UHF RFID for Warehouses, Dock Doors & Portals
Plan RFID for warehouse management: fixed readers and circular antennas at dock doors, conveyor tunnels, handheld cycle counts and on-metal asset tags.
ValenID · valenid.com · sales@valenid.com
CT-120 On-Metal UHF Ceramic RFID Tag, 25 × 25 mm, 902–928 MHz
Square 25 × 25 × 3 mm ceramic UHF tag with an NXP UCODE 8 chip for 902–928 MHz systems; reads to 6 m on metal with a 4 W fixed reader and 4 m with a handheld.
- Rated 6 m on metal with a 4 W fixed reader and 4 m with a handheld reader
- NXP UCODE 8 EPC Gen2 chip, 902–928 MHz band
- Compact 25 × 25 × 3 mm ceramic body for tools, housings and cylinders
- Printed silver-paste antenna with the chip potted in epoxy resin
- High-strength adhesive mounting; forced removal destroys the antenna
- Frequency
- 902–928 MHz
- Chip
- NXP UCODE 8 (EPC Gen2)
- Read range, on metal
- 6 m (4 W fixed reader)
- Handheld range
- 4 m
- Dimensions
- 25 × 25 × 3 mm
- Material
- Ceramic, epoxy-potted
Reply within 24 hours Tested before dispatch Worldwide shipping
On-Metal UHF Ceramic RFID Tag, 25 × 25 mm, 902–928 MHz: overview
The CT-120 is a 25 × 25 × 3 mm ceramic UHF RFID tag for tools, equipment housings, gas cylinders and other steel items where a paper label would detune. It uses an NXP UCODE 8 EPC Gen2 chip, is specified for the 902–928 MHz band, and is rated at 6 m on metal from a 4 W fixed reader and 4 m from a handheld.
That handheld figure is close to the fixed-reader figure for a tag this size, which makes the CT-120 practical for walk-around audits. An operator can confirm tagged assets on a rack, shelf or cage without getting within arm's reach of every item.
Construction follows the same pattern as our other ceramic tags. A silver-paste antenna is printed on a high-dielectric ceramic body, the chip is bonded to it, and the assembly is potted in epoxy resin. The tag attaches with a pre-applied high-strength adhesive and is built to fail if forced off, because removal breaks the antenna. That suits assets where an ID must never migrate from one item to another.
Integration notes
Only a 902–928 MHz version is listed, so the CT-120 fits reader networks in FCC-band regions. For 866–868 MHz deployments, look at the dual-band CT-130 or CT-140. Mount it on a flat, clean surface. The datasheet gives no temperature or IP rating, so qualify it with a sample before outdoor or heat exposure.
CT-120 specifications
RF & chip
| Frequency | 902–928 MHz |
|---|---|
| Chip | NXP UCODE 8 |
| Air interface | EPC Gen2 / ISO/IEC 18000-63 passive UHF |
Read performance
| Fixed reader (4 W), on metal | 6 m |
|---|---|
| Handheld reader (Impinj R2000-based) | 4 m |
Construction & mounting
| Substrate | Ceramic (high dielectric constant) |
|---|---|
| Antenna | Printed silver paste |
| Encapsulation | Chip bonded to antenna, potted in epoxy resin |
| Dimensions | 25 × 25 × 3 mm |
| Mounting | Pre-applied 3M adhesive |
| Tamper behavior | Antenna breaks on forced removal; tag stops responding (anti-transfer) |
| Temperature / IP rating | Not published; qualify with a sample |
Ceramic UHF tag family comparison
| SKU | Size | Chip | UHF band(s) | On metal, 4 W fixed reader | Handheld reader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT-110 | 86 × 54 × 3 mm* | Alien Higgs-9 | 902–928 MHz or 866–868 MHz | Up to 10 m* | 2–3 m* |
| CT-120 | 25 × 25 × 3 mm | NXP UCODE 8 | 902–928 MHz | 6 m | 4 m |
| CT-130 | 23 × 9 × 3 mm | Alien Higgs-9 | 902–928 MHz or 866–868 MHz | 4 m | 3 m |
| CT-140 | 13 × 9 × 3 mm | Alien Higgs-9 | 902–928 MHz or 866–868 MHz | 3.5 m | 1.5 m |
Ranges as published for each tag with a 4 W fixed reader on metal and an Impinj R2000-based handheld. *CT-110: one datasheet lists 95 × 54 × 4 mm, 3 m fixed-reader range with the tag worn on the body, and 2 m handheld; confirm on sample.
Specifications can change between production batches. Confirm the current revision with us before placing volume orders.
Ordering options
Quote the SKU that matches your frequency, interface and mounting. Not sure? Send us your controller model and we will pick the variant for you.
| SKU | Configuration | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| CT-120-US | 25 × 25 × 3 mm ceramic on-metal UHF RFID tag, NXP UCODE 8, 902–928 MHz, adhesive-mounted |
Where the CT-120 is used
- Walk-around audits of tools and test equipment with a handheld reader
- ID tags on gas cylinders and pressure vessels for inspection records
- Tracking metal fixtures, jigs and parts between production cells
- Checkpoint tags on pipeline valves and inspection points for patrol rounds
RFID Asset & Tool Tracking
Build an RFID asset tracking system: on-metal, ceramic and tie-on tags matched to each asset, handheld audits, smart cabinets and IP67 HF heads for tooling.
CT-120 FAQ
Does the CT-120 work with European 866–868 MHz readers?
It is specified for 902–928 MHz only. For 866–868 MHz readers, choose a dual-band ceramic tag such as the CT-130 or CT-140.
How far can it be read?
The datasheet gives 6 m on a metal surface with a 4 W fixed reader and 4 m with a handheld UHF reader. Actual range depends on reader power, antenna and mounting, so verify with a sample.
Can it be removed and reused?
No. It is bonded with a high-strength adhesive, and forcing it off breaks the antenna, which disables the tag. Plan on one tag per asset.
Does it need a metal surface to work?
No. The ceramic construction keeps it readable on metal, and it also reads on non-metal surfaces. The published range figures are for metal mounting.
Before you buy
Related buyer guides
UHF RFID Frequency by Country: 902–928 MHz vs 865–868 MHz and Other Bands
Compare UHF RFID reader bands by country, including US, EU, UK, China, India and Japan. Understand ERP, EIRP, channel conditions and radio approvals.
How to Wire a Long-Range UHF Reader to an Access Controller or Barrier
Wire a UHF reader's D0, D1 and ground to your controller, match 26/34-bit Wiegand, size 12 V power and trigger the barrier by relay. Diagrams included.
Does RFID Work on Metal? How to Choose On-Metal Tags
Yes, RFID works on metal with tags built for it. See why metal detunes standard tags, compare ABS, PCB, ceramic and label tags, and test read range properly.
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Get pricing for the CT-120
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