Electronic – NFC reader long range antenna

nfcrfid

As part of my university project I am trying to read NFC data (13.56MHz) at a longer range (~60 cm). I have already developed code that reads data from the card at close proximity, using libnfc and a standard USB based NFC reader.

I am facing the challenge to read data from distance. All the information I have seen out there seems to be a few years old with unsupported hardware.

My initial thoughts were to try to find a NFC reader that I could just plugged a bigger antenna, as you can do with 802.11 wireless technology…

I would appreciate some tips on how to achieve my goal, what type of hardware would I need? And could I still use libnfc and my code?

Cheers

Best Answer

In summary,

  • When using a NFC standard loop coil antenna, sized about 4x4 cm, the theoretical maximum working distance is 20 cm. In practice, the range for reliable communication is much smaller, usually about 5 cm (4 times smaller).

How could you improve the range without tweaking the power level and sensitivity of the NFC devices (master/transponder and slave/tag),

Answering to your specific concern,

  • To achieve a practical 60 cm range, you may try to create a near field with a theoretical range several times bigger, for instance, 180-240 cm, for which you need a circular coil of about 2.5-3.4 meters in diameter.
  • You can also try a square shaped coil of equivalent area to the circular coil.

If you finally try, please, update or answer your own post and let us know about your findings.

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