Understand everything about NFC chips: types, standards and applications

It is found in our bank cards, our telephones, our badges... and now in innovative media such as connected business cards.

Find out how the NFC technology, what are its different types, its advantages, its concrete applications and what distinguishes it from other technologies such as Bluetooth or RFID.

What is an NFC chip?

You may have already heard this name, without really knowing what it meant: the NFC (Near Field Communication) chip is a contactless electronic chip that can transfer data when placed less than 10 cm from another compatible device.

It is used in many everyday objects to simplify the exchange of information without complex manipulation.

How does NFC technology work?

An NFC chip works thanks to a radio frequency exchange at a very short range. It can be:

• Passive (like an NFC card, tag, or business card). This means that they cannot be activated without the intervention of a third party device.
• Active (like a smartphone or a payment terminal). This means that the device is independent, and that it can transmit or receive without the action of another chip.

Simply put, the active device creates a magnetic field that powers the passive chip and allows the two devices to review or exchange information.

Three operating modes

• Read/write: for example, when your smartphone reads an NFC business card.
• Card emulation: When your smartphone acts as a “contactless card”, for example for Apple Pay payment.
• Peer-to-peer: Two devices exchange information directly (less common today)

The different types of NFC chips

There are several types of NFC chips, classified according to their capacity, speed and safety. The most common are:

• Type 1 and 2: easy to use, secure, perfect for marketing and digital business cards
• Type 3 and 4: more secure, used for payments or transport
• Type 5 (ISO 15693 standard): longer range, often used in logistics

WEMET uses type 2 chips, ideal for smooth and instant professional use with smartphones.

Where is an NFC chip used for?

NFC technology is used to automate, share or secure exchanges. You find it everywhere, and maybe, without even realizing it. Here are some concrete cases:

• Mobile payment (Google Pay, Apple Pay)

• Access badges for offices or events
• Connected business cards
• Logistic traceability or connected objects
• Interactive marketing campaigns (posters or packaging)

The advantages of the NFC chip

We can ask ourselves how this small object managed to make such a big place in our daily lives.

In reality, it is a technological gem that has many advantages.

• Fast use (exchange in less than a second)
• Simplicity: no connection or pairing required
• Low power consumption
• Compact size, easy to integrate
• Seamless user experience

NFC chip security: should we be wary of it?

It is normal to understand the use of a technology when it is recent. But the truth is this: the NFC technology is secure.

Here's why:

• It operates at a very short range, making it difficult to intercept
• Encryption protocols exist for sensitive exchanges (payment, access)
• It does not transmit anything without your consent (a smartphone must validate the action)

Difference between NFC and RFID

Although often compared, NFC and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) have different uses.

Here it is Their main differences :

• NFC has a much shorter range (less than 10 cm) compared to several meters for RFID
• NFC communication is bi-directional, unlike RFID, which is often unidirectional
• NFC is ideal for personalized interactions (business card, badge, payment), while RFID is more used for stock management or logistics

NFC vs Bluetooth: what are the differences?

You are all familiar with Bluetooth. However, some still confuse it with NFC.

Here is how NFC technology differs from Bluetooth:

• NFC works without pairing, at a very short distance, for instant interactions
• Bluetooth has a wider range, requires pairing, and consumes more power
• NFC is perfect for payments, business cards, or badges. Bluetooth is suitable for audio or for transferring larger files

Does my phone have NFC?

Most recent smartphones are equipped with NFC technology.

How to check?

• On Android: Settings > Connections > NFC

• On iPhone: NFC is activated automatically from iPhone 7

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All compatible phones can read a WEMET card instantly, without an app or configuration.

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How do I program an NFC chip?

It is possible to program an NFC chip with applications like NFC Tools. You can:

• Register a link (site, LinkedIn, contact form...)
• Start an action (call, message, GPS...)
• Automatically connect to a Wi-Fi network
• Create a smart shortcut for your phone

In summary

• The NFC chip is a simple, fast and secure contactless technology
• It allows you to exchange data, automate actions or share information easily
• It is already used in numerous mediums — including WEMET connected business cards, perfect for modern prospecting.

À propos de WEMET

Une worktech qui évolue avec vous

WEMET est une worktech toulousaine qui vise à révolutionner les échanges professionnels. En 2020, son cofondateur Samuel Dassa part d’un constat :

les cartes de visite papiers ne sont pas pratiques et plus adaptées au monde du travail actuel.

Ainsi, est née la carte de visite connectée : la WeCard. Grâce à la technologie NFC, que l’on retrouve dans le paiement sans contact par exemple, elle vous permet d’échanger un large panel d’informations. La valeur clé chez WEMET c’est l’expérience utilisateur. Il était donc important pour nous de faire évoluer notre produit en innovant au quotidien mais également de vous garantir un produit qui évolue avec et tout au long de vos projets professionnels.

Nous créons des liens, pas que des cartes

Première société à proposer la carte de visite connectée sur le marché français, WEMET compte aujourd’hui plus de 20 000 entreprises équipées, 200 000 utilisateurs de WeCards et plus de 10 collaborateurs.