Pragmatic Semiconductor launches NFC Connect

Pragmatic Semiconductor, a flexible semiconductor technology company, has launched its latest RFID NFC product line, Pragmatic NFC Connect. NFC Connect enables easy, item-level intelligence for mass-market products, traditionally constrained by cost, supply chain and sustainability challenges.
 
Powered by Pragmatic’s FlexIC (flexible integrated circuit) technology, NFC Connect delivers industry-standard NFC endpoint capability in an ultra-thin, flexible form factor with a low carbon footprint. Inlay manufacturers, label converters and service bureaus can use it to help brands integrate NFC functionality into products or packaging — even on curved surfaces — delivering smarter, more connected experiences and deeper levels of consumer engagement at scale.
 
'Pragmatic’s FlexIC technology sustainably bridges our physical and digital worlds to enable low carbon, low-cost edge and item-level intelligence at scale, where it simply wasn’t possible previously,' said David Moore, CEO of Pragmatic Semiconductor.
 
'Our NFC Connect product line empowers sustainable customer innovation, enabling brands to unlock richer consumer experiences and drive deeper connections, from customer loyalty programs, product authentication and provenance, to facilitating improved reuse and recycling for a more circular economy. We see tremendous market demand in fast-moving consumer goods — such as food and beverage, apparel, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics — with applications rapidly extending to smart health and wellness devices, toys and games, and food freshness detection.'
 
James Davey, senior vice president of sales, business development and product management at Pragmatic Semiconductor, added: 'NFC Connect conforms with ISO15693 and NFC Forum Type 5 industry standards, and is easily integrated into existing workflows, providing inlay, assembly and converter ecosystem partners with a unique opportunity to expand their product portfolios while addressing new market opportunities.
 
'With an industry-leading low carbon footprint and passively powered, it offers NFC-enabled iOS and Android smartphone compatibility, enabling use within existing reader infrastructure. It can be assembled onto single-sided NFC RFID antennas, giving our customers the ability to develop thinner, more cost-effective and more sustainable NFC solutions.'
 
Francisco Melo, president, Solutions Group at Avery Dennison, an investor in Pragmatic added: 'Innovation is the lifeblood of our industry. It is also key to realizing item-level intelligence at scale and extending unique item-level ID to new segments, such as FMCG. It’s exciting to see the launch of Pragmatic NFC Connect and to be part of this journey. I look forward to our continued strategic partnership enabling clients to pursue exciting new market opportunities.'
 
Hector Gomez, vice president of NFC business development at Tageos, an ecosystem partner, commented: 'We celebrate the launch of Pragmatic NFC Connect and are delighted to explore how we can integrate the technology into our future portfolio. It is also further confirmation of our joint ambition and leadership in meeting the latest customer and market needs and in expanding and shaping the range and flexibility of new products and applications for RFID and NFC innovations.'
 
NFC Connect is manufactured at Pragmatic Park, County Durham, the company’s flagship production facility and home of the UK’s first 300mm semiconductor fabrication line. 
 
Initial volume samples of the first member of the NFC Connect product line, PR1301, are available as frame-mounted 300 mm wafers, singulated dies and sample inlays.