Selecting The Right NFC Tag for Your Application

What is NFC?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a fast, intuitive technology that enables you to securely interact with the world around you with a simple touch. NFC technology is available used in billions of smartphones, tablets, consumer electronics and industrial electronics, and new devices appear almost daily.

NFC IC Types

NFC technology integrates the functional of contactless reader, NFC Tag and Peer-to-Peer data exchange! The NFC Forum, as the developer of the technical specifications, is defined the following five types of NFC tags.

Type 1: Protocol ISO14443A, read and write, users can configure it as read-only. The storage capacity is 96 bytes, which is used to store URLs or other small amounts of data. Typical chip is Topaz 512.
Type 2: Protocol ISO14443A, read and write, users can configure it as read-only. The storage capacity is 48 bytes; it can be extended to 2k bytes. Typical chips are MIFARE Ultralight® EV1, MIFARE Ultralight® C, NTAG® 203/210/213/215/216.
Type 3：The data communication speed is 212 Kbit / s. This type of higher cost tags are suitable for complex applications.
Type 4: This type of tag is compatible with the ISO14443A, B standards. It is preset to be readable / rewritable or read-only at the time of manufacture. The chip memory larger and the communication speed is between 106 kbit / s and 424 kbit / s. Suitable for a variety of applications, the typical chips are MIFARE® DESFire® series, with capacities ranging 2K, 4K, 8K.
Type 5：The latest type of NFC tag that has been defined in recent years. ISO15693 series of RFID chips are introduced to meet the growing variety of long-range, miniaturized NFC tags and their applications.

Solution & Application of NFC Tag

NFC tags come in a variety of antenna sizes and shapes for election. The larger antenna, the longer working range (typically up to 4 inches or 10 cm). We recommend using a larger antenna size for a smooth user experience. If you want to reduce the operating range to close for enhanced security, choose a smaller size.

The main NFC application as following:
1). Access Control
Related Products:
NFC Keyfobs
NFC Cards
NFC wristbands
NFC fabric woven bracelet
NFC silicone wristbands
Recommended Tag ICs:
NTAG®: ISO/IEC 14443, NFC Forum T2T, 13.56 MHz, proximity read range up to 4 cm.
ICODE®: ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3, NFC Forum T5T, 13.56 MHz, vicinity read range up to 1.2 m.

2). NFC Brand Protection
NFC provides a powerful, multi-pronged defense against counterfeiting, tampering and other fraudulent attacks.
Related Products:
NFC Smart Label
Tamper proof tag
ECO Graphene antenna NFC Tag
Recommended Tag ICs:
NTAG®: ISO/IEC 14443, NFC Forum T2T, 13.56 MHz, proximity read range up to 4 cm.
ICODE®: ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3, NFC Forum T5T, 13.56 MHz, vicinity read range up to 1.2 m.

3). Pairing and Commissioning
NFC makes paring simple by just tap to a Bluetooth® speaker or headphone, and the two are securely paired automatically, no need to search for a connection or typing a code.
Recommended Tag ICs:
NTAG® F： For battery-powered device. Pairing to phone.
NTAG®213F, NTAG®216F: NFC Forum Type 2 Tag compliant IC with 144/888 bytes user memory and field detection.

4). NFC Tag for Payment
With NFC, payment has become faster and easier than ever before by a simple tap of an NFC-enabled smartphone or bank card to a contactless POS terminal complete the payment transaction, most conveniently with no compromise on security.
Related Products:
NFC Keyfobs,
NFC Cards
NFC wristbands
NFC fabric woven bracelet
NFC silicone wristbands
Recommended Tag ICs:
NTAG®: ISO/IEC 14443, NFC Forum T2T, 13.56 MHz, proximity read range up to 4 cm.
ICODE®: ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3, NFC Forum T5T, 13.56 MHz, vicinity read range up to 1.2 m.
MIFARE® DESFire® series,
MIFARE Ultralight® EV1, MIFARE Ultralight® C

5). Toys & Gaming
NFC has changed the gaming industry by allowing highly interactive connections between the physical and virtual worlds. NFC stands for easy communication and data storage as well as personalized games.
Target Applications: Board Games, Card Games, Gamepad, Smart Toys

6). Authentication and Configuration
NFC tags on consumables or accessories, and NFC readers on the host increases product security and flexibility.
Target Applications:
Industrial equipment such as water or air filters, robots, industrial printers and labelling machines.
Healthcare and personal care products such as face brushes, toothbrushes, blood glucose meters and catheters
Printers and other consumer electronics such as blenders, juicers, coffee machines and water filters
Recommended Tag ICs:
ICODE SLIX2 NFC Forum Type 5 Tag with originality signature
ICODE DNA NFC Forum Type 5 Tag with AES cryptography

7). Loyalty NFC Tag
NFC makes products sound, so brands can connect and communicate directly with consumers at any time. To build deeper, more personal relationships with buyers and users.
NFC supports different formats. Whether it is a smart NFC card, a smartphone, a NFC wristband, a smart NFC key tag, or anything else, there is more flexibility in implementing a loyalty program. NFC can even ensure the authenticity of coupons and gift certificates by ensuring one-time promotional URLs, avoid counterfeiting, and support digital advertising campaigns and loyalty offers while preventing abuse.
Recommended Tag ICs:
MIFARE Plus® EV1

Get in Touch

HUAYUAN can customize tag in different enclosures according to your special application. We can help you determine the best solution.
For customization, application-specific questions, ordering sample packs or purchasing products, please contact our sales and customer service.