NFC chips simplify tag design

19th February 2015

Mick Elliott

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RS Components is looking to make Near Field Communication (NFC) applications easier to design and more accessible by introducing the Panasonic NFC tag platform, which comprises a versatile set of NFC ICs and easy-to-use development tools. The NFC chips simplify tag design by integrating RF, signal-conditioning and host interface circuitry, as well as non-volatile 4Kbit FeRAM memory, in a compact surface-mount package.

The device connects directly to an external antenna, and supports RF, serial and tunnel communication modes to manage data exchanges between host, reader, and tag.

The development tools also now available from RS include a selection of NFC tag boards containing the IC, antenna and a host connector, as well as evaluation kits that comprise the NFC tag board and a generic microcontroller board. Using either approach helps relieve wireless-design challenges and allows engineers to quickly configure a prototype and begin testing their application using an NFC-enabled mobile handset or dedicated reader/writer.

Embedded NFC tags designed using these tools allow innovative ways of communicating with smart posters, home appliances, wearable devices, or office equipment such as printers. NFC also simplifies pairing of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi devices.

RS is currently stocking four types of NFC tag ICs. The MN63Y1210 IC is for NFC Forum Type-3 communication, and the MN63Y1208, MN63Y1212 and MN63Y1213 are capable of supporting Type-3/Type-4 communication.

RF interfaces are compliant with JIS X 6319-4 (FeliCa) and ISO/IEC 14443 13.56MHz standards. The host interface can be a 38.4kbps UART or 1Mbps serial port when using the MN63Y1210. The MN63Y1208 and MN63Y1213 have an I2C host interface capable of supporting AES128-encrypted communication.