SAMSys Technologies Inc. says it has signed a contract to supply its new MP9311 radio-frequency identification ultra-high frequency reader for use in all RFID label printers manufactured by Datamax Corp.

Datamax intends to use the MP9311 module as a component for its I-Class RFID printers, a family of combined bar-code printers and smart-label encoders. The MP9311 supports the Electronic Product Code, or EPC, Generation 2 RFID specification, as well as other standard protocols and frequencies around the world. The MP9311 also supports EPC Class 0 and 0+, EPC Class 1, ISO 18000-6A, ISO 18000-6B, Philips UCODE 1.19, EM 4222, and Intellitag protocols.

The SAMSys module will enable the printer to encode data conforming to any tag protocol onto radio-frequency chips embedded in the labels, aiding compliance with RFID mandates from large retailers and purchasing organizations. The module's multiprotocol capabilities make it possible for companies to use the same printer for multiple generations of tags.

Datamax I-Class RFID printers with MP9311 are scheduled to begin shipping between July and September to coincide with the forthcoming availability of Gen 2 tags, which are expected to hit the market later this year. The SAMSys MP9311 reader module will be released for general availability on July 30.