RFID Asset & Tool Tracking
Build an RFID asset tracking system: on-metal, ceramic and tie-on tags matched to each asset, handheld audits, smart cabinets and IP67 HF heads for tooling.
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CT-140 Mini On-Metal Ceramic UHF RFID Tag, 13 × 9 mm
Our smallest ceramic UHF tag at 13 × 9 × 3 mm, with an Alien Higgs-9 chip in US or EU band versions; rated 3.5 m on metal with a fixed reader and 1.5 m with a handheld.
- 13 × 9 × 3 mm footprint for small tools, instruments and IT hardware
- Rated 3.5 m on metal with a 4 W fixed reader and 1.5 m with a handheld
- Alien Higgs-9 EPC Gen2 chip in 902–928 MHz or 866–868 MHz versions
- Ceramic body with silver-paste antenna; chip sealed in epoxy resin
- Tamper-destructive adhesive mounting prevents tag transfer between items
- Frequency
- 902–928 MHz (US) / 866–868 MHz (EU)
- Chip
- Alien Higgs-9 (EPC Gen2)
- Read range, on metal
- 3.5 m (4 W fixed reader)
- Handheld range
- 1.5 m
- Dimensions
- 13 × 9 × 3 mm
- Material
- Ceramic, epoxy-potted
Reply within 24 hours Tested before dispatch Worldwide shipping
Mini On-Metal Ceramic UHF RFID Tag, 13 × 9 mm: overview
The CT-140 is a mini ceramic UHF RFID tag, just 13 × 9 × 3 mm, for small metal items that cannot take a larger tag: hand tools, measuring instruments, laptops, small IT hardware and compact machine parts. It uses an Alien Higgs-9 EPC Gen2 chip and is listed for both 902–928 MHz and 866–868 MHz bands.
On metal, a 4 W fixed reader is rated to read it at 3.5 m and a handheld reader at 1.5 m. That suits counts at a tool board or shelf and check-out at a reader-equipped desk, rather than dock doors or vehicle lanes. For longer distances, the 23 × 9 mm CT-130 or the 25 × 25 mm CT-120 trade a little size for more range.
Like our larger ceramic tags, it pairs a silver-paste antenna on a high-dielectric ceramic body with an epoxy-potted chip. It sticks on with a strong pre-applied adhesive, and forced removal breaks the antenna, so a tag cannot be moved to a different item without disabling it.
Integration notes
Specify CT-140-US for 902–928 MHz readers or CT-140-EU for 866–868 MHz readers. With a footprint this small, give it a clean, flat seat and keep it away from edges where it could be knocked. No temperature or IP rating is published, so qualify it before any sterilization or heat exposure.
CT-140 specifications
RF & chip
| Frequency | 902–928 MHz (CT-140-US) or 866–868 MHz (CT-140-EU) |
|---|---|
| Chip | Alien Higgs-9 |
| Air interface | EPC Gen2 / ISO/IEC 18000-63 passive UHF |
Read performance
| Fixed reader (4 W), on metal | 3.5 m |
|---|---|
| Handheld reader (Impinj R2000-based) | 1.5 m |
Construction & mounting
| Substrate | Ceramic (high dielectric constant) |
|---|---|
| Antenna | Printed silver paste |
| Encapsulation | Chip bonded to antenna, potted in epoxy resin |
| Dimensions | 13 × 9 × 3 mm |
| Mounting | Pre-applied 3M adhesive |
| Tamper behavior | Antenna breaks on forced removal; tag stops responding (anti-transfer) |
| Temperature / IP rating | Not published; qualify with a sample |
Band options
| Variant SKU | UHF band | Chip | On metal, 4 W fixed reader | Handheld reader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT-140-US | 902–928 MHz | Alien Higgs-9 | 3.5 m | 1.5 m |
| CT-140-EU | 866–868 MHz | Alien Higgs-9 | 3.5 m | 1.5 m |
Ceramic UHF tag family comparison
| SKU | Size | Chip | UHF band(s) | On metal, 4 W fixed reader | Handheld reader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT-110 | 86 × 54 × 3 mm* | Alien Higgs-9 | 902–928 MHz or 866–868 MHz | Up to 10 m* | 2–3 m* |
| CT-120 | 25 × 25 × 3 mm | NXP UCODE 8 | 902–928 MHz | 6 m | 4 m |
| CT-130 | 23 × 9 × 3 mm | Alien Higgs-9 | 902–928 MHz or 866–868 MHz | 4 m | 3 m |
| CT-140 | 13 × 9 × 3 mm | Alien Higgs-9 | 902–928 MHz or 866–868 MHz | 3.5 m | 1.5 m |
Ranges as published for each tag with a 4 W fixed reader on metal and an Impinj R2000-based handheld. *CT-110: one datasheet lists 95 × 54 × 4 mm, 3 m fixed-reader range with the tag worn on the body, and 2 m handheld; confirm on sample.
Specifications can change between production batches. Confirm the current revision with us before placing volume orders.
Ordering options
Quote the SKU that matches your frequency, interface and mounting. Not sure? Send us your controller model and we will pick the variant for you.
| SKU | Configuration | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| CT-140-US | Mini 13 × 9 × 3 mm ceramic on-metal UHF RFID tag, Alien Higgs-9, 902–928 MHz | |
| CT-140-EU | Mini 13 × 9 × 3 mm ceramic on-metal UHF RFID tag, Alien Higgs-9, 866–868 MHz |
Where the CT-140 is used
- Tool-board and toolbox inventories in maintenance hangars and workshops
- IT asset tags on laptops, servers and network gear with metal casings
- Tracking gauges and measuring instruments through calibration cycles
- Tagging small machine parts and fixtures on the production floor
CT-140 FAQ
How small a surface can it go on?
The tag measures 13 × 9 × 3 mm, so it needs a flat area at least that size. The ceramic body is rigid and does not conform to curves.
What range can I expect on metal?
The datasheet lists 3.5 m with a 4 W fixed reader and 1.5 m with a handheld reader, both on metal. For more range, consider the CT-130 (4 m) or CT-120 (6 m).
Should I order the US or EU version?
Choose CT-140-US for 902–928 MHz readers and CT-140-EU for 866–868 MHz readers. Size, chip and rated range are identical.
Can it be autoclaved or baked?
No temperature rating is published for this tag, so we do not recommend sterilization or heat cycles without a test. Send us your process conditions and we will check what fits.
Before you buy
Related buyer guides
UHF RFID Frequency by Country: 902–928 MHz vs 865–868 MHz and Other Bands
Compare UHF RFID reader bands by country, including US, EU, UK, China, India and Japan. Understand ERP, EIRP, channel conditions and radio approvals.
How to Wire a Long-Range UHF Reader to an Access Controller or Barrier
Wire a UHF reader's D0, D1 and ground to your controller, match 26/34-bit Wiegand, size 12 V power and trigger the barrier by relay. Diagrams included.
Does RFID Work on Metal? How to Choose On-Metal Tags
Yes, RFID works on metal with tags built for it. See why metal detunes standard tags, compare ABS, PCB, ceramic and label tags, and test read range properly.
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Get pricing for the CT-140
Send your card type, interface and quantity. You get a quote, lead time and compatibility notes within 24 hours — samples available for most items.