occurred while attempting to write firmware to the

RFID reader module.

02000301

02000302

02000303

02000304

02000305

02000306

02000400 NO TAG FOUND The reader attempted to locate an RFID tag and was unable to do

so.

02000401 PROTOCOL UNDEFINED The RFID reader was not properly told the type of RFID tag.

02000402 INVALID PROTOCOL The type of RFID tag that the RFID reader was told to expect is

not valid.

02000403 LOCK ERROR An error occurred while attempting to change the lock bits on

the tag.

02000404 NO DATA READ An attempt to read data from a tag could not find any data.

02000405 AFE NOT ON The reader module does not have the AFE on.

02000407 NOT IMPLEMENTED The RFID reader command that was sent to the reader is not

implemented in this version of reader firmware.

02000408 INVALID WRITE DATA The data that was attempted to be written to a tag is not valid.

02000409 INVALID ADDRESS The memory address for data to be written to a tag is not valid.

0200040A GENERAL TAG ERROR Miscellaneous error while attempting to read or write to a tag.

0200040B DATA TOO LARGE Too much data was attempted to be written to a tag.

0200040F PROT BIT DCDNG BAD Protocol bit decoding failure.

02000410 PROTOCOL BAD EPC The protocol definition is inconsistent with the size of the EPC

data area.

02000411 PROT BAD NUM DATA The protocol definition is inconsistent with the amount of data

sent.

02000420 GEN2 PROTOCOL ERR An error was made in the specification of a Generation 2 tag

protocol.

02000423 GEN2 MEMORY BAD PC An error was made in the specification of a Generation 2 tag

protocol control bit.

02000424 GEN2 MEMORY LOCKED The Generation 2 tag memory area is locked.

0200042B GEN2 LOW POWER The Generation 2 tag is set to low power mode.

0200042F GEN2 ERROR An unspecified error was made with a Generation 2 tag.

02000430 GEN2 UNKNOWN ERROR An unknown error was made with a Generation 2 tag.

Table 4 • RFID Error Codes (Continued)

Error

Code

RFID Error or

Status Message Description/Action Required

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

02000500 TRANSMITTER ON The RFID radio transmitter is on.

02000503 NO ANTENNA FOUND The RFID reader module found that no antenna was connected.

02000504 RFID TOO HOT The RFID reader module is too hot.

02000505 HIGH RETURN LOSS The amount of energy being reflected by the antenna connection

is higher than acceptable.

02000507 BAD ANTENNA CFG An attempt was made to set the reader module to an invalid

antenna configuration.

02000600 NOT ENOUGH TAGS The RFID module memory contained data from fewer tags than

was requested by printer firmware.

02000601 TAG ID BUFFER FULL The RFID module memory is full.

02000602 REPEATED TAG ID An attempt was made to write data to the RFID module memory

with an ID that is already present in the memory.

02000603 TOO MANY TAG IDS The RFID reader was asked to read more tags into module

memory than the module could hold.

02007F00 SYS UNKNOWN ERROR A firmware routine in the RFID reader module firmware

returned an unknown error.

02007F01 TM ASSERT FAILED An unexpected internal error has occurred in the RFID reader

module firmware.

02000101 RDR COMM TIMEOUT An attempt to communicate with the reader module took too

much time.

00001239 ENCODER ERROR An error occurred in the RFID encoder module firmware.

00001240 BAD RFID DATA The data that was attempted to be written to a tag is not valid.

00001241 RFID TEST ERROR An error occurred during an RFID test.

00001242 COUNTRY CODE ERROR The value of the country code that was sent to the RFID reader is

not valid, or the value was not specified. See RFID Country

Code on page 22 for more information.

00001244 NO READER PRESENT The printer does not detect an RFID reader.

02000604 BLOCKED RESPONSE The RFID module response is blocked.

02000406 WRITE FAILED The tag write failed.

02001238 PRINTER ERROR The printer caused an error.

02001242 COUNTRY CODE ERROR The RFID country code is not selected.

Table 4 • RFID Error Codes (Continued)

Error

Code

RFID Error or

Status Message Description/Action Required

Troubleshooting

RFID Error Codes and Messages

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Notes • ____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

ZPL II Commands for RFID

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

For non-RFID ZPL commands, refer to the Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do,

Mirror, and WML. A copy of the manual is located on the User CD that came with your printer,

or you can download a copy from http://www.zebra.com/manuals.

Contents

^HL or ~HL Return RFID Data Log to Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

^HR Calibrate RFID Tag Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

^HV Host Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

^RB Define EPC Data Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

^RF Read or Write RFID Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

^RL Lock/Unlock RFID Tag Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

~RO Reset Advanced Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

^RS Set Up RFID Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

^RU Read Unique RFID Chip Serialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

^RW Set RF Power Levels for Read and Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HL or ~HL

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

^HL or ~HL – Return RFID Data Log to Host

Description The printer continually logs RFID data and stores it in the printer’s RAM. This

command requests that the RFID data log be returned to the host computer, to clear the current

data log, and to restart data recording. The ~HL command is processed immediately, while the

^HL command is processed after all of the previous formats (^XA ... ^XZ) have been

processed.

Format ^HL or ~HL

In the log, RFID data displays in this format:

[RFID operation],[program position],[antenna element],

[read or write power],[RFID status],[data]

where

[RFID operation]

R = read

W = write

L = lock

E= log file reset

[program position],[antenna element],[read or write power]*

Additional information about the program position, the antenna, and the read or write

power follows the RFID operation.

Such as:

R,F1,D3,27,00000000,DATA

where F1 = the program position, D3 = the antenna, and 27 is the write power.

* With some older versions of firmware, these parameters do not display.

[RFID status]

######## = an RFID error code (see RFID Error Codes and Messages on page 43)

FFFFFFFF (or limited to length FFFF for some printers) = indicates that the log file

was reset

[data]

the data read or written

Comments

• Data is shown in the format specified by the ^RFW command (ASCII, Hex, or EPC).

• If the log exceeds 64K (approximately 1500 operations), the data log is cleared

automatically, and data recording restarts. When this happens, the following appears in the

log:

E,FFFFFFFF,Logfile automatically reset

• If the printer loses power, the log is lost. If the log results are important to you, retrieve the

information frequently.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HR

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

^HR – Calibrate RFID Tag Position

Description Use this command to initiate tag calibration for RFID media. During the tag

calibration process (which can take up to 5 minutes on some printers, depending on the type of

RFID inlay and the label size) the printer moves the media, reads the tag’s TID to determine

chip type, calibrates the RFID tag position, and determines the optimal settings for the RFID

media being used. Depending on the printer, these settings include the programming position,

the antenna element to use, and the read/write power level to use.

Results of the ^HR tag calibration are returned to the host computer. The "run" option in the

rfid.tag.calibrate SGD command performs the same calibration but does not create a

results table.

To restore the printer’s default programming position at any time, use the "restore" option

in the rfid.tag.calibrate SGD command (see rfid.tag.calibrate on page 92).

Format ^HRa,b,c,d

Important • Before running this command, load the printer with RFID media, calibrate your

printer, close the printhead, and feed at least one label to make sure that tag calibration will

begin from the correct position. For more information on media calibration, refer to the User

Guide for your printer.

Leave all transponders before and after the tag that is being calibrated. This allows the printer

to determine RFID settings which do not encode the adjacent tag. Allow a portion of media

to extend out the front of the printer to allow for backfeed during the tag calibration

procedure.

Parameters Details

a= start string This parameter specifies the user text to appear before the results table.

Accepted values: any string less than 65 characters

Default value: start

b=end string This parameter specifies the user text to appear after the results table.

Accepted values: any string less than 65 characters

Default value: end

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HR

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

c= start position This parameter specifies the start position of the calibration range. All numeric

values are in millimeters. Forward or backward designations assume that the

label's initial position is with the leading edge at the print line.

Accepted Values:

F0 to Fxxx (where xxx is the label length in millimeters or 999, whichever

is less)

The printer feeds the label forward for the specified distance and

then begins tag calibration.

B0 to B30

The printer backfeeds the label for the specified distance and then

begins tag calibration. To account for the backfeed, allow empty

media liner to extend out of the front of the printer when using a

backward programming position.

Default value:

For the ZD500R: B20 —The printer backfeeds 20 mm before starting

transponder calibration.

For the ZT400 Series with RFID option: B30 —The printer backfeeds 30

mm before starting transponder calibration.

d= end position This parameter specifies the end position of the calibration range (last program

position to check). All numeric values are in millimeters. Forward or backward

designations assume that the label's initial position is with the leading edge at

the print line.

Accepted Values:

F0 to Fxxx (where xxx is the label length in millimeters or 999, whichever

is less)

The printer performs tag calibration until it reaches the specified end

position and then ends the process.

B0 to B30

The printer performs tag calibration until it reaches the specified end

position and then ends the process. Valid only with a backward start

position that is greater than the end position.

A = Automatic

The printer automatically ends the tag calibration process after

successfully reading and encoding a consecutive range of 5 mm on

the label. The printer also ensures that no other tags can be

programmed at the programming position with the calibration-

determined power levels.

Default value: A

Parameters Details

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HR

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

e= antenna and

read/write power

level detection

This parameter specifies whether to select the antenna and read/write power

levels automatically or manually.

Note • The ZD500R printer has only one antenna, so this parameter

applies only to the read/write power level settings.

Accepted Values:

A= Automatic. The printer automatically scans through the antennas and

read/write power during calibration.

M= Manual. The printer uses the current antenna and read/write power

level settings.

Default value: A

Parameters Details

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HR

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Example 1 • When the ^HR command is sent to the printer, the printer performs tag

calibration and returns a results table such as the following:

In the results table, the tags visible to the antenna elements are numbered, and the EPC

number that is unique to each tag is displayed.

Each line in the results table gives a row number followed by readings associated with RFID

tags that are visible at that row. Multiple values on a line indicate that multiple tags were

visible. The order of the RFID tags is arbitrary.

[Row],[Antenna Element],[Min Read Power],[Min Write Power],

[Antenna Element],[Min Read Power],[Min Write Power] ...

start

position=B14 MM,A1,18,25

tid information=E200.3414:Alien

leading edge

Tag 1 ,Tag 2 ,Tag 3 ,Tag 4 ,Tag 5 ,Tag 1 ,Tag 2 ,Tag 3 ,Tag 4 ,Tag 5 ,

EPC,7109 ,BA29 ,6FD0 ,58AE ,9CDE ,7109 ,BA29 ,6FD0 ,58AE ,9CDE ,

B30,A1,12,18,A1,29, ,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,17,24,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B29,A1,13,18,A1,25, ,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,14,19,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B28,A1,15,20,A1,23,29,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,09,15,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B27,A1,17,22,A1,23,29,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,08,14,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B26,A1,19,25,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,09,15,B1,28, ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B25,A1,22,28,A1,22,27,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,11,18,B1,26, ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B24,A1,26, ,A1,13,19,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,15,21,B1,27, ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B23,A1, , ,A1,08,14,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,18,24,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B22,A1, , ,A1,05,11,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,21,28,B1,19,24,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B21,A1, , ,A1,05,11,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,25, ,B1,11,17,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B20,A1, , ,A1,06,12,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,30, ,B1,07,13,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B19,A1, , ,A1,08,15,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,05,11,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B18,A1, , ,A1,15,22,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,05,10,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B17,A1, , ,A1,22,28,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,05,11,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B16,A1, , ,A1,16,23,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,07,13,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B15,A1, , ,A1,13,19,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,13,20,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B14,A1, , ,A1,12,19,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,18,23,B1, , ,B1, , ,<---****A1

B13,A1, , ,A1,14,20,A1,24,30,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,10,16,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B12,A1, , ,A1,15,22,A1,22,29,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,08,14,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B11,A1, , ,A1,18,25,A1,26, ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,08,14,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B10,A1, , ,A1,21,27,A1,26, ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,11,17,B1,26, ,B1, , ,

B09,A1, , ,A1,24, ,A1,15,21,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,14,20,B1,25, ,B1, , ,

B08,A1, , ,A1,28, ,A1,09,15,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,17,23,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B07,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,06,11,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,20,26,B1,27,30,B1, , ,

B06,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,05,11,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,24,30,B1,16,19,B1, , ,

B05,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,05,11,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,28, ,B1,10,14,B1, , ,

B04,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,08,14,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,07,11,B1, , ,

B03,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,12,18,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,06,11,B1, , ,

B02,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,20,26,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,06,10,B1, , ,

B01,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,18,24,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,09,13,B1, , ,

F00,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,14,21,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,12,17,B1, , ,

F01,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,13,19,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,20,25,B1, , ,

F02,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,13,19,A1,27, ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,16,20,B1, , ,

F03,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,14,21,A1,26,29,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,11,16,B1, , ,

F04,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,17,24,A1,27, ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,11,15,B1, , ,

F05,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,19,26,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,12,16,B1,25, ,

F06,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,22,29,A1,23,26,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,15,18,B1,23,28,

F07,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,26, ,A1,15,19,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,17,22,B1,23,29,

F08,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,10,14,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,20,25,B1, , ,

F09,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,08,12,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,24,28,B1,21,26,

F10,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1,08,11,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,27, ,B1,13,18,

trailing edge

end

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HR

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

where

•Row = the position from the leading edge of the label where calibration occurred

•Antenna Element = the antenna used (the ZD500R only has A1)

•Minimum Read Power = calibration results (0 – 30) for a tag visible from that row

•Minimum Write Power = calibration results (0 – 30) for the same tag

The read and write power values are left empty (such as A1, , ,) when no tag is found.

In the sample results table for this example, at position B25 (25 mm behind the print line),

two RFID tags are visible to the printer at antenna A1. Tag 1 (EPC 7109) can be read at

power level 22 and written to at power level 28. Tag 2 (EPC BA29) can be read at power

level 22 and written to at power level 27. At that position, Tags 2 and 3 are visible to antenna

B1 while Tag 1 is not.

At position B23, only Tag 2 is visible to antenna A1. Tag 1 is no longer visible.

At position B13, Tag 3 (EPC 6FD0) becomes visible to antenna A1 and can be read with at

power level 24 and written to at power level 30.

The arrow (<---****) in the table indicates that a valid program position and power levels

were found during calibration. The program position is identified at the top of the table as

position=B14 MM (backfeed 14 millimeters). The optimal antenna element at that

position is A1. The optimal read power is 18, and the optimal write power is 25.

Tag 1 ,Tag 2 ,Tag 3 ,Tag 4 ,Tag 5 ,Tag 1 ,Tag 2 ,Tag 3 ,Tag 4 ,Tag 5 ,

EPC,7109 ,BA29 ,6FD0 ,58AE ,9CDE ,7109 ,BA29 ,6FD0 ,58AE ,9CDE ,

...

B25,A1,22,28,A1,22,27,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,11,18,B1,26, ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B24,A1,26, ,A1,13,19,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,15,21,B1,27, ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B23,A1, , ,A1,08,14,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,18,24,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B22,A1, , ,A1,05,11,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,21,28,B1,19,24,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B21,A1, , ,A1,05,11,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,25, ,B1,11,17,B1, , ,B1, , ,

...

Tag 1 ,Tag 2 ,Tag 3 ,Tag 4 ,Tag 5 ,Tag 1 ,Tag 2 ,Tag 3 ,Tag 4 ,Tag 5 ,

EPC,7109 ,BA29 ,6FD0 ,58AE ,9CDE ,7109 ,BA29 ,6FD0 ,58AE ,9CDE ,

...

B25,A1,22,28,A1,22,27,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,11,18,B1,26, ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B24,A1,26, ,A1,13,19,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,15,21,B1,27, ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B23,A1, , ,A1,08,14,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,18,24,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B22,A1, , ,A1,05,11,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,21,28,B1,19,24,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B21,A1, , ,A1,05,11,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1,25, ,B1,11,17,B1, , ,B1, , ,

...

Tag 1 ,Tag 2 ,Tag 3 ,Tag 4 ,Tag 5 ,Tag 1 ,Tag 2 ,Tag 3 ,Tag 4 ,Tag 5 ,

EPC,7109 ,BA29 ,6FD0 ,58AE ,9CDE ,7109 ,BA29 ,6FD0 ,58AE ,9CDE ,

...

B16,A1, , ,A1,16,23,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,07,13,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B15,A1, , ,A1,13,19,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,13,20,B1, , ,B1, , ,

B14,A1, , ,A1,12,19,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,18,23,B1, , ,B1, , ,<---****A1

B13,A1, , ,A1,14,20,A1,24,30,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,10,16,B1, , ,B1, , ,

...

start

position=B14 MM,A1,18,25

tid information=E200.3414:Alien

leading edge

...

B14,A1, , ,A1,12,19,A1, , ,A1, , ,A1, , ,B1, , ,B1, , ,B1,18,23,B1, , ,B1, , ,<---****A1

...

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HV

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

^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 ^FN and ^RF commands.

Format ^HV#,n,h,t,a

This table identifies the parameters for this format:

Parameters Details

#= field number

specified with

another command

The value assigned to this parameter should be the same as

the one used in another command.

Accepted Values: 0 to 9999

Default Value: 0

n= number of bytes to be

returned Accepted Values: 1 to 256

Default Value: 64

h= header to be returned

with the data Delimiter characters terminate the string. This field is Field

Hex (^FH) capable.

Accepted Values: 0 to 3072 bytes

Default Value: no header

t=termination This field is Field Hex (^FH) capable.

Accepted Values: 0 to 3072 characters

a= command applies to When ^PQ is greater than 1 or if a void label occurs, send one

response for a label format or one for every label printed.

Accepted Values:

F=Format

L= Label

Default Value: F

Example • The following code:

^XA

^FH_^HV0,8,EPC[,]_0D_0A,L^FS

^PQ2

^XZ

Would return data such as this:

EPC[12345678]

EPC[55554444]

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RB

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

^RB – Define EPC Data Structure

Description Use this command to define the structure of EPC data, which can be read from

or written to an RFID tag. For more information 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 tags 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

Parameters Details

n= total bit size of the

partitions 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: 96

p0 ... p15 =

partition sizes 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: 1

Example 1 • The following command specifies that there are 96 bits used with three fields.

Fields 1, 2, and 3 contain 10, 26, and 60 bits, respectively.

^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 1 contains 1000. This value is stored in the first 10 bits

• Field 2 contains 67108000. This value is stored in the next 26 bits.

• Field 3 contains 1122921504606846976. This value is stored in the remaining

60 bits.

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.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RB

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Example 3 • This example uses the SGTIN-96 standard, which defines 96-bit structure in the

following way:

The ZPL code to encode a tag with this format would look like this:

^XA

^RB96,8,3,3,20,24,38^FS

^RFW,E^FD48,1,6,770289,10001025,1^FS

^XZ

These commands would put

•48 in the header

•1 as the filter value

•6 as the partition (indicates a 20-bit prefix and 24-bit item reference)

•770289 as the company prefix

•10001025 as the item reference

•1 as the serial number

To read this EPC data and print the results on the label, you would use the following code:

^XA

^RB96,8,3,3,20,24,38^FS

^FO50,50^A0N,40^FN0^FS

^FN0^RFR,E^FS

^XZ

The resulting label would look like this:

Header Filter Value Partition Company

Prefix Index

Item

Reference

Serial

Number

SGTIN-96 8 bits 3 bits 3 bits 20–40 bits 24 bits 38 bits

(binary value) 8

(decimal

capacity)

(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.

48.1.6.770289.10001025.1

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RF

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

^RF – Read or Write RFID Format

Description Use this command to read or write to (encode) an RFID tag or to specify the

access password.

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 32 for examples that use a field variable. See Gen 2 Memory Map on page 12 to see

how information is stored on a Gen 2 tag.

Format ^RFo,f,b,n,m

Parameters Details

o= operation Specifies the action to be performed.

Accepted Values:

W= write to (encode) the tag

R= read the tag

S= specify the access password

Default Value: W

f=format Accepted Values:

A=ASCII

H= Hexadecimal

E= EPC (ensure proper setup with the ^RB command)

Default Value: H

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RF

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

b= password

b= starting block

number

What you specify for this parameter depends on what you enter for other

parameters.

n= number of bytes to

read or write Specifies the number of bytes to read or write.

When E or A 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

Parameters Details

If the

Operation

parameter

value is...

Then...

W Note • When the memory bank parameter is set to

E(EPC 96-bit) or A(EPC and Auto adjust PC bits),

this value is always set to 2.

Accepted Values:

•P, which indicates that an access password, a kill

password, or both follow in a ^FD command. Each

password must be 8 hex characters. If the password is

omitted, it is not written. An access password is used in

subsequent lock commands in the format.

•0 to n, which specifies the 16-bit starting block number,

where n is the maximum number of blocks for the bank

specified in the memory bank parameter.

Default Value: 0

RNote • When the memory bank parameter is set to

E(EPC 96-bit) or A(EPC and Auto adjust PC bits),

this value is always set to 2.

Accepted Values:

•0 to n, which specifies the 16-bit starting block number,

where n is the maximum number of blocks for the bank

specified in the memory bank parameter.

Default Value: 0

S This parameter must be P and must be followed by the

access password in a ^FD command.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RF

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

m= Gen 2 memory bank Specifies the Gen 2 memory bank. See Gen 2 Memory Map on page 12 for

more information about Gen 2 memory.

Accepted Values:

E = EPC 96-bit (When writing data, this parameter performs the

operation on Gen 2 bit address 20h and accesses 12 bytes of the EPC

memory bank. When reading data, this parameter reads the amount

of data specified in the PC bits on the tag.)

A = EPC and Auto adjust PC bits (When writing data, this parameter

performs the operation on Gen 2 bit address 20h of the EPC memory

bank and accesses the number of bytes specified in the ^FD. The PC

bits will be updated to match the amount of data written to the tag.

When reading data, this parameter reads the amount of data specified

in the PC bits on the tag.)

0 = Reserved

1 = EPC

2 = TID (Tag ID)

3 = User

Default Value: E

Parameters Details

Example 1 • 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 2 • This example encodes 4 bytes of hexadecimal formatted data, starting in block 3

of Gen 2 EPC bank 1. (The ^RS command can be omitted for printers that use Gen 2 tag

types only.)

^XA

^RFW,H,3,4,1^FD11112222^FS

^XZ

Example 3 • This example reads the extended Gen 2 tag ID (TID) and returns the results to

the host computer. The results are labeled with the header “8-byte Tag ID Data.” (The ^RS

command can be omitted for printers that use Gen 2 tag types only.)

^XA

^RFR,H,0,8,2^FN1^FS^HV1,,8-byte Tag ID Data:^FS

^XZ

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RF

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Example 4 • This command writes and specifies both the access password (12345678) and

the kill password (88887777) separated by a comma.

^RFW,H,P^FD12345678,88887777^FS

This command writes the access password only:

^RFW,H,P^FD12345678^FS

This command writes the kill password only (a comma must be used before it to distinguish

it from an access password):

^RFW,H,P^FD,88887777^FS

See the examples for ^RL on page 61 for how this command would be used in a format.

Example 5 • This command writes 1122334455667788 to the bit address 20h of the EPC

memory and updates the PC bits bit address 10h to 14h to reflect 8 bytes (4 words) of data.

^RFW,H,,,A^FD1122334455667788^FS

Example 6 • This command specifies the access password for the tag, which will be used in

subsequent lock commands in the format. The access password specified must match the one

stored on the tag. This command does not write the password to the tag. See the examples for

^RL on page 61 for how this command would be used in a format.

^RFS,H,P^FD12345678^FS

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RL

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

^RL – Lock/Unlock RFID Tag Memory

The ^RL command has two distinct formats and functions:

•^RLM – Lock/Unlock the Specified Memory Bank

Locks a password or an entire memory bank in a writeable or unwriteable state. These

locks/unlocks can be permanent or reversible.

•^RLB – Permanently Lock Specified Memory Sections

Locks blocks of user memory in an unwriteable state.

^RLM – Lock/Unlock the Specified Memory Bank

Description The ^RLM command locks/unlocks the specified password or memory bank on

an RFID tag. You can use this command to do the following:

• lock individual passwords, thereby preventing or allowing subsequent reads or writes of

that password

• lock individual memory banks, thereby preventing or allowing subsequent writes to those

banks

• Permanently lock (permalock) the lock status for a password or memory bank

Format ^RLM,k,a,e,u

Parameters Details

k = kill password

function Accepted Values:

U= unlock the kill password*

L= lock the kill password*

O= permanently unlock (Open) the kill password

P= permanently lock (Protected) the kill password

a = access password

function Accepted Values:

U= unlock the access password*

L= lock the access password*

O= permanently unlock (Open) the access password

P= permanently lock (Protected) the access password

e = EPC memory bank

function Accepted Values:

U= unlock the EPC memory bank*

L= lock the EPC memory bank*

O= permanently unlock (Open) the EPC memory bank

P= permanently lock (Protected) the EPC memory bank

* The access password must be set to something other than the default of 00000000 to use this value. See Example 4

on page 63 for an example.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RL

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

^RLB – Permanently Lock Specified Memory Sections

Description The ^RLB command permanently locks (permalocks) one or more sections

(individual sub-portions) in a tag’s user memory. The section sizes for each tag is defined by

the tag manufacturer.

Format ^RLB,s,n

u = USER memory bank

function Accepted Values:

U= unlock the USER memory bank*

L= lock the USER password bank*

O= permanently unlock (Open) the USER memory bank

P= permanently lock (Protected) the USER memory bank

Parameters Details

* The access password must be set to something other than the default of 00000000 to use this value. See Example 4

on page 63 for an example.

Parameters Details

s = starting section Specify the starting section of memory to lock.

n = number of sections Specify the number of sections to lock.

Example 1 • The following command locks all memory banks using a previously specified

access password.

^RLM,L,L,L,L^FS

Example 2 • The following command locks the user memory banks using a previously

specified access password.

^RLM,,,,L^FS

Example 3 • The following command permalocks sections 0 to 4 of user memory using a

previously specified access password.

^RLB,0,4^FS

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RL

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

Example 4 • This code does the following:

•writes 12 bytes to user memory

•writes “12345678” to the access password and “11223344” to the kill password

•permalocks 6 sections of user memory using “12345678” as the access password

•locks the kill and access passwords and permanently unlocks the EPC memory, using

“12345678” as the access password

^XA

^RFW,H,0,12,3^FD112233445566778899001122^FS

^RFW,H,P^FD12345678,11223344^FS

^RLB,0,6^FS

^RLM,L,L,O^FS

^XZ

Example 5 • This code does the following:

•writes 12 bytes to user memory

•permalocks 6 sections of user memory using “00000000” as the access password

•permalocks the kill password and access password using “00000000” as the access

password

^XA

^RFW,H,0,12,3^FD112233445566778899001122^FS

^RLB,0,6^FS

^RLM,P,P^FS

^XZ

ZPL II Commands for RFID

~RO

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

~RO – Reset Advanced Counters

Description The ~RO command resets the advanced counters used by the printer to monitor

label generation in inches, centimeters, and number of labels.

Format ~ROc

Parameters Details

c = counter number Accepted Values:

1= reset counter 1

2= reset counter 2

3= reset valid RFID label counter

4= reset voided RFID label counter

C=reset head cleaned counter

R=reset head replaced counter and head cleaned counter

Default Value: a value must be specified or the command is ignored

Example 1 • This example shows how the counter portion of the printer configuration labels

looks when the RFID counters are reset by sending ~RO3 and ~RO4.

Before

After

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RR

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

^RR – Enable Adaptive Antenna Selection

Description Use this command to enable the adaptive antenna element selection feature.

This command is persistent and will be used in subsequent formats if not provided.

Format ^RRn,a

Parameters Details

n= number of retries Reserved

a= adaptive antenna

element selection Note •

•This feature does not apply to ZD500R printers, which always use an

antenna element value of A1.

•The label length must be 2 in. (51 mm) or greater.

If the printer cannot find RFID tags with the antenna element specified, the

printer may try neighboring antenna elements. If the printer is unsuccessful

communicating with the RFID tag after trying the neighboring antenna

elements, the printer voids the label.

Note • Activating this parameter may slow throughput on damaged or

weak RFID tags.

Accepted Values: 0 or 1

0= None. The printer uses only the current antenna element selection.

1= Neighbors. The printer attempts to read the tag using the antenna

elements to the left/right and above/below the current antenna

element. The antenna element that is successful is used for all

subsequent RFID commands until the next unsuccessful attempt.

Default Value: 0

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RS

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

^RS – Set Up RFID Parameters

Use this command to set up RFID parameters including tag type; programming position; and

error handling, such as setting the number of labels that will be attempted if an error occurs.

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 labels specified (parameter n).

If the problem persists, the printer follows the error handling instructions specified by the error

handling parameter (parameter e): the printer may remove the problematic format from the

print queue and proceed with the next format (if one exists in the buffer), or it may place the

printer in Pause or Error mode.

Format ^RSt,p,v,n,e,a,c,s

Use care when using this command in combination with ^RF for reading tag data. Problems

can occur if the data read from the tag is going to be printed on the label. Any data read from

the tag must be positioned to be printed above the read/write position. Failure to do this will

prevent read data from being printed on the label.

Parameters Details

t=tag type Accepted Values:

8 = EPC Class 1, Generation 2 (Gen 2)

Default value: 8—Gen 2 is the only tag type valid for this printer.

p= read/write position of

the tag

(programming

position)

This parameter sets the read/write position of the tag.

Accepted Values:

F0 to Fxxx (where xxx is the label length in millimeters or 999, whichever

is less)

The printer prints the first part of a label until it reaches the specified

distance and then begins programming. After programming, the

printer prints the remainder of the label.

B0 to B30

The printer backfeeds the label for the specified distance and then

begins programming. To account for the backfeed, allow empty

media liner to extend out of the front of the printer when using a

backward programming position.

Default value: F0 (which moves the leading edge of the label to the print line)

v= length of void

printout Sets the length of the void printout in vertical (Yaxis) dot rows.

Accepted values: 0 to label length

Default value: label length

n= number of labels to

try encoding The number of labels that will be attempted in case of read/encode failure.

Accepted values: 1 to 10

Default value: 3

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RS

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

e= error handling If an error persists after the specified number of labels are tried, perform this

error handling action.

Accepted values:

N = No action (printer drops the label format causing the error and moves

to the next queued label)

P = Place printer in Pause mode (label format stays in the queue until the

user cancels)

E = Place printer in Error mode (label format stays in the queue until the

user cancels)

Default value: N

Note • You can set the printer to send an error message to the host for

each failure. To enable or disable this unsolicited error message, refer to

the ^SX and ^SQ ZPL commands. Use V for the condition type for an

RFID error.

a= signals on applicator Not applicable.

c= reserved Not applicable.

s= void print speed If a label is voided, the speed at which “VOID” will be printed across the label.

Accepted values: any valid print speed

Default value: the printer’s maximum print speed

Parameters Details

Example 1 • The following are examples of setting the programming position.

1. ^RS,F1 sets the encode position 1 mm forward from the leading edge of the label.

2. ^RS,B10 sets the encode position 10 mm backwards from the leading edge of the label.

3. ^RS,F0 sets the encode position at the leading edge of the label.

4. ^RS,B0 sets the encode position at the leading edge of the label.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RS

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Example 2 • The following shows the programming position for the tag position parameter

(parameter p) with a 6-inch (152-mm, 1216-dot) label length.

print direction

encoding area

print line

tear bar 1

1^RS,F90, 90 mm from the leading

edge of the label

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RU

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

^RU – Read Unique RFID Chip Serialization

Use this command to read the TID (Tag ID) data from the current chip and format a unique

38-bit serial number, which will be placed in the lower (least significant) 38 bits of the EPC

code.

Format ^RUa,b

Parameters Details

a= prefix Specifies the prefix in ASCII Binary

Accepted Values: Only ASCII characters 1 and 0 are accepted. Maximum of 38

characters.

The number of bits in the value specifies the length of the prefix. The prefix is

placed as the left-most (most significant) bits in the unique serial number.

If nothing is specified, the default value will be used.

Default Value: The MCS prefix is determined by the MDID in the TID of the

chip read:

•100 = EM Micro

•Impinj = 101

•Alien = 110

•NXP = 111

b= special character Special character for serial number inclusion.

Accepted Values: Any ASCII character other than the current Command

character, Control character, Delimiter character, or any of the Real-Time

Clock (RTC) characters.

Default Value: #

Note • Serial number inclusion:

One of several data elements can be included into any ^FD data string in the same way that

Real Time Clock data is included. Use any of the commands below to include a data pattern

based on the serial number. These are defined using the default value for the Special

Character.

#S = include 38-bit serial number derived from TID in decimal form.

#H = include 38-bit serial number derived from TID in hexadecimal form.

#E = include the entire 96-bit EPC code, including the 38-bit serial number derived from

TID in decimal form.

#F = include the entire 96-bit EPC code, including the 38-bit serial number derived from

TID in hexadecimal form.

#P = include the entire 96-bit EPC code, but use the tag’s preprogrammed, 38-bit SGTIN

serial number in decimal form.*

#Q = include the entire 96-bit EPC code, but use the tag’s preprogrammed, 38-bit SGTIN

serial number in hexadecimal form.*

* If the EPC has been preprogrammed (typically by the manufacturer) with the chip-based RFID

serialization scheme, then the serialized data does not have to be written back to the EPC memory, which

saves time. #P and #Q simply format the data that is read from the EPC memory bank.

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RU

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

Example 1 • Read the TID from the tag, create a serial number based on the tag type, write

12<serial number (5 bytes)>000000000000 to the 96-bit EPC field, and print the

serial number (in hex format) on the label.

^XA

^RU

^FO10,10^A0N,50,50^FDSerial Number: #H^FS

^RFW,H^FD12#H^FS

^XZ

Example 2 • Read the TID from the tag, create a serial number based on the tag type, write the

serial number to the EPC field (lower 38 bits) while maintaining the contents of the rest of

the EPC memory, print Serial Number: <serial number in hex format> on the

label, and return Serial Number: <serial number in hex format> to the host.

Perform this operation on three label formats.

^XA

^RU

^FO10,10^A0N,50,50^FN1^FS

^FN1^FDSerial Number: #H^FS

^FH^HV1,24, ,_0D_0A,L^FS

^RFW,H^FD#F^FS

^PQ3

^XZ

Example 3 • Read the full EPC (already serialized) from the tag, print

Serial Number: <full EPC in decimal format> on the label, and return

Serial Number: <full EPC in decimal format> to the host.

^XA

^RU

^FO10,10^A0N,50,50^FN1^FS

^FN1^FDSerial Number: #P^FS

^FH^HV1,44, ,_0D_0A,L^FS

^XZ

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RW

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

^RW – Set RF Power Levels for Read and Write

Description Use this command to set the RFID read and write power levels if the desired

levels are not achieved through RFID tag calibration. If not enough power is applied, the tag

may not have sufficient power for programming, and tag data will fail to encode. If too much

power is applied, the extra power may cause data communication errors or may cause the

wrong tag to be programmed.

Format ^RWr,w,a

Important • For Japan, the printer’s maximum RFID read and write power are limited to

comply with local radio regulations. Any power setting of 24 or higher results in the same

output.

Note • During RFID tag calibration, the printer automatically selects the best read/write

power levels and the best antenna element (not applicable to the ZD500R) for the media

being used. Some printers may also set the levels during an adaptive antenna sweep. Use the

~HL command (see ^HL or ~HL on page 48) to view the antenna element and power settings

being used.

Parameters Details

r = read power This parameter sets the power level to match the desired output as calibrated in

the factory.

Va lu es: 0 to 30

Default Value: 16

w = write power This parameter sets the power level to match the desired output as calibrated in

the factory.

Va lu es: 0 to 30

Default Value: 16

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^RW

P1062165-002 Rev. A RFID Programming Guide 3 3/13/14

a = RFID antenna

element selection Note • This parameter does not apply to ZD500R printers, which always

use an antenna element value of A1. A ZT400 Series printer is shown in

the example below.

This parameter selects an antenna element from the printer’s antenna array.

Accepted Values:

A1, A2, A3, A4

B1, B2, B3, B4

C1, C2, C3, C4

D1, D2, D3, D4

E1, E2, E3, E4

Default Value: A4

Parameters Details

3/13/14 RFID Programming Guide 3 P1062165-002 Rev. A

SGD Commands for RFID

This section contains the Set/Get/Do (SGD) commands for RFID-specific applications.

For non-RFID SGD commands, refer to the Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do,

Mirror, and WML. A copy of the manual is located on the User CD that came with your printer,

or you can download a copy from http://www.zebra.com/manuals.

Contents

odometer.rfid.valid_resettable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

odometer.rfid.void_resettable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

rfid.adaptive_antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

rfid.antenna_sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

rfid.country_code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

rfid.enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

rfid.error.response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

rfid.hop_table_version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

rfid.position.program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

rfid.reader_1.antenna_port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84