The reference desk

Understand the language behind the news.

Concise RFID and NFC definitions, with primary references for the full technical detail. Use these as a starting point when reading a deployment story or writing a specification.

22 terms · Reference review: October 17, 2026

EPCElectronic Product Code
An identifier for a physical object, represented in formats defined by GS1. An EPC identifies; it does not by itself prove authenticity.Primary reference ↗
TIDTag Identifier memory
A Gen2 memory bank containing tag chip identification information. Serialisation and available fields depend on the chip and specification.Primary reference ↗
GTINGlobal Trade Item Number
A GS1 identifier for a trade item. A GTIN alone identifies the item class, not every individual physical instance.Primary reference ↗
SGTINSerialized Global Trade Item Number
Combines trade item identity with a serial number to distinguish individual instances.Primary reference ↗
SSCCSerial Shipping Container Code
A GS1 key used to identify a logistics unit, such as a pallet or parcel.Primary reference ↗
User memoryOptional application data
A tag memory bank that can hold application data. Availability and capacity depend on the tag IC.Primary reference ↗
EPCISVisibility event exchange
A GS1 standard for sharing events about identified objects, including the time, place and business context of an observation.Primary reference ↗
Read pointObservation location
In EPCIS, the location where an event occurred, which may be more specific than the business location.Primary reference ↗
Business stepProcess context
The business activity associated with an event, such as receiving or shipping. It adds meaning beyond a raw tag read.Primary reference ↗
DispositionBusiness condition
The business condition of an object following an event. It is distinct from its location or the operation being performed.Primary reference ↗
AggregationParent and child relationship
An EPCIS event can associate identified child objects with a parent, for example when items are packed into a case.Primary reference ↗
NFCNear Field Communication
A family of contactless interactions using a base frequency of 13.56 MHz, commonly designed around a deliberate tap.Primary reference ↗
NDEFNFC Data Exchange Format
A format for messages on NFC tags, with records describing content such as a web address or text.Primary reference ↗
Card emulationDevice acting as a contactless card
An NFC mode in which a device communicates with a reader as a contactless card, used in applications such as tickets and payments.Primary reference ↗
Reader / writerDevice interacting with a tag
An NFC operating mode in which a device reads data from, or writes data to, compatible tags.Primary reference ↗
RFIDRadio frequency identification
Identification using radio communication between a reader and a tag. Performance depends on the system and the object being identified.Primary reference ↗
RAIN RFIDPassive UHF RFID ecosystem
An industry name for passive UHF RFID systems based on the GS1 UHF Gen2 and ISO/IEC 18000-63 family of specifications.Primary reference ↗
Passive tagTag powered by the reader field
A tag that obtains energy for communication from the reader signal rather than an onboard transmitter battery.Primary reference ↗
InlayChip and antenna assembly
The chip and antenna assembly used as the core of an RFID label or another finished tag construction.Primary reference ↗
BackscatterModulated reflection
A passive UHF tag can communicate by changing how it reflects a reader signal, rather than generating its own carrier.Primary reference ↗
Check digitInput error check
A calculated digit used to detect some identifier entry errors. It does not validate the ownership or assignment of the number.Primary reference ↗
Wilson intervalUncertainty for a proportion
A confidence interval for a success proportion. Useful for interpreting a read test when the trial design supports a binomial model.Primary reference ↗