NFC Chip Selection

Selecting the right NFC chip is crucial for security, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Overview

Near Field Communication (NFC) chips are the cornerstone of physical product authentication. Understanding the different types, frequencies, and standards will help you make the right choice for your implementation.

NFC Types

NFC chips are categorized into different types based on their capabilities:

• Type 1: Basic read/write capability, low memory
• Type 2: Most common for consumer applications, good balance of features
• Type 3: Higher data rates, common in Japan (FeliCa)
• Type 4: Higher memory capacity, enhanced security features
• Type 5: Extended range, industrial applications (ISO 15693)

Frequency and Standards

All NFC chips operate at 13.56 MHz and comply with various ISO standards:

• ISO 14443-A: Most common standard, used by NTAG series
• ISO 14443-B: Alternative protocol, less common
• ISO 15693: Extended range (up to 1 meter), used by ICODE series
• ISO 18092: NFC peer-to-peer communication

Recommended Chips

TAG IT Network standardizes on chips with hardware cryptographic authentication. The NTAG 424 DNA is THE chip for all item-level tagging, with the ICODE family covering the package and logistics layer.

NTAG 424 DNA

The NTAG 424 DNA is the TAG IT standard chip for all item-level product authentication — from consumer goods to luxury and enterprise assets.

Key Features:

• AES-128 hardware encryption
• Secure Dynamic Messaging (SDM) for URL-based authentication
• Anti-cloning protection with unique chip signature
• 416 bytes user memory
• Transaction MAC for tamper detection
• Read counter with rollover protection

Security Features:

NTAG 213/215/216 (Legacy — Not Supported)

The NTAG 21x series is legacy — not supported by TAG IT. These chips have no on-chip encryption and cannot produce authenticated taps, and supporting them added extra workflow complexity. They have been dropped from the TAG IT chip portfolio.

ICODE SLIX

The ICODE SLIX series is designed for industrial and supply chain applications requiring extended read range.

Key Features:

• Extended read range (up to 1.5 meters with industrial readers)
• ISO 15693 compliant
• EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) support
• Password protection
• Ideal for logistics and inventory management

Chip Comparison Table

Use this comparison of the supported TAG IT chips to plan your deployment:

Form Factors

NFC chips are available in various form factors to suit different product types and integration methods:

Tags

Pre-made NFC tags with adhesive backing. Ideal for quick deployment and testing.

• Circular tags (25mm, 30mm diameter)
• Square tags (various sizes)
• Anti-metal tags (with ferrite shielding)

Labels

Printable NFC labels that can include branding and product information.

• Paper labels (cost-effective, indoor use)
• Synthetic labels (water-resistant, durable)
• Tamper-evident labels (security applications)

Inlays

Raw NFC inlays for integration into custom products or packaging.

• Wet inlays (with adhesive)
• Dry inlays (for lamination/embedding)
• Custom antenna designs for specific applications

Cards

Rigid NFC cards for membership, access control, or premium product certificates.

• PVC cards (standard credit card size)
• Wooden cards (eco-friendly, premium feel)
• Metal cards (luxury applications, requires special antenna design)

Approved Vendors

TAG IT Network has certified the following vendors for NFC chip supply. Using approved vendors ensures compatibility, quality, and support:

Ordering Guide

Follow these guidelines when ordering NFC chips for your TAG IT Network implementation:

Quantities

• Samples: 10-100 units for testing and prototyping
• Small batch: 1,000-10,000 units for pilot programs
• Production: 10,000+ units for full deployment
• Enterprise: 100,000+ units (contact for volume pricing)

Customization Options

• Pre-encoding: URL, UID mirroring, or custom NDEF records
• Pre-personalization: Unique keys per chip (NTAG 424 DNA)
• Custom printing: Logos, serial numbers, QR codes
• Custom antenna: Optimized for specific materials or form factors

Lead Times