Pragmatic Semiconductor is now offering NFC Connect, its latest product for the RFID/NFC product line, touted as unlocking seamless, item-level intelligence for mass-market products that have been traditionally constrained by cost, supply chain and sustainability challenges.
Powered by Pragmatic’s flexible integrated circuit (FlexIC) technology, NFC Connect delivers industry-standard NFC endpoint capability in an ultra-thin, flexible form factor with a uniquely low carbon footprint. The product is being marketed for inlay manufacturers, label convertors and service bureaus to enable brands to integrate NFC functionality into products or packaging— including curved surfaces— that delivers smarter, more connected experiences and deeper levels of consumer engagement at scale, according to company officials.
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.
Bridging Physical, Digital Worlds
David Moore, Chief Executive Officer, Pragmatic Semiconductor, said the FlexIC’s technology sustainably bridges our physical and digital worlds to enable low carbon, low-cost edge and item-level intelligence at scale that wasn’t possible before.
“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,” said Moore in a statement. “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.”
Pragmatic Production Capabilities
NFC Connect is manufactured at Pragmatic Park, the company’s flagship production facility and home of the UK’s first 300mm semiconductor fabrication line. The facility provides capacity to produce billions of chips per year using its innovative fabrication process.
This 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.
Company officials noted the 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.
Pragmatic Appoints McCue as CFO
The company earlier this year appointed Steve McCue as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), leading the company’s finance and corporate services divisions, and Executive Director to Pragmatic’s Board of Directors.
With an over 30 year career in both CFO and operational leadership roles spanning high tech, electronics, advanced materials, packaging and pharmaceutical industries, McCue brings a wealth of experience leading and scaling high growth, large public and private businesses internationally. Most recently McCue was CFO at Cambridge-based pharmaceutical scale-up company, Cycle Pharmaceuticals.
“I am very excited to be joining the Pragmatic Semiconductor team at this important stage in the company’s journey,” said McCue. “With the scale of global applications spanning multiple industries for our innovative FlexIC semiconductor technology, and the opportunity to bring my experience to bear in helping the business achieve its tremendous success, I very much look forward to the future”.
Moore noted McCue joins the company during a period of rapid growth, that delivers FlexIC technology through their products, platforms and advanced manufacturing to service global customer demand.
“Steve’s extensive commercial and financial experience, operational leadership and solid track record of scaling international technology businesses will be of tremendous strategic value to the company,” said Moore.