NFC Chip Types
An NFC is implemented by one of several chip types; each with its own tag types and standards, appropriate uses cases, features, limitations, availability and costs. Unless there is a specific technical reason to use an uncommon NFC chip type, it is best to use a recommended NFC chip type.
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NFC Chip Type Comparison
The following is a comparison of the commonly used NFC chip types for Connected Things projects. There are additional NFC chip types available, but they are old, uncommon or not often used for Connected Things projects.
| NFC Chip | Type | User Memory | NDEF Format | Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTAG210 | Type 2 | 48 bytes | Pre-NDEF Formatted | 7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring | NDEF formatted version of Ultralight EV1; small user memory |
| NXP NTAG210µ (micro) | Type 2 | 48 bytes | Pre-NDEF Formatted | 7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature | NXP’s least expensive NFC chip type; small user memory |
| NXP NTAG212 | Type 2 | 128 bytes | Pre-NDEF Formatted | 7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring | Larger memory version of NTAG210; use only when additional memory is required |
| NXP NTAG213 | Type 2 | 144 bytes | Pre-NDEF Formatted | 7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring; counter | Popular NFC chip type |
| NXP NTAG213 TT | Type 2 | 144 bytes | Pre-NDEF Formatted | 7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring; counter; Tag Tamper | Tag Tamper version of NTAG213 |
| NXP NTAG215 | Type 2 | 504 bytes | Pre-NDEF Formatted | 7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring; counter | Popular in gaming; larger memory version of NTAG213; use only when additional memory is required |
| NXP NTAG216 | Type 2 | 888 bytes | Pre-NDEF Formatted | 7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring; counter | Larger memory version of NTAG213; use only when additional memory is required |
| NXP NTAG203 | Type 2 | 144 bytes | Pre-NDEF Formatted | 7 byte UID; lockable; counter | Original product in NTAG2xx series; replaced by NTAG213 |
| NXP MIFARE Ultralight (MF0ICU1) | Type 2 | 48 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 4 byte UID; lockable | Old; insecure; limited availability; do not use unless required |
| NXP MIFARE Ultralight C (MF0ICU2) | Type 2 | 144 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 7 byte UID; lockable; counter; authentication | Old; insecure; limited availability; do not use unless required |
| NXP MIFARE Ultralight EV1 (MF0ULx1) | Type 2 | 48 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection | Modern version of Ultralight |
| ST ST25TN512 | Type 2 | 160 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 7 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; 3-digit unique tap code | Popular NFC chip type |
| ST ST25TN01K | Type 2 | 160 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 7 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; 3-digit unique tap code | More efficient version of the ST25TN512 |
| NXP ICODE SLI (SL2ICS20) | Type 5 | 112 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 8 byte UID; lockable; password protection | Longer range when used with applicable device; First NXP Type 5 Chip Type |
| NXP ICODE SLIX (SL2S2002, SL2S2102) | Type 5 | 112 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 8 byte UID; lockable; password protection | Longer range when used with applicable device |
| NXP ICODE SLIX2 (SL2S2602) | Type 5 | 316 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 8 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection | Modern version of SLIX; longer range when used with applicable device |
| EM EM4425V10 | Type 5 | 256 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 8 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; counter | Dual NFC and UHF chip; a pre-initialized version of EM4425V12 |
| EM EM4425V12 | Type 5 | 256 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 8 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; counter | Dual NFC and UHF chip; must be initialized before use |
| ST ST25TV512 | Type 5 | 64 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 8 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; kill/untraceable modes | A performant and securable NFC chip with consumer privacy features |
| ST ST25TV02K | Type 5 | 256 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 8 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; kill/untraceable modes | Larger memory version of the ST25TV512 |
| ST ST25TV02KC | Type 5 | 320 bytes | NDEF Formattable | 8 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; Augmented NDEF support | Larger memory and more efficient version of the ST25TV02K |
| NXP MIFARE Classic 1k (MF1S503) | Not NFC Forum | 1024 bytes | Not NFC Forum | 4 byte non-unique UID | Old; not NFC Forum; not for Connected Things |
| NXP MIFARE Classic EV1 1k (MF1S500) | Not NFC Forum | 1024 bytes | Not NFC Forum | 7 byte UID | Old; not NFC Forum; not for Connected Things |
| NXP MIFARE Classic 4k (MF1S703) | Not NFC Forum | 4096 bytes | Not NFC Forum | 4 byte non-unique UID | Old; not NFC Forum; not for Connected Things |
| NXP MIFARE Classic EV1 4k (MF1S700) | Not NFC Forum | 4096 bytes | Not NFC Forum | 7 byte UID | Old; not NFC Forum; not for Connected Things |