NFC Forum Types are a way to categorize the different NFC tags available. They are used to identify and standardize tag functions, making it easier for manufacturers to create compatible devices.
There are five NFC Forum Types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, and Type 5. Each has unique specifications that must be met for devices to be able to read and write to the tags. Let’s take a closer look at each one!
What is NFC Forum?
If you’re like me, you may have been hearing a lot about NFC lately and wondering what the fuss is about. In a nutshell, NFC is a technology that allows devices to communicate with each other by touching or bringing them close together.
This opens up a world of possibilities for tasks that were once impossible, including making payments with your phone or unlocking your car without a key. So, what is NFC Forum?
This is a consortium of companies that develops standards for NFC technology. They define what functions and types of tags are supported by different devices. They also work to ensure devices from different manufacturers can all communicate with each other.
This interoperability element is particularly critical when it comes to NFC tags. It ensures different brands of NFC tags can be read and written to by any device that supports the appropriate NFC Forum Type. This way, you can buy NFC tags from any manufacturer, and they will work with your phone or other devices.
Benefits of NFC Forum
Near Field Communication Forum (NFC Forum) is a global non-profit organization aiming at advancing the use of NFC technology. As mobile payments and other digital transactions become more popular, the NFC Forum is working to ensure NFC technology is ready to meet the growing demand. Here are just a few of the benefits of using NFC technology:
- Increased Security. NFC technology uses secure encryption protocols to help protect your data, making it more difficult for hackers to steal or tamper with your information.
- Convenience and Ease of Use. NFC tags are small and easy to carry, making it possible to take them wherever you go and use them anytime.
- Reduced Costs. NFC technology allows you to make purchases and complete transactions without paying any processing fees, so you can save money on every purchase.
Whether you’re looking for a way to simplify your daily tasks, streamline your payments, or both, NFC technology is the answer. And by supporting the NFC Forum, you can help ensure that this valuable technology continues to evolve and improve over time.
NFC Forum Types – In-Depth Description
There are approximately 3 billion NFC-enabled devices in use today, and the number is growing rapidly. The global marketplace for NFC technology is estimated to reach $54,521 million by 2028, driven by increased mobile commerce transactions, security enhancements, and overall growth in connected devices.
There are several types of NFC chips available that fall into five main categories – Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, and Type 5. These tags are intended for different purposes and have unique specifications in terms of maximum read distance and the amount of data written or stored on them.
Type 1 NFC Chips
These are the most basic NFC chip, designed for short-range communications and limited data storage. They are typically used in retail promotions and marketing campaigns to provide product information, store locations, or promotional offers.
They are based on ISO14443A and have a read-only memory of 96 bits. However, their simplicity makes it possible to extend the memory to 2KB. Its data transfer speed is approximately 106 kbit/s. An example of a Type 1 tag is the Innovision Topaz tag 512.
Type 2 NFC Chips
These are popular for mobile payments and access control solutions, where a higher level of security is required. They are based on ISO14443A and have a read-write memory, with the option of converting it to read-only.
Examples of this type of tag include the Ultralight, ST25TN, and NTAGX. These are some of the most popular NFC tags used for various applications, including retail promotions and ticketing.
They have a memory of 48 bytes (extendable to 2K bytes). With a communication speed of 106 kbit/s, you can easily transmit and write data to these tags.
Type 3 NFC Chips
Like Type 1 and Type 2 NFC chips, Type 3 tags use ISO14443A technology. They are based on Sony FeliCa contactless RFID technology, making them ideal for applications where a higher level of security is required.
These chips have a read-write memory of 2K bytes and offer a higher data rate (212kbit/s). As such, they allow more data to be stored, making them ideal for complex applications, such as mobile ticketing.
Type 4 NFC Chips
These chips are compatible with ISO14443A/B standards. They are designed for high-speed communication, offering a transfer speed of between 106 kbit/s and 424 kbit/s. They also have a larger memory capacity of up to 8K bytes. However, you can get it in 2K and 4K configurations.
Additionally, the tags come with read/write capabilities and are typically used in security applications such as access control. You can also convert it to read-only with a simple command.
An example of a Type 4 NFC chip is the DESFire Family. This tag offers high-speed communications, large memory capacity, and a superior data transfer rate for applications where fast data transfer and storage are required.
Type 5 NFC Chip
This is the latest and most advanced NFC chip, designed for long-range communication. They are compatible with ISO 15693 and ISO18092 standards and are used in various applications, including asset tracking and inventory management.
It was designed to meet the miniaturized requirements of wireless networks. The chip is completely sealed, making it more resistant to harsh environments and ideal for outdoor applications.
Examples include the NXP ICODE SLIx family, Fujitsu FRAM, EM 4233, HID VIGO, and NXP UCODE G2iL. These are some of the most advanced and sophisticated NFC chips that offer high performance, fast data transfer rates, and long read ranges.
