NFC Forum, the global standards body for Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, has launched the latest version of its Certification Release (CR15), defining the testing program to certify compliance with the NFC Release 15 Specification announced earlier this year.
CR15 will enable businesses to test up to the extended read range of 20mm for generic device classes— a fourfold increase on the previous operating volume. This will significantly improve the user experience of NFC Forum-compliant devices by requiring less precise alignment for a connection.
The NFC Forum Certification Program tests product conformance against the latest NFC functional standards. After successfully undergoing the testing process, devices are Certified Compliant with NFC Forum Specifications. Associations and standards bodies using NFC technology can ensure consistency and demonstrate trust in the behavior of their devices, set the foundations for interoperability, and deliver enhanced user experiences.
NFC Forum Roadmap
Mike McCamon, Executive Director of NFC Forum, stated extending the range of NFC contactless connections was one of the key priorities outlined in the NFC Forum Five-Year Roadmap.
“CR15 will give a mark of trust to device manufacturers and relying parties that devices operating within the extended read range of 20mm will work as expected,” said McCamon. “This will help to advance numerous emerging use cases such as using your mobile phone as a digital key to unlock your car, or a smartwatch as your transport ticket.
Importance of CR15
The NFC Forum, established in 2004, is a non-profit industry association comprised of leading mobile communications, semiconductor, and consumer electronics companies. Its mission is to advance the use of NFC technology by developing specifications, ensuring interoperability, and educating the market about NFC technology.
Led by its board members, NFC Forum empowers organizations to deliver seamless, secure contactless interactions to users around the globe, with conformance to the Forum’s specifications helping to ensure intuitive, reliable and consistent experiences.
Arnaud Schreiner, Chair of NFC Forum’s Compliance Committee and Principal Technology Standards Architect at NXP Semiconductors, said a key objective when defining CR15 was to promote a consistent user experience across device classes and ensure that products perform as expected.
“CR15 will mandate that all new products within our generic device classes— mobile, reader and card mmulation and universal devices— are compliant with the new Operating Volume (OV20), while also crucially ensuring these devices remain interoperable with backwards compatibility with devices already in the field using the previous Operating Volume (OV5),” said Schreiner. “Compliance with the minimum distance of OV20 will also establish a solid foundation for devices which may have target distances beyond 20mm, preparing them for enhanced performance across a longer communication range.”
NFC Forum Welcomes NuCurrent to its Board
Additionally, the NFC Forum has added NuCurrent to its board. The wireless power innovator for compact devices is now ninth Sponsor Member of the global NFC standards body, taking a seat on its governing Board of Directors alongside Apple, Google, Huawei, Identiv, Infineon, NXP, Sony and STMicroelectronics.
NuCurrent is already an existing member of NFC Forum and has contributed to the body’s work on wireless charging specifications and device certification processes.
“From smart glasses and in-ear audio to the devices we haven’t imagined yet, the future of consumer tech is being defined by its ability to integrate seamlessly into peoples’ lives,” said Jacob Babcock, CEO of NuCurrent. “Our aim in joining the NFC Forum Board is to ensure that companies which are designing aesthetically innovative AI-enabled products will have confidence and access to a robust NFC wireless charging framework.”