ISO/IEC 15963:2009

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 15963
Second edition
2009-09-01


Information technology — Radio
frequency identification for item
management — Unique identification
for RF tags
Technologies de l'information — Identification par radiofréquence pour
la gestion des objets — Identification unique des tags RF




Reference number
ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2009

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ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
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ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Abbreviated terms .3
5 Unique identifiers.3
6 Possible ways to uniquely identify an RF tag.4
6.1 Virtual ID .4
6.2 Permanent unique ID.5
Annex A (normative) Numbering system of a permanent unique RF tag identifier (TID).6
Annex B (normative) ISO/IEC 7816-6 numbering systems for RFID .10
Annex C (normative) ISO 14816 – Numbering and data structures .13
Annex D (normative) ISO/IEC 18000-6C or ISO/IEC 18000-3m3 numbering systems for RFID.15
Annex E (normative) INCITS 256 and INCITS 371 numbering systems.17
Bibliography .18

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ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
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.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/IEC 15963:2009 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 15963:2004), which has been technically
revised.
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ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
Introduction
ISO/IEC 15963 is one of a series of International Standards and Technical Reports developed by
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 for the identification of items (Item Management) using radio frequency identification
(RFID) technology.
ISO/IEC 15963 describes numbering systems for the unique identification of RF tags.
It is intended for use in conjunction with other International Standards developed by SC 31 for "RFID for item
management" and “Real time locating systems” such as ISO/IEC 18000 and ISO/IEC 24730.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)

Information technology — Radio frequency identification for
item management — Unique identification for RF tags
1 Scope
This International Standard describes numbering systems that are available for the identification of RF tags.
The unique ID can be used
⎯ for the traceability of the integrated circuit itself for quality control in its manufacturing process,
⎯ for the traceability of the RF tag during its manufacturing process and along its lifetime,
⎯ for the completion of the reading in a multi-antenna configuration,
⎯ by the anti-collision mechanism to inventory multiple tags in the reader’s field of view, and
⎯ for the traceability of the Item to which the RF tag is attached.
2 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 19762-1, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques —
Harmonized vocabulary — Part 1: General terms relating to AIDC
ISO/IEC 19762-3, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques —

Harmonized vocabulary — Part 3: Radio frequency identification (RFID)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 19762-1, ISO/IEC 19762-3 and
the following apply.
3.1
RF tag
automatic identification and data capture device carrying data that can be queried by means of suitably
modulated inductive or radiating electromagnetic carriers from an interrogator so as to transfer information to
an information system
NOTE RF tags include both RFID and RTLS transponders.
3.2
RF tag unique identifier
number that uniquely identifies an RF tag
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ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
3.3
RF tag issuer
company or organization that allocates the RF tags to the items they identify
3.4
IC manufacturer
company that manufactures the RF tag integrated circuit
3.5
RF tag manufacturer
company that manufactures the RF tag in a ready-to-use configuration
3.6
allocation class
8-bit value used to classify companies or organizations allowed to allocate unique tag identification
3.7
IC manufacturer registration number
number allocated to IC manufacturers according to ISO/IEC 7816-6 or ANSI ASC INCITS T6
3.8
RF tag issuer registration number
number allocated to RF tag issuers according to ISO 6346, ISO/TS 14816, GS1, or ANSI ASC INCITS T6
3.9
chip ID
CID
unique permanent ID of the integrated circuit in an RF tag
NOTE The term unique identifier (UID) is deprecated. See tag ID, unique item identifier and object identifier.
3.10
tag ID
TID
unique permanent ID of the actual RF tag
NOTE 1 May or may not be the same as the Chip ID.
NOTE 2 There may be multiple chips within a tag.
NOTE 3 The tag ID may identify the manufacturer of a completed tag device and constituent parts of that tag
NOTE 4 The term unique identifier (UID) is deprecated. See chip ID, unique item identifier and object identifier.
3.11
unique item identifier
UII
identification that uniquely identifies a specific entity during its life
NOTE 1 An item ID may not change though the data carrier may be used to identify a different item. In that case, the
Item ID within the data carrier would change.
NOTE 2 A DoD Unique Identifier “UID” and an “EPC” are both forms of Item ID. A GS1 SSCC is an example of a time
limited Item ID (IID). A GS1 GRAI is an example of an Item ID (IID) assigned to a returnable asset. A GS1
sGTIN is an example of an Item ID (IID) assigned to a commercial product.
NOTE 3 The term unique identifier (UID) is deprecated. See chip ID, tag ID and object identifier.

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ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
3.12
object identifier
OID
unambiguous identifier for an “Informational Object” that can identify a product, an organization, a
person, a standard, a drawing, a (computer) file, etc.
NOTE 1 In general an Object Identifier is associated with a type of object, and is used to label information on an
instance of that type as such.
NOTE 2 The term unique identifier (UID) is deprecated. See chip ID, tag ID and unique item identifier.
4 Abbreviated terms
AC Allocation Class
AID Application Identifier
ANS American National Standard
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ASC Accredited Standards Committee
CID Chip Identifier
GS1 a set of standards administered by GS1
IC Integrated Circuit
ID Identifier
INCITS InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards
LSB Least Significant Bit
MSB Most Significant Bit
OID Object Identifier
RFU Reserved for Future Use
RTLS Real-Time Locating System
TID Unique Tag Identifier
UID Unique Identifier (as defined by the U.S. Department of Defense)
UII Unique Item Identifier
5 Unique identifiers
There are several types of identifiers associated with an RF tag. The most basic form is a chip ID (CID), which
is assigned by the integrated circuit (I.C.) manufacturer to a specific semiconductor device at the time of
manufacture in a manner that prevents it from being changed. Multiple semiconductor devices may be
associated with a single RF tag, though one I.C. per tag is common. In such a case, the identity of the RF tag
(TID) might simply assume the CID as its identity or it may assign an identifier distinct from the I.C. In many
cases, and as a recommendation of this standard, the TID is assigned at the time of RF tag manufacture in a
manner that prevents the TID from being changed.
The RF tag is then attached to some item. In some implementations the TID might then become the unique
item identifier (UII). In others, such as ISO/IEC 18000-6, Type C and ISO/IEC 18000-3, Mode 3 the UII is held
in a separate part of memory and is written subsequent to being attached or associated with a specific item.
The UII may either be locked or available for reprogramming.
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ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
Global uniqueness requires a central body (registration authority) to either assign manufacturer identities or to
assign unique identities to various agencies that in turn assign manufacturer identities. Manufacturers then
assign unique identification to the chip, tag, or item. This standard serves as the central body for assignment
of unique identifiers to RF tags. This standard assigns various Allocation Classes to various agencies that
issue manufacturer codes.
Some tags only have identity down to a specific lot, batch, or mask identifier. Other tags, and as
recommended by this standard, are serialized so that all RF tags are globally unique from all other RF tags.
The combination of globally unique serialized tag (TID) programmed and locked at the time of manufacturer,
with the unique item identifier (UII) programmed when attached or associated with a specific item and trusted
trading partner communications are the cornerstones of several anti-counterfeiting techniques used within the
supply chain.
For anti-collision, inventorying, reading from, and writing to an RF tag, techniques exist to utilize the TID, UII,
or a randomly generated number. Neither the UII nor the randomly generated number provide life-cycle
traceability for the RF tag. A TID does provide for such traceability
6 Possible ways to uniquely identify an RF tag
When a unique identification of an RF tag is required, it can be done in several ways. The following sub-
clauses list and explain some of them.
6.1 Virtual ID
A virtual tag ID is a temporary ID based on tag parameters that may vary over the life of the tag. It may take
several forms. A virtual ID is also known as a logical ID or a session ID. Several tags could have the same
virtual ID at different times, but all tags at the same time for the same interrogator should have a different
virtual ID, allowing an unambiguous identification of each tag at any time relative to any given interrogator.
The technical means to achieve and guarantee such uniqueness is outside of the scope of this International
Standard. However clauses 6.1.1, 6.1.2, and 6.1.3 discuss possible approaches.
6.1.1 Data as a unique ID
Data is a possible way to implement a virtual ID where the tag contains data that when read is unique in time
and location to a single tag. An example is a tag that contains date and time information. The time information
can be unique to a single tag from a manufacturer, but is not guaranteed to be unique over all tags at all
times. Another situation is a closed application where tag data describes only one set of information. Taken
globally, the tag bit pattern might be repeated, but in a closed application the tag data uniquely identifies a
single tag.
6.1.2 Time as a unique ID
Time is a possible way to implement a virtual ID where bit patterns alone do not necessarily identify a single
tag unambiguously. Tag response time slot can be part of a uniquely identifying parameter set. For example,
some tags use time slots to differentiate between several tags appearing to a reader at the same time. If these
time slots are fixed for a single interrogation exchange, then the time slot may be used to help define a single
tag at a particular time.
NOTE If the time slots are randomly defined each time a tag responds, then time slots are not suitable for
determining a unique tag ID.
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ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
6.1.3 Position as a unique ID
In some applications, tag position may define a unique tag ID at a particular time. For instance, some tags
have a read and write distance of only a few millimetres. In this case it is difficult to have more than one or two
tags in the interrogation zone at any time. Thus any tag continually in the reading zone may be considered
unique at that single time and location. A common example of this case is the tag used for fare collection on
public transportation or telecommunication charges.
6.2 Permanent unique ID
When a completely and globally unique ID is required, it shall be programmed into the tag, and therefore
becomes permanent.
Methods of assigning permanent unique identifiers are given in Tables A.1 to A.7.
6.2.1 Benefits of permanent unique ID versus virtual ID
The advantage of a virtual (session) ID is the reduced number of identification bits required. The disadvantage
is the absence of a unique ID, independent of the reader, application, time or data configuration used. The
virtual ID is unique only at a specific time and location, and is sufficient to allow the identification of a singular
tag relative to time and space.
The advantage of a permanent unique ID is that it guarantees a single ID over all application, space and time
situations. It is the only identification method where a completely unique ID is guaranteed in all situations.
6.2.2 Selection of the size of a permanent unique ID
Several criteria must be taken into account when selecting the size (i.e. the number of bits) of a permanent
unique ID:
a) To comply and coexist with existing ISO/IEC standards, so that the uniqueness is guaranteed globally,
and that the objectives of the ISO standards are met.
b) To structure it such that it’s technical implementation is optimized. This results for RF tags in the selection
of an "N power 2" number of bytes (1, 2, 4, 8).
c) To guarantee a number of combinations large enough to ensure that no two tags will be allocated the
same ID within the maximum expected lifetime of a tag, under reasonable conditions, e.g. 10 years.
d) To ensure that individual ID assignments can be delegated to IC or tag manufacturers in an efficient
manner.
e) To limit it to the absolute minimum size (i.e. number of bits) required to meet the above criteria, as its size
might penalize the performance of the interrogator-to-tag communication by increasing the number of bits
to transmit. As an example, a small number of bits (e.g. 32 bits) may be sufficient for applications with a
small number of tags.
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ISO/IEC 15963:2009(E)
Annex A
(normative)

Numbering system of a permanent unique RF tag identifier (TID)
A.1 General
This annex contains the recommended numbering system for RF tags using permanent unique RF tag
identifiers (TIDs). For the realization of such a numbering system it is necessary to incorporate the
specification below and the specification of associated registration procedures in an international standard.
In order to ensure the uniqueness of the RF tag identifier, the following rules specify its structure and length.
A.2 TID issuer identifier
To ensure the uniqueness of each TID, each TID issuer must be uniquely identified. Five classes of issuer are
defined, as shown in Table A.2. Two number blocks shown in Table A.2 (“001xxxxx to 1101xxxx” and
“11100100 to 11111111”) are reserved for future use by ISO.
The registration authorities identified below assign the length of the RF tag unique identifier. It consists of
three fields, as shown in Table A.1.
Table A.1 — Structure of the permanent unique identifier (TID)
AC TID issuer registration number Serial number
8 bits Size defined by AC value Size defined by AC and TID issuer value
MSB  LSB
A.3 Allocation class (AC)
The size of the allocation class is 8 bits. Five classes of TID issuer are defined as shown in Table
...