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 ↗



