Which type of NFC tag is the most interesting for you ?

The NFC Forum organized tags in five types, each of them corresponding to different uses. We are going to show you the different characteristics of each type and the associated uses.

 

NFC Tags Type 1

This type of tags can read and write. It operates under the norm ISO/IEC 14443-3A (NFC-A).

The protocol simplicity allow us to reduce the number of electronic components, and thus to reduce the cost of the tag. In return the communication flow is limited and only the basic functionalities can be implemented (read/ write/lock).

The type 1 tags are used for these applications:

• Business cards
• Pairing devices with Bluetooth
• Reading a specific tag when more than one tag is present

 

NFC Tags Type 2

This type of tags is compliant with NFC-A, it can operates on two modes: read and write mode but also read only mode. It operates under the norm ISO/IEC 14443-3A.

The NFC Forum Type 2 tag is the most popular type of tag. It offers a solution to a wide range of needs and uses at an affordable price. The type 2 tags are faster than type 1 tags and are used in applications where users need instant communication.

The type 2 tags are used for these applications:

• Low-value transactions
• Day transit passes
• Event tickets
• URL redirects

 

NFC Tags Type 3

This type of tags is compliant with NFC-F, it can read and write but also read only. It operates under the norm JIS 6319-4.

The type 3 NFC Forum tags operates under a different norm than the other tags types. This tag’s components  are more sophisticated than the two others, and this tag provides a lot of features (ex: identification, digital wallet…) and comes with a relatively high price.

The type 3 tags are used for these applications:

• Transit tickets
• E-money
• Electronic ID
• Membership cards
• E-tickets
• Health care devices
• Home electronics

 

NFC Tags Type 4

This type of tags is compliant with NFC-A and NFC-B, it can read, write and read only. It operates under the norm ISO/IEC 14443-4 A/B.

The type 4 tag offers use flexibility and a wide memory. The price of this tag is moderate to high depending on the amount of memory chosen. Security is the most important feature of this type of tag. It allows you to realise true identification.

The type 4 tags is the only type of tags that can support the needed level of security for ISO 7816 and it also allows modification of NDEF content.  

These capabilities allow for example to answer to transit ticket application requirements.

 

NFC Tags Type 5

This type of tags is compliant with NFC-V, it can read, write and read only. It operates under the norm ISO/IEC 15693.

It allows to transfer data between technologies already supported by NFC Forum and the technical specification of the ISO/IEC 15693. The reading distance is better than the one of other tags and a tag that supports Type 5 tags will be able to support ISO/IEC 15693 tags.

The Type 5 tags are used for these applications:

• Library books, products, and packaging
• Ticketing (such as ski passes)
• Healthcare (medication packaging)

 

If you want more informations on NFC Forum it's here ! 

 

Published on 6/05/2018