An NFC tag on the box, an NFC tag glued to steel machinery, and an NFC access card have NFC technology in them, but they have been designed for various purposes. The chip manages the storage of information. The antenna is responsible for NFC communication. The outer layer determines mounting and use cases.
The name “NTAG213 anti-metal sticker” already gives hints about some chip type, NFC tag type, and form factor components. Then come the reading device, substrate material, amount of data, and the level of security required. This information will help filter out the NFC tag series you need.
What Is an NFC Tag Series?
When referring to product catalogs, NFC Series refer to the NFC Forum Tag Type, chip family, or even the final form of the tag. Anti-metal sticker tags are composed of a Type 2 NTAG213 chip and antenna, an anti-metal coating, adhesive, and facestock.
The chip manages the memory and data. The antenna manages the NFC signals. The outer elements determine how well the tag can be mounted and protected. An NFC tag series must go through testing for both chip and tag designs.
How Are NFC Tags Classified?
There are four NFC tag classification criteria, Tag Type, chip family, product form, and applications. These classes describe the characteristics of the tag from various perspectives.
By NFC Forum Tag Type
NFC Forum Tag Types classify the communication protocol and the way NFC data is handled. These criteria assist you in checking protocol/device compatibility before selecting the model.
| Tag Type | Technology | Typical Use |
| Type 1 | Legacy NFC | Older NFC systems |
| Type 2 | NFC-A | Smart packaging, URLs, labels |
| Type 3 | NFC-F | FeliCa-based systems |
| Type 4
| NFC-A/B through ISO-DEP | Cards and NFC devices with extended functionality |
| Type 5
| NFC-V / ISO 15693 | Assets, industrial tags, libraries |
Tag Type 1 is mostly found in older systems. Types 2 to 5 are more common in newer developments. Tag Type doesn’t indicate any qualities or security features that are provided by the IC and the NFC system around the chip.
By Chip Family
Chip family specifies the protocol, memory, and security features of the series. The most popular chip families are NXP NTAG, ICODE, MIFARE, and ST25.
To compare NFC tag chips, you need to know the exact model name since chip families unite chips with various purposes and limitations.
By Product Format
The same chip can be integrated into labels, cards, key fobs, wristbands, inlays, hard tags, anti-metal tags, PCB tags, and NFC + UHF tags.
The final format should meet the requirements of the product. Labels work well with packaging, while hard tags are meant for equipment, and anti-metal tags are designed for metal surface mounting.
By Application
NFC tags are categorized based on application and include smart packaging, product authentication, industrial assets, access control, tickets, and connected devices.
Main NFC Chip Series Compared
There are differences in requirements for ICs that provide a short URL and those used in secure access cards. Chip families vary in memory capacity, protocol, security level, and the type of product they work with.
NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216
The NXP NTAG21x chip family is NFC Forum Type 2. The main difference between NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 is in user memory.
| Chip | User Memory | Application |
| NTAG213 | 144 bytes | Short URLs, product links |
| NTAG215 | 504 bytes | For larger NDEF messages |
| NTAG216 | 888 bytes | For storing more information |
NTAG213 suits most basic URL applications. NTAG215 and NTAG216 provide more space for larger messages. Memory capacity does not influence read distance; it depends more on antenna design, reader power, placement, and mounting surface.
Secure NTAG DNA Series
The NTAG DNA chip family supports cryptographically secured authentication for enhanced product verification. NTAG 424 DNA works using server validation, and there’s an additional version that notifies users about tampering with the package seal.
They’re suitable for high-value products when copy protection and package tampering are possible risks. Full authentication includes key handling, server validation, and product tagging.
ICODE Type 5 Series
The NXP ICODE chips are used in NFC Forum Type 5 and ISO/IEC 15693 solutions. The ICODE SLIX2 chip suits asset ID, library applications, and industrial HF applications. For example, an NFC-enabled tool can be connected to its service record.
Professional HF readers can read tags from greater distances than a smartphone. Test your tag with the reader that will be used in practice.
MIFARE Series
MIFARE is a series of contactless ICs that includes:
- MIFARE Ultralight:inexpensive tickets and limited-use cards
- MIFARE Ultralight AES:same usage but with AES security
- MIFARE DESFire EV3:access control, transport, and campus systems
- MIFARE Classic:legacy systems requiring verification of the reader, software, and security
It’s important to note that all MIFARE chips use various protocols, have varying amounts of memory, and have various security measures. Make sure you know what type of chip you require before purchasing.
ST25 Series
| ST25 Series | Interface | Primary Usage |
| ST25TN | NFC Forum Type 2 | Tags and phone tapping |
| ST25TA | NFC Forum Type 4 | High-functionality NFC tags |
| ST25TV | NFC Forum Type 5 | Product assets, identification |
| ST25DV-I²C | Type 5 + I²C | Device configuration, data exchange |
| ST25DV-PWM | Type 5 + PWM
| NFC-controlled PWM functions |
ST25DV-I²C connects the NFC interface with electronics in the device. The phone can then retrieve or configure the settings of the controller.
How to Choose the Right NFC Tag Series
The information about the product will immediately narrow down the NFC tag series. Note the following details prior to choosing the chip:
- Tag function: Launching a URL, asset identification, access control, product authentication, or device data exchange.
- Reader:Mobile phone, handheld reader, or stationary reader.
- Surface where the tag will be applied: paper, plastic, glass, metal, liquid packaging, or electronic devices.
- Amount of data: Short URL, simple NDEF message, or larger volume of data.
- Level of security: Consider the need for ID, write protection, password control, or cryptographic authentication. UID is the chip identifier but not proof of its authenticity.
- Operating environment: temperature, moisture, chemical exposure, mechanical influences, washing, or outdoor conditions.
- Manufacturing process: printing, QR code generation, serial number, encoding, UID check, password or key generation.
Provide this information to your custom NFC tag manufacturer. They will narrow down the chip, antenna, and tag production process. The final sample should be tested on the real product using the actual reader.
NFC Tag Selection by Application
The application suggests the appropriate format of the tag. For a package label, metal asset tag, access control card, and connected device tag, different tags are needed accordingly.
| If You Need | Tag Format | Features |
| Smart packaging | Type 2 NFC label | Reading and label size |
| Marketing links | Paper or PET label | URL size and phone reading |
| Product authentication | NFC secure tag | Verification and server setup |
| Tamper proofing | Tamper-proof NFC tag | Sealing and tag design |
| Metallic NFC tags | Anti-metal NFC tag | Mounting surface |
| Industrial asset identification | Hard tag or NFC Type 5 tag | Reader and environment |
| Access control | Access control card, key fob, or wristband | Reader and software compatibility |
| Connected devices | NFC tag with wired connection | Device interface |
| Warehouse & phone access | NFC and UHF tag | Performance of NFC and UHF tags |
Once the format is selected, test the chip and the tag construction for the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common NFC tag series?
There’s no series that will suit every project. The NTAG21x series is used for phone-readable labels, and NTAG213 works well for many short URLs and NDEF applications.
What are the main types of NFC tags?
For modern projects, NFC Forum Types 2, 3, 4, and 5 are used most often. Type 1 is used only in older systems. NFC tags come in labels, cards, wristbands, anti-metal tags, hard tags, and inlays forms .
What is the difference between NFC and RFID?
RFID is a broader group of technologies. NFC operates at 13.56 MHz and is used for close-contact communication, while UHF RFID operates at a longer read range and is used for inventory scanning.
Can you help select the NFC chip and antenna?
Yes, we can. You’ll have to provide us with the model of the reader, tag size, mounting surface, amount of data, security needs, and site conditions. These details are enough to choose a chip, antenna, and type of NFC tag.
How do I choose the right NFC tag for my application?
It depends on the function, reader, mounting surface, amount of data, and security needs. You need to test the finished sample on your product before mass production.
Conclusion
The chip is only a component of the NFC tag. Tags made for use on paper won’t function the same way when mounted on metal, near liquids, or inside electronic gadgets. The reader, antenna, surface to be tagged, data memory capacity, security level, and tag design are some factors that influence the final output.
Before proceeding with large-scale manufacturing of your product tags, test the sample using the actual product with the intended reader. Provide us at JLTRFID with information about your product, reader, tag dimensions, tagging surface, data, and security requirements.
