The NTAG216​ is a Type 2 NFC Forum-compliant passive contactless IC​ developed by NXP Semiconductors. It is the highest-capacity member of the NTAG21x series, offering 888 bytes of user memory​ for data-rich NFC applications such as digital business cards, multimedia sharing, and product authentication.

1. Core Definition

NTAG216 is a high-frequency (HF) passive RFID/NFC chip operating at 13.56 MHz. It is fully compliant with the ISO/IEC 14443-3 Type A​ and NFC Forum Type 2 Tag​ specifications, designed for applications that require larger data storage while maintaining low cost and broad smartphone compatibility.

2. Key Technical Specifications

3. Memory Structure

• Page 0–1: Serial Number/UID​ (7 bytes) + manufacturer bytes (read-only).
• Page 2: Capability Container (CC)​ – defines memory size and access rights (NFC Forum mandatory).
• Page 3–224: User memory​ (888 bytes).
• Page 225–230: Configuration pages​ (lock bytes, etc.).
• Each page is 4 bytes (32 bits). The large memory allows storage of complex NDEF messages, URLs, vCards, or even small images/icons.

4. Key Features

• High Capacity: 888 bytes of user memory – the largest in the NTAG21x family.
• NFC Forum Type 2 Tag Compliant: Guaranteed interoperability with NFC-enabled smartphones and readers.
• Fast Data Transfer: 106 kbit/s communication speed.
• Memory Protection: Lock bits for permanent write protection of selected memory areas.
• One‑Time Programmable (OTP) Area: 32 bytes (pages 16–23) can be configured as OTP (e.g., for anti-counterfeiting or usage tracking).
• Field Detection Output: Optional pin (on certain packages) to wake an external microcontroller when the tag is powered by the RF field.

5. Common Applications

• Rich Media Sharing: Store digital business cards (vCard with photos), product manuals, or small multimedia files.
• Smart Packaging & Marketing: NFC-enabled posters, product packaging with extensive information or interactive experiences.
• Device Pairing: Store large configuration data for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi devices (e.g., complex network settings).
• Product Authentication & Anti-counterfeiting: Store encrypted product certificates, serial numbers, and usage logs.
• Event & Ticketing: Multi-use event passes with dynamic data updates.

6. Comparison with Other NTAG ICs

7. Security

• Basic Memory Protection: Lock bits to prevent further writing to specific memory areas.
• Unique 7‑Byte UID: Helps prevent simple cloning; however, the memory content can be copied if the tag is not physically secured.
• No Hardware Encryption: Like other NTAG21x chips, NTAG216 does not include cryptographic authentication. For higher security, NXP recommends using MIFARE DESFire​ or NTAG 424 DNA​ series.

Summary

The NTAG216​ is the highest-capacity, cost-effective NFC tag IC​ in the NTAG21x family, ideal for applications that require storing large amounts of data (e.g., detailed product info, multimedia content, or complex configurations). Its broad smartphone compatibility and large memory make it suitable for advanced NFC interactions in marketing, device pairing, and anti-counterfeiting solutions.