NXP Semiconductors NT2H2421G0DUFZ

Overview

NT2H2421G0DUFZ from NXP Semiconductors is an NFC Forum Type 2 Tag–compliant secure IC with 208 bytes of user memory, AES-128 3-pass mutual authentication, and Secure Unique NFC (SUN) message authentication using CMAC. It operates at 13.56 MHz, delivers 106 kbit/s data transfer, and integrates ECC-based originality signature for tag origin verification - deployed in anti-counterfeiting tags for pharmaceutical packaging and luxury goods authentication.

For engineers reviewing the NT2H2421G0DUFZ datasheet, NT2H2421G0DUFZ pinout, NT2H2421G0DUFZ application, or NT2H2421G0DUFZ equivalent, this page details its bare-die antenna interface, SUN-enabled NDEF mirroring behavior, EAL3+ AVA.VAN.2 security certification scope, and field-programmable locking architecture for production-grade NFC tag deployment.

Technical Context

The NT2H2421G0DUFZ implements a contactless RF interface compliant with ISO/IEC 14443 Type A parts 1–3 and NFC Forum Tag 2 Type, using on-chip rectifier, clock regenerator, and POR circuitry to derive power and timing from an external 13.56 MHz magnetic field. Its digital control unit executes command interpretation, anti-collision, and AES cryptographic operations without external components.

Memory access follows a hierarchical protection model: static lock bits (pages 03h–0Fh), dynamic lock bits (pages 10h–37h), and configurable AUTH0-based 3-pass AES authentication starting at user-defined page addresses. The SUN feature automatically mirrors UID, NFC tap counter, and CMAC into NDEF via ASCII encoding - triggered per read after reset and validated by reader-side CMAC verification.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

NT2H2421G0DUFZ is supplied as a bare die in FFC Bump format (75 μm wafer thickness), requiring direct wire bonding or flip-chip integration onto custom antenna substrates. No leadframe or molded package is included.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with NT2H2421G0DUFZ, NT3H2211W0FHK trades security depth for memory capacity and protocol flexibility, while NT2H2211G0DUFZ reduces certification level and cryptographic features to lower cost - neither offers the integrated SUN+AES+ECC triad required for high-assurance brand protection.

Availability

NT2H2421G0DUFZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for pharmaceutical serialization, luxury goods authentication, industrial equipment service logging, and proof-of-presence field maintenance requiring stable component supply and traceable wafer-level sourcing.

Supply support for NT2H2421G0DUFZ 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 embedded security IP.

The NTAG family - including NT2H2421G0DUFZ - was designed specifically for high-integrity NFC tag applications demanding cryptographic authenticity, tamper-resistant memory, and seamless smartphone interoperability in regulated industries.

FAQ

What is the primary security function enabled by the SUN feature in NT2H2421G0DUFZ?

The SUN (Secure Unique NFC) feature in NT2H2421G0DUFZ automatically appends the device's unique 7-byte UID, incremental NFC tap counter, and AES-128 CMAC to the NDEF message via ASCII mirroring. This ensures every readout produces a cryptographically unique response - enabling real-time verification of tag authenticity and integrity without requiring persistent reader-side state. The CMAC key is stored in dedicated EEPROM and protected by lock bits.

Does NT2H2421G0DUFZ require external components for RF operation?

No, NT2H2421G0DUFZ operates autonomously when connected to a properly tuned external antenna - it integrates a full RF interface including rectifier, clock regenerator, voltage regulator, and POR circuitry. No external capacitors, resistors, or discrete ICs are needed. Antenna design must comply with NXP's recommended inductance (1–3 μH) and quality factor (Q > 20) specifications to achieve up to 100 mm operating distance.

How is memory protection implemented in NT2H2421G0DUFZ beyond basic locking?

NT2H2421G0DUFZ implements three-layer memory protection: (1) Static lock bits (pages 03h–0Fh) for per-page write disable, (2) Dynamic lock bits (page 38h) for 4-page block locking, and (3) AUTH0-configurable 3-pass AES-128 mutual authentication starting at any user-defined page address. Access to protected pages requires successful cryptographic handshake - preventing unauthorized reads even if physical access is granted.

What does the EAL3+ AVA.VAN.2 certification mean for NT2H2421G0DUFZ in practical deployment?

The Common Criteria EAL3+ (AVA.VAN.2) certification for NT2H2421G0DUFZ validates resistance against basic logical and physical attacks - including fault injection, side-channel analysis, and probing - under "basic attack potential" assumptions. It confirms robustness for anti-counterfeiting and service logging but does not cover advanced lab-grade attacks; NXP explicitly states higher-certification ICs should be used where broader threat models apply.

Can the ECC-based originality signature in NT2H2421G0DUFZ be customized and locked during initialization?

Yes, the ECC-based originality signature in NT2H2421G0DUFZ is pre-programmed at factory but can be customized during tag initialization using NXP's proprietary tools. Once written, the signature can be permanently locked via dedicated lock bits - making it immutable for the lifetime of the tag. This allows brand owners to embed proprietary identifiers while retaining cryptographic proof of NXP silicon origin.