Product category:
Component marking, printing and labelling systems (non-laser)
News Release from: Zebra Technologies | Subject: Z4Mplus, R4Mplus
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 08 June 2005
Gen 2 technology success for thermal
printer firm
Zebra Technologies is demonstrating the use of EPCglobal's UHF Electronic Product Code (EPC) Class 1 Generation 2 (Gen 2) RFID protocol.
Zebra Technologies is demonstrating the use of EPCglobal's UHF Electronic Product Code (EPC) Class 1 Generation 2 (Gen 2) RFID protocol The first UK demonstration was held at the GS1 EPC Conference at The Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre in London yesterday, whilst The Metro RFID Fach Kongress on June 8 and 9, in Cologne, Germany, is the venue for two further events
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 31 Jan 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Zebra claimed that it is the first thermal printer manufacturer to demonstrate success with Gen 2 technology using existing and readily available printers and encoders that meet the RFID specifications and frequencies for use in Europe.
Users moving to Gen 2 will obtain more memory for greater storage capability, better security encryption for tag data, open standards allowing multiple sourcing of tags, resulting in inter-operability from several different vendors and high read rates, claimed Zebra.
Zebra Technologies Europe is also demonstrating EPC Gen 2 technology within its R4Mplus UHF RFID printer-encoder, which features integrated support for ISO 18000-6B and Philips U-Code 1.19 transponders.
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Built on Zebra's Z4Mplus platform, the R4Mplus is configured to support European specifications and regulatory requirements and can operate at 100 per cent duty cycle relative to encoding tags, unlike other RFID products on the market claimed the company.
The R4Mplus models that is currently being shipped is said to be able to support new, emerging protocols, including the forthcoming EPC Gen 2 standards, via firmware upgrades, offering investment protection as RFID standards continue to evolve.
Bob Cornick, the general manager of RFID for Zebra, said: "We are committed to ensuring that an RFID printer purchased from Zebra today will provide our customers with even greater value tomorrow.
This Gen 2 tag communication demonstration proves that Zebra's current R4Mplus printer can be upgraded with new firmware, adding Gen 2 capabilities without costly and disruptive hardware changes.
By 'future-proofing' our printers in this way we ensure a seamless transition for Zebra customers once Gen 2 is commercially available." Zebra added that it demonstrated the same concept last month using the R110Xi, an RFID printer encoder for the US market, at the Retail Systems trade show in Chicago.
The company has been working closely with several technology companies in the development of RFID products that support the new Gen 2 standard.
Once Gen 2 smart media is commercially available, Zebra plans to offer the upgrade via an internet download to ensure widespread and easy access.
According to Zebra, with EPCglobal's ratification of the Gen 2 protocol and the availability of Zebra printer encoders to support the standard, companies can now purchase and implement supply chain RFID solutions without the risks associated with changing protocols.
"The earlier RFID can be deployed across a global supply chain, the earlier companies will start to benefit from its improved efficiencies," said Cornick.
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