For nfc reader can you suggest smd antenna

PMK.1 · ‎2022-03-22

Travis Palmer · ‎2022-04-19

Hello,

there are different types of antennas.

Since the NFC IC is soldered on a PCB, a PCB antenna is a convenient way to do a good quality antenna.
Another option is to do a wire wound antenna. Instead of traces done on the PCB, a wire is used to form a magnetic loop antenna.
A more sophisticated (and expansive) way is to use a NFC ferrite antenna. There are several vendors (Maruwa, molex, muRata) doing such devices. They are often used in challenging applications (e.g. smart phones). https://www.st.com/en/partner-products-and-services/ferrite-flexible-sheet-antennas.html
SMD antennas are used in very integrated products. where communication ranges of several mm read range are targeted. For example maruwa ferrite chip antennas MNA series: https://www.st.com/en/partner-products-and-services/ferrite-chip-antennas-mna-series.html#overview

For all types of antennas the self resonance frequency should be above 13.56MHz. (typically between 40MHz - 120MHz). The matching network is then used to make them resonating at 13.56MHz and therefore suite able for NFC. Also the Q-factor should be in a decent range, dependent on used technology and bitrate. AN5276 is providing a good overview about important antenna parameters.

Selecting the right antenna depends in most cases on the overall system and use-case. In an access control reader, a smd antenna could maybe also be used to read an ID1 tag, but the read range and cost might not be satisfying.

BR Travis

View solution in original post

Travis Palmer · ‎2022-04-19

Hello,

there are different types of antennas.

Since the NFC IC is soldered on a PCB, a PCB antenna is a convenient way to do a good quality antenna.
Another option is to do a wire wound antenna. Instead of traces done on the PCB, a wire is used to form a magnetic loop antenna.
A more sophisticated (and expansive) way is to use a NFC ferrite antenna. There are several vendors (Maruwa, molex, muRata) doing such devices. They are often used in challenging applications (e.g. smart phones). https://www.st.com/en/partner-products-and-services/ferrite-flexible-sheet-antennas.html
SMD antennas are used in very integrated products. where communication ranges of several mm read range are targeted. For example maruwa ferrite chip antennas MNA series: https://www.st.com/en/partner-products-and-services/ferrite-chip-antennas-mna-series.html#overview

For all types of antennas the self resonance frequency should be above 13.56MHz. (typically between 40MHz - 120MHz). The matching network is then used to make them resonating at 13.56MHz and therefore suite able for NFC. Also the Q-factor should be in a decent range, dependent on used technology and bitrate. AN5276 is providing a good overview about important antenna parameters.

Selecting the right antenna depends in most cases on the overall system and use-case. In an access control reader, a smd antenna could maybe also be used to read an ID1 tag, but the read range and cost might not be satisfying.

BR Travis