Choosing the Right NFC Tag for Product Authentication and Sensor Data Storage

[MERSI]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently working on a project that involves NFC technology, but I’m a bit unsure which NFC tag would be the most suitable for my use case. Maybe some of you have experience with similar requirements.

My main goals:

• Product authentication & unique ID: I need each tag to have a unique, non-clonable identifier for secure product verification.

• Multiple tags in the field: It should support multiple NFC tags in the RF field at once – so I assume ISO 14443A with anti-collision is a must?

• Sensor data logging: I want to store relevant data like total operating hours, calibration values, etc., and update this data periodically (e.g., once per hour).

• Smartphone compatibility: Tags should also be readable via regular smartphones (ideally both Android and iOS).

• Controlled access: Ideally, I'd like to define which memory areas are freely readable (e.g., for end users via their phones) and which are encrypted or hidden, accessible only by our equipment.

I’ve already looked into the STM32 NFC/RFID tags, specifically the ones listed here:

https://www.st.com/en/nfc/st25-nfc-rfid-tags.html

But I’m still not sure which specific model would be best suited for my requirements. If anyone has experience with these ST tags or suggestions for alternatives that would fit, I’d be very grateful!

Thanks in advance!

[Berenice BENVEGUDA]

Hello @MERSI 

First of all, thanks a lot for your interest in ST25 product family.

To answer your questions :

1. All ST25 NFC Tags have a unique identifier which cannot be modified

2. All NFC Tag technologies have an anti-collision protocol allowing to support multi-tag detection : ISO14443 or ISO15693 ( so NFC Forum Type 2, Type 4 or Type 5 tags also)

3. For sensor data logging ST25DV64KC could be a suitable product, (see also SMARTAG1 and SMARTAG2 examples)

4. ST25 NFC Tags are NFC Forum certified, so smartphone compatibility is ensured.

5. On ST25DV64KC you could configure memory in several areas and can configure which one can be read-protected by a password.

I hope this helps,

Best Regards,

BB

[MERSI]

@Berenice BENVEGUDA Would you also recommend any NFC Tags out of one of the ST NFC Bags for this usecase? E.g. ST25TV...

The ST25DV64KC is quite expensive compared to other Tags and is not available as "sticker" as far as i know.