ICODE SLI vs Tag-it HF-I Standard

NXP ICODE SLI offers 112 bytes user memory with EAS bit for retail. TI Tag-it HF-I provides 256 bytes with dual-lock security. Both ISO 15693 at 13.56 MHz.

Side-by-side specs

Frequency

ICODE SLI: 13.56 MHz
Tag-it HF-I Standard: 13.56 MHz

Protocol

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

Memory

ICODE SLI: 1024 bits (32 blocks × 4 bytes), 28 user blocks (112 bytes user 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 SLI: RF (contactless)
Tag-it HF-I Standard: RF (contactless)

Temp Range

ICODE SLI: Not specified in datasheet
Tag-it HF-I Standard: -40°C to +85°C operating, -40°C to +125°C storage

Form Factor

ICODE SLI: Wafer/die (for label integration)
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 SLI: Unique 64-bit UID, block-level write protection (lock mechanism), EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) bit, AFI (Application Family Identifier), DSFID (Data Storage Format…
Tag-it HF-I Standard: Individual block locking (user lock and factory lock per block), irreversible write protection

Spec	ICODE SLI	Tag-it HF-I Standard
Frequency	13.56 MHz	13.56 MHz
Protocol	ISO/IEC 15693-2, ISO/IEC 15693-3	ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3
Memory	1024 bits (32 blocks × 4 bytes), 28 user blocks (112 bytes user 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	Not specified in datasheet	-40°C to +85°C operating, -40°C to +125°C storage
Form Factor	Wafer/die (for label integration)	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	Unique 64-bit UID, block-level write protection (lock mechanism), EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) bit, AFI (Application Family Identifier), DSFID (Data Storage Format…	Individual block locking (user lock and factory lock per block), irreversible write protection

Verdict

Choose ICODE SLI if your application prioritizes retail and library item management with Electronic Article Surveillance integration. The chip provides 112 bytes of user memory across 28 blocks, each 4 bytes in size, which is adequate for basic item identification and tracking data. Its dedicated EAS bit enables anti-theft systems commonly deployed in retail and library environments, making it particularly suitable for book tagging, retail merchandise tracking, and inventory control where theft detection is a requirement. The chip supports ISO/IEC 15693-2 and 15693-3 protocols, includes AFI and DSFID fields for application and data format identification, and offers block-level write protection to secure data once written. The unique 64-bit UID ensures each tag can be individually identified across global supply chains. Choose Tag-it HF-I Standard if you need larger data storage capacity and more granular write protection control. With 256 bytes of user memory organized in 64 blocks of 4 bytes each, it provides more than double the storage of ICODE SLI, making it better suited for applications requiring detailed product information, batch data, or extended tracking records. The dual-lock mechanism—offering both user-configurable and factory-set locking per block—provides superior security flexibility for protecting sensitive data while allowing certain blocks to remain writable. Supporting both ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 18000-3 protocols gives broader compatibility with different reader infrastructures. The Tag-it HF-I Standard includes the same 64-bit UID, DSFID, and AFI features as ICODE SLI but lacks the dedicated EAS bit, making it less optimal for retail anti-theft systems but more suitable for industrial tracking, logistics, and applications where memory capacity and write protection granularity take priority over theft detection.

FAQ

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

ICODE SLI provides 112 bytes of user memory across 28 blocks, while Tag-it HF-I Standard offers 256 bytes across 64 blocks. Tag-it HF-I has more than double the storage capacity for applications requiring larger datasets.

Does Tag-it HF-I Standard support Electronic Article Surveillance like ICODE SLI?

No, Tag-it HF-I Standard does not include a dedicated EAS bit. ICODE SLI has an integrated EAS function specifically designed for retail and library anti-theft systems, making it the better choice for loss prevention applications.

Are ICODE SLI and Tag-it HF-I compatible with the same readers?

Both chips operate at 13.56 MHz and support ISO/IEC 15693 protocols, so they work with standard ISO 15693 readers. Tag-it HF-I additionally supports ISO/IEC 18000-3, providing broader reader compatibility in some industrial environments.

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

Roxtron builds custom RFID and NFC products around both ICODE SLI 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.