NFC TAGS
N EAR -F I ELD COMMU N I CAT I ON TAGS
Unlocking the Potential of NFC Tags
A Comprehensive Exploration of Near Field Communication Technology
Near Field Communication (NFC) tags are small, wireless devices that store and transmit
information to other NFC-enabled devices when they are in close proximity ,these tags
contain a microchip and an antenna, allowing them to communicate with NFC-enabled
devices.
They operate on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and are a key
component in enabling seamless and convenient short-range communication between
devices.
Operates at 13.56 M Hz
Data transfer rate : up to 424 k bites/second
Basic working principle of NFC tags
The basic working principle of NFC (Near Field Communication) involves short-range wireless
communication between two devices equipped with NFC technology. Here's a simplified explanation of
how NFC works:
oInitiation
oPassive and Active Devices
oData Transmission
oCommunication Modes
oClose Proximity
oFrequency and Speed
Overall, the simplicity and security of NFC make it well-suited for applications where short-range,
secure communication is essential.
Types of NFC TAGS
Passive NFC Tags:
o Powered by the energy transmitted from the active device's RF field.
o Ideal for simple, one-way data transfer (e.g., reading information from tags).
o Commonly used in applications like contactless payment cards and access control cards.
o Cost-effective and simpler in design as they don't require a power source.
Active NFC Tags:
o Have their own power source (battery) and can initiate communication with other devices.
o Suited for more complex interactions, supporting bidirectional data transfer.
o Commonly used in devices like smartphones that can both read and write data to NFC tags.
o Enables dynamic and interactive applications, but tends to be more expensive and complex.
Components of NFC Tags
NFC tags consist of:
1.Microchip: Stores data and manages communication.
2.Antenna: Facilitates wireless communication by receiving and transmitting signals.
3.Memory: Stores information that can be read or written during NFC interactions.
4.Encapsulation: Protects the internal components and ensures durability.
These components work together to enable short-range wireless communication for various
applications such as payments, data transfer, and access control.
Type 1 to Type 5 NFC tags
NFC tags come in various types, each designed for specific applications. Types 1 to 5 refer to different tag categories with
distinct characteristics:
1.Type 1: Offers limited memory (usually less than 100 bytes) and is suitable for simple tasks like URL storage.
2.Type 2: Commonly used in consumer products and supports higher memory capacity (up to 200 bytes). Ideal for tasks like
smart posters and business cards.
3.Type 3: Features larger memory capacity (up to 4 KB) and is often used in industrial applications for data-intensive tasks.
4.Type 4: Based on ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC 18092 standards, Type 4 NFC tags provide advanced security features,
supporting encryption and authentication. Commonly used in secure transactions and access control systems.
5.Type 5: Compliant with ISO/IEC 15693 standard, Type 5 NFC tags offer a longer read range compared to other types,
making them suitable for applications like inventory tracking.
Standards
•ISO/IEC 14443: Defines the physical characteristics and communication protocols for
proximity cards, including Type 4 NFC tags. It ensures interoperability between devices and
supports secure data transmission.
•ISO/IEC 18092: Specifies the NFC interface and protocol standards, facilitating
communication between devices at a short range. It covers peer-to-peer communication
and supports various NFC modes, contributing to the widespread adoption of NFC
technology.
In summary, NFC tags are categorized into Types 1 to 5, each serving specific purposes.
Standards such as ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC 18092 ensure consistent communication and
security features, making NFC a versatile and secure technology for various applications.
Phone = Keys, ID card, Wallet
Benefits of NFC Tags
•Convenience and ease of use
•Low power consumption
•Enhanced user experiences
Applications of NFC Tags
•Contactless payments
•Access control and security
•Smart posters and advertisements
•Product authentication and tracking
•Healthcare applications
•Social networking and business cards
NFC USE CASES:
Connect Electronic Devices
◦ Exchange data
◦ Simple, secure pairing e.g. Bluetooth
Access Information
◦ Advertisements
◦ Identification Cards
Mobile transactions
◦ Contactless payment
◦ Mobile ticketing
NFC Challenges
Security
◦ Eavesdropping, Data corruption
◦ Solution: Establish secure channel
NFC ecosystem
◦ Technology already in-place
◦ Monetization issues
◦ Operators, Handset Manufacturers, Banks
◦ Solution: Market push, agreement
NFC Future Work
Mobile Payment infrastructure
◦ Goals: Security, Openness, Interoperability
New NFC use cases
◦ Location sensing
◦ Supply Chains
◦ Multiple Tags
Thank You..
-YUKT H A,NAVYA,G ANESH.
