NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology

A Technical Seminar abstract

submitted in partial fulfillment for the
award of the degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

IN
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (DATA SCIENCE)

(2021-2025)

Submitted by

KUMMARI RAVI PRASAD 22X05A6704

Under the esteemed guidance of

DR. P. Dileep Kumar Reddy, Ph.D

Professor & Dean-IPR

School of Computer Science

www.nrcmec.org

2021-2025

Signature of Supervisor Signature of H.O.D

 NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC) TECHNOLOGY

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless communication technology that enables short-
range data exchange between devices. Initially introduced for contactless payment systems, NFC has
evolved into a versatile platform with applications ranging from secure transactions to smart
connectivity in IoT devices.
This seminar explores the fundamental principles, working mechanisms, and applications of NFC
technology. It delves into the underlying communication protocols, which facilitate seamless
interaction between NFC-enabled devices. The discussion will highlight the advantages of NFC,
including its simplicity, security features, and low power consumption, making it suitable for a wide
array of applications.
Furthermore, the seminar will examine the integration of NFC into everyday scenarios, including
mobile payments, access control systems, and data sharing between smartphones and wearable
devices. The potential of NFC in enhancing user experience and enabling new functionalities in smart
environments will also be explored.
In conclusion, the seminar aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of NFC
technology, its current capabilities, and future trends. It will emphasize the growing significance of
NFC in shaping the landscape of secure and convenient wireless communication

K.RAVI PRASAD

(22X05A6704)
 REFERENCES

[1] K. Kim, K. Kim, and J. Ryu, "Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology and Applications,"
Sensors (Basel), vol. 20, no. 7, 2020.
[2] A. Hafidh and A. Ismail, "Security Analysis of Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology,"
Journal of Information Security, vol. 5, no. 3, 2014.
[3]G. K. Jayashree and R. M. Pai, "Near Field Communication (NFC): From Theory to Practice,"
International Journal of Computer Applications, vol. 122, no. 15, 2015.
[4]M. S. Park and J. H. Son, "Integration of Near Field Communication (NFC) and Internet of Things
(IoT) for Smart Objects," Procedia Computer Science, vol. 91, 2016.
 CONTENTS

1. Introduction 1
2. Technology Focus 2
3. Modes of Communication 3
4. Terminology 4
5. The contactless communication API 5
5.1 Anatomy of a contactless communication API MIDlet 5
6. Comparison with existing technologies 7
7. Functioning 9
7.1 Modes of operation of the NFC 10
7.2 The signal Interface 11
7.3 Using contactless communication API 11
7.4 Hardware and Basics 13

8. Advantages and Disadvantages 14

9. Applications 15
10. Devices which use the NFC technology 17
11. Conclusion 19
12. References 20
 INTRODUCTION
Near Field Communication or NFC is a short-range high frequency
wireless communication technology which enables the exchange of data between
devices over about a 10 centimetre (around 4 inches) distance. The technology is
a simple extension of the ISO 14443 proximity-card standard (contactless card,
RFID) that combines the interface of a smartcard and a reader into a single
device. An NFC device can communicate with both existing ISO 14443
smartcards and readers, as well as with other NFC devices, and is thereby
compatible with existing contactless infrastructure already in use for public
transportation and payment. NFC is primarily aimed at usage in mobile phones.
Near-field Communication (NFC) is characterized as a very short-
range radio communication technology with a lot of potential, especially when
applied to mobile handsets. Imagine yourself using your cell phone to interact
with posters, magazines, and even with products while at the store, and with such
interaction initiating a request or search for related information in real-time.
Other usages of NFC include the electronic wallet to make payments using your
handset, the same way you do with your credit card. With NFC all this is
possible. But NFC is still a young technology. That said, NFC-enabled handsets
are being introduced into the market, and deployments and pilots around the
world are occurring. This report explores NFC and how you can leverage it in
your Java application by using the Contactless Communications API.

1
 TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Near Field Communication is a standards-based, short-range wireless
connectivity technology that enables convenient short-range communication
between electronic devices. The underlying layers of NFC technology are ISO,
ECMA, and ETSI standards. NFC applications can be split into the following
four basic categories:
1. Touch and Go: Applications such as access control or transport/event
ticketing, where the user needs only to bring the device storing the ticket or
access code close to the reader. Also, for simple data capture applications, such
as picking up an Internet URL from a smart label on a poster.
2. Touch and Confirm: Applications such as mobile payment where the user has
to confirm the interaction by entering a password or just accepting the
transaction.
3. Touch and Connect: Linking two NFC-enabled devices to enable peer to peer
transfer of data such as downloading music, exchanging images or
synchronizing address books.
4. Touch and Explore: NFC devices may offer more than one possible function.
The consumer will be able to explore a device's capabilities to find out which
functionalities and services are offered.

NFC STANDARDS
NFC is a standard, and is ISO standards-based. The ISO 14443 Type
A and Type B standards + FeliCa is a four-part international standard for contact-
less smart cards operating at 13.56 MHz in close proximity with a reader antenna.
The ISO 18092 standard defines communication modes for NFC Interface and

2
Protocol.

3
 MODES OF COMMUNICATION
NFC has three modes of communication
Peer-to-Peer mode is defined for device to device link-level communication.
Note that this mode is not supported by the Contactless Communication API.
Read/Write mode allows applications for the transmission of NFC Forum-
defined messages. Note that this mode is not secure. This mode is supported the
Contactless Communication API.
NFC Card Emulation mode allows the NFC-handset behave as a standard
Smartcard. This mode is secure. This mode is supported by the Contactless
Communication API.

Fig. 3.1 Modes of communication

4
 THE CONTACTLESS COMMUNICATION API

The Contactless Communication API Java specification, led by Nokia and

defined under the Java Community Process as JSR-257, defines a set of APIs for
proximity, contactless-based communication. The API consists of five Java
packages, as follows:
java package Interfaces Classes Exception
s
Tag Tag Contactless
javax.microedition.contac Connection Connection Exception
tless Target Listener Target
A mandatory package Target Listener
that contains all the target Properties Target
discovery and classes Transaction Properties
common to all targets Listener Transaction
Listener
javax.microedition.contactl NDEF Record NDEF
ess.ndf Listener Message
An optional package for NDEFTagCon NDEF
communicating with nection Record
NDEF formatted data tags NDEF
Record Type
javax.microedition.contac Plain Tag
tless.rf Connection
An optional package for
communicating with
RFID (no NDEF
formatted data) tags
javax.microedition.contac ISO14443Con
tless.sc nection
An optional package for
communicating with
external smartcards

javax.microedition.contac Image Symbology Visual Tag

tless.visual Properties Manager Coding
An optional package for Visual Tag Exception
reading and generating Connection
visual tags

5
 ANATOMY OF A CONTACTLESS API MIDlet

Let's now cover the elements of a typical mobile Java application (MIDlet) that
uses the Contactless Communication API looks. This is illustrated next where we
have the following typical elements:
1. The Java Runtime with JSR-257 implementation,
2. The MIDlet application running on a handset,

3. RFID/NFC transponder, controllers, and baseband,

4. A SIM card, as well as secure and external elements.

Fig 5.1 Anatomy of a contactless API MIDlet

External Readers
External readers include contactless payment readers in Point of Sale stations,
ticketing systems on transportation systems, external radio, visual tags such as
NFC, RFID and barcodes, or Smartcards.

6
Secure Elements
Secure elements (SE) can be internal or external elements; example of a
secure element is a Java Card-based smartcard. MIDlets can access secure elements
by using the Security and Trust Services API (SATSA), and/or the Contactless
Communication API (JSR 257). External readers access internal secure elements
directly via the RFID circuitry (using the Card Emulation mode).

7
 COMPARISON WITH EXISTING TECHNOLOGIES
THE PRESENT USAGES OF CONTACTLESS TECHNOLOGIES

 Bluetooth wireless technology was designed to replace cables between cell

phones, laptops, and other computing and communication devices within a
10-meter range.
 Wi-Fi technology was designed and optimized for Local Area Networks
(LAN); it provides an extension or replacement of wired networks for
dozens of computing devices within a +100-meter range.
• ZigBee wireless technology is a standard enabling control and monitoring
capabilities for industrial and residential applications within a +100-meter
range.
• IrDA is a short range (< 1 meter), line-of-sight communication standard
for exchange of data over infrared light. IrDA interfaces are frequently
used in computers and mobile phones.
• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is an automatic identification
method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices
called RFID tags. An RFID tag is a small object that can be attached to or
incorporated into a product. RFID tags contain silicon chips to enable them
to receive and respond to queries from an RFID reader/writer.
Contactless smart cards incorporate a chip (microprocessor) that
communicates with a card reader through RFID technology. Examples of
contactless smart card communications are ISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa, which
allow communications at distances up to 10 cm.

Although there is always room for more wireless technology, on one hand,
some argue that introducing a new standard, such as NFC, alongside 802.11 and
Bluetooth may prove to be an uphill battle. On the other hand, some would argue

8
that they do not think NFC really steps on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. They simply do
not see NFC being used to download pictures from digital cameras, or as a
WLAN. NFC is demonstrably too slow. At 212 kilobits per second, NFC’s data
rate is nearer a 55K modem than the 1- or 7-Mbps speeds of either Bluetooth or
Wi-Fi.
And, both Sony and Philips have 802.11 and Bluetooth products,
with each insisting the NFC standard would complement the more established
wireless networks. Like VDC these market leaders believe there is room for a
simple, less-expensive solution. In fact, with the ever-increasing complexity and
cost of adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, price could become a major deciding factor
for OEMs and manufacturers. NFC reportedly would cost 20¢ per chip. Bluetooth
is expected to drop to $4-5 per radio. If the promise of affordable chips is
realized, NFC technology could be effectively leveraged in the near-to-mid term
for payment and security/access applicationsAlong with affordability, ‘power
drain’ issues have become of utmost importance within 802.11 and Bluetooth
markets. By using a chip, rather than a battery, NFC hopes to stand out against
the rest. As a result, VDC sees NFC-enabled devices connecting myriad un-
powered items such as RFID tags and smart-cards within the next three to five
years. Others, however, are quick to dismiss any notion of NFC being a giant
killer.While Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have a range anywhere between 33-300 ft, NFC
deals in inches.

Table 6.1 Comparison of NFC with existing technologies

9
 FUNCTIONING
Many products and devices will soon be NFC enabled, including
credit cards as well as train tickets. But the mobile handset is the first target for
NFC applications. Operators are the primary customers for handsets and,
therefore, are the gatekeepers who will decide when NFC is to be integrated into
the handsets they subsidize for their customers. Since new technologies always
need to develop new markets, the industry needs to create high consumption
volumes in order to reduce the cost of NFC implementation to mobile handsets.
Currently, an NFC equipped mobile costs around an additional $20 to $25 per
unit, so wireless operators need to secure revenues in return for their investment.
Yet, mobile operators do seem increasingly positive that NFC will
bring new revenues. The increasing interest in NFC technology is shown by the
rising number of members of the NFC Forum Association. While it had just 4
members in 2004, it now has over 130, coming from a broad range of
backgrounds: manufacturers, applications developers, financial services
institutions, and more, all working together to promote the use of NFC
technology in consumer electronics, mobile devices, and PCs. Such a wide group
of business and technology experts is essential. The future applications are very
diverse, and they need to be shaped by professionals from many fields to assess
the best operational standards in order to ensure seamless interoperability
between devices and a good level of security for users.

Fig 7.1 Functioning of NFC enabled devices

11
 As a sign of the times, all major handsets manufacturers are
developing NFC handsets used in field trials and early commercial launches:
Nokia, LG, Samsung, Motorola, Sagem. NTT DoCoMo has used the FeliCa
contactless technology, which is now embedded in about 80% of the phones sold
by NTT DoCoMo in Japan. There are no great technological or cost barriers for
NFC to be integrated quickly into a wide range of devices - unlike cameras or
Bluetooth, which were first restricted to high-end devices.

1.1 MODES OF OPERATION OF THE NFC

1.1.1 ACTIVE MODE :

In this mode both the initiator and the target are using their own
generated RF fields to enable communication.

7.1.2. PASSIVE MODE:

In this mode the target answers to the initiator command in a load

modulation scheme. The initiator generates the RF field.
12
1.2 THE NFC SIGNAL INTERFACE

The specification of signal interfaces for different communication

transfer speeds:

 Modulation
 Bit- representation and coding

Fig 7.2.1: Signal Interface

7.3. USING CONTACTLESS COMMUNICATION API

The Contactless Communication API allows you to discover and

exchange data with supported contactless radio and visual targets (tags).
Applications using the Contactless Communication API typically follow the flow
illustrated next:

13
 NFC technology has many
dimensions, but two are essential to
enabling all of these potential
applications on mobile handsets:
security and the user interface. Of
course, since markets around the world
operate in different ways, there are also
numerous options to enable these
variations to be addressed. In the
NFC standards, security is managed by a
“secure element” (SE). The SE shares
mobile functionality with the NFC chipset,
which manages communications.
The SE hosts the fire walled
applications and user credentials, and
controls security and cryptography
using an onboard microprocessor
and software.

Fig 7.3.1 Flowchart showing the flow of Applications using the Contactless
Communication API

There are three ways to implement the SE:

In the SIM. This has the advantage of portability, and is the preferred approach in
GSM countries; it is recommended by GSMA and supported by a standard for
communication between SIM and NFC chipset, the Single Wire Protocol (SWP),
which was invented by Gemalto and is now standardised at ELSI.
Embedded SE component. This is a separate chipset in the handset. Its principal
advantage is that it is convenient for CDMA handset manufacturers to implement
 quickly because it doesn’t require any standardization between the NFC chipset and
SE.
A removable SE component. This is a theoretical approach to create a removable
separate chipset in the handset; there are no standards and no concrete
implementations.
7.4 HARDWARE & BASICS
NFC Device A device featuring different operating modes based on RF technology.
There are three modes: tag emulation (PICC), NFC peer to peer (NFC) and
reader/writer mode (PCD). NFC Devices must implement at least mandatory parts of
the NFC Protocol Stack. The NFC Devices' operating modes are defined by the NFC
Forum.
NFC Near Field Communication: A communication technology standardized in
ISO 18092 and ETSI allowing bidirectional communication between two devices
based on RF technology. This is also refereed as the peer to peer (P2P) mode of
NFC devices.
RFID Radio Frequency Identification: technology used to identify objects carrying
RF transponders. NFC and RFID technology have overlapping standards and
terminology.
PCD Proximity coupling device: a transmitter that can read tags based on
ISO14443 (PICC). The reader emits an electromagnetic field that powers a
tag/transmitter by inductivity. Communicates with PICC using load modulation
scheme.
PICC Proximity inductive coupling card: a transponder that can be read or written
by a proximity reader. Theses tags are based on the ISO14443 standard. Such tags
do not have a power supply like a battery, but are powered by the electromagnetic
field of the reader (PCD)
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

1.3 ADVANTAGES:

1. Highest convenience for the user, due to intuitive usage by simply holding
two devices close to each other
2. Complementary to existing wireless technologies
3. Interoperable with compatible RFID systems at 13.56 MHz
4. Allows communication, both between two powered devices and between
powered and passive devices.
5. Reduced cost of electronic issuance. Multi-issue ticketing operators like
mass transport operators or event ticketing operators see phenomenal cost
reductions in electronic ticketing. Security-sensitive airlines have already moved
to "e-ticketing" in order to reduce costs.
6. Increased revenue from interactive services. Mobile network operators and
content providers earn revenue when users choose to use value added services.
NFC surrounds the user with advertisements and valuable information within
easy reach.
7. NFC-enabled devices drive consumption of rich media content. NFC will
fuel the market for advanced personal devices that consumers use to purchase,
play, store, and share rich media content.
8. Consumer preference for NFC-enabled services. Users may have no choice
about which ticket they use for a service, but they typically can choose how they
pay. Convenience is a strong differentiator and more convenient payment will
drive adoption of contactless and NFC technology.

1.4 DISADVANTAGES:

1. The system has the limitation that it can be operated only with devices
under a short range i.e., around 10 cm.
2. The data transfer rate is very less at about 106kbps, 212 kbps and 424kbps.
3. Costly implementation on the electronic basis.
 APPLICATIONS
NFC opens up myriad new opportunities. It will enable people to
effortlessly connect digital cameras, PDAs, video set-top boxes, computers and
mobile phones. With NFC it is possible to connect any two devices to each other
to exchange information or access content and services—easily and securely.
Solution vendors argue that NFC’s intuitive operation makes it particularly easy
for consumers to use, while its built-in security makes it ideal for mobile payment
and financial transaction applications. However, NFC-enhanced consumer
devices are also targeted at applications that exchange and store personal data
such as messages, pictures, and MP3 files.
Applications for NFC are broad reaching, and the potential to
support multiple applications via NFC exists. Consequently VDC has grouped
NFC-related applications into three basic categories:
Short-range, near-contact mobile transactions and applications
such as access control or transport/event ticketing, where the NFC-enabled device
storing the access code or ticket is presented near a reader. Mobile payment
called m-commerce and applications where the customer must confirm the
financial transaction by entering a password or simply accepting the interaction.
Also included are applications requiring simple data capture such as picking up
an Internet URL from a smart label on a poster and advertisement;
Short-range, near-contact linking transactions–connecting two
NFC-enabled devices to enable a P2P transfer of data such as downloading
music, exchanging images or synchronizing address books; and
In order to provide a more complete understanding of the real-world
potential for NFC, here are some example applications for NFC-enabled devices
to consider:
In addition to facilitating contactless smart-card-based transactions,
emerging cell- phone multimedia capabilities could be leveraged to support NFC
transactions such as the purchase and download of games, music, MP3 files,
videos, software, and other files to NFC- enabled handheld devices by touching
NFC-enabled computers;

Consumers are able to make online travel reservations using a PC and

download reservations and/or tickets to a cell phone or PDA by bringing the
mobile device in close proximity to the computer and checking-in for the trip or
hotel stay by touching the handheld device to the terminal or kiosk at the
departure gate or check-in station. No printing of documents, such as tickets and
hotel receipts, is required; Posters, signs, and advertisements with RFID
transponders can be scanned/read using an NFC-enabled device to download
more information, make a purchase, such as paperless event tickets, and store
other pertinent electronic data;
Pictures can be taken using an NFC-enabled cell phone with an
integrated digital camera. The device could then be presented/touched to a NFC-
enabled television, kiosk, computer, and others, to transmit images for display
and/or printing; and
In conjunction with another wireless technology that may provide
longer range and greater bandwidth, large files can be transferred between two
devices, such as a laptop and a desktop, simply by touching the two NFC-enabled
devices together.
Moreover, the increased use of mobile services benefiting from
synergies with NFC is becoming more apparent. By integrating NFC applications
with existing mobile services, mobile operators could secure new revenue
opportunities by:
Applying service charges for adding value to the electronic cash value
stored on a mobile phone via a mobile service.
What about NFC and the potential for ‘theft by RF?’ First, the
relatively short read range gives customers control over NFC and the
applications. NFC-enabled devices add another level of security over the
traditional smart-card, as it can be powered on/off or include a pass code or voice
biometric code for higher-volume transactions. For applications that require
tighter security and perhaps anti-counterfeiting measures, chips can be used to
store biometric information for identification.
DEVICES THAT USES THE NFC TECHNOLOGY

A wide range of devices and machines are likely to become NFC enabled.
Here are some examples:
1. Mobile phones:
NOKIA 6131NFC: The Nokia 6131NFC (clam cell) is commercially available
since Q1/2007. The SDK for J2ME application is available for free. The phone
itself supports Tag- Emulation with Mifare and JCOP, as well as the
Reader/Writer and the NFC Peer-to-Peer mode. The SDK provides a full
JSR257 implementation and a subset of JSR177. The NFC controller inside is
from NXP whereas the SE is a G&D (Venyon) one. (Phones + J2ME and SE-
SDK available to NFC-Research)
NOKIA 3220: The Nokia 3220 (brick + cover) was the first NFC
handset available commercially. NFC module was integrated in the removable
cover of the cell phone. There are different editions of the cover: one with a
secure element and one without. The SDK for the NFC and SE functionality is
not available to public. The SDK has a basic implementation of the JSR257 and
a proprietary implementation for the SE access. The NFC platform inside the
phone comes from NXP. (Phones + J2ME and SE-SDK available to NFC-
Research) WIRELESS DYNAMICS Inc. SDiD1020: The WDI SDiD1020 is an
SDIO Card providing NFC functionality for PDA with a Windows Mobile
operating system. The SD-Cards come with a propriatary API for Tag-
Emulation, R/W-Mode as well as P2P. The IC in the SD-Card are a product of
NXP. (SD-Card + SDK available to NFC-Research)
SAMSUNG SGH-X700n: The Samsung SGH-X700n (brick) is the NFC edition
of the SGH- X700 phone. The phone comes with a NXP NFC platform inside,
allowing all three operating modes (P2P, R/W, Tag). The SDK is proprietary.
This phone is used for the trial in Hagen berg. (Phones + J2ME and SE-SDK
available to NFC-Research)
2. Turnstiles
3. Vending machines
4. Parking meters
5. Check-out cash registers or "point-of-sale" equipment
6. ATMs
7. Office, house and garage doors
8. Personal computers
9. Posters, street signs, bus stops, local points of interest (with NFC-readable tags only)
10. Product packaging
 CONCLUSION

Many products and devices will soon be NFC enabled, including

credit cards as well as train tickets. But the mobile handset is the first target for
NFC applications which are already implemented in a successful manner.
Operators are the primary customers for handsets and, therefore, are the
gatekeepers who will decide when NFC is to be integrated into the handsets they
subsidize for their customers.
When compared to the other short-range radio technologies, NFC is
extremely short ranged and people-centric. Some of the other short-range
communication technologies have similar characteristics, for example RFID, while
others are completely different yet complimentary to NFC; for example Bluetooth
and Infrared. A good scenario of such compliment is the combination of NFC and
Bluetooth, where NFC is used for pairing (authenticating) a Bluetooth session used
for the transfer of data.

FUTURE SCOPE
NFC is based on existing contactless infrastructure around the world
that is already in use by millions of people on a daily basis. NFC is not a
fashionable nice-to-have technology, but actually a technology that makes
peoples lives easier – easier to pay for goods and services, easier to use public
transport, and easier to share data between devices.
At the heart of NFC’s benefits is its simplicity of use – holding
two objects together is intuitive for everyone, young or old. NFC is building on
existing systems and human actins, so it has a very good chance to be valued and
used for many years to come.
The NFC technology is expected to have a remarkable growth in the
coming years. Almost every mobile handset will have NFC incorporated in it. The
figure below shows the expected growth of NFC devices.
 REFERENCES

[1] http://www.nfc-forum.org
[2] http://www.gemalto.com/nfc.html
[3] http://www. whatis.techtarget.com/nfc.html
[4] http://www. asia.cnet.com/near field communication.html

[5] www.radio-electronics.com/info/wireless/nfc/nfc_overview.php
[6] http://www.controleng.com/index.asp?layout=article&
articleid=CA6289218&spacedesc=latest News
[7] http://www.nxp.com/news/content/file_1053.html