Small NFC tag suits IoT applications

STMicroelectronics and Taiwan based Securitag Assembly Group have announced an NFC ferrite tag featuring ST’s ST25 NFC tag IC. Due to its size, the tag can be soldered directly to the PCB surface during production using an integral metal pad.

Measuring 5 x 3 x 2.5mm, the tag has an embedded antenna and supports NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) messages. This allows NDEF data to be executed directly through an Android NFC phone without the need for dedicated application software. In addition, the device features a 20bit counter and 128bit password to protect read/write access to a 2kbit EEPROM.

The suppliers say the tag can function when placed on metal products because of its antimetallic interference characteristics. This, they continue, make it attractive for data transmission in consumer electronics, wearable devices and smart healthcare products.