NTAG 223 DNA vs ST25TA02KB

NTAG 223 DNA offers 144-byte Type 2 tag with AES-128 CMAC for IoT authentication. ST25TA02KB delivers 256-byte Type 4 secure element with I2C, ECC, and EAL5+.

Side-by-side specs

Frequency

NTAG 223 DNA: 13.56 MHz
ST25TA02KB: 13.56 MHz

Protocol

NTAG 223 DNA: ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, NFC Forum Type 2 Tag
ST25TA02KB: ISO/IEC 14443-A, NFC Forum Type 4

Memory

NTAG 223 DNA: 144 bytes user memory, 240 bytes total EEPROM (60 pages × 4 bytes)
ST25TA02KB: 2 Kbit EEPROM (256 bytes)

Interface

NTAG 223 DNA: RF (contactless)
ST25TA02KB: RF (contactless), I2C

Temp Range

NTAG 223 DNA: -25°C to +70°C (ambient), -55°C to +125°C (storage)
ST25TA02KB: -25°C to +85°C

Form Factor

NTAG 223 DNA: 8-inch wafer (120 µm or 75 µm thickness), FFC Bump, Au bumps, 832 µm × 832 µm die size
ST25TA02KB: MO-146 (SO8), MO-229 (TSSOP8), Wafer

Security

NTAG 223 DNA: AES-128 CMAC (SUN), ECC-based originality signature, 32-bit password, 7-byte UID, Common Criteria EAL3+ (AVA.VAN.2)
ST25TA02KB: AES-128, 3DES, ECC P-256, secure channel (SCP), common criteria EAL5+

Spec	NTAG 223 DNA	ST25TA02KB
Frequency	13.56 MHz	13.56 MHz
Protocol	ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, NFC Forum Type 2 Tag	ISO/IEC 14443-A, NFC Forum Type 4
Memory	144 bytes user memory, 240 bytes total EEPROM (60 pages × 4 bytes)	2 Kbit EEPROM (256 bytes)
Interface	RF (contactless)	RF (contactless), I2C
Temp Range	-25°C to +70°C (ambient), -55°C to +125°C (storage)	-25°C to +85°C
Form Factor	8-inch wafer (120 µm or 75 µm thickness), FFC Bump, Au bumps, 832 µm × 832 µm die size	MO-146 (SO8), MO-229 (TSSOP8), Wafer
Security	AES-128 CMAC (SUN), ECC-based originality signature, 32-bit password, 7-byte UID, Common Criteria EAL3+ (AVA.VAN.2)	AES-128, 3DES, ECC P-256, secure channel (SCP), common criteria EAL5+

Verdict

Choose NTAG 223 DNA if you need a cost-effective NFC authentication solution for consumer IoT products, supply chain tracking, or anti-counterfeiting applications where NFC Forum Type 2 Tag compatibility is sufficient. The chip provides 144 bytes of user memory within its 240-byte total EEPROM organized as 60 pages of 4 bytes each, operating at 13.56 MHz under ISO/IEC 14443 Type A protocol. Its SUN (Secure Unique NFC) message authentication using AES-128 CMAC enables dynamic URL generation with cryptographic proof of authenticity, while the ECC-based originality signature provides factory-programmed tamper detection. The 32-bit password protection and 7-byte UID offer basic access control, and Common Criteria EAL3+ certification with AVA.VAN.2 provides moderate security assurance for applications where physical attack resistance is not the primary concern. The RF-only interface makes it ideal for simple tap-and-verify use cases in product authentication, smart packaging, and basic IoT sensor tags. Choose ST25TA02KB if you require a high-security secure element with dual-interface capability and need protection against sophisticated physical attacks. The chip offers 256 bytes of EEPROM memory (2 Kbit) and operates as an NFC Forum Type 4 tag compliant with ISO/IEC 14443-A at 13.56 MHz, providing both contactless RF and I2C wired interfaces for flexible integration. Its comprehensive cryptographic suite includes AES-128, 3DES, and ECC P-256 algorithms with secure channel protocol (SCP) support, enabling mutual authentication and encrypted communication sessions. The Common Criteria EAL5+ certification represents significantly higher security assurance than the NTAG 223 DNA, making it suitable for payment terminals, access control credentials, government ID documents, and industrial applications requiring protection against invasive attacks. The dual-interface design allows backend systems to provision or update credentials via I2C while maintaining NFC functionality for field use, though this comes at higher cost and integration complexity compared to the simpler NTAG 223 DNA.

FAQ

What is the memory difference between NTAG 223 DNA and ST25TA02KB?

NTAG 223 DNA provides 144 bytes of user memory from 240 bytes total EEPROM, while ST25TA02KB offers 256 bytes of EEPROM (2 Kbit). The ST25TA02KB has approximately 78% more total memory capacity.

Which chip has stronger security certification?

ST25TA02KB has Common Criteria EAL5+ certification, providing significantly higher security assurance than NTAG 223 DNA's EAL3+ with AVA.VAN.2. EAL5+ indicates resistance to sophisticated physical attacks, while EAL3+ offers moderate security suitable for commercial IoT applications.

Can both chips work with standard NFC readers?

Yes, both operate at 13.56 MHz under ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, but NTAG 223 DNA is NFC Forum Type 2 while ST25TA02KB is Type 4. Type 2 tags use simpler command sets suitable for basic read/write, while Type 4 supports more complex application protocols and file structures.

Sourcing NTAG 223 DNA or ST25TA02KB in volume?

Roxtron builds custom RFID and NFC products around both NTAG 223 DNA and ST25TA02KB. Tell us your project — quantities, form factor, timeline — and we'll come back within 24 hours with pricing and lead times.