Near-field communication

Near-field communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that lets compatible devices exchange data or power when brought close together, typically within a few centimeters.

Inductive coupling: Energy or signals transfer between nearby circuits through changing magnetic fields. NFC devices use magnetic-field coupling to communicate and, in some modes, transfer power.
Contactless payment: A payment method that uses short-range communication between a payment device and a terminal. NFC enables phones and cards to exchange payment credentials with compatible terminals.
Electromagnetic induction: The production of voltage in a conductor by a changing magnetic field. It is the physical basis for NFC’s near-field energy transfer.
Bluetooth Low Energy: A low-power Bluetooth mode designed for brief data exchanges and battery-efficient connected devices. It supports longer-range, lower-power links where NFC’s close proximity is unnecessary.
MIFARE: A family of contactless smart-card technologies developed by NXP Semiconductors. MIFARE technologies helped shape the contactless-card ecosystem compatible with NFC.
NFC Forum: An industry consortium that develops specifications and certification programs for NFC technology. Its specifications define interoperable NFC devices, data formats, and operating modes.
EMV: A global standard for chip-based payment cards and compatible payment terminals. NFC payment systems commonly carry EMV contactless transactions.
Load modulation: A method of transmitting data by varying the electrical load on a coupled circuit. Passive NFC devices can signal back by changing the load on the reader’s field.
Wi-Fi: A family of wireless networking standards for local-area data communication. Wi-Fi offers far greater range and throughput, while NFC favors deliberate close contact.
Sony FeliCa: A contactless smart-card technology developed by Sony and widely used in Japan and elsewhere. FeliCa became one of the contactless technologies supported by NFC devices.

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