January 28, 2026 /SemiMedia/ — NXP Semiconductors has launched UCODE X, a new RAIN RFID chip designed to improve read and write sensitivity while reducing power consumption, as demand grows for smaller and more efficient RFID labels in high-volume applications.

The chip is aimed at sectors such as retail, logistics, healthcare and food, where companies are expanding RFID use to improve inventory visibility and compliance. UCODE X supports compact label designs, allowing tags to be applied to smaller or harder-to-label items.

Regulatory requirements are also shaping demand. New rules, including the European Union’s Digital Product Passport and the U.S. FSMA 204 framework, require more product data to be captured and retained. UCODE X allows information such as batch numbers, expiration dates and recycling data to be stored directly on the chip, without sacrificing read performance.

NXP said the chip’s improved sensitivity can speed up tag encoding and inventory counts, while improving readability on challenging materials. This makes RFID tagging more practical for products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and packaged food.

UCODE X is built on the GS1 Gen2V2 standard, ensuring compatibility with existing RAIN RFID readers and encoders. It also supports the Gen2V2 Untraceable command, which is designed to address consumer privacy concerns.

The chip’s flexible memory options allow label and inlay suppliers to adapt designs to different use cases, while smaller inlay sizes can help reduce material usage. NXP said the product aligns with its broader manufacturing strategy focused on supply resilience and cost control.

UCODE X is now available. For more information, please visit NXP.com/UCODEX.