NTAG 24x DNA

The NXP NTAG 24x DNA operates as an NFC Forum Type 2 tag at 13.56 MHz, compliant with ISO/IEC 14443 Type A. It uses 100% ASK modulation with Miller encoding for reader-to-tag communication and On-Off Keying (OOK) with Manchester encoding for tag-to-reader responses at the standard 106 kbit/s data rate.

The chip implements the NTAG anti-collision and selection sequence per ISO/IEC 14443-3, using a 7-byte UID with support for cascade levels. Memory is organized in pages of 4 bytes each, with the total memory size varying by specific variant within the 24x DNA family (the family designation indicates multiple memory configurations).

A key architectural feature is the integrated Sun Message Authentication, which provides chip-authenticated messages without requiring an application-specific key infrastructure. This operates alongside standard Type 2 tag memory operations, enabling cryptographic verification of tag origin through challenge-response mechanisms.

Potential use cases corresponding to the supplied attributes include:

• Brand Protection — potential use for product authentication where cryptographic tag verification helps distinguish genuine items from counterfeits
• Access Control — potential use in credential systems leveraging DNA authentication for secure identity verification
• Supply Chain — potential use for track-and-trace applications requiring authenticated NFC tag reads at supply chain checkpoints

The larger memory options relative to earlier NTAG DNA products potentially enable extended NDEF messages, additional authentication data, or supplementary application-specific information storage.

As an NFC Forum Type 2 tag, the NTAG 24x DNA responds to standard Type 2 commands including READ, WRITE, and SECTOR_SELECT. The GET_VERSION command returns product version information for identification purposes.

Key integration considerations:

• The DNA authentication feature requires reader support for the corresponding verification protocol; authentication responses must be validated against NXP's defined cryptographic procedures
• Sun Message Authentication generates a dynamic, cryptographically signed response that changes with each read, preventing replay attacks
• Memory page organization follows NTAG conventions with statically defined configuration pages for lock bits, password, and authentication controls
• Compatibility requires readers supporting ISO/IEC 14443 Type A at 106 kbit/s; most NFC Forum-compliant devices (including smartphones) provide baseline read capability
• Authentication verification may require backend connectivity or pre-provisioned keys depending on implementation model

Related chips in the same family include the NXP NTAG 223 DNA / 224 DNA for smaller-memory requirements, and the NXP NTAG 223 DNA StatusDetect for applications requiring tamper-evidence features.

When sourcing the NTAG 24x DNA, confirm specifics with your NXP representative or authorized distribution channel:

• Exact part number suffix to identify memory size within the 24x series (e.g., NTAG 246 DNA, NTAG 248 DNA, or other specific variants)
• Document revision and silicon version — verify against current datasheet for any errata or command behavior changes
• Delivery form factor: bare die, wafer, or packaged devices (MOA4, MOA8, or other standard NFC inlays)
• Whether DNA authentication keys are factory-programmed or require downstream personalization
• NTAG DNA authentication service availability and terms if using NXP's cloud-based verification infrastructure
• Sample validation procedures for authentication behavior prior to volume commitment