Introduction
NFC or Near-Field Communications is a rapidly growing wireless, short-range technology. Approved as an ISO standard in 2003, NFC is a form of RFID technology that has a read range of up to a few centimeters. The ISO standards approved by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO 14443 and ISO 18000-3) exist on the HF or High-Frequency band on the Radio Frequency Spectrum.
Since its inception, NFC has grown in popularity due to widespread adoption in response to NFC’s fast connectivity and data transmission capabilities. Below are some little known facts about NFC as well as unique applications for the technology:
1. Types of NFC Devices
There are two main types of NFC devices: Passive communication NFC devices and active communication NFC devices. Passive devices have no power source and can only connect to active devices. Active devices have a power source and can send and receive data by switching between the normal active (transmitting) state and a passive (receiving) state. In a typical NFC system, there is an active NFC device, passive NFC device, and a host computer or application. Unlike a UHF RFID system that requires both a reader and a tag, active NFC devices can communicate with other active NFC devices by switching between the active state and the passive state. An example of this is using NFC devices or smartphones for the exchange of data.
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2. Magnetic Coupling
NFC technology uses magnetic coupling to send and receive signals. When two NFC enabled devices are close enough (from touch to 10 cm), they create an electromagnetic field between them. That electromagnetic field allows the active NFC device to power up and communicate with the passive NFC device. The active NFC device then picks up on variations in signal levels specific to the passive device and reads those variations as a signal. A detector and decoder circuit in the active NFC device is then used to comprehend the passive NFC signal and extract the relevant information. The host computer or application can then understand the information and take any relevant next steps.
3. Modes of Operation
Three main modes of operation for NFC devices are:
- Peer-to-peer mode – Active NFC devices exchange information by switching between passive and active states.
- Read/write mode – Active NFC device reads or writes information from/on a passive NFC device.
- Card emulation – An Active NFC device used for contactless payment.
4. Read Range
The optimal read range for NFC tags is between 1 cm and 10 cm due to the need to form a magnetic field.
5. Security Risks
Security risks exist when using NFC technology as a payment form. Since all the parts in an NFC system needs to be within 10 cm to enable the technology to transfer the data, eavesdropping with another NFC device is fairly difficult without being noticed, but can be done.
There are other, more complex ways that thieves are trying to steal NFC data through data corruption, interception devices, or just theft of the NFC device. While new ways are coming out to try and defeat NFC security, new security measures are being put in place.
6. Form Factor
The typical NFC tag has a relatively small form factor, but the size is dependent on the size of the antenna. Tags vary in sizes from a couple inches in length and width to only a few centimeters. NFC reader devices are usually smaller devices that mimic the size and shape of a typical smartphone.
7. Availability
NFC is currently available in most Android devices and in Apple iPhones versions 6 and up. While Android and other NFC enabled phones have an unlocked NFC device, Apple so far has only enabled the use of NFC on their devices for Apple Pay. There are also other NFC reader devices on the market that specialize only in NFC reading and writing.
Applications
NFC technology is typically used for payments and marketing applications today, but many other applications are slowly adopting NFC. Because programming is usually needed to bridge the gap between reading the tag and any action items associated, there are a few apps available to make some of these NFC uses come true. Below are a few examples of creative ways to use NFC tags.
NFC can provide a phone with the ability to change settings depending on what tag is tapped. Placing a passive NFC tag on a desk at work and tapping it with an active NFC smartphone can (with the help of the right app) turn Wi-Fi on, Bluetooth off, or turn the ringer volume down.
Other abilities include setting timers, calling specific contacts, saving battery power, or opening apps. To read more about these clever applications check out NXP’s 20 Creative Uses for NFC Technology and CNET’s Practical and Creative Ways to Use NFC.
Conclusion
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To read more about NFC, check out the links below!
Sources:
Radio Frequency Identification Sensors. Subramanian Nambi, Sheshidher Nyalamadugu, Stuart M. Wentworth, Bryan A. Chin.
What is NFC and How Does It Work? Rob Triggs.
FAQs
NFC technology is commonly used for making contactless payments. Smartphones, ATM cards (debit or credit), and other smart cards featuring NFC technology.
What is NFC in real life example? ›
NFC technology is commonly used for making contactless payments. Smartphones, ATM cards (debit or credit), and other smart cards featuring NFC technology.
What are two applications of NFC? ›
NFC in everyday life – application examples
- Ticketing in the local public transport systems.
- Watchman and security services.
- Care services.
- Intelligent print products.
- Smart-home-apps.
- Mobile payment systems.
- Loyalty-programs and coupon systems.
- Streaming or downloading media.
NFC lets you share small payloads of data between an NFC tag and an Android-powered device, or between two Android-powered devices. Tags can range in complexity. Simple tags offer just read and write semantics, sometimes with one-time-programmable areas to make the card read-only.
What is a fact about NFC? ›
NFC technology is a standards-based wireless communication technology that allows data to be exchanged between devices that are a few centimeters apart. NFC operates at 13.56 MHz and transfers data at up to 424 Kbits/second.
What is the practical use of NFC? ›
NFC-based automation apps
NFC apps can be used to configure device operations, share WiFi passwords securely, and control a computer system remotely. Businesses can use a blank smart tag and download an NFC app like NFC Tools from Google Play Store or App Store to create gestures.
What is NFC useful for? ›
NFC (near field communication) is the technology that allows two devices — like your phone and a payments terminal — to talk to each other when they're close together. NFC is the technology that enables contactless payments.
Can I use my phone as an NFC tag? ›
The majority of new Android smartphones have an NFC chip in the phone. Your phone's NFC chip (and Android Beam) needs to be activated before you can use NFC: Go to Settings > More.
Where is NFC mostly used? ›
The magic of contactless payment
Today NFC is most commonly used for contactless payment. In addition to smartphones, more and more credit cards and other payment cards feature NFC technology. As a rule banks and credit card companies issue new credit cards exclusively with NFC chips.
What information can be stored on a NFC tag? ›
An NFC tag allows people to make contactless payments, share contact information as a business card, track location, and verify identity. A custom NFC tag is a technology that can be embedded in a device, and it allows people to connect wirelessly under close proximity.
Android Pay
It is a leading Android NFC payment app which allows in-app purchases and in-store payments. Android pay is the best pay apps for android which is even compatible with the PoS Terminals, vending machines.
What is passive NFC? ›
A passive device, such as an NFC tag, contains information that other devices can read but does not read any information itself. Think of a passive device as a sign on a wall. Others can read the information, but the sign itself does nothing except transmit the info to authorized devices.
What is the future of NFC technology? ›
Global Near Field Communication (NFC) Market size was valued at USD 20.52 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 53.59 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 14.7% from 2021 to 2028 according to a new report by Intellectual Market Insights Research.
What is the real world use of NFC? ›
In everyday life, NFC technology manifests in several practical applications. Contactless payments using NFC-integrated smart cards or mobile devices like Apple Pay and Google Wallet have become commonplace, offering users a fast and secure way to handle transactions.
What is NFC advantages and disadvantages? ›
NFC pros and cons
While NFC isn't free from security weaknesses, it's more difficult for hackers to access than many other types of RFID because NFC sends information through magnetic field induction, and the field fades faster. However, NFC's short range can be a disadvantage in various use cases.
What is the science behind NFC? ›
NFC developed over Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), where it uses magnetic field induction to establish a communication link between devices. The main purpose of developing NFC is for the useful application it provides such as wireless payment and ticketing, electronic keys, identification and so on.
Where is NFC commonly used? ›
The magic of contactless payment
Today NFC is most commonly used for contactless payment. In addition to smartphones, more and more credit cards and other payment cards feature NFC technology. As a rule banks and credit card companies issue new credit cards exclusively with NFC chips.
What is an example of a NFC mobile payment? ›
Examples of NFC payments include Apple Pay and Android Pay.
What is an example of NFC in a computer? ›
One major benefit of NFC is the quick syncing of data between devices—for example, contact and calendar information between your smartphone and laptop. This type of sharing was implemented with HP's WebOS devices, such as the TouchPad, to share web pages and other data, but it actually used Bluetooth communications.
What is an example of how NFC can be used to protect consumers from fake goods? ›
The NFC tag can be integrated into their items, such as bags, jackets or jewellery boxes, during production. Brand owners and consumers can access the content of the tag by touching it with their NFC-enabled smartphone and receive confirmation that their product is authentic.
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