Contact less smart cards and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) System are already widely spread in different industries and get even more and more important, as we can read in the news every day. These systems are a combination of a read/write device for a smart card and a transponder. There is always a clear functional separation between these two items. Often this kind of system architecture is not very helpful and causes limitations.

What is NFC?

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology evolved from a combination of contactless identification and interconnection technologies. NFC operates in the 13.56 MHz frequency range, over a typical distance of a few centimeters. The underlying layers of NFC technology are ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is for very short range two-way wireless connectivity, and is a short-range radio frequency (RF) technology that allows a reader to read small amounts of data from other devices or tags when brought next to each other. In this solution, the reading distance is a few centimeters. NFC technology evolved from a combination of contactless identification or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and interconnection technologies. Touch-based interactions offer mobile phone users an intuitive and easy way to connect, collect and share with mobile devices.

How does NFC work?

NFC is based on contactless and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions, which consist of a tag and a reader. The reader, when activated, emits a short-range radio signal that powers up a microchip on the tag, and allows for reading a small amount of data that can be stored on the tag. NFC is different from other contactless or RFID technologies in that it has a very short operating distance and also allows two devices to interconnect. The effective distance of an NFC solution depends on the tag design and the reader, but is only a few centimeters in NFC solutions.

NFC integrates read/write devices and the transponder in one integrated circuit. By software the different functions of this chip can be controlled and activated. In combination with mobile devices like PDAs or handsets. NFC, either acts as a reader/writer device or as a RFID-Tag, simulated thru the transponder. This is a very interesting combination, especially for mobile applications. The high flexibility of NFC but also the integration into portable devices by manufacturers like Nokia and Samsung.

About NFC

NFC technology is supported by all leading mobile device manufacturers and is compatible with millions of contactless cards already in use worldwide. NFC also simplifies setup of longer-range wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. With an NFC enabled mobile device, its user can easily access services or operate his/her device functions, eg different connectivity options. The user just needs to touch a tag or share information or an object by bringing two devices close to each other.

When the user touches the tag, his/her device reads the content of the tag and executes it into action. The user only accepts the execution, eg opening a web page, calling a favorite number, or sending an SMS. Similarly, by touching an enabled device such as a TV, the mobile device can send a picture to it simply as a result of the touch.

NFC benefits

NFC gets an emerging technology, which will have a dramatic impact on mobile systems. The Near Field Communication technology evolved from a combination of contactless identification (RFID) and interconnection technologies.

• Improved usability and a better user experience
• Easy access to services and content from physical objects
• Access Control and Ticketing
• Convenient sharing of digital items between devices by bringing them next to each other
• Local payment and ticketing capabilities