Cost-Effective NFC Type 2 Tag ICs with Augmented NDEF and Privacy Features for Smart-City Applications

STMicroelectronics has launched ST25TN512 and ST25TN01K NFC Forum Type 2 tag ICs that support multiple user-protection and privacy mechanisms including a 7-bit unique chip-identifier code, TruST25 digital signature, NFC Forum T2T permanent write locks at the block level, and a configurable kill mode that permanently deactivates the tag. These ICs deliver a balance of cost and performance for high-volume use cases like consumer engagement, product information, and brand protection. Suitable for smart-city applications and access control, these ICs leverage ISO 14443 standards and can be used with NFC-compatible mobiles or a dedicated short-range reader.

These NFC tag ICs contain an internal tuning capacitance of 50pF and include a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and long data retention. These tags harvest energy from the 13.56MHz RF transmitter field and hence require only an antenna to complete the design. These ICs can be supplied either in sawn and bumped wafer format or housed in a convenient DFN5 package. Moreover, the embedded device memory includes up to 208 bytes (1664 bits) dedicated to user content.

Features

• Full compliance with NFC Forum Type 2 tag and ISO/IEC 14443 type A specifications

• Power supplied by 13.56 MHz transmitter field

• Data transfer at 106 kbit/s

• Internal tuning capacitance 50 pF

• Up to 208 bytes (1664 bits) dedicated to user content

• 100 000 Write cycles at + 85 °C

• Data retention during 40 years at + 55 °C

• 5-pin package ECOPACK2 (RoHS compliant)

• Bumped and sawn inkless wafer

Applications

• Gaming

• Clothing & footwear

• Consumer packaged goods

• Sports industry

Availability and Pricing

Both the ST25TN512 and ST25TN01K NFC tag ICs are in volume production, priced from $0.065 for orders of 1000 pieces.