Introduction to NFC Tag Types

NFC Forum, the standards body for NFC technology, defines five types of tags  to ensure interoperability between different devices and tags. These are labeled Type 1 to Type 5, and they are based on the underlying IC  (Integrated Circuit) technology and communication standards.

The Five NFC Tag Types

Detailed Breakdown & Mainstream Chips 

1. Type 1 Tag 

• Description: The original, simple tag. It's versatile and can be configured to  be read-only, re-writable, or use a one-time programmable (OTP) area. 

• Common Use Cases: URL sharing, simple business cards, low-cost disposable  tags. 

• Mainstream Chips:

    Topaz (e.g., Broadcom BCM20203): A very common series of chips used for  Type 1 tags. The memory size is typically 96 bytes or 2 KB. 

2. Type 2 Tag 

• Description: This is the most widely used and cost-effective NFC tag type. It's  the standard for most promotional, marketing, and simple interactive  applications. 

• Common Use Cases: Smart posters, product authentication, launching apps,  connecting to Wi-Fi. 

• Mainstream Chips: 

    NTAG® (by NXP): The de-facto industry standard. Popular series include:

    NTAG213: 144 bytes user memory, good for a URL or a few lines of text.  NTAG215: 504 bytes user memory, commonly used for Amiibo data. 

    NTAG216: 888 bytes user memory, for larger data payloads.

    MIFARE Ultralight / Ultralight C (by NXP): Another very common series,  often used in disposable transit tickets and event tickets. The Ultralight C  variant adds basic AES security. 

3. Type 3 Tag 

• Description: Based on Sony's FeliCa technology. It is less common globally  but was the foundation for Japan's mobile payment and transit systems. It  supports faster data transfer and more complex operations.

• Common Use Cases: Electronic money (e.g., Suica, Octopus cards in Asia),  complex membership systems. 

• Mainstream Chips: 

    Sony RC-S Series (e.g., RC-S965, RC-S730): The primary chips for this  standard. 

4. Type 4 Tag 

• Description: These are more advanced tags that can emulate a smart card.  They come pre-configured with a file system and support sophisticated  security features, including public key infrastructure (PKI) and mutual  authentication. 

• Common Use Cases: Access control, e-passports, secure payment cards,  transport cards (outside of Japan). 

• Mainstream Chips:

    MIFARE DESFire (by NXP): The leading chip series for Type 4 tags. Variants  like MIFARE DESFire EV2/EV3 offer high-speed communication and robust  security with AES-128 encryption. They are essentially contactless smart card  chips in a tag form factor. 

5. Type 5 Tag

• Description: Based on the ISO/IEC 15693 standard for "Vicinity Cards." Its key  advantage is a significantly longer read range compared to other types (which  are typically limited to ~10 cm). 

• Common Use Cases: Item-level tracking in retail, library books, inventory  management, where a longer range is beneficial. 

• Mainstream Chips: 

    ICODE® (by NXP): The dominant family for Type 5 tags.

 Popular chips  include: 

    ICODE SLIX: 1024 bits of user memory, standard features. 

    ICODE SLIX-S: 1024 bits with enhanced security (AES) and a privacy mode.

    ICODE SLIX 2: 2048 bits of user memory. 

Summary and Selection Guide 

• For most common applications (URLs, smart posters, simple automation):  Use Type 2 Tags with NTAG21x chips. 

• For high security and complex data (access control, loyalty): Use Type 4  Tags with MIFARE DESFire chips. 

• For the longest read range (inventory, retail): Use Type 5 Tags with ICODE  SLIX chips. 

• For compatibility with Japanese systems or specific high-speed needs:  Use Type 3 Tags. 

• For the most basic, low-cost needs: Use Type 1 Tags.