Near Field Communication (NFC)

Contents
What is NFC History of NFC NFC Tags How does NFC work Modulation and Demodulation Operation

What is NFC
NFC is a form of contactless communication between

devices like smartphones or tablets. Contactless communication allows a user to wave the smartphone over a NFC compatible device to send information without needing to touch the devices together or go through multiple steps setting up a connection. Near field communication uses electromagnetic radio fields to allow two compatible devices to exchange data and share information when passed close to each other. Based on RFID technology at 13,56 MHz. Operating distance typical up to 10 cm.

What is NFC
Not restricted to 1-to-1 communication Multiple devices in a small area can communicate with each

other using the same frequency. No special software is required. NFC is designed for short distance wireless communication. Allows intuitive initialization of wireless networks. NFC is complementary to Bluetooth and 802.11 with their long distance capabilities NFC does not require line of sight Easy and simple connection method Provides communication method to non-self powered devices

History Of NFC
Near field communication (NFC) traces its roots back to

radio-frequency identification (RFID). NFC is actually a subset of RFID with a shorter communication range for security purposes. In 2004, Nokia, Sony, and Philips came together to form the NFC Forum.

NFC Tags
NFC tags are small objects, like a sticker, that contain

information that a NFC compatible device, such as a smartphone, can intercept when passed over the NFC tag. The information on the tag is usually read-only, but certain tags do allow the device reading it to write new information to it or alter old information on the tag as well.

How does NFC work

The technology behind NFC allows a device, known as a

reader, interrogator, or active device, to create a radio frequency current that communicates with another NFC compatible device or a small NFC tag holding the information the reader wants. Passive devices, such as the NFC tag in smart posters, store information and communicate with the reader but do not actively read other devices. Peer-to-peer communication through two active devices is also a possibility with NFC. This allows both devices to send and receive information.

How does NFC work

A NFC compatible device sends out radio frequency signals

that interact with an NFC tag found in compatible device. The signal creates a current that flows through the NFC tag and allows the device and the tag to communicate with one another. Typically one device, the tag, is passive and only sends out information while the other device, is active and can both send and receive information.

Modulation And Demodulation Techniques

Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) VCO produces a frequency-modulated signal at the

transmitter Phase lock loop demodulates the signal at the receiver.

Operation
There are dedicated roles

Initiator and Target Any data transfer is a message and reply pair.

Message Initiator Reply Target

There are dedicated modes of operation Active and Passive Active means the device generates an RF field Passive means the device uses the RF field generated by the other device

Security Issues

Message Alice Bob

Eve

Security Issues

Message Alice Bob

Eavesdropping

Eve

Security Issues

Message Alice Bob

Disturb

Eavesdropping

Eve

Security Issues

Alice

Bob

Message
Eve

Security Issues

Alice

Bob

Message
Eve

Summary