What Are NTAG 223/224 DNA Cards?

NTAG 223 DNA and NTAG 224 DNA cards are NFC smart cards built with NXP NTAG DNA security ICs. They operate at 13.56 MHz and comply with ISO/IEC 14443-A and NFC Forum Type 2 Tag requirements.

Both chip models support Secure Unique NFC (SUN) message authentication using AES-128 cryptography. NTAG 223 DNA provides 144 bytes of user memory and 32-bit password protection for memory access. NTAG 224 DNA provides 208 bytes of user memory and supports AES-128-based three-pass mutual authentication.

These features support applications that need authenticated NFC interactions, protected data access or product verification. The complete solution combines the chip, card construction, data configuration and verification system.

NTAG 223 DNA vs. NTAG 224 DNA

Choosing the right chip depends on your data storage needs and security architecture. Both models support SUN message authentication, while NTAG 224 DNA offers more user memory and AES-128-based mutual authentication for protected data access.

Specifications refer to the chip ICs. Finished-card performance also depends on card construction and antenna integration.

Which chip should you choose?

Choose NTAG 223 DNA when its memory capacity and password-based memory protection meet your application requirements.

Choose NTAG 224 DNA when your project requires more user memory and AES-128-based mutual authentication for protected data access.

For security-sensitive projects, define the required authentication workflow, data structure and key-management responsibilities before finalizing the card specification.

How SUN Authentication Works

Secure Unique NFC (SUN) enables an NFC chip to generate dynamic authentication data. In supported configurations, the NDEF message can include a unique identifier, an incremental tap counter and a cryptographic message authentication code protected by an AES-128 key.

When an NFC-enabled device reads the card, the authentication system evaluates the dynamic data to help verify authenticity and message integrity. This supports product verification and connected product experiences without relying solely on a static printed code.

A typical workflow includes four stages:

1. NFC card: Generates or provides the configured NFC message.

2. Smartphone or reader: Reads the supported NFC data.

3. Authentication service: Validates the cryptographic data according to the system configuration.

4. Verification result: Displays the relevant product or authentication information.

Effective authentication requires correct NDEF configuration, cryptographic key management and verification logic. The card provides the secure NFC interface, while the complete solution determines how authentication results are processed.

Key Features of NTAG DNA Cards

Secure NFC Authentication

SUN message authentication uses AES-128 cryptography to help a verification system evaluate the authenticity and integrity of NFC data.

Two Memory Options

NTAG 223 DNA provides 144 bytes of user memory, while NTAG 224 DNA provides 208 bytes. Select the chip according to the data requirements and configuration of your application.

Protected Data Access

NTAG 223 DNA supports 32-bit password protection for memory access. NTAG 224 DNA supports AES-128-based three-pass mutual authentication for protected data access.

NFC-Based User Interaction

NFC-enabled smartphones and compatible readers can interact with supported card data. Authentication functions that depend on SUN verification or protected commands require compatible application and system support.

OEM Manufacturing

Configure the card appearance, printing, personalization, encoding and packaging according to your design and project specifications.

Applications of NTAG 223/224 DNA Cards

Brand Protection and Product Authentication

Connect physical products to an authentication experience that helps customers check product information and authenticity through a compatible NFC-enabled device and verification service.

Smart Packaging and Connected Products

Link products or accompanying cards to product information, digital instructions, campaigns and other supported online experiences. Security-sensitive applications can incorporate dynamic authentication into the verification workflow.

Luxury Goods and Collectibles

Add an NFC interaction point to premium product programs, collectibles and branded customer experiences. Card design and the verification workflow can be configured according to the project's requirements.

Healthcare and Industrial Identification

Use secure NFC cards in projects requiring controlled access to supported information or integration with an existing identification system. The selected card configuration must match the application's data protection and compatibility requirements.

RFID System Integrator Projects

Support custom NFC card programs for system integrators, brand owners and distributors developing connected product or authentication services.

Custom NTAG DNA Card Manufacturing

Kaisere Technology provides OEM manufacturing services for NTAG 223/224 DNA cards, covering card construction, printing, personalization, encoding and custom packaging.

Buyers can specify the chip model, card dimensions, material, thickness, printed artwork and encoding requirements. Sample approval before mass production helps align the finished card with the agreed specifications.

Material and process availability depends on the selected card construction and project requirements.

For security-sensitive projects, specify the NDEF structure, data-access permissions, authentication behavior and key-management responsibilities before production. Chip identifiers such as the UID should be handled according to the selected IC's functions and permissions; arbitrary UID rewriting is not a standard customization promise.

Share your artwork, preferred dimensions, estimated quantity and encoding requirements to begin specification planning.

Technical Specifications and Card Options

NTAG 223/224 DNA cards combine NXP NFC security technology with a customizable physical card format. Chip parameters and physical card specifications should be defined separately to ensure that the selected chip, card construction and intended application work together.

Buyer Specification Checklist

To prepare an accurate quotation, please provide:

lChip model and estimated order quantity

lCard dimensions, thickness and material

lArtwork and printing requirements

lNDEF data and encoding instructions

lSecurity configuration and application requirements

lPackaging preferences

lDestination country and target delivery date

Providing a technical specification or sample reference helps define the required card configuration before sampling and mass production.

Factory Manufacturing Capability

Kaisere Technology supports OEM RFID card production for system integrators, brand owners and distributors. Our manufacturing workflow covers chip inspection, inlay production, card manufacturing, printing, encoding and final inspection.

Production planning coordinates material selection, card construction, personalization and order specifications. Sample approval before mass production helps align the finished product with the buyer's approved design and technical requirements.

Manufacturing Process

Chip Inspection → Inlay Production → Card Manufacturing → Printing → Encoding → Final Inspection

Manufacturing Capabilities

lOEM card production and personalization

lCustom printing, surface finishing and packaging

lNDEF data encoding and printed identification

lSample approval before mass production

lProduction coordination for bulk orders

For project planning, share the expected quantity, required specifications and target delivery date so that the manufacturing schedule can be coordinated with your purchasing needs.

Quality Control and Testing

Quality control is integrated into the card manufacturing workflow to support consistent product appearance, data accuracy and production quality.

Our listed inspection process includes:

1. Incoming chip inspection: Check chip identification and incoming materials against order requirements.

2. Material quality checks: Check card materials against the specified construction.

3. Printing inspection: Compare the printed artwork and finish with the approved design.

4. Encoding verification: Check encoded data against the agreed format and instructions.

5. Final sampling tests: Inspect finished cards according to the applicable project requirements.

For orders with additional technical tests or documented acceptance criteria, define the requirements before production. Relevant inspection records can then be aligned with the agreed quality plan.

Chip Security Credentials and Compliance Documents

NTAG 223 DNA and NTAG 224 DNA use NXP security IC technology supporting AES-128-protected SUN message authentication and model-specific security features. NXP identifies the IC family as Common Criteria EAL3+ certified.

The security certification of the chip IC is distinct from certification of the finished card, manufacturing company or complete authentication solution. Supplier qualification documents should be reviewed according to their issuer, scope, validity and applicability to the purchased product.

Kaisere Technology provides relevant company and product documentation for buyer review, including applicable ISO, CE and RoHS-related certificates or compliance documents within their stated scope.

For supplier qualification, buyers can request the relevant documentation and confirm which company, product or material each document covers.

Production Capacity and Global Shipping

Kaisere Technology reports monthly production capacity of 3 million RFID cards and 12 million RFID tags across its product operations. The company supports international projects for RFID system integrators, distributors and brand owners in more than 100 countries.

Production schedules are coordinated according to the selected chip, order quantity, card construction, customization requirements and target delivery date.

International shipping arrangements are planned according to the destination, packaging requirements and order specifications. Buyers can provide their destination country and delivery target when requesting a quotation so that applicable shipping options and scheduling can be discussed.

Supplier Support Includes

lBulk RFID card manufacturing coordination

lOEM customization and sample evaluation

lProduction planning based on agreed specifications

lInternational shipping coordination

lTechnical and order communication for global B2B projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are NTAG 223 DNA cards used for?

NTAG 223 DNA cards use NXP NTAG DNA technology for NFC applications that require message authentication and protected memory access. Applications include product authentication, brand protection and connected product experiences.

Q2: What is the difference between NTAG 223 DNA and NTAG 224 DNA?

NTAG 223 DNA provides 144 bytes of user memory and 32-bit password protection for memory access. NTAG 224 DNA provides 208 bytes of user memory and supports AES-128-based three-pass mutual authentication. Both support AES-128-protected SUN message authentication.

Q3: Do NTAG 223/224 DNA cards support NFC smartphones?

NFC-enabled smartphones can read supported NFC data when the device and card are compatible. Secure authentication functions, including SUN verification, require compatible application or backend support.

Q4: What is SUN authentication?

SUN stands for Secure Unique NFC. It allows the chip to generate dynamic authentication data protected by AES-128 cryptography. A compatible verification system evaluates the data to help assess message authenticity and integrity.

Q5: Can NTAG DNA cards be customized with a logo and serial number?

Yes. OEM options include custom card dimensions, logo printing, surface finishes, printed serial numbers, QR codes and custom packaging. Final options depend on the chosen card construction and project requirements.

Q6: Can you encode NDEF data on NTAG 223/224 DNA cards?

Yes. NDEF data encoding can be included in the card production specification. Buyers should provide the required data format and encoding instructions. Security-sensitive applications should also define access permissions and authentication requirements.

Q7: Can you provide samples before bulk production?

Yes. Samples are available for project evaluation and approval before mass production. Share the chip model, card specifications, artwork and encoding requirements to arrange the appropriate sample.

Q8: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

MOQ depends on the selected chip, card construction, customization and production requirements. Contact our team with the required specifications and quantity to receive an order-specific quotation.

Q9: What is the production lead time?

Lead time depends on order quantity, materials, printing, encoding, sample approval and the production schedule. Provide your target quantity and delivery date when requesting a quotation so that the schedule can be planned for your project.

Q10: Are the finished cards certified to Common Criteria EAL3+?

NXP identifies the relevant NTAG DNA IC family as Common Criteria EAL3+ certified. This is a chip-level credential and does not automatically certify the finished card or complete authentication solution. Product and supplier compliance documents should be reviewed according to their applicable scope.

Q11: Can you ship NTAG DNA cards internationally?

Kaisere Technology supports international B2B orders. Shipping arrangements, packaging and required documentation are coordinated according to the destination and order requirements.

Q12: What information should I provide to receive a quotation?

Provide the chip model, quantity, card size, thickness, material, artwork, printing and encoding requirements, packaging preferences, destination country and target delivery date. A technical specification or sample reference helps prepare a more accurate quotation.