Tag: NFC Forum

The NFC Forum recently released the NFC Certification Version 15 (CR15) specification. The biggest change in this update is the significant increase in the maximum NFC reading distance, quadrupling it from the current 5mm to a maximum of 20mm. The NFC Forum explains that this is primarily to reduce the stringent requirements for "alignment accuracy" when devices are connected. By relaxing the reading distance, it is expected to significantly improve the user experience in certain scenarios, such as using NFC as a digital door lock, car key, or initiating payments, eliminating the need for the phone or wearable device to be "precisely" pressed against the sensor, resulting in smoother operation. However, the NFC Forum also notes that the implementation of this new standard has hardware requirements. This means that existing devices on the market will not be able to support it through software updates. The first wave of NFC products supporting the 20mm reading distance is expected to enter the market "in the coming months." However, with the increased reading distance, potential security concerns inevitably arise. The initial reason NFC technology limited its range to a very short 5mm was primarily for security reasons, ensuring that transactions or connections could only be triggered with the user's explicit intention to "actively approach." As the sensing range expands to 20mm, the possibility of accidental reads or unintended triggers increases in crowded environments. Finding a new balance between convenience and security will be a crucial challenge for hardware manufacturers when implementing the CR15 specification.

The NFC Forum recently announced the release of NFC Release 15, which extends the effective sensing distance of NFC from 0.5 cm to 2 cm. This improves the ease of use of near-field communication (NFC) technology, enabling applications such as mobile payments, digital tickets, digital keys, smart cards, quick pairing, and wireless charging. In addition to extending the effective sensing distance from 0.5 cm to 2 cm, NFC Release 15 also emphasizes the need for faster startup speeds and lower pairing accuracy requirements while maintaining security and correct pairing. This allows for easier contactless operation via NFC in various applications. A fourfold increase in the sensing distance means a faster, more accurate, and more flexible user experience using NFC in daily life, opening up broader application possibilities for wearable devices, wireless charging, smart kitchen appliances, and digital keys. This specification was developed with the participation of NFC Forum board members and industry leaders such as Apple, Google, Huawei, Identiv, Infineon, NXP, Sony, and STMicroelectronics. This version marks a new phase for NFC, echoing the previously established five-year technology roadmap. Its aim is to enhance the efficiency and interoperability of NFC across diverse devices and further simplify the user experience, allowing users to quickly complete sensing operations even with inaccurate alignment. NFC Forum Executive Director Mike McCamon stated, "Extending the sensing distance of NFC is a significant milestone in our five-year technology roadmap. This not only improves transaction speed but also makes the sensing process for small devices such as smartwatches and mobile phones more intuitive and reliable." The new specification will drive mobile payments and sustainable development applications. Notably, NFC Release 15 will strengthen application scenarios including mobile phones as mobile payment terminals and improve NFC performance in areas such as connected vehicles, transportation ticketing, and access control. On the other hand, this update also reiterates the NFC Forum's support for the Digital Product Passport (DPP) standard, which allows brands to store standardized and extended information on the product's NFC tag. This information, recorded in the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF), facilitates recycling management, product tracking, and transparent communication, further advancing towards a circular economy. The technical specifications will be available for certification in the fall of 2025...

The NFC Forum recently defined new operational functions that would allow NFC devices to perform multiple functions simultaneously during a single near-field contactless sensing process. Compared to current NFC sensing processes that only support a single function per sensing, the new design proposed by the NFC Forum would allow for multiple functions in a single sensing process. For example, when making a payment via an NFC device, a digital receipt could be received on the mobile phone simultaneously, and the phone could be logged into an account to accumulate relevant points. Examples from the NFC Forum include simultaneously verifying age and identity when purchasing alcoholic beverages, or obtaining relevant information during the transaction. When used on public transportation, it could automatically check fares and discounts. However, since this involves accessing device information, privacy concerns may arise, especially since the process includes identity verification and data exchange. This could potentially allow users' personal information to be shared with third-party operators. The new operational function definition proposed by the NFC Forum is still under discussion, and it is expected that related measures for personal privacy protection will be proposed in the future. The NFC Forum will currently collaborate with technology companies and manufacturers, including Apple and Google, on related tests and clarify whether any adjustments are needed for the integration and application of related technologies before finally releasing them to the market.

The NFC Forum recently announced its future development plan for NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, anticipating a 4-6 times expansion of its usable range from the current 5cm range, faster communication speeds, reduced failures, and the potential for more applications. According to the NFC Forum, the longer range means users will no longer be limited to specific areas for mobile payments and other applications. Furthermore, the forum stated that wireless charging power via NFC will increase from the current 1W to 3W, indicating a greater number of NFC-enabled products in the future. The new NFC technology will also support multitasking, allowing a single sensor to identify multiple devices or make payments. In the future, NFC-enabled phones can also be used directly as payment devices, similar to Apple's Tap to Pay feature, which allows iPhones to be used for payments. Once this becomes a standard feature, it is expected to drive more mobile-based payment methods, accelerating the adoption of digital payments in developing countries and improving the convenience of consumer transactions. The NFC Forum has not yet announced a timeline for the new technology's rollout, but anticipates completion within the next 2-5 years.

Following last year's integration of wireless charging specifications into existing NFC technology and its focus on powering low-power devices such as IoT devices, the NFC Forum Board recently approved the WLC 2.0 wireless charging specification. This will enable smartphones to charge low-power devices such as true wireless earbuds, styluses, smart bracelets, and watches via NFC near-field sensing and wireless charging. Compared to the WLC 1.0 specification, the maximum output power of the approved WLC 2.0 specification remains at 1W, using a 13.56MHz base frequency and NFC inductive communication to initiate wireless charging. However, the WLC 2.0 specification employs a smaller antenna design, allowing for application in more small devices, such as the newly supported true wireless Bluetooth earbuds or smaller smart bracelets. The 1W charging power is sufficient for temporary power replenishment needs of these devices. Especially with more people carrying true wireless earbuds and smart wearables, and with the continuous increase in smartphone battery capacity, this design makes charging easier.