1 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 SD 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) targeted.

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 onceopen

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 SD can also monitor the IC’s current opening status.

With capacitive tamper detection, the NTAG 224 DNA SD 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 SD 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 SD 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 SD also offers a 3-pass Mutual authentication with an AES-128 key, ensuring that only an

authorized reader can access tag data. This advanced two-way authentication scheme can protect sensitive

data against unauthorized access and/or a malicious change attempt.

NTAG 224 DNA SD offers in addition an ECC-based originality signature to assure tag origin. The originality

signature can be further customized and permanently locked during tag initialization.

2 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 user-defined 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

3 Applications

NTAG 224 DNA SD 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 device. Also consider

automated authentication of NFC tagged consumables and 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.