Pragmatic Semiconductor Ltd., experts in flexible semiconductor technology, have announced the launch of Pragmatic NFC Connect, a new line of RFID near-field communication (NFC) products designed to expand item-level intelligence across mass-market goods. Built on the company’s FlexIC (flexible integrated circuit) technology, the line delivers NFC endpoint capabilities in an ultra-thin, flexible, and low-carbon form factor, making it possible to integrate NFC into previously inaccessible applications.
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 can now empower brands to effortlessly integrate NFC functionality into products or packaging—even on curved surfaces—delivering smarter, more connected experiences and deeper levels of consumer engagement at scale.
NFC Connect conforms with ISO15693 and NFC Forum Type 5 industry standards and enables compatibility with existing iOS and Android smartphones. This allows inlay manufacturers, label converters, and service bureaus to integrate NFC into product packaging and items, including curved surfaces, facilitating a range of consumer engagement use cases.
“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.”
Initial use cases span fast-moving consumer goods such as food, beverage, apparel, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, with additional applications in health and wellness devices, toys and games, and freshness detection.
James Davey, SVP Sales, Business Development and Product Management, added: “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. 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.”
Francisco Melo, President of the Solutions Group at Avery Dennison, a strategic investor in Pragmatic, stated: “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. It’s exciting to see the launch of Pragmatic NFC Connect and to be part of this journey.”
Hector Gomez, VP of NFC Business Development at Tageos, commented: “We celebrate the launch of Pragmatic NFC Connect and are delighted to explore how we can integrate the technology into our future portfolio.”
NFC Connect is produced at Pragmatic Park in County Durham, UK—home to the UK’s first 300 mm semiconductor fab, which provides capacity to produce billions of chips per year using its innovative fabrication process. The site enables rapid, low-carbon production of billions of chips annually, using significantly less energy, water, and chemicals than conventional 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.
For more information, visit: https://www.pragmaticsemi.com/nfc-connect/
About Pragmatic Semiconductor Pragmatic Semiconductor is pioneering flexible semiconductor technology at scale to sustainably bridge our digital and physical worlds. With optimised, purpose-led design and sustainable innovation at our core, we design and manufacture flexible integrated circuits (FlexICs)—ultra-thin, flexible form factor semiconductors. Our branded Pragmatic products, FlexIC platforms and FlexIC Foundry services empower customers to deliver flexible innovation with connect, sense and compute capabilities, enabling sustainable edge and item-level intelligence at scale and speed. Our Pragmatic FlexIC Foundry operates a unique and innovative process offering sustainable production and rapid innovation cycle times, coupled with a pathway to supply chain resilience.
Source/Photo Credit: Pragmatic Semiconductor
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