NXP UCODE Family Guide
From UCODE 8 to UCODE DNA
Complete guide to NXP's UCODE UHF tag ICs from basic UCODE 8 to crypto-enabled UCODE DNA for secure supply chains.
NXP UCODE Family Guide
NXP Semiconductors' UCODE line is the primary competitor to Impinj in UHF Gen 2 tag ICs. NXP differentiates on security features — the UCODE DNA series is the only commercially available RFID tag integrated circuit." data-category="General">tag IC with full AES-128 mutual authentication certified for RAIN RFID — and on untraceable mode, which protects end-user privacy.
UCODE Family Overview
| IC | Generation | Sensitivity | Die Size | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCODE 7 | Prior gen | −18 dBm | Standard | Established volume |
| UCODE 8 | Current | −21 dBm | Reduced | High sensitivity, ultra-small |
| UCODE 9 | Current | −22 dBm | Ultra-small | Best-in-class sensitivity, untraceable |
| UCODE DNA | Security | −21 dBm | Standard | AES-128 mutual auth |
| UCODE DNA Track | Security | −21 dBm | Standard | Track + trace, NXP cloud |
| UCODE DNA City | Security | −21 dBm | Standard | Bin collection, city assets |
UCODE 8 and UCODE 9
UCODE 8 targets mainstream apparel and logistics — comparable to the Impinj M730 in sensitivity and die size. It provides 96-bit EPC, 96-bit TID, and optional 32-byte user memory in the UCODE 8m variant.
UCODE 9 achieves −22 dBm sensitivity with an ultra-small die, enabling inlays as small as 3 × 3 mm. Its untraceable mode lets the tag hide its EPC, TID, and user memory from unauthorised readers — the tag remains silent until a reader presents the correct password. This is essential for GDPR-sensitive consumer applications where tagged garments must not be tracked after purchase.
UCODE DNA: Security Feature Matrix
| Feature | UCODE DNA | UCODE DNA Track | UCODE DNA City |
|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 mutual auth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto suite | RAIN Crypto Suite 1 | RAIN Crypto Suite 1 | RAIN Crypto Suite 1 |
| Tag authentication | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NXP cloud integration | No | Yes (Trusted Tag Services) | Yes |
| Tamper evidence | No | No | No |
| Untraceable mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| User memory | 48 bytes | 48 bytes | 48 bytes |
| ISO 29167-10 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The RAIN Crypto Suite 1 implements AES-128 in a challenge-response protocol. The reader sends a 128-bit challenge; the tag responds with an HMAC using its factory-programmed key. Neither the key nor a hashed version leaves the chip, preventing replay attacks.
Selecting a UCODE IC
| Requirement | Recommended UCODE |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost, maximum range | UCODE 9 |
| Consumer garment (GDPR, privacy) | UCODE 9 (untraceable mode) |
| Anti-counterfeiting, brand protection | UCODE DNA |
| Track-and-trace with NXP cloud lookup | UCODE DNA Track |
| Municipal asset management | UCODE DNA City |
| User data storage (48 bytes) | UCODE DNA or UCODE 8m |
Use the RFID Tag Selector to filter by UCODE IC and find inlays and labels from NXP-certified tag manufacturers. The Memory Planner helps lay out your 48-byte user memory for UCODE DNA variants.
See also: Impinj Tag IC Generations Compared, RFID Tag Memory Planning.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न
Our guides cover a range of experience levels. Getting Started guides introduce RFID fundamentals. Implementation guides help engineers design RFID solutions for specific industries. Advanced guides cover topics like dense reader mode, anti-collision algorithms, and EPC encoding schemes.
Most getting-started guides require only a basic UHF RFID reader (such as the Impinj Speedway or ThingMagic M6e) and a few sample tags. Some guides reference desktop USB readers for development. All hardware requirements are listed at the beginning of each guide.