UCODE DNA City

The UCODE DNA City is a passive UHF RFID IC operating in the 860–960 MHz frequency range, compliant with ISO/IEC 18000-63 and EPC Gen2 v2.0.1 (also known as EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 v2). It communicates via backscatter modulation, harvesting energy from the reader carrier wave.

Key operational features include:

• AES-128 mutual authentication between tag and reader, providing cryptographic verification of tag authenticity
• Tamper-evident functionality that can detect and permanently record physical opening or breach events
• EPC Gen2 v2 security extensions supporting encrypted communication and access control
• Standard EPC Gen2 anti-collision algorithm (Q-algorithm) for dense reader environments

The AES cryptographic engine enables brand protection and anti-counterfeiting workflows beyond basic EPC memory operations.

Potential use cases based on the chip's specified capabilities include:

• Brand protection and anti-counterfeiting — AES authentication enables verification of genuine products in supply chains
• High-value goods tracking — tamper-evident features may support jewelry, pharmaceuticals, or luxury items where proof of unopened packaging matters
• Secure access documents — cryptographic features may suit applications requiring cloning-resistant identification

These are illustrative applications supported by the chip's security architecture; actual deployment configurations vary by implementation.

The UCODE DNA City extends standard EPC Gen2 v2 command set with security operations. Relevant command families include:

• Standard SELECT, QUERY, READ, WRITE, KILL, LOCK per EPC Gen2 v2
• AUTHENTICATE command for mutual authentication exchange using AES-128
• Cryptographic access control to memory banks post-authentication

Integration considerations:

• Requires EPC Gen2 v2-capable reader with AES authentication support; backward compatibility exists for non-authenticated operations
• Tamper-evident bit, once set by physical breach, cannot be reset — impacts field return processes
• Key management infrastructure required for AES key distribution and management
• Memory lock status and security configuration should be verified during commissioning

Consult UCODE DNA family documentation for shared architecture details; City variant specifically targets applications requiring tamper evidence.

When evaluating UCODE DNA City supply:

• Confirm exact part number variant — NXP produces multiple UCODE DNA derivatives with different feature sets (see UCODE DNA base family and UCODE 9m for comparison)
• Request current datasheet revision and errata; EPC Gen2 v2 implementation details may have clarifications
• Verify tamper-evident physical integration — the IC enables tamper detection but requires specific antenna/construction design to realize this function
• Understand key provisioning model — whether supplied with pre-loaded keys, blank, or via NXP's Trust Provisioning service
• Confirm regional frequency tuning for target 860–960 MHz markets (regional sub-bands vary)
• Validate reader compatibility with Gen2 v2 AES authentication commands in your target hardware