According to Pragmatic, NFC Connect will redefine the parameters of NFC connectivity, unlocking seamless, item-level intelligence for mass-market products – traditionally constrained by cost, supply chain and sustainability challenges.
NFC Connect will help to deliver smarter, more connected experiences and drives deeper consumer engagement, sustainably and at scale.
Powered by Pragmatic's FlexIC (flexible integrated circuit) technology, NFC Connect delivers industry-standard NFC endpoint capability in an ultra-thin, flexible form factor with a uniquely low carbon footprint. Inlay manufacturers, label convertors and service bureaus will be able to support brands by integrating NFC functionality into their products or packaging – even on curved surfaces – delivering smarter, more connected experiences.
"Pragmatic's FlexIC technology sustainably bridges our physical and digital worlds to enable low carbon, low-cost edge and item-level intelligence at scale, where it simply wasn't possible previously," said David Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Pragmatic Semiconductor.
"Our NFC Connect product line empowers sustainable customer innovation, enabling brands to unlock richer consumer experiences and drive deeper connections, from customer loyalty programs, product authentication and provenance, to facilitating improved reuse and recycling for a more circular economy. We see tremendous market demand in fast-moving consumer goods – such as food and beverage, apparel, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics – with applications rapidly extending to smart health and wellness devices, toys and games, and food freshness detection."
"NFC Connect conforms with ISO15693 and NFC Forum Type 5 industry standards, and is easily integrated into existing workflows, providing inlay, assembly and converter ecosystem partners with a unique opportunity to expand their product portfolios while addressing new market opportunities,” added James Davey, SVP Sales, Business Development and Product Management, Pragmatic Semiconductor. He continued, "With an industry-leading low carbon footprint and passively powered, it offers NFC-enabled iOS and Android smartphone compatibility, enabling use within existing reader infrastructure. It can be assembled onto single-sided NFC RFID antennas, giving our customers the ability to develop thinner, more cost-effective and more sustainable NFC solutions."
According to Hector Gomez, VP of NFC Business Development at Tageos – a developer of RFID products, and a key ecosystem partner – the companies will work together to explore how this new technology can be integrated into Tageos’ future portfolio, expanding and shaping the range and flexibility of new products and applications for RFID and NFC technology.
NFC Connect is manufactured at Pragmatic Park, Co. Durham – the company's flagship production facility and home of the UK's first 300mm semiconductor fabrication line – which provides capacity to produce billions of chips per year using its innovative fabrication process.
This process sustainably delivers rapid cycle times and cost efficiencies, consuming less energy and water, and fewer harmful chemicals, than standard semiconductor manufacturing, while significantly driving down the environmental impact of production.
Initial volume samples of the first member of the NFC Connect product line, PR1301, are available as frame-mounted 300 mm wafers, singulated dies, and sample inlays.
