ICODE 3 vs Tag-it HF-I Standard

Compare ICODE 3 (304 bytes, ECC signatures, dual passwords) vs Tag-it HF-I Standard (256 bytes, block locking). Both 13.56 MHz ISO 15693 chips for different security needs.

Side-by-side specs

Frequency

ICODE 3: 13.56 MHz (13.553 - 13.567 MHz)
Tag-it HF-I Standard: 13.56 MHz

Protocol

ICODE 3: ISO/IEC 15693-2, ISO/IEC 15693-3
Tag-it HF-I Standard: ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3

Memory

ICODE 3: 2432 bits user memory (76 blocks × 4 bytes); 2400 bits user data (blocks 0-74) + 24-bit counter (block 75); 192 bytes configuration memory
Tag-it HF-I Standard: 2048 bits (256 bytes) user memory organized in 64 blocks of 32 bits (4 bytes) each, plus 64-bit UID, DSFID, AFI

Interface

ICODE 3: RF (contactless)
Tag-it HF-I Standard: RF (contactless)

Temp Range

ICODE 3: -40°C to +105°C (junction), -55°C to +125°C (storage)
Tag-it HF-I Standard: -40°C to +85°C operating, -40°C to +125°C storage

Form Factor

ICODE 3: Wafer sawn, 12" bumped wafer, 120 μm, on film frame carrier; die size 675 μm × 635 μm
Tag-it HF-I Standard: Wafer (200 mm / 8 inch diameter, 265 µm thick after grinding), die size 1296 µm × 1116 µm, bumped (Ni/Au chemical bumps, 25 µm height)

Security

ICODE 3: 32-bit and 64-bit password protection; ECC-based 32-byte or 48-byte programmable originality signature (secp128r1); Read/Write password protection; Privacy modes (2 modes with…
Tag-it HF-I Standard: Individual block locking (user lock and factory lock per block), irreversible write protection

Spec	ICODE 3	Tag-it HF-I Standard
Frequency	13.56 MHz (13.553 - 13.567 MHz)	13.56 MHz
Protocol	ISO/IEC 15693-2, ISO/IEC 15693-3	ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3
Memory	2432 bits user memory (76 blocks × 4 bytes); 2400 bits user data (blocks 0-74) + 24-bit counter (block 75); 192 bytes configuration memory	2048 bits (256 bytes) user memory organized in 64 blocks of 32 bits (4 bytes) each, plus 64-bit UID, DSFID, AFI
Interface	RF (contactless)	RF (contactless)
Temp Range	-40°C to +105°C (junction), -55°C to +125°C (storage)	-40°C to +85°C operating, -40°C to +125°C storage
Form Factor	Wafer sawn, 12" bumped wafer, 120 μm, on film frame carrier; die size 675 μm × 635 μm	Wafer (200 mm / 8 inch diameter, 265 µm thick after grinding), die size 1296 µm × 1116 µm, bumped (Ni/Au chemical bumps, 25 µm height)
Security	32-bit and 64-bit password protection; ECC-based 32-byte or 48-byte programmable originality signature (secp128r1); Read/Write password protection; Privacy modes (2 modes with…	Individual block locking (user lock and factory lock per block), irreversible write protection

Verdict

Choose ICODE 3 if you require advanced security features and higher memory capacity. This chip provides 304 bytes total user memory (2400 bits usable data plus a 24-bit counter in block 75) versus the Tag-it's 256 bytes, along with significantly stronger protection mechanisms. The ICODE 3 offers both 32-bit and 64-bit password protection, ECC-based originality signatures using secp128r1 curve (programmable as 32-byte or 48-byte), two privacy modes with 32-bit password control, and comprehensive lock mechanisms at block and page levels. It supports ISO/IEC 15693-2 and 15693-3 protocols and operates within 13.553-13.567 MHz. The Destroy command provides irreversible deactivation, and separate password protection for EAS/AFI functions makes it suitable for high-security applications like pharmaceutical authentication, brand protection, and access control where cryptographic verification is essential. Choose Tag-it HF-I Standard if you need a straightforward ISO 15693/ISO 18000-3 compliant solution with basic write protection at lower cost. The chip offers 256 bytes (2048 bits) organized in 64 blocks of 4 bytes each, plus a 64-bit UID, DSFID, and AFI fields. Security is limited to individual block locking with both user-settable and factory lock options providing irreversible write protection per block—adequate for basic anti-tampering but without password authentication or cryptographic features. The Tag-it operates at 13.56 MHz and complies with both ISO 15693 and ISO 18000-3 standards, making it suitable for library management, basic supply chain tracking, and asset identification where read/write protection is sufficient but advanced authentication is not required. The simpler feature set typically translates to lower per-unit cost for high-volume deployments with modest security requirements.

FAQ

What is the memory difference between ICODE 3 and Tag-it HF-I Standard?

ICODE 3 provides 304 bytes total user memory (2400 bits usable data in blocks 0-74 plus a 24-bit counter in block 75), while Tag-it HF-I Standard offers 256 bytes (2048 bits) in 64 blocks. ICODE 3 has 48 bytes more capacity plus additional configuration memory.

Does Tag-it HF-I Standard support password protection like ICODE 3?

No, Tag-it HF-I Standard only supports individual block locking (user lock and factory lock per block) without password authentication. ICODE 3 offers 32-bit and 64-bit password protection, privacy modes, ECC-based originality signatures, and password-protected EAS/AFI functions.

Are both chips compatible with ISO 15693 readers?

Yes, both chips comply with ISO/IEC 15693 protocol at 13.56 MHz. ICODE 3 specifically supports ISO 15693-2 and 15693-3, while Tag-it HF-I Standard supports ISO 15693 and additionally ISO 18000-3, ensuring broad reader compatibility.

Sourcing ICODE 3 or Tag-it HF-I Standard in volume?

Roxtron builds custom RFID and NFC products around both ICODE 3 and Tag-it HF-I Standard. Tell us your project — quantities, form factor, timeline — and we'll come back within 24 hours with pricing and lead times.