NFC key fobs with a NTAG216 chip are basically NFC tags in the form of a keychain and are very convenient to carry around.
NTAG216 is an inexpensive NFC Type 2 chip used for mass market applications. It is similar to the NTAG213, but it has a larger memory size (888 bytes).
It works on a frequency of 13.56 MHz, it is compatible to the ISO/IEC 14443-3A standard, and it has a 7-byte long unique ID number that can be used for identification purposes.
The most frequent use of NTAG216 chips is to store a content of a digital business card in a format called ‘vCard.’ Such a programmed chip is automatically recognized by various NFC phones, even with different operating systems, and the user can easily transfer a contact information to his phone.
The encoding of the NFC business card is quite simple and it can be done even with free NFC apps like the NFC Tools. You have to click “Add Record” – select “Contact” – write your data in the fields, and click “Write.”
The same key fob contains also the chip’s unique ID, which can be used for another NFC applications as well. On a single key fob you can have your digital business card, and you can use it also for opening door or identification purposes at your work.
The programmed chip can be locked with a password, and the chip cannot be preprogrammed by other unauthorized users. The data retention time for these chips is 10 years.
The NFC key fob housing have a very common tear-shaped, made from plastic material (ABS), measuring 40 x 32 x 4.5 mm. They contain also a ring with which it can be attached to the keys or other accessory. The NFC key fobs are available in multiple colors (blue, gray, black, green, red, orange, and yellow).
By default, they do not contain the numeration or other printed elements, but if you need the customization, please let us know and we will send you an offer.
Options for customization (for pricing please send an inquiry)
Beside the key fobs from stock, you can order customized key fobs with a housing in different color or shape, we can print on key fobs your company logo, serial number, or chip ID code.
Since the chip ID code can be read in more than 50 different ways, we take extra care that we print the code in the proper format. Many NFC devices (including NFC phones and tablets) read the chip ID in 14-digit hexadecimal number (known as 14 HEX Reverse Byte format).
Reading test for NFC Key fobs with a NTAG216 chip
We tested the NTAG216 key fobs with different kinds of readers and measured the reading distances. This is not an official test, but was made to inform you what reading distances you may expect with your application.
The reading distance between the key fob and the reader is affected by many different factors, like the size of the antennas and quality of the chips, the interferences of metal, and electromagnetic signals, etc.
Technical specification for key fobs with a NTAG216 chip
Chip manufacturer: NXP Semiconductors
Chip: NTAG216
Standards: ISO/IEC 14443-3A (NFC Type 2).
Memory size: 888 bytes of data
Security: 7-byte long preprogrammed chip Unique ID number, ECC-based originality signature, 32-bit password protection to prevent unauthorized memory operations and Field programmable read-only locking function
Operating frequency: 13.56 MHz
Reading distance: up to 10 cm (usually up to 5 cm)
Dimensions: 40 x 32 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Material: ABS
Technical documentation for NTAG216 chips and software tools are available here:
https://www.nxp.com/products/rfid-nfc/nfc-hf/ntag-for-tags-labels/ntag-213-215-216-nfc-forum-type-2-tag-compliant-ic-with-144-504-888-bytes-user-memory:NTAG213_215_216
If you need larger quantities or personalized NFC key fobs, please send us an inquiry with your specification.