NXP Semiconductors NT2H2421G0DUDZ

Overview

NT2H2421G0DUDZ from NXP Semiconductors is an NFC Forum Type 2 Tag–compliant secure IC with 208 bytes of user memory, AES-128 mutual authentication, Secure Unique NFC (SUN) message authentication, ECC-based originality signature, and 13.56 MHz RF interface - deployed in anti-counterfeiting tags for luxury goods and pharmaceutical packaging.

For engineers reviewing the NT2H2421G0DUDZ datasheet, NT2H2421G0DUDZ pinout, NT2H2421G0DUDZ application, or NT2H2421G0DUDZ equivalent, key selection criteria include SUN CMAC mirroring behavior, 3-pass AES authentication enforcement threshold, dynamic lock byte granularity, UID authenticity verification flow, and FFC bump die compatibility with antenna-inlay bonding processes.

Technical Context

The NT2H2421G0DUDZ implements a dedicated RF interface compliant with ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, supporting 106 kbit/s data transfer and harvesting power directly from the 13.56 MHz field without external components. Its digital control unit integrates TRNG, AES coprocessor, and anti-collision logic to manage cascade-level UID selection and state transitions between IDLE, READY1, READY2, ACTIVE, AUTHENTICATED, and HALT.

Memory access is governed by static lock bits (pages 03h–0Fh), dynamic lock bytes (page 38h), and configurable authentication protection starting at page defined by AUTH0 (default 4Ch). The SUN feature automatically mirrors UID, NFC tap counter, and CMAC into NDEF via ASCII encoding on each read after reset - requiring precise alignment of MIRROR_PAGE and MIRROR_BYTE configuration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

NT2H2421G0DUDZ is supplied as a bare die in FFC Bump format (8-inch wafer, 120 μm thickness, Au bumps), intended for direct flip-chip bonding onto flexible antenna substrates. No leadframe or molded package is used.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NFC security tag applications.

Compared with NT2H2421G0DUDZ, NT3H2211W0FHK trades SUN-based real-time authenticity for expanded memory and analog sensing, while NT3H2111W0FHK sacrifices SUN and flexible AUTH0 for I²C configurability - making NT2H2421G0DUDZ the sole option for cost-sensitive, NFC-only deployments requiring cryptographic message integrity and tap-count binding.

Availability

NT2H2421G0DUDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for anti-counterfeiting tags, supply chain track-and-trace inlays, augmented packaging experiences, and proof-of-presence credentialing requiring stable component supply and wafer-level traceability.

Supply support for NT2H2421G0DUDZ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets, with core expertise in NFC, RFID, and trusted execution environments.

The NTAG family - including NT2H2421G0DUDZ - was designed specifically for high-volume, cost-sensitive NFC tag applications demanding certified security, field-programmable memory protection, and seamless smartphone interoperability.

FAQ

What is the primary security function enabled by the SUN feature in NT2H2421G0DUDZ?

The Secure Unique NFC (SUN) feature in NT2H2421G0DUDZ automatically appends the device's unique 7-byte UID, incremental NFC tap counter, and AES-128 CMAC to the NDEF message via ASCII mirroring on every read after reset. This enables real-time, reader-side verification of tag authenticity and message integrity without requiring external cryptographic processing - a core capability for anti-counterfeiting and proof-of-presence use cases where NT2H2421G0DUDZ is deployed.

Does NT2H2421G0DUDZ require external components for RF operation?

No, NT2H2421G0DUDZ operates contactlessly using only an external antenna coil connected to LA and LB pins - no external capacitor, resistor, or voltage regulator is needed. Its integrated RF interface includes rectifier, clock regenerator, and voltage regulator, enabling direct energy harvesting from the 13.56 MHz field. Antenna design must comply with NXP's NTAG antenna guidelines to achieve specified 100 mm read range and 50 pF input capacitance matching - a key requirement for reliable NT2H2421G0DUDZ integration.

How does the 3-pass mutual authentication in NT2H2421G0DUDZ differ from basic password protection?

NT2H2421G0DUDZ implements true 3-pass AES-128 mutual authentication - both tag and reader prove possession of the shared secret key before granting access. Unlike static password schemes vulnerable to replay or eavesdropping, this protocol uses challenge-response exchanges with session-specific nonces and cryptographic verification. Memory access protection starts at the page address defined by AUTH0 (default 4Ch), and can be configured to protect read, write, or both - ensuring that NT2H2421G0DUDZ enforces strong two-way trust in sensitive supply chain or credentialing applications.

Can the ECC-based originality signature in NT2H2421G0DUDZ be customized and locked permanently?

Yes, the ECC-based originality signature in NT2H2421G0DUDZ is pre-programmed at factory but supports customization during tag initialization - allowing brand-specific keys or identifiers to be written. Once configured, the signature can be permanently locked using dedicated lock bits, making it immutable for the lifetime of the device. This capability ensures NT2H2421G0DUDZ delivers verifiable NXP origin while enabling customer-specific branding and anti-cloning assurance in high-value authentication deployments.

What memory organization structure does NT2H2421G0DUDZ use, and how is user memory protected?

NT2H2421G0DUDZ organizes its 304-byte EEPROM into 76 pages of 4 bytes each: 10 bytes for manufacturer data, 6 for lock bits, 4 for the Capability Container, 208 for user memory, 32 for AES keys, and 44 for configuration. User memory protection uses three layers - static lock bits (pages 03h–0Fh), dynamic lock bytes (page 38h, 4-page granularity), and 3-pass AES authentication enforced from the AUTH0-defined page onward. All locking operations are irreversible and tearing-proof, ensuring NT2H2421G0DUDZ maintains strict data integrity throughout its operational lifecycle.