How do NFC card work?
In truth, there are different sizes and shapes of NFC tags. And the ones you’d often see are square or circular-shaped stickers.
In short, these cards have simple principles: a thin copper coil and a tiny microchip storage space.
Now, the coil uses the process of electromagnetic induction to receive power from an NFC reader. Hence, bringing an NFC reader (with a passion) close to the card will energize it.
Then, the card can transmit any data stored on its microchip to the NFC device.
Additionally, you can add public-key encryption to NFC cards if you’re dealing with sensitive data. Or if you want to prevent other forms of malicious attacks.
Moreover, the NFC tag has a straightforward design that can fit into different factors. These form factors range from small stickers to plastic cards the size of a credit card.
Also, NFC devices like tablets and smartphones can serve as NFC tags. It contrasts with the RFID, which only allows one-way communication.
Hence, your phone can emulate an embedded NFC tag and work for contactless payments. Although such devices are advanced, they still use the basic working principle.
Furthermore, NFC cards can work in any of the following modes:
NFC care emulation: NFC devices like smartphones work like smart cards. Thus, users can make payments without physical credit cards or debit cards.
NFC peer-to-peer: Two NFC devices can communicate and exchange information ad hoc.
NFC reader/writer: Devices with NFC enabled can read and store information on NFC tags in intelligent posters or labels.
Applications
- Financial payments
- Traffic
- Advertisements
- Books
- Entertainment
- Medical treatment
- File sharing