PCB / FR4 tag
Industrial & harsh environment
What is it?
A PCB (printed circuit board) tag uses an FR4 fibreglass substrate instead of PET film for the antenna. This gives the tag structural rigidity, excellent on-metal performance (FR4 acts as a natural spacer), and high temperature tolerance. PCB tags are the workhorse of industrial asset tracking where labels are impractical and ceramic is too expensive.
How it works
The antenna is etched from copper on a standard FR4 PCB substrate, and the RFID chip is soldered to the antenna. The FR4 substrate (typically 0.8–1.6 mm thick) provides a natural dielectric spacer for on-metal applications. The tag can be further protected with conformal coating, potting, or a plastic housing. Mounting is via adhesive, screws, or rivets.
Use cases
- IT asset tracking (servers, network equipment)
- Metal tool and fixture identification
- Vehicle component tracking
- Aerospace parts and MRO
- Medical equipment identification
- Data centre asset management
Pros
- Excellent on-metal performance without additional spacer
- High temperature tolerance (up to 200°C)
- Rigid and mechanically strong
- Precise, repeatable manufacturing (standard PCB process)
- Can include additional features (LEDs, sensors)
Cons
- Rigid – cannot conform to curved surfaces
- More expensive than labels or inlays
- Larger minimum size than flexible tags
- Heavier than polymer alternatives
Specifications
| Power type | Passive – powered by reader signal |
|---|---|
| Frequency | UHF (860–960 MHz) or HF (13.56 MHz) |
| Read range | UHF: 1–5 m; HF: up to 10 cm |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years |
| Price range | $1–$10 per unit |
| Environmental rating | IP65–IP68 with conformal coating; -40°C to +200°C |