ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008

Information technology - Radio frequency identification for item management - Part 3: Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz

ISO/IEC 18000 has been developed to provide a framework to define common communications protocols for Internationally useable frequencies for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and, where possible, to determine the use of the same protocols for all frequencies such that the problems of migrating from one to another are diminished; to minimize software and implementation costs; and to enable system management and control and information exchange to be common as far as is possible. ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008 was prepared in accordance with the requirements determined in ISO/IEC 18000-1. ISO/IEC 18000-1 provides explanation of the concepts behind ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008. ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008 has 2 MODES of operation, intended to address different applications. It summarizes the differences between MODE characteristics. The detailed technical differences between the modes are shown in the parameter tables. ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008 relates solely to systems operating at 13,56 MHz. ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008 provides physical layer, collision management system and protocol values for RFID systems for Item Identification operating at 13,56 MHz in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 18000-1. ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008 provides definitions for systems for each MODE determined in ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008. ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008 defines two non-interfering MODES. The MODES are not interoperable. The MODES, whilst not interoperable, are non-interfering.

Technologies de l'information — Identification par radiofréquence (RFID) pour la gestion d'objets — Partie 3: Paramètres de communications d'une interface d'air à 13,56 MHz

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 28-Aug-2008
• Withdrawal Date: 28-Aug-2008
• ICS: 35.040 - Information coding
• ICS: 35.040.50 - Automatic identification and data capture techniques
• Technical Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 - Automatic identification and data capture techniques
• Drafting Committee: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31/WG 4 - Radio communications
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Start Date: 04-Nov-2010
• Completion Date: 30-Oct-2025

Relations

• Revised: ISO/IEC 18000-3:2010 - Information technology - Radio frequency identification for item management - Part 3: Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
• Effective Date: 18-Dec-2008
• Revises: ISO/IEC 18000-3:2004 - Information technology - Radio frequency identification for item management - Part 3: Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 18000-3
Second edition
2008-09-01
Information technology — Radio
frequency identification for item
management —
Part 3:
Parameters for air interface
communications at 13,56 MHz
Technologies de l'information — Identification par radiofréquence
(RFID) pour la gestion d'objets —
Partie 3: Paramètres de communications d'une interface d'air
à 13,56 MHz
Reference number
©
ISO/IEC 2008
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©  ISO/IEC 2008
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ii © ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword. v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Conformance. 1
2.1 Claiming conformance . 1
3 Normative references . 1
4 Terms and definitions. 2
5 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 2
6 Requirements: Physical layer, collision management system and protocol values for
13,56 MHz systems . 2
6.0 General and applicable to both Modes of this part of ISO/IEC 18000 . 2
6.0.1 Presentation as determined in ISO/IEC 18000-1. 2
6.0.2 ISO/IEC 18000-3 Interoperability . 2
6.0.3 ISO/IEC 18000-3 reader conformance/compliance. 3
6.0.4 ISO/IEC 18000-3 tag compliance. . 3
6.0.5 Command structure and extensibility . 3
6.0.6 Mandatory commands. 3
6.0.7 Optional commands . 3
6.0.8 Custom commands. 3
6.0.9 Proprietary commands. 3
6.1 Physical layer, collision management system and protocols for MODE 1 of this part of
ISO/IEC 18000. 4
6.1.1 Read/Write system. 4
6.1.2 Normative Aspects . 4
6.1.3 Conformance and performance measurement aspects . 4
6.1.4 Physical Layer. 4
6.1.5 Protocol and collision management operating method . 4
6.1.6 Commands . 4
6.1.7 Parameter tables for interrogator to tag link . 4
6.1.8 Parameter tables for tag to interrogator link . 4
6.2 MODE 2: Physical layer, collision management system and protocols for MODE 2 of this
part of ISO/IEC 18000. 4
6.2.1 Normative aspects: physical and media access control (MAC) parameters: interrogator to
tag link . 5
6.2.2 Tag to interrogator link. 7
6.2.3 Description of operating method . 10
6.2.4 Protocol parameters. 16
6.2.5 Description of protocol operating method. 16
6.2.6 Collision management parameters. 33
6.2.7 Description of collision management parameters operating method (informative). 33
6.2.8 Tag order sequencing . 41
6.2.9 Commands . 41
6.2.10 Air interface application layer . 41
6.2.11 Optional Functionality. 41
7 Marking of equipment. 44
8 Table of characteristic differences between the MODES specified in this part of
ISO/IEC 18000. 44
© ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved iii

Annex A (normative) Phase jitter modulation (PJM). 45
Annex B (informative) Known possible interferences between the MODES determined in this part
of ISO/IEC 18000. 49
Annex C (informative) Interrogator pseudo-code for collision management (Mode 1). 50
Annex D (informative) Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) (16 bit) . 51
D.1 The CRC error detection method. 51
C.2 CRC calculation example . 51
Annex E (informative) Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) mode 2 (32 bit). 53
E.1 The CRC 32 error detection method . 53
E.2 CRC 32 calculation example . 53
E.3 Practical example of CRC 32 calculation. 55
Annex F (informative) Mode 1 IC reference. 56
Annex G (informative) A description of Mode 1 based on the ISO/IEC 15693 protocol as used for
Item Management. 57
G.1 Parameter tables for interrogator to tag link. 57
G.2 Parameter tables for tag to interrogator link. 62
G.3 Description of operating method. 66
G.3.1 Communications signal interface interrogator to tag . 66
G.3.2 Modulation . 66
G.3.3 Data rate and data coding . 67
G.3.4 Interrogator to tag frames . 70
G.3.5 Communications signal interface tag to interrogator . 71
G.4 Protocol parameters . 75
G.4.1 Table of protocol parameters. 75
G.5 Description of protocol operating method . 80
G.5.1 Definition of data elements . 80
G.5.2 Data storage format identifier (DSFID). 82
G.5.3 CRC. 82
G.5.4 Overall protocol description . 83
G.5.5 Modes. 84
G.5.6 Response format. 86
G.5.7 RF tag states. 88
G.6 Collision management. 90
G.7 Description of collision management operating method (Informative) . 95
G.7.1 Request parameters. 95
G.7.2 Request processing by the RF tag. 96
G.7.3 Explanation of a collision management sequence. 98
G.7.4 Timing specifications . 100
G.8 Commands. 102
G.8.1 Command types . 102
G.8.2 Command codes . 103
G.8.3 Mandatory commands . 104
G.8.4 Optional commands. 105
G.8.5 Custom commands. 120
G.8.6 Proprietary commands . 121
Bibliography . 122

iv © ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of
ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through technical committees
established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of technical activity. ISO and IEC
technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other international organizations, governmental
and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also take part in the work. In the field of information
technology, ISO and IEC have established a joint technical committee, ISO/IEC JTC 1.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of the joint technical committee is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the joint technical committee are circulated to national bodies for voting. Publication as
an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the national bodies casting a vote.
ISO/IEC 18000-3 was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 31, Automatic identification and data capture techniques.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO/IEC 18000-3:2004), which has been technically
revised.
ISO/IEC 18000 consists of the following parts, under the general title Information technology — Radio
frequency identification for item management:
⎯ Part 1: Reference architecture and definition of parameters to be standardized
⎯ Part 2: Parameters for air interface communications below 135 kHz
⎯ Part 3: Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
⎯ Part 4: Parameters for air interface communications at 2,45 GHz
⎯ Part 6: Parameters for air interface communications at 860 MHz to 960 MHz
⎯ Part 7: Parameters for active air interface communications at 433 MHz
© ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved v

Introduction
ISO/IEC 18000 has been developed by ISO/IEC JTC 1, SC 31, WG 4, Radio frequency identification for item
management, in order to provide a framework to define common communications protocols for Internationally
useable frequencies for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and, where possible, to determine the use of
the same protocols for ALL frequencies such that the problems of migrating from one to another are
diminished; to minimise software and implementation costs; and to enable system management and control
and information exchange to be common as far as is possible.
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 has been prepared in accordance with the requirements determined in
ISO/IEC 18000-1.
ISO/IEC 18000-1 provides explanation of the concepts behind this part of ISO/IEC 18000.
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 has 2 MODES of operation, intended to address different applications. Clause 8 of
this part of ISO/IEC 18000 summarises the differences between MODE characteristics. The detailed technical
differences between the modes are shown in the parameter tables.
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 relates solely to systems operating at 13,56 MHz.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
draw attention to the fact that it is claimed that compliance with this document may involve the use of patents.
The ISO and IEC take no position concerning the evidence, validity and scope of these patent rights.
The holders of these patent rights have assured the ISO and IEC that they are willing to negotiate licences
under reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and conditions with applicants throughout the world. In this
respect, the statements of the holders of these patent rights are registered with the ISO and IEC. Information
may be obtained from the following companies.
Contact details Patent number
NXP BV EP 0669591B
Harald Roeggla AT-PS 401127
Intellectual Property & Licensing EP 1038257B
Gutheil-Schoder-Gasse 8-12 CN 1143237
1102 Vienna Austria INPCT/00/00344
(t) [phone] JP 00-561579
(f) [phone] US 6559754
Herald.roeggla.mxp.com WO 00/05673
EP 0998792B
JP 00-551498
US 6563882
WO 99/62196
vi © ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved

Contact details Patent number
Texas Instruments Inc. EP1 038257
Robby Holland, Licensing Manager US 09/315708
P.O. Box 655464, MS 3999 JP 00-560700
Dallas TX 75256 EP 1 034644
(T) [phone] US 6442215
(F) [phone] CN 1273730A
[e-mail] WO00/04686
EP 0669591B
AT-PS 401127
Zebra Technologies Corporation US 6784787
Eric McAlpine, IP Counsel EP 1031046
Legal Department EP 1291671
333 Corporate Woods Parkway EP 05017862.3
Vernon Hills, IL 60061-3109 US 5680459
(T) [phone] US 5557280
(F) [phone] US 5699066
[e-mail] EP 0585132
US 6198381
JP 10-272945
US 5537105
US 5966083
US 5995017
© ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved vii

Contact details Patent number
Magellan Technology Pty. Limited US5302954
Mr. Ken Laing SG37971
65 Johnston St DE3854478D
Annandale, NSW 2038, Australia EP0390822
(T) [phone] US5485154
(F) [phone] US10/927,957
[e-mail] US6967573
JP2002500465T
JP2006-180816
DE69835452
EP1048126
AU2006202886
AU785098
US7248145
US7259654
US11/538,271
US11/538/242
JP2003 526148
JP2006 344227
DE60119910
EP1266458
EP07013773
EP1544782
EP1544788
EP1679635
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights other than those identified above. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all
such patent rights. The latest IP submissons to ISO can be found at:
http://www.iso.org/patents
viii © ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 18000-3:2008(E)

Information technology — Radio frequency identification
for item management —
Part 3:
Parameters for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
1 Scope
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 provides physical layer, collision management system and protocol values for
RFID systems for Item Identification operating at 13,56 MHz in accordance with the requirements of
ISO/IEC 18000-1.
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 provides definitions for systems for each MODE determined in Clause 6 below.
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 defines two non-interfering MODES.
— The MODES are NOT interoperable.
— The MODES, whilst not interoperable, are non-interfering.
2 Conformance
2.1 Claiming conformance
In order to claim conformance with this part of ISO/IEC 18000, it is necessary to comply with all of the relevant
clauses of this part of ISO/IEC 18000 except those marked ‘optional’. It is also necessary to operate within the
local national radio regulations (which may require further restrictions).
Relevant conformance test methods are defined in ISO/IEC TR 18047-3.
3 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 7816-6, Identification cards — Integrated circuit cards — Part 6: Interindustry data elements for
interchange
ISO/IEC 15693 (all parts), Identification cards — Contactless integrated circuit cards — Vicinity cards
ISO/IEC 15961, Information technology — Radio frequency identification (RFID) for item management — Data
protocol: application interface
ISO/IEC 15962, Information technology — Radio frequency identification (RFID) for item management — Data
protocol: data encoding rules and logical memory functions
© ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved 1

ISO/IEC 15963, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management — Unique
identification for RF tags
ISO/IEC 18000-1, Information technology — Radio frequency identification for item management —
Reference architecture and definition of parameters to be standardized
ISO/IEC TR 18046, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Radio
frequency identification device performance test methods
ISO/IEC TR 18047-3, Information technology — Radio frequency identification device conformance test
methods — Part 3: Test methods for air interface communications at 13,56 MHz
ISO/IEC 19762 (all parts), Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC)
techniques — Harmonized vocabulary
4 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 19762 (all parts) and the
following apply.
4.1
Phase Jitter Modulation
PJM
modulation technique that transmits data as very small phase changes in the powering field
5 Symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the symbols and abbreviated terms given in ISO/IEC 18000-1,
ISO/IEC 19762 and the following apply.
≈ MODE 1 - the value is a rounded value (e.g. ≈ 75,52 µs)
6 Requirements: Physical layer, collision management system and protocol values
for 13,56 MHz systems
6.0 General and applicable to both Modes of this part of ISO/IEC 18000
6.0.1 Presentation as determined in ISO/IEC 18000-1
The context, form and presentation of this part, which provides physical layer, collision management system
and protocol value definitions for RFID systems for item identification operating at 13,56 MHz are in
accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 18000-1.
6.0.2 ISO/IEC 18000-3 Interoperability
This part of ISO/IEC 18000 specifies two MODES of operation at 13,56 MHz
These MODES are not interoperable, but they are expected to operate without causing any significant
interference with each other. Any known causes of interference are listed in Annex B.
NOTE It is recommended that users select one MODE for any specific application.
NOTE Local national regulations may further limit either power, frequency or bandwidth allocations and such
limitations may reduce the capability of a system within that country. Users shall have the responsibility to ensure that they
use only systems that comply with these regulations. This implies a user responsibility to obtain proofs from manufacturers,
and where appropriate have adequate tests carried out to assure that systems are in compliance.
Informative Comment: At the time of preparation of this part of ISO/IEC 18000, the interrogator to tag link and tag to
interrogator link physical layer emissions may be subject to type approval or certification. It is therefore necessary to make
2 © ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved

reference to local or regional radio regulations and radio standards in addition to this part of ISO/IEC 18000. All systems
are required to comply with local radio regulations, which may affect performance.
6.0.3 ISO/IEC 18000-3 reader conformance/compliance
To claim compliance with this part of ISO/IEC 18000, an interrogator/ reader shall support either MODE 1 or
MODE 2. The reader may support both modes as an option (the modes are not interoperable).
6.0.4 ISO/IEC 18000-3 tag compliance.
To claim compliance with this part of ISO/IEC 18000, a tag shall support either MODE 1 or MODE 2. The tag
may support both modes as an option (the modes are not interoperable).
6.0.5 Command structure and extensibility
Clauses 6.1 and 6.2, include definition of the structure of command codes between an interrogator and a tag
and indicate how many positions are available for future extensions. Command specification clauses provide a
full definition of the command and its presentation. Each command is labelled as being ‘mandatory’ or
‘optional’. In accordance with ISO/IEC 18000-1, the clauses of this part of ISO/IEC 18000 make provision for
‘custom’ and ‘proprietary’ commands.
The types of permitted command options are defined in subclauses 6.0.6 to 6.0.9.
6.0.6 Mandatory commands
A mandatory command shall be supported by all tags that claim to be compliant. Interrogators which claim
compliance shall support all mandatory commands.
6.0.7 Optional commands
Optional commands are commands that are specified within the International Standard. Interrogators shall be
technically capable of performing all optional commands that are specified in the International Standard
(although need not be set up to do so). Tags may or may not support optional commands.
If an interrogator or a tag implements an optional command, it shall implement it in the manner specified in
this standard.
6.0.8 Custom commands
Custom commands may be enabled by an International Standard, but they shall not be specified in that
International Standard.
A custom command shall not solely duplicate the functionality of any mandatory or optional command defined
in the International Standard by a different method. An interrogator shall use a custom command only in
accordance with the specifications of the tag manufacturer.
6.0.9 Proprietary commands
Proprietary commands may be enabled by an International Standard, but they shall not be specified in that
International Standard.
A proprietary command shall not solely duplicate the functionality of any mandatory or optional command
defined in the International Standard by a different method. Vendors shall not provide proprietary means to
circumvent the protocol. Proprietary commands are intended for manufacturing purposes and shall not be
used in field-deployed RFID systems.
© ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved 3

6.1 Physical layer, collision management system and protocols for MODE 1 of this part of
ISO/IEC 18000
MODE 1 is not interoperable with any other MODES defined within this International Standard.
6.1.1 Read/Write system
MODE 1 describes a read/write system using a "reader talks first" technique.
6.1.2 Normative Aspects
The physical, collision management and transmission protocols determined in this MODE are consistent with
the approach taken in ISO/IEC 15693. See Annex G. Clauses 6.1.3 – 6.1.8 provide normative parts of MODE
1 by reference.
6.1.3 Conformance and performance measurement aspects
The performance and conformance measurement aspects for MODE 1 are given in the relevant clauses of
Technical Reports (ISO/IEC TR 18046 and ISO/IEC TR 18047-3, respectively).
6.1.4 Physical Layer
The Physical layer for the MODE 1 air interface at 13,56 MHz shall be compliant with ISO/IEC 15693-2.
6.1.5 Protocol and collision management operating method
The collision management operating method for the MODE 1 air interface at 13,56 MHz shall be compliant
with ISO/IEC 15693-3.
6.1.6 Commands
The commands for the MODE 1 air interface at 13,56 MHz shall be compliant with ISO/IEC 15693-3.
6.1.7 Parameter tables for interrogator to tag link
The parameter tables for interrogator to tag link for the MODE 1 air interface at 13,56 MHz shall be compliant
with ISO/IEC 15693-2.
6.1.8 Parameter tables for tag to interrogator link
The parameter tables for tag to interrogator link for the MODE 1 air interface at 13,56 MHz shall be compliant
with ISO/IEC 15693-2.
6.2 MODE 2: Physical layer, collision management system and protocols for MODE 2 of this
part of ISO/IEC 18000
MODE 2 is not interoperable with any other MODE defined in this part of ISO/IEC 18000.
MODE 2 is non-interfering with any other MODE defined in this part of ISO/IEC 18000.
The performance and conformance measurement aspects for MODE 2 shall be conformant with the relevant
clauses of Technical Reports (ISO/IEC TR 18046 and ISO/IEC TR 18047-3, respectively).
4 © ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved

6.2.1 Normative aspects: physical and media access control (MAC) parameters: interrogator to tag
link
See Table 1 — Physical and media access control (MAC) parameters: interrogator to tag link and
Figure 1 — Two possible command flags.
Table 1 — Physical and media access control (MAC) parameters: interrogator to tag link
Ref. Parameter Name Description
M2-Int: 1 Operating frequency range
13,56 MHz ± 7 kHz
M2-Int: 1a Default operating frequency 13,56 MHz

M2-Int: 1b Operating channels N/A
(for Spread spectrum systems)
M2-Int: 1c Operating frequency accuracy
± 100 parts per million
Japan: ± 50 parts per million
M2-Int: 1d Frequency hop rate
(for Frequency Hopping [FHSS] N/A
systems)
M2-Int: 1e Frequency hop sequence
(for Frequency Hopping [FHSS] N/A
systems)
M2-Int: 2 Occupied channel bandwidth The modulation sidebands are very low in
amplitude but spread wide. They satisfy the ETSI,
and FCC regulations.
(Occupied channel bandwidth is not regulated in
the Japan Radio Law).
M2-Int: 2a Minimum receiver bandwidth Suitable to receive tag channel or channels of
interest.
M2-Int: 3 Interrogator transmit maximum Not relevant parameter in 13,56 MHz systems
EIRP Maximum EIRP depends on installation
Compliant with ETSI and FCC maximum in Band
allowed field strength.
(Interrogator Transmit Maximum EIRP is not
regulated in the Japan Radio Law).
M2-Int: 4 Interrogator transmit spurious
Emissions
M2-Int: 4a Interrogator transmit spurious
emissions, in-band N/A
(for Spread spectrum systems)
M2-Int: 4b Interrogator transmit spurious Compliant with ETSI, ARIB STD-T82 and FCC
emissions, out-of-band maximum out of Band allowed field strength.
M2-Int: 5 Interrogator transmitter Compliant with ETSI, ARIB STD-T82 and FCC
spectrum mask maximum out of Band allowed field strength
M2-Int: 6 Timing
M2-Int: 6a Transmit to receive turn around
0 - 50 µs
time (the time between the end of
a command and when the
interrogator is first ready to
receive a reply)
M2-Int: 6b Receive to transmit turn around
Greater than 0µs
time “(the time between the end of
a reply and when the interrogator
can transmit a command)
M2-Int: 6c Dwell time or Interrogator transmit
0 - 10 µs
power on ramp
© ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved 5

Ref. Parameter Name Description
M2-Int: 6d Decay time or Interrogator
0 - 10 µs
transmit power down ramp
M2-Int: 7 Modulation
PJM (Phase Jitter Modulation) min. level +/- 2,0 °
max. level +/- 4,0
M2-Int: 7a Spreading sequence
(for frequency hopping [FHSS] N/A
systems)
M2-Int: 7b Chip rate
(for Spread spectrum systems) N/A
M2-Int: 7c Chip rate accuracy
(for Spread spectrum systems) N/A
M2-Int: 7d Modulation index N/A - (System is not amplitude modulation)
M2-Int: 7e Duty cycle N/A
M2-Int: 7f FM Deviation N/A
M2-Int: 8 Data coding Modified Frequency Modulation (MFM) (see
Figure 4 — Command MFM encoding and timing
of binary 000100)
M2-Int: 9 Bit rate 423,75 kbit/s
M2-Int: 9a Bit rate accuracy Synchronous to the carrier frequency.
M2-Int: 10 Interrogator transmit
modulation accuracy N/A
M2-Int: 11 Preamble Includes an MFM encoding violation
M2-Int: 11a Preamble length 16 bits
M2-Int: 11b Preamble waveform The command flag defines the start of a command
and the bit interval timings. The flag comprises
three parts:
• A synchronising string of 8 bits of valid MFM
data.
• An MFM encoding violation not present in
normal MFM data. The violation consists of a
sequence of 5 state changes separated by a 1
bit interval, 2 bit interval, a 1,5 bit interval and
a 2 bit interval. The edge of the fifth (last)
transition defines the beginning of a bit
interval.
• A trailing MFM 0 defining the end of a flag and
the beginning of the command.
(See
Figure 1 — Two possible command flags below)

M2-Int: 11c Bit sync sequence See M2 Int: 11b
M2-Int: 11d Frame sync sequence See M2 Int: 11b
M2-Int: 12 Scrambling
N/A
(for Spread spectrum systems)
M2-Int: 13 Bit transmission order LSB first
M2-Int: 14 Wake-up process
Reader Talks First (RTF) System. Tag cannot
respond unless it receives valid command from
interrogator.
M2-Int: 15 Polarization N/A
6 © ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved

Synchronising String MFM Encoding Violation
Bit Interval
Flag 1
Flag 2
Flag
Figure 1 — Two possible command flags
6.2.2 Tag to interrogator link
See Table 2 — Tag to interrogator link and Figure 2 — Two possible reply flags.
Table 2 — Tag to interrogator link
Ref. Parameter Name Description
M2-Tag:1 Operating frequency range
13,56 MHz ± 3,013 MHz
M2-Tag: 1a Default operating frequency N/A – System does not rely on a Default Operating
Frequency
M2-Tag: 1b Operating channels Multi-frequency operating system where tags can
(for Spread spectrum systems) select from 8 reply channels. Tags transmit the
whole of their reply using a selected channel.
The tag may use one of eight subcarriers. The
subcarriers are derived by division of the powering
field’s frequency.
Channel Frequency Division
kHz Ratio
A969 14
B 1233 11
C 1507 9
D 1808 7,5
E 2086 6,5
F 2465 5,5
G 2712 5
H 3013 4,5
M2-Tag: 1c Operating frequency accuracy Synchronous to the carrier frequency.

M2-Tag: 1d Frequency hop rate Tags transmit the whole of a reply on a selected
(for Frequency hopping [FHSS] channel
systems)
M2-Tag: 1e Frequency hop sequence Reply channel is randomly selected by the tag.
(for Frequency hopping [FHSS]
systems)
M2-Tag: 2 Occupied channel bandwidth 106 kHz for each of 8 reply channels
M2-Tag: 3 Transmit maximum EIRP N/A
© ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved 7

Ref. Parameter Name Description
M2-Tag: 4 Transmit spurious emissions N/A
M2-Tag: 4a Transmit spurious emissions, In- N/A
band (for Spread spectrum
systems)
M2-Tag: 4b Transmit spurious emissions, Out- N/A
of-band
M2-Tag: 5 Transmit spectrum mask N/A
M2-Tag: 6
M2-Tag: 6a Transmit to receive turn around
0 - 200µs
time (the time between the end of
a reply and when a the tag is first
ready to receive a command)
M2-Tag: 6b Receive to transmit turn around
77 to 88µs
time “(time between the end of the
last bit of a read command and a
tag beginning the first bit of a tag
reply)
M2-Tag: 6c Dwell time or transmit power on N/A
ramp
M2-Tag: 6d Decay time or Transmit power N/A
down ramp
M2-Tag: 7 Modulation Load Modulation
M2-Tag: 7a Spreading sequence Tags transmit the whole of a reply in a randomly
(for Frequency hopping [FHSS] selected or an interrogator selected channel.
systems)
M2-Tag: 7b Chip rate N/A
(for Spread spectrum systems)
M2-Tag: 7c Chip rate accuracy N/A
(for Spread spectrum systems)
M2-Tag: 7d On-off ratio N/A
M2-Tag: 7e Sub-carrier frequency 8 sub-carrier frequencies available:
Channel Frequency Division
kHz Ratio
A969 14
B 1233 11
C 1507 9
D 1808 7,5
E 2086 6,5
F 2465 5,5
G 2712 5
H 3013 4,5
M2-Tag: 7f Sub-carrier frequency accuracy Synchronous to the carrier frequency.
M2-Tag: 7g Sub-carrier modulation BPSK (Binary phase shift keying)
M2-Tag: 7h Duty cycle N/A
M2-Tag: 7I FM Deviation N/A
M2-Tag: 8 Data coding MFM (Modified frequency modulation)(see
Figure 7 — Reply MFM encoding and timing of
binary 000100)
M2-Tag: 9 Bit rate 105,9375 kbit/s
M2-Tag: 9a Bit rate accuracy Synchronous to the carrier frequency.
M2-Tag: 10 Tag transmit modulation
accuracy (for Frequency N/A
hopping [FHSS] systems)
M2-Tag: 11 Preamble Includes an MFM encoding violation
M2-Tag: 11a Preamble length 16 bits
8 © ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved

Ref. Parameter Name Description
M2-Tag: 11b Preamble waveform The reply flag defines the start of a reply and the
bit interval timings. The flag comprises three parts:
• A synchronising string of 8 bits of valid MFM
data.
• An MFM encoding violation not present in
normal MFM data. The violation consists of a
sequence of 5 state changes separated by a 1
bit interval, 2 bit interval, a 1,5 bit interval and
a 2 bit interval. The edge of the fifth (last)
transition defines the beginning of a bit
interval.
• A trailing MFM 0 defining the end of a flag and
the beginning of the command.
(See Figure 2 — Two possible reply flags below)

M2-Tag: 11c Bit sync sequence See M2-Tag:11b
M2-Tag: 11d Frame sync sequence See M2-Tag:11b
M2-Tag: 12 Scrambling (for Spread
spectrum systems) N/A
M2-Tag: 13 Bit transmission order LSB first
M2-Tag: 14 Reserved
M2-Tag: 15 Polarization N/A
M2-Tag: 16 Minimum tag receiver See Figure 3 — Command modulation scheme
bandwidth
Synchronising String MFM Encoding Violation
Bit Interval
Flag 1
Flag 2
Flag
Figure 2 — Two possible reply flags
© ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved 9

6.2.3 Description of operating method
6.2.3.1 General
This clause defines the characteristics of the air interface between the interrogator and the tag. It details the
transfer of power and the bi-directional communications between the interrogator and the tag.
Tags may be passive. In which case, power is transferred from the interrogator to the tag by a high frequency
magnetic field using coupled antennae in the interrogator and the tag. The powering field frequency f is 13,56
c
MHz ± 7 kHz. The interrogator shall be capable of powering a tag at all positions inside the interrogator
operating volume.
Commands are transmitted from the interrogator to the tag by Phase Jitter Modulation (PJM) of the powering
field. PJM transmits data as very small phase changes in the powering field. These phase changes are
between +/- 2,0 ° and +/- 4,0 ° There is no reduction in the transfer of power to the tag during PJM. The
bandwidth of PJM is no wider than the original double-sided spectrum of the data. The sideband levels and
data rates are decoupled. This allows the sideband levels be set at any arbitrary level without affecting the
data rate. Phase Jitter Modulation is described in Annex A.
The command data rate is 423,75 kbit/s encoded using Modified Frequency Modulation (MFM).
An interrogator can be full or half duplex. If an interrogator is full duplex then it can transmit commands whist
simultaneously receiving multiple tag replies. Tags are half duplex.
Tags reply to the interrogator by inductive coupling whereby the voltage across the tag antenna coil is
modulated by a subcarrier. The subcarrier is derived from division of the powering field’s frequency.
Tags can select from one of eight subcarrier frequencies between 969 kHz and 3013 kHz. The reply data rate
is 105,9375 kbit/s encoded using Modified Frequency Modulation (MFM) and modulated onto the subcarrier
as Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK).
To ensure that tags replying on different channels are simultaneously received tag replies are band limited to
reduce data and subcarrier harmonic levels.
6.2.3.2 Communications signal interface interrogator to tag
Commands are transmitted from the interrogator to the tag by PJM of the powering field. The command data
rate is 423,75 kbit/s and all commands are MFM encoded prior to the PJM modulator.
6.2.3.2.1 Modulation
Commands are transmitted from the interrogator to the tag by PJM of the powering field. In PJM data is
transmitted as very small phase reversals in the powering field. This allows the sideband levels be set at any
arbitrary level without affecting the data rate.
The tags operate as intended with minimum PJM sideband levels that comply with the appropriate FCC and
ETSI regulations.
10 © ISO/IEC 2008 – All rights reserved

The PJM phase shift waveform of the interrogator magnetic field is described in Figure 3 — Command
modulation scheme and Table 3 — Command Modulation Parameters
Carrier phase
+∆°
70%
time
-∆°
Figure 3 — Command modulation scheme
Table 3 — Command Modulation Parameters
Parameter Minimum Maximum Units
phase shift    +∆°, -∆° 2,0 4,0 deg.
average time per degree for 70% of 0 170 ns
the total phase shift
time after which the phase shift shall 0 1,0 µs
remain above the 95% point
Note: the phase shift cannot exceed the final value by 5% at any time. The rise and fall phase shifts shall not have a
difference greater than 40 ns at any position between the 10% to 90% points. The phase shift magnitude shall remain
constant during the whole command
6.2.3.2.2 Data rate and data coding
The encoded command data rate is 423,75 kbit/s (f / 32). The period of a
...