The use of straps for RFID applications can provide the flexibility needed for different label requirements.

By Prashant Upreti and Tony Sabetti

The chips are mounted on small (4 mm × 9 mm) plastic surfaces that TI provides in thin tape rolls. Enlarged metallic contacts on both the plastic surface and the antenna simplify placement of the devices by bringing tolerances well within the normal range of automated container manufacturing.

One method of applying straps is to print the antenna, using a conductive metallic ink, directly on a container such as a cardboard box. The strap containing the chip is then attached to the printed surface which creates the complete tag.