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U160-U UHF RFID Desk Reader/Writer, USB, EPC Gen2, Square Housing

The U160-U is a square USB desk reader/writer for EPC Gen2 (ISO 18000-6C) UHF tags, with the largest top surface of our four UHF desktop models at 107 × 107 mm. It reads up to 0.5 m, writes up to 0.2 m, comes in 902–928 MHz or 920–925 MHz builds and types tag data as a USB keyboard.

Frequency: 902–928 MHz (US band) or 920–925 MHz (China band); other regional bands on request
Cards / tags: EPC Gen2 UHF tags (read and write)
Interface: USB
Output: Keyboard emulation (USB HID)
Read range: Up to 0.5 m (depends on RF power, tag and environment)

Request a quote for U160-U Order a sample Datasheet (PDF)

✓ Sample units for evaluation
✓ Output format confirmed for your software
✓ Private label & OEM options
✓ Reply within 1 business day

Why integrators choose the U160-U

Widest top in the UHF desktop range — the 107 × 107 × 24 mm square housing gives a clear place to set down a card, label or tagged item.
Two standard bands — 902–928 MHz (US band) or 920–925 MHz (China band), with other regional bands on request.
EPC Gen2 read/write — reads ISO 18000-6C tags at up to 0.5 m and writes them at up to 0.2 m through host software.
FHSS or fixed channel — frequency hopping or a single fixed frequency, selected by software.
USB keyboard output — tag data goes into any focused field; virtual serial port output is a customized build.

Where the U160-U fits

The U160-U suits fixed desk stations where tagged items are set down to be checked or registered, rather than held over a pad. Examples are a records desk confirming labeled files, a stores counter checking UHF asset tags on returned equipment, and a parking office registering vehicle tags before they are handed out. The 107 × 107 mm square top gives a clear target, and at 24 mm it is the tallest of our four UHF desktop models.

Because UHF reads at a distance, the item does not have to touch the reader; at full power a tag can be read up to 0.5 m away. If several tagged items share the desk, reduce the RF output (adjustable from 12.5 to 26 dBm) so that only the item on the reader is read.

Ordering the right frequency band

UHF RFID bands are set by national regulations, so the reader must be ordered for the country where it will be used. The U160-U has two standard builds:

902–928 MHz (US band), the band used across much of the Americas
920–925 MHz (China band), which overlaps, fully or in part, the UHF allocations of several other Asia-Pacific markets

Other regional bands are available on request. Within its band the reader either hops between channels (FHSS) or stays on one fixed frequency, set by software. Include the destination country in your RFQ and the band is confirmed in your quotation. The regional table in UHF RFID frequency bands by country lists the common allocations.

U160-U specifications

General
Model	U160-U
Product type	UHF RFID desktop reader/writer
Form factor	Square desk reader
Color	Black with silver frame

Tags & reading
Frequency	902–928 MHz (US band) or 920–925 MHz (China band); other regional bands on request
Air protocol	ISO 18000-6C / EPC Class 1 Gen 2
Supported tags	EPC Gen2 UHF tags (read and write)
Read range	Up to 0.5 m (depends on RF power, tag and environment)
Write range	Up to 0.2 m (depends on RF power, tag and environment)

Radio
Antenna	Built-in 2 dBi circularly polarized antenna
RF output power	12.5–26 dBm, software adjustable
Frequency hopping	FHSS or fixed frequency, set by software
Operating modes	Active mode and passive mode; answer mode available but not recommended

Interface & output
Interface	USB
Default output	Keyboard emulation (USB HID)
Optional build	USB virtual serial port (customized version)
Power	5 V DC from USB

Physical & environment
Dimensions	107 × 107 × 24 mm
Operating temperature	-20 °C to +55 °C
Storage temperature	-40 °C to +85 °C

Specifications of U160-U as supplied for the standard version. Read range depends on the card or tag, mounting surface and environment — we can test your own cards before you order.

Download the U160-U datasheet (PDF, A4)

Card, tag and system compatibility

Works with

✓ISO 18000-6C / EPC Class 1 Gen 2 UHF tags on cards, labels and tagged items (read and write)
✓Applications that accept keyboard input — the default build types tag data at the cursor
✓Serial-port host software, with the virtual serial port build (on request)
✓902–928 MHz and 920–925 MHz band builds; other regional bands on request

Not designed for

✕Gate, lane or doorway reading at several meters — the U610-M integrated reader covers 0–5 m
✕Walk-around stock counts — see the U520-M handheld UHF reader
✕125 kHz and 13.56 MHz cards (UHF tags only)
✕Wiegand, RS232 or RS485 connection to a controller (USB only)

Card not listed? Send us the card type or a photo and we will confirm compatibility before you buy.

Integration in 4 steps

1
State the country of use in your RFQ so that the matching band build (902–928 MHz, 920–925 MHz or another regional band) is supplied.
2
Connect the U160-U to the host by USB. Power comes from the port (5 V DC), and the default build registers as a keyboard.
3
Open the target application, put the cursor in the tag field and set the tagged item on the reader; the data is typed in.
4
For background capture, or to write tags from your own application, order the virtual serial port build and use host software that opens the COM port; the command documentation for that build is confirmed in your quotation.

OEM / ODM options for U160-U

◆Regional band build for your market: 902–928 MHz and 920–925 MHz as standard, other bands on request
◆Fixed-frequency operation or frequency hopping (FHSS) preset before shipment, on request
◆RF output power preset within 12.5–26 dBm to match the size of the check-in zone, on request
◆USB virtual serial port build in place of keyboard output, on request

How OEM/ODM projects work →

Typical applications

U160-U FAQ

Which frequency versions of the U160-U are available?

Two standard builds: 902–928 MHz (US band) and 920–925 MHz (China band). Other regional bands are available on request. Order the band that is permitted in the country where the reader will be used.

Can the U160-U read tags at a door or gate?

It is not designed for that. With a built-in 2 dBi antenna it reads up to 0.5 m, which suits a desk. For doors, gates and vehicle lanes, look at our integrated UHF readers with 7 to 12 dBi antennas, such as the U610-M (0–5 m).

What does FHSS or fixed frequency mean on the U160-U?

In FHSS mode the reader hops between channels across its band, which is the usual way UHF readers operate in the 902–928 MHz band. In fixed mode it stays on one channel, which can help during testing or where local rules call for it. The mode is set by software.

Does the U160-U need a separate power supply?

No. It runs on 5 V DC from the USB port it is connected to, so one USB cable carries both power and data.