TOPIC: - NFC

Q: WHAT IS NFC?

Ans: Near-field communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that enable two electronic devices, one of which is usually a portable device such as a smartphone, to establish communication by bringing them within 4 cm (1.6inch) of each other. NFC devices are used in contactless payment systems, similar to those used in credit cards and electronic ticket smartcards and allow mobile payment to replace/supplement these systems.

History

NFC is rooted in radio-frequency identification technology (known as RFID) which allows compatible hardware to both supply power to and communicate with an otherwise unpowered and passive electronic tag using radio waves. This is used for identification, authentication and tracking.

(1) 1983 The first patent to be associated with the abbreviation "RFID" was granted to Charles Walton.

(2) 1997 Early form patented and first used in Star Wars character toys for Hasbro. The patent was originally held by Andrew White and Marc Borrett at Innovision Research and Technology (Patent WO9723060). The device allowed data communication between two units in close proximity.

(3) 2004 Nokia, Philips and Sony established the NFC Forum

(4) November 2015, Google’s Android Pay function was launched, a direct rival to Apple Pay, and it started rolling out across the US.

Operation Of NFC

(1) Near field communication is based on inductive-coupling

(2) NFC works using magnetic induction between two loop antennas located within each others near field

(3) Operating frequency 13.56  MHz.data rate 106 kbit/s to 424 kbit/s

(4) NFC use an initiator and a target; the initiator actively generates an RF field that can power a passive target

Applications of Near Field Communication

1. Smart Cards

2. E-wallet (payment using smart phone)

3. Smart Ticketing

4. Medicine and Healthcare

5. Keyless Access

Applications of Near Field Communication

1. Smart Cards

2. E-wallet (payment using smart phone)

3. Smart Ticketing

4. Medicine and Healthcare

5. Keyless Access

Future applications of Near Field Communication

1. Smart Home:-

Using NFC and RFID technology we are able to customize and program a particular application using our smart phone. By just activating an NFC tag we can control our household equipments, app launching, access/lock doors, set alarm functions or any particular task using smart phone.

2. Internet of Things and 5G:-

IoT and 5G opens window of opportunities for new technologies to emerge. NFC enabled device will be required in IoT and 5G enabled networks for easier implementation and efficiency.

3. Integrated Smartphone Applications:-

Smart RFID tags can be used to configure with smartphone applications like receiving points for a loyalty program, membership access, entry to a restricted area and many more customized applications.

Advantages of NFC:

1 .Convenience:-

Many consumers will "pay" for convenience because convenience is very important in today's society. NFC is a perfect source of convience because it merges a mobile device with wallet(s). NFC is also quite intuitive; all it takes is a simple touch when using NFC for payments. Can you imagine how much faster line ups would be at the grocery store, coffee shop, etc

2. Versatility:-

NFC can be well adapted for all kinds of situations ranging from bank cards to transit passes, movie passes, reward systems and even keys. Ideally, NFC is suited for a broad range of industries and uses because this innovation allows users to manipulate through the development of softwares.

3. Safety:-

(a) Now, you might think how could fusing your wallet into your mobile device be safer. After all, just like a wallet, a cellphone could be stolen. However when your wallet is stolen, the thief has access to all your credit cards and information right away! With smartphones, passwords can be used to further protect your information.

(b) NFC enabled credit cards are much more secure than a credit card magnetic strip

(c) Requires PIN

(d) Retailers no longer have physical access to your credit card information

Disadvantages

1. Only works in short ranges

2. Low data transfer rate

3. Can be costly for merchant companies to initially adopt the technology

Conclusion

NFC tags will play inevitable role in future smart devices for more integrated functions, smart transportation, aviation industry, shipping, manufacturing industry for automation of particular tasks. Integrating NFC technology with our modern data communication and transaction process ensures convenience, time saving, energy efficiency and most importantly improved security.