Near Field Communications: The Current Path and the Road Ahead - UL.com
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Near Field Communications: The Current Path and the Road Ahead
Near Field Communications Near field communications (NFC) is a wireless communications technology protocol that enables devices positioned in close proximity to one another to share information. Because it is generally more secure than other wireless technologies, NFC has been widely adopted as a protocol for financial and payment applications. However, the future for NFC-enabled technologies extends beyond financial transactions to encompass a host of additional uses, including wearable technologies, secured location access, transportation applications and even improved healthcare delivery. As such, devices incorporating NFC technologies are poised for explosive growth in the years ahead. This UL white paper provides an overview of NFC technology, its benefits and its potential future uses. Beginning with a brief review of the technical foundations of NFC, the paper identifies the current and anticipated uses for devices incorporating NFC technology as well as the projected market growth of NFC-based applications. The paper then reviews the requirements of standards applicable to NFC-equipped devices, and concludes with some recommendations for manufacturers seeking to leverage NFC technology in their products. How Does NFC Technology Work? NFC-enabled devices operate on the carrier frequency of 13.56 MHz, a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum reserved worldwide for unlicensed use by industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) electronic devices. Historically, ISM frequencies have been utilized primarily by devices that generate powerful electromagnetic emissions, and that are therefore typically immune to electromagnetic interference. However, more recently, ISM spectrum has been allocated for use by low power communications technologies, such as wireless local area networks and cordless phones. NFC works through the process of electromagnetic induction. In electromagnetic induction, a device emits a small electrical current to create a magnetic field that bridges the physical gap with another device in close proximity and enables the transmission of data. At the other end, the receiving device converts the magnetic transmission back into electrical impulses so that the data can be decoded and verified. Unlike other wireless communications protocols that rely on radio transmissions instead of electromagnetic fields, NFC is intended for use between devices that are within close proximity to each other. The maximum operating range for NFC-enabled devices is less than 20 centimeters (less than eight inches), although the optimum operating distance is typically about 4 centimeters (about one and a half inches). This compares with Bluetooth-enabled devices, designed to communicate at distances of 10 meters or more, and Wi-Fi-based communications devices that can operate at distances of more than 100 meters. The limitations in their effective operating range help to make NFC-enabled devices inherently more secure than those utilizing other communications protocols. Further NFC devices transmit data at relatively low rates, generally from 106 to 424 kilobits per page 2
Near Field Communications
second, and use less than 15 milliamps
of power. These lower data transmission
rates can result in reduced energy
requirements to assure accurate and
complete communications.
NFC-enabled devices are typically
designed to operate in one or more of the
following three modes:
• Card emulation mode—In card
emulation mode, an NFC device acts
much like a smart card, and can be used
to store data, to conduct transactions
such as contactless payments or to
gain access to secured areas like hotel
rooms.
• Reader/writer mode—In this mode, an
NFC-enabled device can detect and Current and Anticipated Uses and location devices. NFC technology
read information stored on external, is even being explored as a possible
for NFC
NFC-compatible tags, such as those mechanism for wirelessly charging
As a communications protocol, NFC
embedded in labels or on smart wearable devices and apparel.
is particularly well-suited for use in a
posters.
number of diverse applications where • Access control—NFC-enabled devices
• Peer-to-peer mode—In peer-to-peer close proximity between NFC-enabled are already being used to provide users
mode, an NFC device can communicate devices is predictable. Current and with access to secure areas, such as
with other NFC-enabled devices in close anticipated uses of NFC technology today office buildings and parking garages.
proximity to quickly exchange data include applications in the following For example, some institutions have
as well as confidential and/or private areas: implemented NFC-based identification
information. systems that provide students with
• Payment transactions—Perhaps the
building access and even allow
Some advanced NFC devices, such as most widespread current use of NFC
them to pay for meals, all with a
the current generation of smartphones can be found in contactless payment
single, NFC-enabled identification
and tablets, are capable of working devices, such as key fobs, cards
card. More advanced NFC access
in all three modes. At the same time, and readers. These devices enable
control applications allow users to
dedicated NFC tags and sensors typically consumers to quickly and securely
lock or unlock computers and other
operate exclusively in read-only mode. process payments for purchases,
electronic devices containing private or
This flexibility provides manufacturers enhancing self-service options and
confidential information.
with the freedom to design NFC-enabled reducing staffing needs.
devices in accordance with the specific • On-demand information retrieval—
• Wearables—NFC is a primary
requirements of unique applications, When installed in retail settings,
communications protocol used in
fostering the development of new NFC technology can help consumers
wearable technologies, including smart
NFC-based products and supporting the instantly retrieve product information
watches and wrist bands, shirts, caps
deployment of the Internet of Things (IoT). and specifications from point-of-sale
and other apparel items, and tracking
page 3
Near Field Communications
displays without assistance from sales applications, NFC-enabled diagnostic to “do not disturb” mode and queue up
personnel. For retailers, NFC tags issued tags can monitor a patient’s vital signs a favorite music playlist.
to frequent customers can be used to such as body temperature or blood
• In the car—Similarly, an NFC tag can
collect shopping data and to incentivize glucose levels, with information directly
be programmed to activate Bluetooth
specific purchasing behaviors. On the accessible by health care professionals.
connections with an automobile’s
street, NFC-enabled posters can provide NFC tags can also be affixed to patients’
sound system and to play podcasts or
directions to places of interest, or charts to provide direct access to their
audio books.
detailed information about real estate medical records for more efficient
listings. retrieval by physicians. These and other • In the office—An NFC tag positioned at
applications can help to increase the a workstation can automatically mute
• Workplace collaboration—NFC short
efficiency of care and reduce mistakes. a smartphone or place it in vibrate only
range communications are ideal for
mode. The tag can also be programmed
exchanging content between devices
Beyond these applications, using to launch specific work-related
in close proximity. In meetings, for
NFC-enabled tags can considerably applications.
example, participants can quickly share
expand the usefulness of NFC
and review important documents • In your wallet—Instead of carrying
technologies. Some creative and practical
without the need to print out paper paper business cards, an NFC tag can
examples include:
copies. This capability can help to foster be programmed to contain all relevant
greater and more timely collaboration • At home—An NFC tag positioned contact information and instantly
between employees, increasing the near the main entrance can change scanned by others. Physical business
speed of decision-making and other smartphone settings for home use, cards with embedded NFC chips can
action steps. such as disconnecting Bluetooth help recipients locate your website, or
connections, enabling Wi-Fi, and download information.
• Travel—Passports, other forms of
increasing the ringer volume.
personal identification and plane • At nighttime—Finally, NFC-enabled
tickets can be easily and conveniently • At the gym—When attached to a sports tags in the bedroom can easily switch a
stored on NFC-enabled devices and equipment bag, an NFC tag can be set smart phone to “do not disturb” mode,
presented as required. In fact, some to automatically switch a smartphone set a wake-up alarm, and dim the lights.1
airlines are already experimenting with
the use of electronic boarding passes
sent to NFC-enabled smartphones for
efficient scanning and processing. These
applications can help speed passage
through travel portals and customs, and
facilitate reticketing when necessitated
by itinerary changes in route.
• Healthcare—Perhaps the most
promising applications for NFC
technology are in the field of
healthcare. NFC-enabled applications
include sensors that make it easier for
patients to check in for examinations or
renew prescriptions. In more complex
page 4Near Field Communications
These are just some of the many the technology becomes more widely required to detect and select the
examples of how NFC technology available through retailers, and more and appropriate communication modes
is currently being applied to create more consumers become comfortable required to reduce the potential for
greater efficiencies, improve the flow of using NFC-based payment options. interference with other NFC-enabled
information and enhance people’s lives. According to one projection, at least devices, such as contactless card
No doubt, the future will see a continued five percent of the nearly 650 million readers. The current version of ISO/IEC
explosion in the development of NFC-enabled smartphones will be used at 21481 was published in 2012, while
applications that leverage NFC protocols. least once a month to make contactless the current version of ECMA-352 was
payments at retail outlets by the end of published in 2013.
The Projected Market for NFC 2015. This is a 10 fold increase over the
Technologies percentage of NFC-enabled smartphones These standards are based on the current
The promise of significant future growth making contactless payments in radio frequency identification (RFID)
in NFC-enabled technologies is borne mid-2014. 6 standard, ISO/IEC 14443, Identification
out in market projections. Overall, the cards—Contactless integrated circuit
These statistics provide strong evidence
market for NFC is expected to grow at a cards—Proximity cards, as well as
of the major market opportunities that
compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) the technical requirements of Sony
NFC technology is expected to provide
of more than 43 percent by 2019, from Corporation’s FeliCA RFID smart card
in the near future to manufacturers and
just $1.07 billion (USD) in 2012 to more system. As a result, devices compliant
application developers.
than $13.5 billion (USD) in 2019.2 This with ISO/IEC 18092 and ISO/IEC 21841
are backward compatible with RFID
projection parallels a separate estimate of NFC Standards and
a more than 50 percent CAGR during the systems, potentially providing broader
Specifications and more rapid acceptance in the
same period for NFC chips, the integrated
Internationally-accepted standards for marketplace.
circuitry incorporated into mobile devices
NFC communications protocols and data
and point-of-sale terminals to support In addition to these internationally-
exchange formats include the following:
NFC capabilities.3 accepted standards for NFC technologies,
• ISO/IEC 18092/ECMA-340, Near Field the NFC Forum has been in the forefront
The future expansion of the NFC
Communication Interface and Protocol of developing NFC technical specifications
market forecasted in these projections
(NFCIP-1)—These identical standards for more than a decade. Originally formed
is predicated in part on the continued
define NFC communications modes, in 2004 by Nokia, Sony and Philips
growth in the number and type of
including modulation schemes, codings, Semiconductors, the NFC Forum now
NFC-enabled devices. Annual global
transfer speeds and frame format of includes hundreds of member companies
shipments of smartphones equipped with
the RF interface. The standards also and organizations from around the world
NFC technology are expected to top 2.2
defines initialization schemes, and committed to expanding the deployment
billion by the year 2020, up from just 750
a transport protocol that includes of NFC technology by developing and
million projected shipments in 2015.4
activation and data exchange methods. promoting interoperability specifications
And NFC-equipped smartphones will
The current versions of these standards for most NFC devices and applications.
constitute 64 percent of all smartphones
were published in 2013.
shipped by 2018, up from just 18 percent At present, there are 20 adopted
penetration in 2013.5 • ISO/IEC 21481/ECMA-352, Near Field specifications that have been developed
Communication Interface and Protocol-2 by the NFC Forum, as well as an additional
Contactless payments using NFC
(NFCIP-2)—These identical standards four candidate specifications awaiting
technology will also continue to be
specify the technical mechanism final adoption by Forum membership.
a major driver in market growth, as
page 5Near Field Communications
These specifications include protocol this way, certification fosters the broader and certification under the Forum’s
technical specifications, data exchange adoption of the technology and further certification program. However, the goals
specifications, tag type technical supports the goal of universal interoper- of the NFC Forum’s certification program
specifications, record type technical ability. are complemented by regularly scheduled
specifications and reference application NFC Forum-sponsored “Plugfest” events,
Products seeking NFC Forum certification
technical specifications. Specifications which are open to both members and
are evaluated by Forum-authorized
and requirements applicable to specific non-members of the Forum. At Plugfest
testing laboratories located around the
devices are set forth in the current version events, product developers can evaluate
world for compliance with NFC Forum
of the NFC Forum’s Device Requirements and verify the interoperability of their
specifications, including radio frequency
document (v1.3, effective January 2014). product with other NFC-enabled products
and protocol interoperability. Companies
and technologies, in a safe testing
The NFC Forum also maintains active whose products are found to meet
environment that simulates real-world
relationships with other groups specification requirements as a result
conditions.
and consortiums involved in the of this evaluation and testing are then
development of standards and technical authorized to display the NFC Forum
Summary and Conclusion
specifications for wireless technologies Certification Mark on product packaging,
The market for NFC technologies will
and their application. These groups as well as on sales and promotional
grow dramatically in the coming years,
currently include the Wi-Fi Alliance, materials. NFC Forum-certified products
driven by the broader use of NFC in more
the Bluetooth Special Interest Group are also eligible to apply the Forum’s
diverse applications, an increase in the
(SIG). The NFC Forum also works closely N-Mark to their product to indicate
overall number of NFC-enabled devices,
with consortiums focused on industry- the contact point on the product that
and greater acceptance by consumers.
specific applications of NFC, such as will trigger a connection with other
At the same time, demonstrable in-
the EMVCo (credit cards and credit card NFC-enabled devices.
teroperability with existing NFC
terminals), the Consumer Electronics for
NFC Forum certifications are granted for technologies will be critically important
Automotive (CE4A) Consortium and the
the life of the product, and subsequent for companies seeking to take advantage
Japan Automotive Software Platform
recertification is necessary only when a of market opportunities in this area.
and Architecture (JASPAR) Consortium.
change in the product’s design affects Therefore, thorough pre-market testing
These alliances allow the NFC Forum to
its radiofrequency interoperability. In is highly recommended as a method for
closely coordinate its own specification
addition, specific NFC protocols for digital, determining compliance with applicable
development efforts with those
LLCP and SNEP that have been used standards and specifications. NFC Forum
addressing complementary technologies.
within a previously certified product can certification can also provide prospective
also be “inherited” for use in a second customers with documented evidence
NFC Forum Certification
product without the need for additional of interoperability with other NFC
In addition to developing technical
testing (analog test results from a technologies, and may be a prerequisite
specifications for NFC technologies,
previously certified product cannot be for meeting NFC technology partner
the NFC Forum sponsors a voluntary
inherited). requirements.
certification program for NFC-enabled
devices and applications. The purpose of A list of all NFC Forum-certified products Through its active participation in the
the certification program is to provide are maintained in a publically-accessible NFC Forum, UL is committed to the
manufacturers and developers with a directory available at the NFC Forum continued development and widespread
mechanism for formally demonstrating website (www.nfc-forum.org). deployment of NFC technologies in
their product’s compliance with NFC support of the Internet of Things (IoT)
Only companies who are members of
Forum specifications and requirements. In ecosystem. UL senior technical experts
the NFC Forum are eligible for testing
page 6Near Field Communications
serve in key leadership positions in 24 August 2015. http://trendblog. [6] “Contactless mobile payments
NFC Forum technical working groups, net/creative-and-useful-ways-to-use- (finally) gain momentum: TMT
marketing working groups and Tiger nfc-tags-with-your-smartphone/. Predictions 2015,” Deloitte Touche
Teams, including the NFC PlugFest Tohmatsu Limited, no date. Web. 24
[2] “Near Field Communication (NFC)
working group and the Minimum Level August 2015. http://www2.deloitte.
Market—Global Industry Analysis,
of Interoperability working group, as well com/no/no/pages/technology-
Size, Share, Growth, Trends and
as the Healthcare Use Case Committee media-and-telecommunications/
Forecast 2013-2019,” Transparency
and the Automotive Committee. UL is articles/tmt-pred-contactless-mobile-
Market Research, 24 July 2014.
also involved in the Forum’s Certification payments.html.
Web. 24 August 2015. http://www.
Committee, specifically in the areas of NFC
transparencymarketresearch.com/
Functionality and Bluetooth Connectivity
near-field-communication-market.
Testing.
html.
UL is also one of just two NFC Forum-
authorized testing laboratories in North
[3] “Global NFC Chip Market 2015-2019,” For more information
Technavio, 2 September 2015. Web.
America, authorized to test and certify about UL’s NFC and wireless
2 September 2015. http://www.
technologies for compliance with all NCF
technavio.com/report/nfc-chips- technologies testing and
protocols, including RF analog, digital,
market. certification services, contact
LLCP and SNEP. UL can also conduct
NFC tag type testing, and provide [4] “NFC-enabled Handset Shipments ConsumerTechInfo@ul.com
device manufacturers with engineering to Reach Three-Quarters of a Billion or +1-510-771-1000
evaluations and pre-testing for products in 2015,” HIS Technology, June 29,
under development. Finally, UL has 2015. Web. 15 September 2015.
extensive experience with wireless and https://technology.ihs.com/533599/
contactless technologies, and can conduct nfc-enabled-handset-shipments-to-
compliance testing at locations through reach-three-quarters-of-a-billion-
North America, the European Union and in-2015,
Asia. [5] “NFC-Enabled Cellphone Shipments
to Soar Fourfold in Next Five Years,”
References IHS Technology, 13 February 2014.
[1] For these and other uses for NFC Web. 24 August 2015. http://press.
tags, see “18 Creative & Useful ihs.com/press-release/design-
Ways to Use NFC Tags with Your supply-chain/nfc-enabled-cellphone-
Smartphone—2014 Update,” shipments-soar-fourfold-next-five-
trendblog.net, 8 February 2014. Web. years.
©2015 UL LLC. All rights reserved. This white paper not be copied or distributed
without permission. It is provided for general information purposes only and is
not intended to convey legal or other professional advice. 10/15 NG
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