TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT

ON
NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Academic Requirements
For the award of the Degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
By
CH.SAI CHANDRA
16AG1A0409

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

ACE Engineering College

(Sponsored by Yadala Satyanarayana Memorial Education Society , Hyderabad)
Approved by AICTE & Affiliated to JNTUH
NBA and NAAC ‘A’ grade Accredited B.Tech courses: ECE, EEE, CSE& MECH
Ankushapur(V), Ghatkesar(M),Medchal.Dist -501301

2019-2020
 ABSTRACT

Near-field Communication or NFC is a standard defined by the NFC Forum, a global

consortium of hardware, software/application, credit card companies, banking, network-
providers, and others who are interested in the advancement and standardization of this
promising technology. NFC is a short-range radio technology that operates on the 13.56
MHz frequency, with data transfers of up to 424 kilobits per second. NFC communication is
triggered when two NFC-compatible devices are brought within close proximity, around four
centimeters. Because the transmission range is so short, NFC-based transactions are
inherently secure; more on this shortly. One of basic goal of technology has been to make life
easy by converging various technologies .Near Field Communication has given the ray of hope
of realizing a ultimate convergence device. The technology is a simple extension of the ISO
14443 proximity-card standard (contactless card, RFID) that combines the interface of a
smartcard and a reader into a single device. As a short-range wireless connectivity
technology, NFC offers safe yet simple and intuitive communication between electronic
devices. Users of NFC-enabled devices can simply point or touch their devices to other NFC-
enabled elements in the environment to communicate with them, making application and data
usage easy and convenient .

i
 Table Of Contents

Abstract …………………………………………………………….. i

1.INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………… 1
11.1 NFC READER AND TAG

2.ORIGINOF NFC…………………………………………………..…… 3

3.MODES OF NFC……………………………………………………… 4
3.1.Communication modes
3.2.Operating modes

4.NFC AND OTHER TECHNOLOGIES …………..…………… … 5

5.APPLICATIONS OF NFC…………………………………….. 8

6.ADVANTAGES………………………………………......... 10

7.DISADVANTAGES…………………………………………….… 12

8.FUTURE OF NFC………………………………………………… 14

9.CONCLUSION ……………………………………………………. 16

10.REFERENCE ………………………………………………… 17
 1.INTRODUCTION

1.1 NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION :

NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It is a short-range radio technology that enables
communication between devices that either touch or are momentarily held close together.

‒ NFC is an open-platform technology that is being standardised in the NFC Forum.

‒ NFC is based on and extends on RFID. It operates on 13.56 MHz frequency.

‒ The NFC communication range is up to 10 cm. However, for the best user experience
with Nokia phones it is recommended that the devices touch each other.

‒ The NFC standard supports different data transmission rates such as 106 kBps, 212
kbps, and 424 kbps
.
.
1.2 Tag and reader:
NFC-based communication between two devices is possible when one
device acts as a reader/writer and the other as a tag.

1.2.1 Tag :
The tag is a simple, thin device containing an antenna and a small amount of
memory. It is a passive device, powered by a magnetic field. Depending on the tag type, the
memory can be read only, rewritable, or writable once

Figure 1: NFC TAG

Page 1
1.2.2 Reader :
The reader is an active device that generates radio signals to communicate with
the tags. The reader powers the passive device when the two are engaged in the passive mode
of communication.

Figure 2: NFC READER.

Figure 3: NFC enabled phones

Page 2
2.ORIGIN OF NFC

Near field communication (NFC) traces its roots back to radio-frequency identification
(RFID). Indeed, 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.
This group is dedicated to promoting the security, ease of use, and popularity of near field
communication. It aims to educate businesses about the technology and upholds standards
that allow NFC to operate between different devices. Those who wish to create NFC
compliant devices must meet these standards set forth by the NFC Forum. This ensures that
any user with any NFC device can use it with any other NFC device.

Though the NFC Forum formed in 2004, it wasn’t until 2006 that the group produced the first
set of specifications for 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 .

In 2006, the specifications for “smart” posters were created. Smart posters hold information
that an NFC compatible device can read when passed over it. It can provide all manor of
information, such as information about a famous piece of artwork hanging in a museum or a
short biography of a famous person’s life on a poster with their image.

The first NFC-comptabile cell phone, the Nokia 6131, also surfaced during this time. As the
years passed, more specifications emerged and the technology grew from payment methods
to sharing videos, links, and game invites between smartphones and other NFC devices.
Android produced its first NFC phone, the Samsung Nexus S, in 2010.

Page 3
 3. NFC modes

3.1 Communication modes

NFC devices support two communication modes.
3.1.1 Active
In this mode, the target and the initiator devices have power supplies and can communicate
with one another by alternate signal transmission.
3.1.2 Passive
In this mode, the initiator device generates radio signals and the target device is powered by
this electromagnetic field. The target device responds to the initiator by modulating the
existing electromagnetic field.
3.2 Operating modes
NFC devices can operate in three different modes based on the ISO/IEC 18092, NFC IP-1,
and ISO/IEC 14443 contactless smart card standards.
3.2.1 Read/write
In this mode, the NFC-enabled phone can read or write data to any of the supported tag types
in a standard NFC data format.
3.2.2 Peer to peer
In this mode, two NFC-enabled devices can exchange data. For example, you can share
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi link setup parameters to initiate a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi link. You can also
exchange data such as virtual business cards or digital photos. Peer-to-peer mode is
standardised on the ISO/IEC 18092 standard.

3.2.3 Card emulation

An NFC-enabled phone acts as a reader when in contact with tags. In this mode, the phone
can act as a tag or contactless card for existing readers.

Page 4
 4. NFC AND OTHER TECHNOLIGIES

Near Field Communication (NFC) isn’t the only game in town, nor was it ever intended to be.
Other technologies provide functionality that makes them suitable for needs that NFC can’t
really address. Of course, choosing the right technology for a particular task can become
confusing if you don’t understand how it compares with NFC.

The figure provides a quick overview of the way in which NFC differs from other
technologies when it comes to data rate and connection distance.

NFC differs from other technologies in both data rate and connection distance.

However, data rates and connection distances don’t quite tell the whole story. The following
discussion compares NFC to these other technologies so that you can get a better idea of
precisely when NFC is the best choice for your technology needs.

4.1.HOW NFC DIFFERS FROM RFID

The first use of RFID occurred in the 1940s, during WWII, as a means of identifying friendly
forces. Mario W. Cardullo received the first RFID patent on January 23, 1973. You can read
a history of RFID development.

NFC and RFID have completely different uses. Organizations generally use RFID only for
tracking things — all sorts of things. Consequently, people generally use RFID for logistics,
and it doesn’t have a consumer or home use function because of the cost of the actual readers.
RFID readers tend to be expensive, which keeps them out of the hands of the average person.

When you think about RFID readers, imagine big trucks going through the inspection lanes
on the highway. A reader picks up the truck’s location from a large distance. RFID readers
broadcast the signal widely (up to 25 meters). Contrast the wide area of RFID usage with the
intimate, secure access provided by NFC, and you find that the two technologies serve
different purposes. You can find an interesting infographic on the differences between NFC
and RFID.

Page 5
4.2.HOW NFC DIFFERS FROM QR CODES

Quick Response (QR) codes or 2D bar codes are the little square black boxes that you see on
some products or advertisements that look like someone spilled some ink onto the paper.
They are similar to conventional UPC bar codes on products that get scanned when you buy
something, but they can contain more information.

Most smartphones, even those that aren’t NFC-enabled, can interact with QR codes. If the
smartphone lacks the required app, you can download one. (QR readers aren’t pre-installed in
the United States, but they are in other countries.) To read the QR code, simply take a picture
of it.

The advantages of QR codes are that they are extremely cheap to print and you can put them
almost anywhere. The disadvantage of QR codes is that you need to have an app, open the
app, and then take a picture of the QR code. Bad lighting or smudged ink can make QR codes
difficult or impossible to read. NFC is different from QR codes in that it is native to the
phone, meaning almost all phones have NFC pre-installed, and when you turn it on, all you
need to do is to tap your phone on the tag to read it. No special app is needed.

NFC tags do cost more than just printing a QR code, but it is a cost versus convenience
decision that you need to make for your specific use case.

4.3.HOW NFC DIFFERS FROM BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY (BLE)

One of the other proximity technologies getting a lot of attention these days is Bluetooth Low
Energy (BLE), also known as Bluetooth Smart. BLE works by setting up beacons that are
used to identify devices and then communicate with them. Think of an RFID reader that is
always on and broadcasting its signal.

To use BLE, the user must turn on a device’s Bluetooth. In addition, the user typically needs
to download an app to receive and act upon specific actionable messages. The best example
of BLE in action is when someone walks into a store, has that store’s app loaded in the
phone, and turns on Bluetooth support. When a beacon recognizes the active BLE support, it
sends a message about what is on sale that day or information about a particular product. The
phone can also receive a coupon for items that the merchant knows interests you. You can’t
(currently) use BLE to make a purchase.

Page 6
The difference between NFC and BLE is one of infrastructure and task. BLE works at longer
ranges (around 50 meters), transfers more data, and requires that you install the beacon
infrastructure in order to work. The phone must have Bluetooth turned on, and for the best
user experience, you need to install an app. NFC needs only a tag embedded in a smartposter,
for example, and the user needs only to tap the phone in order for something to happen. In
addition, most in the industry see NFC as the standard for making payments.

At a high level, you can compare these technologies as push versus pull, where BLE pushes
you information and NFC pulls information. Simply saying that you use one technology to
push information and the other to pull information is a high-level comparison.

4.4.HOW NFC DIFFERS FROM POWERED CHIPS (WI-FI)

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) is a communication technology that supports two-way

conversations, just as NFC does. However, Wi-Fi provides significantly greater range than
NFC, as shown previously. The advantage is that you can create an ad hoc network anywhere
you need one and invite as many people as you like. The disadvantage is that everyone can
hear you broadcast from a relatively great range.

NFC is designed for private, personal communications, while Wi-Fi is designed to meet the
requirements of group communications.

Figure4:NFC AND OTHERTECHNOLOGIES

Page 7
 5.APPLICATIONS OF NFC

5.1.Smart Cards:
Payment using NFC integrated smart cards offers easier payment compared to conventional
multiple step payment process. Top payment services like Visa and MasterCard are offering
NFC embedded smart cards to customers.NFC integrated smart cards can be used for fast
payments at grocery shops, parking tickets, adding shopping points, redeem coupons with
just a single tap of the card. All the major banks around the globe offers smart cards with
NFC chips integrated.

5.2. E-wallet (payment using smart phone):

Cashless payment system using mobile devices became popular in the beginning of this
decade and more services are offering cashless payments for customer’s convenience. Using
smart phone applications, payments can be made using a simple tap or waving the card within
the proximity.Service providers can integrate payment option into smart phones using an
NFC tag embedded inside the device. Apple pay, Google wallet (Android pay) and Samsung
pay are the most popular among smartphone payment systems.
Data transfer using smart device are possible using NFC technology like Android beam. Two
users can share documents, photos, resumes and business cards by just waving their smart
phone.

Figure 5: NFC payment using mobile.

5.3. Smart Ticketing:

Integrated smart chips can be used to replace traditional ticketing systems with smart tickets
for airlines, train and bus tickets etc… NFC tags can be used for Smart posters, movie tickets,
ticket to concerts, advertisements, flyers and information links.

Page 8
Customers will be able to access a reserved area or activate tickets by just tapping NFC tags
located at assigned location. More information can be found by just scanning the smart tag.
5.4. Medicine and Healthcare:
NFC integrated system can be used in medicine and healthcare activities. NFC offers greater
accuracy and convenience in prescribing medicine, easier check-in, payments, checking
status of patients, tracking records by embedding NFC tags to patient’s charts. NFC
integrated devices can be easily paired and configured. Medical professionals can easily
check schedules and access medical devices and equipments. Future of NFC is healthcare are
very promising and many companies have already started investing. Diagnostic tags are
under development for monitoring medical conditions like temperature variations, blood
glucose level fluctuations etc…

Figure 6:Image showing medical applications.

5.5. Keyless Access:

Keyless access is one of the familiar applications of near field communications today. NFC’s
convenience and easy to implement feature make it a popular choice. NFC and RFID tags can
be used for access to doors and restricted areas with an auto detect feature. It can be used to
replace access keys, identification badges and for easier access to cars and other vehicles.

Page 9
 6. ADVANTAGES OF NFC

6.1.Convenient: The convenience of payment is one of this system’s greatest advantages.

NFC makes it very easy for users to make instant payment via their smartphones and tablets,
using their mobile wallet. This process of payment is also simple to understand and use. It
helps users perform financial transactions at the mere touch or tap of their screen.

6.2.Versatile: NFC is very versatile, in that it covers a range of different industries and
services. This mode of payment can be used for the purposes of mobile banking, reserving
restaurant seats and movie passes, booking train tickets, getting real-time updates on
expenditure and reward points, redeeming rewards and coupons and much, much more.

6.3.Better User Experience: This system is beneficial for enterprises too – companies
that readily adopt the latest technology are viewed by customers as being dynamic and
progressive. Using this technology also helps them serve their customers better by presenting
them with an easy and hassle-free mode of payment. Offering better user experience helps
establishments enhance their own productivity and efficiency, thus enabling them to sustain
customer loyalty, while also attracting newer customers.

6.4.Seamless: NFC has been found beneficial in the academic arena as well. The high level
of encryption enables institutions to employ it as a sort of a security system, which does an
accurate ID on students entering and exiting the premises. Employees of companies use this
technology to seamlessly interact in the office environment, sharing real-time information
with each other.

6.5.More Secure: Using mobile wallets is, to an extent, safer than using physical credit
cards. In the unfortunate event of theft of the mobile device, the user’s credit card
information is password and PIN protected. This adds on an additional layer of safety. Also,
NFC-enabled payment cards are built to be more secure than the magnetic strip of a regular
credit card. While using this system of payment, retailers would have no physical access to
customers’ credit card information.

Page 10
 Near Field Communication provides secure communication to all users. It promotes
the transfer of data through safe channels as well as the encryption of sensitive
information. Although some risk still exists, these measures significantly reduce the
threat of hackers and stolen information.

 The close proximity needed for NFC to function is not just a technical advantage; it
proves to be very useful when in crowded locations. The two inch range allows for
less interference which in turn provides a smooth data sharing feed between devices.

 NFC provides the technology that permits users to transfer files and perform
transactions with ease. It allows individuals to share data cost-efficiently as it has the
ability to transfer files like pictures or music without carrier charges. NFC also lets
users purchase items wirelessly. The introduction of Passbook on the iPhone and
Google Wallet allows individuals to store all their credit card, coupon, and ticket
information on their smartphone device for use at any given time.

 NFC has a competitive advantage over its rival, Bluetooth. It consumes less power
and does not require the setup and connection establishment with another device like
Bluetooth does. NFC allows users to connect to other devices in less than one second,
whereas, Bluetooth connections take significantly longer.

 As a business user, NFC provides many advantages for improving workplace

efficiency and customer service. It allows managers to maintain knowledge as to
where their employees are if one were to use location services. In regards to
improving customer service, the implementation of NFC transactional services such
as, PayPass or Passbook, enables a fast and efficient experience for consumers.

Page 11
 7.DISADVANTAGES OF NFC

7.1.Expensive: It may prove to be much too expensive for companies to adopt NFC-enabled
technology; to purchase and maintain related machines and other equipment. While large and
well-established companies such as Starbucks have successfully incorporated the technology
within itself; the smaller companies could find it difficult to sustain their existing turnover
and enhance profits. Installing the hardware and software and hiring technicians to maintain
the same could result in spiraling expenses for the concerned company.

7.2.Not Advantageous Enough: Most of the latest smartphones and tablets are NFC-
enabled. This should have encouraged retailers and B2B companies to readily adopt this
system. However, due to cost issues and other complications, not many smaller and mid-sized
companies are prepared to receive the latest technological developments. Unfortunately, these
companies and retailers are at a disadvantage, as they stand to lose current customers looking
for easier, more integrated and contactless methods of payment.

7.3.Lack of Security: While NFC transactions are undoubtedly more secure than regular
credit card payments, this technology is not completely free from risk. Rapid evolution in
technology always comes with an equally powerful negative consequence. Mobile phone
hacking is now rampant and attackers are coming out with newer methods to gain
unauthorized access into users’ personal, social security and financial data stored therein.
This makes the entire system vulnerable and insecure. The obvious lack of security could
discourage both users and companies from warming up to this technology in the near future .

Page 12
 Since Near Field Communication is a relatively new technology, it may not be
compatible with other devices. This is the main challenge that NFC technology is
facing because device compatibility is a key aspect to expanding its consumer base.

 Many companies do not have the motive to implement NFC technology into the
workplace as the technology they currently use may be all they need to perform
efficiently. Transferring employees over to NFC compatible devices is costly and may
not align with the goals of the organization.

Page 13
 8. The Future of Near Field Communication

With Android, Nokia, and BlackBerry all in various stages of supporting near field
communication technology, others feel the pressure to offer support as well to avoid falling
behind in a technologically advanced world. Where is NFC spreading? We’ll take a look at
some of the ways near field communication has expanded and what’s coming up next.

8.1.Google Wallet

Google wallet is Google’s smartphone program that allows users to load credit card
information and pay with the swipe of their phone. Currently phones supporting the
technology are limited, but plans to expand are in the works. Not all credit cards will work
with Google Wallet, however. Currently MasterCard PayPass compatible cards or a prepaid
Google card are required, but it is expected that more technologies and cards will be
developed by other companies in the future as the technology expands and businesses begin
to compete for customers.

8.2.MasterCard and Visa:

Visa is expanding its horizons and testing the use of NFC as a means of smartphone payment
using Visa credit cards. Visa and Samsung have partnered to create a NFC compatible
smartphone geared at fans of the Olympics. The smartphone will carry special content and
aims to makes purchases and other interactions at the Olympic games faster and easier, a
major plus for an event of that size.

Page 14
8.3.Apple iPhones:

Finally, Apple is soon to test out NFC in upcoming iPhone models. Having yet another major
corporation backing NFC could push more merchants to offer NFC compatible card readers
and support the technology. As other cell phone manufacturers race to keep up, NFC could
grow substantially and be offered on more and more devices. All in all, the future of near
field communication looks bright.

Page 15
 9. CONCLUSION

In summary, Near Field Communication is an efficient technology for communications with

short ranges. It offers an intuitive and simple way to transfer data between electronic devices.
A significant advantages of this technique is the compatibility with existing RFID
infrastructures. Additionally, it would bring benefits to the setup of longer-range wireless
technologies, such as Bluetooth , Wifi . NFC is based on existing contactless infrastructure
around the world that is already in use by millions of people on a daily basis. NFC is not a
fashionable nice-to-have technology, but actually a technology that makes peoples lives
easier – easier to pay for goods and services, easier to use public transport, and easier to share
data between devices.The above mentioned scenarios are just a few examples of how NFC
will change our lives for better. With high level of interest by corporations, as well as
involvement of individual developers and users in this short range communication standard,
the possibilities are endless

Page 16
 10.REFERENCES

1.http://www.nfc-forum.org/specs/
2.http://www.nxp.com/

Page 17