Glossary
Plain-English definitions of RFID and NFC jargon used across manufacturer datasheets.
- AnticollisionAnticollision protocols enable RFID readers to identify and communicate with multiple tags simultaneously in the interrogation zone without data corruption.
- ATQAATQA is the 2-byte response from ISO 14443 Type A cards during initial anticollision. Critical for card detection and communication setup in NFC systems.
- BackscatterBackscatter is the passive communication method used by unpowered RFID tags to transmit data by reflecting and modulating the reader's electromagnetic field.
- CMACCMAC is a block cipher-based message authentication code used in NFC and RFID systems to verify data integrity and authenticate secure communications.
- Common CriteriaCommon Criteria (CC) is an international security certification standard (ISO/IEC 15408) used to evaluate cryptographic implementations in RFID tags and NFC devices.
- Dual InterfaceDual interface refers to smart cards and secure elements supporting both contactless (RFID/NFC) and contact-based communication interfaces on a single chip.
- EEPROM EnduranceEEPROM endurance defines the number of write/erase cycles an RFID/NFC tag's memory can withstand before failure. Critical for rewritable tag applications.
- Energy HarvestingEnergy harvesting in RFID/NFC systems: how passive tags extract power from reader RF fields to operate without batteries. Essential for contactless design.
- EPC MemoryEPC Memory is dedicated storage in RFID tags holding unique product identifiers. Learn about memory structure, capacity, and encoding for inventory systems.
- Kill PasswordKill Password is a permanent security feature in EPC Gen2 RFID tags that irreversibly disables a tag when authenticated, preventing further read operations.
- Load ModulationLoad modulation enables passive RFID/NFC tags to transmit data by varying their antenna impedance, modulating the reader's electromagnetic field for backscatter communication.
- NDEFNDEF is the standardized data format for NFC devices, defining how data is structured and exchanged between NFC tags and readers in interoperable applications.
- Originality SignatureOriginality Signature is a cryptographic marker embedded in RFID/NFC tags to verify authenticity and prevent cloning. Essential for secure tag authentication.
- OTP MemoryOTP (One-Time Programmable) memory in RFID/NFC tags allows permanent data writing once. Learn how OTP memory ensures data integrity and prevents tampering.
- Read RangeRead range is the maximum distance at which an RFID reader can reliably communicate with a tag. Learn about factors affecting range in passive and active systems.
- SAKSAK (Select Acknowledge) is a critical byte in ISO 14443 communication that identifies card type and protocol capabilities during NFC/RFID anticollision.
- SUN MessagingSUN Messaging enables secure communication between NFC devices using cryptographic authentication. Learn how this protocol protects data exchange in RFID systems.
- Tearing ProtectionTearing protection prevents data corruption in RFID/NFC transactions interrupted mid-write. Essential security mechanism for contactless payment and identification systems.
- TIDTID (Transponder ID) is a unique, factory-programmed identifier in RFID tags. Learn how this read-only memory bank ensures tag authentication and traceability.
- UIDUID (Unique Identifier) is a factory-programmed serial number on RFID/NFC tags used for identification and anti-collision in ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 systems.