News: Microelectronics
27 March 2025
Pragmatic launches NFC Connect RFID near-field connectivity product line
Flexible integrated circuit (FlexIC) designer and manufacturer Pragmatic Semiconductor Ltd of Cambridge, UK has launched its latest radio frequency identification (RFID) near-field communication (NFC) product line. NFC Connect is claimed to unlock seamless, item-level intelligence for mass-market products that are traditionally constrained by cost, supply chain and sustainability challenges.
Incorporating layers of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), Pragmatic’s FlexICs are said to be low-cost, more sustainable alternatives to silicon chips, with an ultra-thin flexible form factor that enables connect, sense and compute capabilities, fuelling the Internet of Things (IoT) across sectors including consumer, industrial, and healthcare.
Powered by Pragmatic’s unique FlexIC technology, NFC Connect delivers industry-standard NFC end-point capability in an ultra-thin, flexible form factor with what is claimed to be a uniquely low carbon footprint. Inlay manufacturers, label convertors and service bureaus can empower brands to effortlessly integrate NFC functionality into products or packaging, even on curved surfaces.
“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,” says CEO David Moore. “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,” he adds.
“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,” notes James Davey, senior VP sales, business development & product management. “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,” he adds.
“Innovation is the lifeblood of our industry. It is also key to realizing item-level intelligence at scale and extending unique item-level ID to new segments, such as FMCG [fast-moving consumer goods],” says Francisco Melo, president of the Solutions Group at materials and digital identification solutions provider Avery Dennison (a strategic investor in Pragmatic).
“We are delighted to explore how we can integrate the technology into our future portfolio,” says Hector Gomez, VP of NFC business development at RFID product maker Tageos, a key ecosystem partner to Pragmatic. “It is also further confirmation of our joint ambition and leadership in meeting the latest customer and market needs and in expanding and shaping the range and flexibility of new products and applications for RFID and NFC innovations.”
NFC Connect is manufactured at Pragmatic Park, County Durham — the firm’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.
Initial volume samples of the first member of the NFC Connect product line, PR1301, are available as frame-mounted 300mm wafers, singulated dies, and sample inlays.
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