Zebra Technologies R-140 - Manual (Page 15)

RFID Overview
The R140 printer contains special hardware necessary to program RFID
tags. To use the RFID capabilities of this printer, you will need the
appropriate RFID media. Currently the Tag-It and I • Code tag types are
supported. This media is collectively known as an RFID tag, and includes
the label, backing, and an RFID transponder inlay encased by the label
material.
The RFID capabilities of the printer allow you to program, read, and obtain
certain information regarding the status of the RFID subsystem. The RFID
printers incorporate an antenna to program the RFID tags. RFID tags have
coils built into them. When these tags line-up over the antenna, you are
able to communicate to the tag to obtain information and program the tag.
Before printing on the label, the RFID commands are executed. This is
done through newly added ZPL commands. After the RFID tag is
programmed and verified, the printer will format and print the remaining
ZPL commands.
Each tag has memory blocks that are programmed and read through ZPL
commands. The ZPL commands allow the user to adjust the number of
retries to get a successful execution of the command. If a block can not be
programmed within the number of retries, then the formatted label is fed out
with the word VOID overlaid.
After the failed tag is fed, an attempt will be made to program the tag again
with the corresponding format. The reprogramming of the tag will follow
the same series of commands to the tag, and the same number of retries for
each block. If this tag fails to program, then this label will be fed out
overlaid with a the word VOID. One final attempt will be made to
reprogram the tag. If unsuccessful, a third VOID tag will be printed.
After three VOID tags, the customer format will be removed from the print
queue, and will proceed with the next format (if one exists in the buffer).
Supported Tags
The R-140 currently supports two transponder types: Tag-it and I • Code.
6 Zebra R-140 User’s Guide