What You Need to Know About NFC Tags

The integration of NFC tags into Android and iPhone has helped automate most activities. Near-field communication technology is used in many applications, such as contactless payments and data sharing.

The NFC technology has been applied in many industries, including the hotel industry, the payment industry, and the transport industry. At any NFC online store near you, you can purchase NFC tags for a reasonable price.

We analyze the uses of NFC tags, their merits and demerits, and suggest creative ways to make your life more interesting with NFC tags. Keep reading.

What is NFC Tag?

A Near Field Communication (NFC) device uses radio waves to communicate with another NFC-enabled device.

With Android smartphones that support NFC, users can share files and exchange data with ease. For iPhones, NFC is available only on IOS 11 (iPhone 7 and newer).

NFC, however, is limited to short-range device communication. There must be approximately 4 inches between two NFC-enabled devices in order for them to connect. Criminals have a harder time intercepting NFC transactions because of this feature.

The NFC technology is two-way, as opposed to RFID technology. Any of the two devices can act as a reader or a tag. Smartphones that send data act as NFC tags, while receivers serve as readers.

An NFC-enabled device provides power to the NFC tags, which are unpowered. A NFC device sends radio waves that activate the antenna of the reader, causing the data to be released as a result.

What is NFC Tag?

A Near Field Communication (NFC) device uses radio waves to communicate with another NFC-enabled device.

With Android smartphones that support NFC, users can share files and exchange data with ease. For iPhones, NFC is available only on IOS 11 (iPhone 7 and newer).

NFC, however, is limited to short-range device communication. There must be approximately 4 inches between two NFC-enabled devices in order for them to connect. Criminals have a harder time intercepting NFC transactions because of this feature.

The NFC technology is two-way, as opposed to RFID technology. Any of the two devices can act as a reader or a tag. Smartphones that send data act as NFC tags, while receivers serve as readers.

An NFC-enabled device provides power to the NFC tags, which are unpowered. A NFC device sends radio waves that activate the antenna of the reader, causing the data to be released as a result.

Components of an NFC Tag

There are three main components of an NFC tag: an NFC chip, a substrate, and an antenna. Each of the components has the following functions:

NFC Chip. The microchip is quite small (it is the smallest part of the NFC tag). Information is stored in its memory. Among the data it can store are pictures, email addresses, telephone numbers, and website links. NFC data exchange format (NDEF) is used for storing and transmitting this data.

NFC Antenna. NFC tags detect or release radio waves from this section. A coil or loop of wire is etched on the NFC tag in a strategic location. A defective part will prevent the smartphones from sending or receiving signals, resulting in no communication.

Substrate. In NFC, this is the part that holds the antenna and the chip together. This is the biggest part of the NFC tag, and it can be made of plastic or adhesive materials.

In addition to NFC stickers, NFC inlays, NFC labels, and NFC discs, NFC tags come in various forms. Due to this diversity, you are able to choose the format that is most suitable for you. A work desk can be automated with NFC stickers, for example.

In addition, you can purchase customized NFC tags. In addition to key fobs and wristbands, you can also find NFC mats and wristbands.

How to Check Whether Your Smartphone is NFC-Enabled

The following steps will help you determine if your smartphone is NFC-enabled:

Open your smartphone’s “Settings Section.”

Navigate to the “Wireless and Networks” Section

Tap on “More”

Under "More," you'll see the NFC option if your phone supports it.

The "settings section" can also be accessed by searching for NFC in the search bar. It will return NFC app results if you have an NFC-enabled phone.

How NFC Tags Work

RFID tags work in a similar way to NFC tags. A tag transmits information to a reader using radio waves. Due to the fact that they are primarily used to pass information in an automated manner, they are also called SMART tags or INFO tags.

A straightforward application process is offered since it does not require pairing. The only thing you need to do is bring two NFC-enabled devices closer (approximately 4 inches). There will be an automatic connection between them.

You'll select NFC sharing once you're connected. You'll be able to share many files simultaneously this way!

NFC file sharing is ten times faster and more convenient than Bluetooth.

5 Main Types of NFC Tags

Your nearest NFC store offers five types of NFC tags. Various features affect their functionality and are classified accordingly.

Before shopping for an NFC tag, it is important to determine what your needs are. You will learn about the five types of NFC tags and their functions in this section:

NFC Type 1 Tags

This is the simplest and slowest form of NFC tag. 93 bytes to 2 kilobytes of data are stored and they operate at around 106 Kbps (kilobits per second). URLs or short information can be stored in this space. It is possible, however, to expand the memory so that more data can be stored.

It is relatively inexpensive to manufacture NFC type 1 tags due to their simplistic design. It is possible, however, that they lack the functionality you require to automate certain processes. With these tags, you cannot write commands using NFC apps because they are read-only.

They are primarily used for one-time provisioning, business cards, and reading specific NFC tags when there are more than one. The following are unique features of type 1 NFC tags:

Operates following ISO 14443A standards

Data collision mechanism not available

Relatively inexpensive

This type of NFC tag is best suited for simple activities that do not require the transfer and storage of large amounts of data. In spite of the fact that you can expand the memory, the data transfer speed is slow and unreliable.

NFC Type 2 Tag

A data collision protection mechanism is available on NFC Type 2 tags. A Type 2 can hold up to 48 bytes of storage memory (half that of a Type 1). Up to 2 kilobytes of memory can be added to this memory size. As with Type 1, it has the same communication speed (106 Kbps).

Tags of Type 2 operate in accordance with ISO 14443A standards, just like tags of Type 1. Ultralight, NXP Mifare, and Ultralight C are among the products that are compliant.

Compared to the Type 1 NFC tags, the Type 2 NFC tags offer better functionality and speed. They are used for event ticketing, URL redirects, and low-value transactions.

Type 3 NFC Tag

In comparison to Type 1 and Type 2, these NFC tags are more expensive. As a result, they operate in accordance with ISO 18092 and JIS-X-6319-4.

212-2424 kbps is the speed of the tags and their memory is 1-9 kilobytes. In addition, they have anti-collision properties, allowing multiple tags to be read simultaneously with one reader. Sony FeliCa is one of the products that meet all the Type 3 tag requirements.

In addition to e-money, membership cards, electronic ID cards, transit tickets, healthcare devices, home electronics, and e-ticketing, the tag can be used for a wide range of applications.