HID Global reports that it has expanded its RFID product line with mini versions of its SlimFlex and SlimFlex Seal tags that are approximately one-third the size of the original versions, in order to accommodate the tagging of smaller assets. The company has also announced the addition of two PCB Coin tags to its Embeddable RFID line. All four new products comply with the EPC Gen 2 and ISO 18000-6C standards for passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) tags.

Left: HID's SlimFlex Mini tag (top) and UHF Mini Seal tag. Right: HID's PCB Coin tags.

Both new SlimFlex tags are made with Alien Technology's Higgs3 chip and are housed in bendable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material that earns the tags an IP 68 rating, meaning they are dust-proof and waterproof. The SlimFlex Mini tag (model 69899A) measures 2.5 inches by 0.5 inch by 0.08 inch (65 millimeters by 12 millimeters by 2 millimeters), and can be mounted with a cable tie, glue, rivet or screw. The new SlimFlex Seal UHF Mini (model 69899A-202) tag measures 2.4 inches by 0.5 inch by 0.08 inch (60 millimeters by 12 millimeters by 2 millimeters), and features an integrated nylon cable tie that is 7.8 inches by 0.1 inch by 0.05 inch (200 millimeters by 2.5 millimeters by 1.2 millimeters) in length. Its maximum read range is 16.4 feet (5 meters).

HID Global has added to its Embeddable RFID product family a near-field UHF offering that, according to the company, gives manufacturers the opportunity to integrate RFID components into their products. The new PCB Coin tags are made with Impinj Monza 4E chips, have an IP 68 rating and can withstand exposure to temperatures of 284 degrees Fahrenheit (140 degrees Celsius) for 100 continuous hours or 428 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) for 30 continuous seconds. Such ruggedness permits the tags to be used in harsh conditions and in such applications as plastic injection. The PCB Coin tags are available in two shapes. The circular version is 0.63 inch (16 millimeters) in diameter and supports a read range of 7.8 inches (20 centimeters). The oval version measures 0.75 inch by 0.47 inch (19 millimeters by 12 millimeters) and offers a read range of 10 inches (25 centimeters).