What does the NFC chip affect? What is NFC and how to use it? Is there a difference between NFC and Bluetooth

Initially, NFC (Near Field Communication) technology gained maximum popularity as a technology for making contactless payments. You can use a smart card with a built-in card as a pass on public transport, as a “smart” business card, as a payment card in retail establishments, or as a contactless key card.

What is NFC?

If we translate the name of the Near Field Communication technology from English, we get the phrase “near field communication”. This can be deciphered as wireless communication over short distances. This way, two NFC-compatible devices can easily communicate with each other if they are nearby. Indeed, the “range” of NFC technology is only a couple of centimeters.

Key Usage Features

Of course, the very first thing that comes to mind is data transfer between smartphones.
Instant pairing with Bluetooth accessories that support NFC.
You can also use NFC to turn your device into a real virtual wallet.
Another application of NFC is tags. Small cards can be programmed through programs and set up profiles, launch a variety of applications.

Smartphones with NFC

Recently, this excellent technology is increasingly being used in devices such as smartphones: almost all major manufacturers have begun to equip their high- and mid-level models with NFC adapters.

In the Android OS, support for NFC technology appeared in Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich - its built-in Beam option allows you to exchange various files between devices. In the majority modern devices On the Android OS platform, NFC adapters are already built in.

How to use NFC on your phone

Activation

If your smartphone has an NFC adapter, you need to allow it to be used to exchange information between other NFC devices.
Go to Settings menu - Wireless network- More…
Check the box “Allow information exchange when combining a smartphone with another device”
This automatically activates the Android Beam option.
In case Android Beam does not turn on automatically, then simply tap on it and then select “Yes” to activate it.

Data exchange via NFC

Once you have activated NFC, you can use it to transfer information. For successful data exchange between smartphones and tablets, pay attention to the following:

In addition to exchanging data between smartphones, you can use your device to read or write information from NFC tags and smart cards that are equipped with an NFC chip.

NFC chips are very compact, they can be embedded anywhere - in bracelets, product labels, business cards, stickers, price tags and other items. They can contain information about the person, a URL, product data, and even various commands that your smartphone will have to execute when you touch such tags.

To read information from NFC tags, you will, of course, need a special application.

Payment using NFC

Advantages of payments using NFC technology:

Speed - payment via NFC is always faster than payment with a bank card or cash, especially if the amount is small.
Comfort - one smartphone can replace one or several plastic cards. The smartphone becomes both a communicator and a wallet.
Ticketing - payments in transport, payment of travel on buses, subways and other public transport.
Peer-to-peer NFC transactions - in the future, this is the ability to support data exchange via NFC between two devices.

Of course, the issue of safety arises. However, like a plastic bank card, it is possible to quickly block a lost phone with NFC technology - both and a linked bank card. It is true that in order to use a smartphone, you need a PIN code for the phone, as well as a PIN code for transactions. In the paypass system, the card PIN code is requested by default for amounts over 1000 rubles, but this plan can always be lowered.

Development prospects

As a communication technology, NFC has a wide range of applications that can be expanded. Thus, with the help of NFC, the following contactless technologies can be implemented: access control to premises, payments via smartphone - in particular in stores and public transport, various solutions in the field of healthcare, consumer electronics, information exchange programs.

Amazing opportunities are opening up in the field of e-commerce - a device that supports NFC can act as a travel ticket, discount coupon, wallet, boarding pass. NFC tags in stores allow you to quickly obtain additional information about a product and other stores that carry that product. can be installed in a gallery, museum or exhibition hall - when reading such a tag you will receive necessary information about the object.

Ivanov Sergey

Technical Specialist for Contactless Payment Functions

Articles written

Back in 2004, the largest equipment manufacturers introduced the latest technology wireless communication over short distances called NFC, which is used today in smartphones, tablets, smart watch and other gadgets. The advantages of the NFS system are the high speed of information transfer and reliable protection of user data.

What is an NFC module in a smartphone?

Initially, the technology was positioned as an internal communication resource for making contactless payments. However, today it can also be used for electronic keys, discount cards and more.

NFS is a technology for wireless communication between devices that runs on short distances– up to 10 cm. In this case, the most accurate, fast and secure connection is established.

REFERENCE! The full name “Near Field Communication” translates as near field communication. It is provided by a microantenna with a magnetic data carrier built into the equipment or card.

The system was first implemented as a chip in fare cards, but soon began to be used inside smartphones. Today, many models of Android phones and tablets, starting with OS version 4.0, as well as iOS devices, are equipped with the NFC interface.

Operating principle and functions of NFS

The technology is based on a type of communication similar to barcode and QR code reading.

Only here so-called magnetic tags are used. They encrypt a large amount of data, so they are much more convenient than physical storage media.

The magnetic reader transmitter constantly transmits a signal, and the NFS chip responds to it when it comes within range of the communicator. Due to the operation of one device that requests data, the magnetic field causes energy to arise in another gadget. This technology allows one of the sensors to operate even in passive mode, that is, without any power source.

REFERENCE! NFC chips are compared to Bluetooth, but their main difference is their range. NFS provides a short-term connection in a small field, which means it eliminates the possibility of errors or hacking, and the connection can be interrupted by increasing the distance between devices.

Due to their compact size, NFS chips are built into various devices and cards and can perform the following functions:

contactless payment;
mobile fare payment for public transport;
reading information, including RFID tags printed on paper;
transferring data to another device, including a TV or smart watch;
use as an electronic key;
reading an electronic pass for events;
payment by electronic money;
implementation of the interface into an identity card or traveler card.

REFERENCE! At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, NFS chips were used in balls produced by Adidas. By placing an NFS-enabled phone on the ball, one could go to a special website with information about the championship and interesting special projects.

Functions of NFS technology on this moment are not used everywhere. For example, only a small number of cities in the NFS world have sensors built into fare payment terminals. But the prospects for using the interface are very broad.

How to configure the wireless data transmission module?

If your device has an NFS system, then to use it you need to follow simple steps:

REFERENCE! Without activating Android Beam, the NFS chip may not work correctly, so before using contactless communication, it is recommended to check the interface status in the smartphone settings.

After turning on the NFS system, you can use it for contactless data transmission between different types of devices. The technology is also being considered as an alternative to Bluetooth. You can transfer files or folders to another phone by simply placing the two devices back to back. Do not remove the device until the transfer is completed successfully.

How can I find out if my gadget has NFS?

To use NFC technology, a chip must be built into the device. Today, NFS sensors are found not only in expensive equipment, but also in economical models. Check if there is this function on your smartphone in several ways:

Contactless payment

The most important achievement of the implementation of the NFS system in technology is the possibility of contactless payment. In order to activate the contactless payment function using a smartphone, you must:

Enable the NFS function on your phone.
Link a bank card or e-wallet in settings. The function is available for cards labeled PayPass. Some banks release their own applications, in which NFS technology is also available.
Contactless payment will be made directly from your phone. Wherein bank card not required.

REFERENCE! It is on the basis of NFS, for example, that the well-known function works Apple Pay, available to iPhone users. Contactless payment options are available in all Apple smartphone models, starting with the 6 series.

Types of chips

Inside NFS devices there are microchips that store and transfer data from one device to another. Microcircuits differ in the types of settings and the amount of built-in memory, as well as in the type of device. A SIM card can be used as an NFS sensor, external devices or chip.

The latest generation SIM cards are equipped with NFS functions, but cannot fully replace the interface inside the phone, since they do not require fingerprints and authentication.
External NFS modules and stickers are usually installed under the back cover of the phone. They can be passive (work autonomously only to read data) or active (connect to the phone).
Chips are usually already built into the equipment or card.

External devices have significant disadvantages. Passive stickers do not support most of the functions, while active stickers consume the battery to constantly maintain contact with the smartphone. In addition, additional modules are quite bulky due to the special mounting.

How to add an external NFC chip if your phone doesn't have one?

NFC SIM card

This is the easiest way to add the NFS function for phones that do not have a built-in chip.

However, they do not use encryption methods, so they are less secure for transactions.

Most likely, your old SIM card does not support contactless data transfer function, so you will have to replace it or purchase a new one. To do this you need to contact the salon cellular communication or to the bank that issued your card. You may also need to replace your bank card if it does not have the PayPass mark on it.

NFC antenna

Another option is an external antenna with NFS support.

Thanks to this device, you can gain access to contactless near-field communication without buying a new smartphone.

NFS antennas are sold in hardware stores and cellular communication stores, and their installation does not require the help of specialists.

You can Attach the antenna to the SIM card yourself and then insert under the cover. Unfortunately, such an external module cannot be added to equipment whose body cannot be disassembled and whose SIM card slot is located on the side.

NFS technologies are used by most manufacturers of modern equipment. Thanks to this, users can make contactless payments, transfer data and read special tags without worrying about personal data leakage and outside interference. At the moment, NFS has no analogues that could simultaneously offer high speed, safety and a short operating radius.

NFC on a phone is a wireless communication technology High Quality with a small radius of influence, which allows you to exchange information between two gadgets without contact. NFC is based on RFID, which is radio frequency recognition, which is a method of mechanically identifying an item.

What is NFC?

NFC is a contactless technology that can read and send information from devices over not very long distances. The abbreviation stands for "Near Field Communication". It is based on the principle of exchanging radio signals, identical to Bluetooth, but there is a significant difference. Bluetooth transmits data over long distances, several hundred meters, and NFC requires no more than 10 centimeters. This technology was developed as an extension for contactless cards, but it quickly gained popularity, and developers found application for it in other devices.

There are three ways to use this technology in cellular phones:

read mode;
emulation, when the device works like a payment card or pass;
P2P mode, when information is exchanged between phones.

The chip is stored in the cell phone and is used as a means of payment; you can book tickets, pay for car parking or metro travel, and provide access control. Thanks to technological processes for payments without contact, there are MasterCard cards PayPass and Visa PayWave with integrated antennas, where the role of NFC is taken into account, applications for Android smartphones have been developed.

What is NFC in a smartphone - with close contact, a pair of devices communicate through magnetic field induction, when closely contacting loop antennas form a device. NFC covers frequencies in the 13.56 Megahertz spectrum, and the information transfer speed can reach 400 kilobits per second. The device operates in two modes:

Active. Both gadgets are provided with a power source and transmit information in turn.
Passive. The field power of one of the devices is used.

Which phones have NFC?

NFC on your phone gives you the chance to pay for purchases by touching your mobile phone to the terminal; it’s a kind of bank card on your cell phone. Just 6 years ago there were few devices that supported NFC, but now tablets, watches and other devices are equipped with chips. Which phones have this device:

Apple – all iPhone models;
Sony – Xperia S, L, Z series;
Samsung – Galaxy S series;
Motorola;
Nokia-Lumia.

How can I tell if my phone supports NFC?

How to check if NFC is available on your phone? There are several ways:

Remove the back cover of the smartphone and inspect the battery; it should have the inscription “NFC” on it.
In the settings, find the “Wireless Networks” tab, click on “More”, if the technology is available, a line with the name of the technology will appear.
Swipe your hand over the screen and open the notification shade, where this option will be listed.

If there is no NFC, what should I do?

NFC on the phone - what are these modules? The following main types are distinguished:

SIM cards;
external devices;
microcircuits;
NFC modules;
stickers.

The NFC module can be purchased together with the phones, but they are also sold separately. Stickers are attached to the cell phone body; they come in two types:

Active. They provide communication via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, but consume a lot of energy, so they require frequent recharging.
Passive. They do not exchange information with the phone and do not record it into the device through mobile communication channels.

How to install an NFC chip in your phone?

If it is not initially included in the device, an NFC module for the phone can be purchased and installed. There are two options to choose from:

NFC SIM card, many mobile operators now sell them.
NFC antenna. If there is no near field, this is the best solution. Communication shops also have such devices; they are glued to the SIM card, under the cover of the mobile phone. But there is one drawback: if the back cover is not removable or the SIM card hole is on the side, you will not be able to install such an antenna

How to enable NFC?

A device with NFC can be used not only as a wallet, travel card, or discount coupon; special tags also help to read data about goods in stores, and about any objects in museums and galleries. How does it turn on?

In the settings, select “Wireless networks”, then “More”.
The required inscription will appear, check the “Activate” box.

If your smartphone has an NFC chip, you need to activate Android Beam:

In the settings, click the “Advanced” tab.

Click on the NFC switch, the Android function is activated automatically. If this does not happen, you need to click on the “Android Beam” tab and select “enable”.

In order for data exchange to go smoothly, you need to make sure that both phones support NFC and Android Beam, first you need to activate them. The following is the action plan:
Select a file to transfer.
Press close to each other back covers phones.
Hold the devices until a beep sounds, which confirms that the exchange is complete.

Regardless of the type of file, NFC technology assumes the following information transfer algorithm:

Hold the devices only with their backs facing each other.
Wait until they find each other.
Confirm the request for data transfer.
Wait for a message that the process has completed.

Lou Frenzel

Electronic Design

Soon, most smartphones will support Near-Field Communication (NFC) and be able to function as keys or credit cards. The user will simply need to touch their phone to the NFC reader and the devices will begin exchanging data to complete the transaction. Auto pairing function wireless devices represents another area of emerging applications.

NFC technology

The maximum communication range using NFC technology is about 20 cm with an effective typical value of 4-5 cm, which provides certain advantages in the security of data exchange. It uses close-range technology, as opposed to conventional long-range technologies.

The long-range field includes orthogonal electrical and magnetic fields, which extend from the antenna beyond several wavelengths. The behavior of waves is described by a system of Maxwell's equations, according to which magnetic and electric fields exchange energy and support each other along the entire path of the signal. The field strength decreases with distance (d) by a factor 1/d 2.

The near field is within one antenna wavelength or less. It also consists of a magnetic and an electric field, but the magnetic field is dominant. The attenuation of the near-field signal is determined by the coefficient 1/d 6, which makes it much less applicable.

Essentially, the near field is the magnetic field generated by the transmitting antenna. The transmitting antenna can be considered as primary winding air transformer, and the receiving antenna is like the secondary winding of this transformer. The high attenuation rate makes the overall effective wireless communication distance very short.

NFC technology involves operating signals with an ASK modulation depth (coefficient) from 10% to 100% in the unlicensed frequency range of 13.56 MHz. When transmitting binary data, in order to increase reliability, Manchester or modified Miller code is used.

The data transfer rate depends on the encoding method and modulation ratio and can be 106 Kbps, 212 Kbps or 424 Kbps. Some NFC devices use the NRZ-L (non-return-to-zero level) encoding standard. Binary phase shift keying (BPSK) is an alternative at 106 Kbps data rates. Typical signal bandwidth is ±7 kHz, but can be increased to ±1.8 MHz, depending on encoding method and data rate.

It should be noted that some NFC devices support data exchange at speeds up to 848 Kbps, but such parameters are not approved by accepted standards. Standard option for more high speeds NFC is under review and is expected to raise the upper limit for some applications to 6.8 Mbps.

Devices, protocols and operating modes

There are two modes of operation of NFC devices: active and passive (Figure 1). IN active mode The battery or power supply fully powers both communication devices. In passive mode, one of the devices has a power source, the other (tag, transponder, key fob) is passive, and the electric current induced in the antenna by the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the active device is used for power.

It's worth noting that radio frequency identification (RFID) tags work in the same way. The passive device, after receiving power, transmits data to the active device using load modulation. Load modulation (or load modulation) is a form of amplitude modulation, defined as the difference between the average maximum and average minimum values of the transmitted signal at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and involves data modulation on a subcarrier frequency of 848 kHz, which in turn modulates the main carrier frequency 13.56 MHz. As a result, the generated signal changes the impedance of the circuit at the receiving device, which converts it to amplitude modulation.

Both active and passive devices use a 10% ASK modulated signal with Manchester encoding for data rates of 212 Kbps and 424 Kbps. Active devices use modified Miller code and ASK modulation with 100% depth for 106 Kbps data rates to ensure reliable initialization. Figure 2 shows the standard NRZ-L code and NFC coding options.

The basic mode of operation is half-duplex, when at one time one device transmits and all others receive data. Some devices act as initiators, “listening” to the communication channel and transmitting data only if there are no other signals. The initiator polls other devices located near him. Other devices - target devices - “listen” to the initiator and respond to his requests in accordance with the protocol format.

NFC technology also supports other modes: read/write, point-to-point (communication between devices of the same type) and card emulation mode. Write/read operations are supported by both active and passive devices and are used to transfer data from one device to another. The initiator either reads or writes data on the passive device. In point-to-point mode, two active devices exchange data to establish a communication channel for subsequent transactions. Card emulation mode involves reading a passive device by an active device, for example, reading a credit card or tag.

A variety of NFC standards, particularly NFC-A, NFC-B and NFC-F, define several slightly different data transfer technologies (Table 1). Each of them sets different speeds data transmission, modulation depth, coding method or operating mode. The polling device attempts to determine the specific operating modes of the responding devices and then configures itself with the appropriate technology to complete the communication session.

Table 1. NFC standards that define the encoding method, modulation and data transfer rate.

Standard	Type devices	Coding	Modulation	Speed transfers data, Kbps	Carrier frequency, MHz
NFC-A	Initiator	Miller code	ASK 100%	106	13.56
NFC-A	Target	Manchester	Load (ASK)	106	13.56 848 kHz subcarrier
NFC-B	Initiator	NRZ-L	ASK 100%	106	13.56
NFC-B	Target	NRZ-L	Load (BPSK)	106	13.56 848 kHz subcarrier
NFC-F	Initiator	Manchester	ASK 100%	212/424	13.56
NFC-F	Target	Manchester	Load (ASK)	212/424	13.56 (without subcarrier)

In addition, NFC standards define four main types of passive tags: Type 1 - Type 4. Each type has a different amount of memory and meets the requirements of one of the popular standards. Types 1 and 2 have built-in memory of 96 Kbytes and 48 Bytes to 2 Kbytes, respectively, and transmit data at 106 Kbps. Types 3 and 4 operate at 212 Kbps or 424 Kbps and have a maximum of either 1 MB or 32 KB of internal memory.

The standards further define a message packet format called NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) for use during normal operation. Each data transmission is called a message, and each message includes one or more records (Figure 3). A record consists of a Payload and a fixed header, which has an Identifier, Length, and Type of payload fields. The payload is typically a URL or data type defined standard file NFC Record Type Definition (RTD) data types.

NFC standards

Most of the basic NFC standards come from the standards governing RFID technology and smart cards. These have become formal International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) standards, including even those standards originally developed by member companies:

ISO/IEC 14443A (NXP, formerly Philips MIFARE);
ISO/IEC 14443B (Infineon);
JIS X6319-4 (Sony FeliCA).

NFC radio frequency technology is regulated by the ECMA 340 (European Information and Communications Systems Standardization Association) standard. It defines the communication interface and protocol NFCIP-1. ISO/IEC adopted and adapted this standard as 18092. There is also an NFCIP-2 standard, also called ECMA 352, and an ISO/IEC 23917 standard.

The NFC Forum, a non-profit advertising group of companies, establishes and maintains a wide range of NFC-related standards specifications. It also provides testing and certification programs to improve NFC device compatibility. The combined Europay, MasterCard, American Express and Visa (EMVCo) group of companies manages and maintains specifications for smart cards, point-of-sale terminals, ATMs and related devices.

NFC Security

If NFC technology is to be used instead of credit card payments or to access critical facilities, the data transmitted must be secure. One layer of security is integral to NFC simply due to the fact that data is exchanged over a very short distance. But this does not mean that the NFC system cannot be hacked. Using a high-gain directional antenna and a sensitive receiver, NFC signals can be listened to from a considerable distance without such a hacking setup being undetectable.

Security risks also come from other forms of hacking. For example, data corruption may occur when false data is transmitted to an NFC reader or any similar device. Data may also be changed during transmission. During such an attack, hackers gain access to the transmitted data and change it before sending it. This kind hacker attack unlikely, but possible. The best way Data protection in such cases is data encryption or other methods of protecting the radio channel. Almost all NFC transceivers use encryption.

"Although NFC standards have already been defined and developed, additional progress is expected in point-of-sale infrastructure to realize the full potential of the technology," said Ron Vetter, a member of the IEEE Computer Society and founder of Mobile Education LLC. "The mobile payments space is a major reason for this, but solving customer problems securely and privately also plays a major role in how quickly this technology will be adopted."

At the moment, there are various concepts in the mobile industry that many have never even heard of. Therefore, it is quite natural that there is a need to understand some of the nuances. So, if you came to the question of what NFC is, then you had to in some form come across the mention of this concept somewhere. It is worth understanding it in as much detail as possible.

It is a high-quality wireless communication technology with a short range (no more than 10 centimeters), which allows contactless data exchange between a pair of devices located nearby: for example, between a plastic smart card or cell phone and a reading terminal. NFC technology is based on radio frequency identification, which is a method of identifying objects in automatic mode. This uses a radio signal to record and read data stored in transponders, often referred to as NFC tags. In general, we can say that we are talking about a technology for transmitting information via a radio channel that supports active and passive devices. For example, Sony NFC key fobs do not require any extra food to ensure their work, they do so completely passively.

Features of the technology

So, if we talk about what NFC is, then it’s worth considering the three most popular options for using this technology in mobile phones:

Read mode, in which the phone reads a passive tag, for example, for interactive advertising;

Card emulation, in which the gadget is able to “pretend” to be a card, for example a payment card or a pass;

P2P mode, in which two phones are paired to exchange data.

Most often, NFC technology assumes that the chip carrier is mobile phone, which is as much a mass device as it is individual, and at the same time completely inseparable from its owner. In this case, it can be used as a means of payment, which is acceptable if you have a virtual wallet, key, means for identifying the owner, bonus card and much more.

Scope of application

So, NFC on a phone - what is it? Answering this question, it is worth noting that at the moment such solutions have become increasingly used in many areas. For example, using this technology, electronic tickets can be booked and sold, paid for car parking and travel on public transport. NFC tags are very actively used in the fields of entertainment and services, in the field of security and access control.

Difference from Bluetooth

These two technologies are similar in principle, but there is a very big difference between them. If we consider what NFC is, it is worth noting that the main advantage of this technology is the short connection time of one tenth of a second. The short range makes this method of data transmission much more secure. However, NFC supports a transfer rate of 424 Kbps, which is much lower than Bluetooth.

Current stage of development

Contactless payment technologies have now proven to be very advanced, and this has led to the emergence of cards such as MasterCard PayPass and Visa PayWave, which are equipped with built-in antennas and provide NFC function. This market has become so developed that now companies such as MasterCard, Google, Sprint, Citibank and First Data have formed a service called Google Wallet, installed on a number of Android smartphones. By using this application you can easily turn your gadget into credit card, allowing you to make payments in any terminal that supports PayPass.

What is NFC and how are tags used?

Tags in this case are small programmable information zones built into billboards, posters or on product shelves in retail stores. If you touch any of them, you can get some additional information in the form of web addresses, maps, or movie advertisements.

The process of working with tags involves a certain sequence of actions to obtain the information contained in them.

What to do to scan tags

First, make sure that the NFC function on your phone is turned on and its screen is active. The phone should be placed over the tag so that it touches the NFC detection area. Next, your device will scan the tag and then show the content received from it. You should touch the content and then you will open the label.

How to transfer a music file using NFC

First, you should make sure that the required function is enabled on your phone and the recipient’s device, and that the screens of both gadgets are active. Open music player possible by going to main screen, where the “Multimedia” item will be selected, and after it the “Music” icon. If the latter is not displayed, then you should touch the “Applications Screen” symbol, and after it “Music”. To open your library, you will need to visit the “My Music” tab. After selecting a music category, you can proceed to selecting a track that will be sent to your friendly device. You should touch it to play it, and then press pause. Broadcasting occurs only when a track is playing or paused.

The sending and receiving phones must be turned back to back so that their NFC recognition zones touch. When the connection is established, both devices will vibrate and then the broadcast will begin. After vibration, the devices should be moved away from each other. This prevents attempts to reconnect, which could interfere with the transfer process. When the process is completed, the receiving phone will start playing the received file automatically. At the same time, the track will be saved in the corresponding application.

Important points

So, if we talk about what NFC is, then we should also talk about the presence of certain aspects that can be called the “dark side” of this technology. Given that with using NFC It manages to facilitate the solution of many everyday tasks, sometimes it significantly complicates life if you look at it from a security point of view. This technology only works at close range. If you do not use NFC, then for complete protection and to ensure your safety, you can disable it. In this case, all its convenience simply disappears, but this allows you to use other methods. It all depends on the individual settings of the smartphone. If you use the device as a mobile wallet, but do not protect it with anything, then problems may well arise. Even PIN code protection, unfortunately, does not always work when there is NFC on the phone. What this is becomes clear when an attacker takes advantage of your carelessness.

It is worth imagining a scenario such as losing your phone or having it stolen. Then the person who found or stole it will be able to use all payments and functions. However, you should be realistic here, because you can also lose the keys to your apartment or car or wallet, which is associated with the same danger. That is, NFC is as secure as the user decides.

First devices

NFC support first appeared on phones released in 2006. However, this function turned out to be completely useless and unclaimed, since at that time there was no infrastructure. The NFC module is currently equipped with a serial Sony smartphone Xperia S. This device is equipped with a dual-core processor and a 43-inch HD screen. It operates under the control operating system from Google. Android NFC is no different from a similar feature on other platforms. This device comes with two NFC tags called XPERIA SmartTags, which allow you to program the device to launch certain operations within their range, for example, turning on the navigator or turning off Wi-Fi.

Intel has already addressed issues related to the integration of NFC chips into next-generation ultrabooks, and only this can guarantee that this technology has a great future.

The birth of the future

So, if we consider NFC technology (how to use it is already a little clear), then it’s worth talking about who or what it owes its appearance to. In 2002, companies such as Sony and Phillips teamed up to develop an entirely new radio standard, which was given its name. Prior to this, several attempts had been made to create technologies of this kind: Phillips created the MIFARE technology, and Sony had a similar development called FeliCa. Despite the fact that these technologies had a lot in common, they turned out to be incompatible with each other. The standard being created was intended to absorb all the advantages of past developments, as well as open up opportunities for its application in practice.

Speaking about what NFC is, it is necessary to mention that from its very appearance and development this technology was focused on the implementation of interaction between different electronic devices, between which there is no wired connection. As examples, it is appropriate to mention personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, video cameras, and other gadgets.

We can talk about such a feature of the interaction of devices working with support for this technology as the rapid initiation of communication between devices after they are brought to each other at a fairly close distance. After the connection is established, an attempt is made between the devices immediately.

For example, if you bring a working camera to the TV, provided that the NFC module works in both gadgets, the image transfer process will immediately begin. If a mobile phone or PDA is in close proximity to personal computer, then this will allow you to immediately start synchronization address book or some other documents.

Method of implementation and development prospects

NFC technology is implemented in the form of a chip that operates in passive or active mode. The first option involves using the device as a pass or metro card, and the second involves receiving information from passive devices, as well as sending it. At the moment, one can observe a not very intensive spread of this technology, but everything is ready to conquer the world. Companies like Google and Apple are betting on it. You can already hear about iPhone NFC, that is, these chips have begun to be added to Apple products. There are even SIM cards with a built-in chip that can operate exclusively in passive mode.

In modern society, very bright prospects are open for the use of this technology to apply mobile devices for making contactless payments. It is quite possible that in a few years one smartphone will replace the user with a whole range of devices and devices.