General description

NTAG 224 DNA StatusDetect (in the data sheet short NTAG 224 DNA SD) is an

innovative single-chip solution, offering certified security, dual-mode tamper detection and

simple battery-free sensing. The technology uses multi-layered protection to support a

broad range of NFC-based applications that can be trusted to protect products, services,

and IoT-driven user experiences.

NTAG 224 DNA StatusDetect is an NFC Type 2 Tag compliant security IC with a 208

byte user memory offering a new StatusDetect functionality to enable a broad range of

passively powered, status-aware NFC applications. The IC uses AES-128 cryptography

and is Common Criteria EAL3+ (AVA.VAN.2) certified.

The StatusDetect tag IC adds flexibility by offering two tamper evident modes:

conductance or capacitance. There is no need for a dedicated app.

Conductive tamper detection uses a connected tamper loop that, when broken,

irreversibly writes the once-open status into the IC memory upon IC start-up. It sends

the open status to the cloud as part of the Secure Unique NFC (SUN) message – upon

readout with an NFC-enabled device such as a cell phone. NTAG 224 DNA StatusDetect

can also monitor the IC’s current opening status.

With capacitive tamper detection, the NTAG 224 DNA StatusDetect IC needs to be

connected to a sensing capacitor. Upon readout, the IC measures the capacitance and

compares it to pre-configured limits. When these limits are exceeded, the open status is

added to the SUN message. Capacitive tamper detection is well suited for integration into

physical form factors, and it’s also harder for fraudsters to reconstruct.

Alternatively, the NTAG 224 DNA StatusDetect IC can be used as a simple passive

sensing device to detect a change in a specific environmental condition, such as

humidity, liquid fill level or pressure. Changes in measured capacitor values are captured

with an NFC reader, and are interpreted by a mobile or cloud-based application, e.g. if

outside the pre-defined range.

NTAG 224 DNA StatusDetect IC comes with a Secure Unique NFC (SUN) message

authentication. The IC can automatically add its UID and incremental tap counter to the

programmed NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) message through ASCII mirroring,

and uses an AES-128 key to secure the message with a cryptographic message

authentication code (CMAC ). The SUN functionality supports advanced protection

to verify a tag’s authenticity and integrity, whilst also enabling secured unique user

experiences served in real time.

NTAG 224 DNA StatusDetect also offers a 3-pass Mutual authentication with an AES-128

key, ensuring that only an authorized reader can access tag data. This advanced twoway

authentication scheme can protect sensitive data against unauthorized access and/

or a malicious change attempt.

Features and benefits

• Contactless transmission of data and supply energy

• Operating frequency of 13.56 MHz

• Data transfer of 106 kbit/s

• Data integrity of 16-bit CRC, parity, bit coding, bit counting

• Operating distance up to 100 mm (depending on various parameters as e.g. field

strength and antenna geometry)

• 7-byte serial number (cascade level 2 according to ISO/IEC 14443-3)

• Automatic NFC counter triggered at the first read command after a reset

• StatusDetect feature which can be used in different modes

– Conductive Tag Tamper, detecting if the tamper loop is open at start-up

– Capacitive Tag Tamper, detecting if the connected capacitance is outside the userdefined

value range at start-up

– Capacitive measurement, providing parameters to calculate the connected

capacitance out of the measured values

• Secure Unique NFC (SUN) message authentication feature implemented via ASCII

mirroring of the UID, NFC counter, Tag Tamper information and CMAC into the NDEF

message in the user memory, which changes on every readout after a reset

• 3-pass mutual Authentication with AES-128 with 128-bit key length

• ECC-based originality signature, offering the option to customize and permanently lock

the signature

• Fast read command

• True anti-collision

• 50 pF input capacitance

Applications

NTAG 224 DNA StatusDetect tag ICs offer multi-layered protection to expand the reach

of smart, trusted IoT objects.

• Advanced anti-counterfeiting protection

Reliably verify authenticity of physical goods anytime, anywhere using an NFC enabled

phone. Also consider automated authentication of consumables or parts in embedded

devices.

• Improved supply chain visibility and control

Visibly help track products along the supply chain, and reduce grey market diversion

and other fraud. Enable more transparent and secure supply chains.

• Tamper detection and deterrence

Detect whether a product has been interfered or opened prior to sales or usage. While

conductive tamper evidence can protect labels or seals affixed to products, capacitive

tamper evidence is better suited for integration into physical form factors e.g. closures.

• Quality assurance through simple battery-free sensing

Ensure product quality remains intact, or capture and interpret digital sensing data,

such as moisture or fill level, for varied healthcare, retail, and industrial applications.

• Augmented user experiences

Use status awareness to prompt targeted messages, e.g. pre-/post-retail. Evolve the

user experience by engaging with greater personalization, e.g. with tap-unique content

and exclusive loyalty rewards.

• Proof of presence

Provide trusted proof that a person was at a given location at specific times, allowing

proof of servicing or visiting times, and other time/location-based events.

NT2H2421S0