NXP Semiconductors NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z

Overview

NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z from NXP Semiconductors is a secure NFC Forum Type 4 Tag IC with AES-128 cryptography, 50 pF input capacitance, 416-byte file-based memory (256-byte NDEF + 128-byte proprietary), and Secure Unique NFC (SUN) message generation for tap-unique authentication. It enables real-time, Android- and iOS11-compatible tag authentication in anti-counterfeiting, secure loyalty, and document verification systems.

For engineers reviewing the NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z datasheet, NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z pinout, NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z application, or NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z equivalent, key selection considerations include SUN message integrity, ISO/IEC 14443-4 interoperability, configurable per-file access control using five AES keys, 50-year data retention, and support for encrypted communication modes up to 848 kbit/s.

Technical Context

The NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z implements a full ISO/IEC 14443-4 PICC Type A stack with ATS negotiation, PPS-supported speeds up to 848 kbit/s, and dual-mode UID handling (7-byte fixed or 4-byte Random ID). Its analog front-end includes a high-input-capacitance (50 pF) resonance capacitor enabling compact antenna designs without range loss.

Digital security is anchored by an on-die AES-128 co-processor supporting CMAC, full encipherment, and LRP-wrapped AES for side-channel resistance. Memory management follows ISO/IEC 7816-4 with three preconfigured files (CC, NDEF, proprietary), each with independent read/write/change access rights tied to five customer-defined AES keys and optional SDM mirroring.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z is supplied in FFC (Film Frame Carrier) format - 8-inch wafer, sawn, 75 μm thickness, Au bumps - intended for flip-chip bonding onto flexible antennas or modules. It has no conventional package pins; electrical interface is via two RF terminals (LA and LB) for direct connection to an external antenna coil.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z, the DUD variant trades thinness for ruggedness in static labeling, while the DA8 variant shifts from wafer-level integration to modular deployment - both retain identical SUN, AES, and memory architecture but differ in mechanical implementation and assembly workflow.

Availability

NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for anti-counterfeiting, secure loyalty programs, and document authentication requiring stable component supply across high-volume consumer electronics, pharmaceutical packaging, and industrial asset tagging programs.

Supply support for NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z 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 deep expertise in NFC, RFID, and trusted execution environments.

The NTAG family - including NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z - was designed specifically for high-assurance, mass-deployable NFC applications demanding cryptographic-grade security, regulatory compliance (GDPR, CCPA), and seamless smartphone interoperability without app dependency.

FAQ

What is the primary security feature that differentiates NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z from standard NFC tags?

The NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z introduces Secure Unique NFC (SUN) messaging - a hardware-enforced mechanism that generates a cryptographically unique, tap-specific authentication payload using AES-128 and LRP-wrapped operations. Unlike static UID-based verification, SUN ensures each interaction produces verifiable, non-replayable data, enabling server-side validation of physical presence and tag authenticity without requiring dedicated mobile apps on Android devices.

Does NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z support iOS devices without a custom app?

NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z SUN authentication requires a custom app on iOS versions prior to iOS 13. Starting with iOS 13, Apple introduced native NDEF reading with background tag detection, but full SUN message verification still requires app-level integration to submit the payload to a backend service. On Android, NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z SUN works natively via Host Card Emulation (HCE) without any app - the phone reads the tap-unique URL and forwards it automatically.

How is memory organized in NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z, and what are the default access rights?

NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z uses a strict ISO/IEC 7816-4 file system with three preconfigured Elementary Files: a 32-byte Capability Container (File 01h), a 256-byte NDEF file (File 02h), and a 128-byte proprietary file (File 03h). By default, the CC and NDEF files allow free read/write access (Eh), while the proprietary file requires authentication with Key 2 for read and Key 3 for write - ensuring sensitive data remains isolated until explicitly unlocked.

Can NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z be used with small antennas, and what is the impact on read range?

Yes - NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z's 50 pF input capacitance is optimized for compact antenna designs, allowing reliable operation with loops as small as 13 mm × 13 mm. This high capacitance compensates for reduced inductance, maintaining typical read distances of 4–6 cm on smartphones and up to 10 cm on high-power readers - making it ideal for embedding in product labels, caps, and thin packaging where space is constrained.

What certifications apply to NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z, and how do they impact deployment?

NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z holds Common Criteria EAL4 certification for both hardware and software, validating its resistance to side-channel attacks, fault injection, and logical exploits. It is also NFC Forum Type 4 Tag certified (ID 58562) and fully compliant with ISO/IEC 14443-4 and ISO/IEC 7816-4. These certifications assure enterprise and regulated-sector customers - such as pharma, finance, and government - that NT4H2421G0DUF/02Z meets internationally recognized security and interoperability benchmarks before integration.