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NFC technology, what it consists of and how it is transforming processes within the lighting sector

Author: Adrián Garcés / OLFER Electronics R&D Engineer.

Currently most of us are already completely familiar with the use of NFC (Near Field Communication) communication, which enables contactless data exchange between nearby devices. Among its main characteristics we can highlight that it is a short-range (up to 20 cm) and high frequency (13,56MHz) wireless communication derived from RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Its creation dates back to 2004, but its rapid acceptance has extended its use to more and more devices and diverse applications.

NFC communication is carried out by means of induction when an electromagnetic field is generated which, through the spiral antennas of two nearby devices, allows the bidirectional exchange of information between two devices close to each other.

nfc operation model schematic

Figure 1. Diagram of the NFC communication operation model.

We can distinguish two different modes depending on which devices generate the electromagnetic field and the need for one-way or two-way communication:

  • NFC active: Both devices generate their own electromagnetic field for the exchange of information. In this mode the data flow is bidirectional. A practical example would be the exchange of files between two mobile phones.
  • Passive NFC: Only one of the devices generates the electromagnetic field while the other device uses this energy to exchange information. In this mode the data flow is unidirectional. A practical example would be the validation of a bus ticket through a transport pass.

The data transfer speed of the NFC protocol is relatively slow (up to 424 Kb/s), so other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are used to share large data or at faster speeds. On the contrary, the connection speed through NFC is extremely fast (< 0,1s) unlike other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth (> 5s). This characteristic places NFC technology as the ideal method of exchanging information in a multitude of applications.

Some of the most widespread uses and applications of this technology today are the following:

  • Mobile payments: NFC technology allows us to carry our bank card on our mobile and be able to pay at compatible POS terminals.
  • Cards (contactless): They allow us to make payments or identify ourselves at an ATM without having to introduce the card. With other types of cards we can also, for example, record the working day.
  • Automation of actions (routines): We can automate certain actions thanks to NFC tags (also called NFC "tags"). For example, simply by reading one of these labels with our mobile we can make it connect to a Wi-Fi network, activate the Bluetooth connection and go silent.
  • Device synchronization: There are devices that allow you to link automatically and instantly through NFC technology. For example, we can pair a Bluetooth music speaker simply by bringing our phone closer to it.
  • Settings in device settings: As we will see below, this is one of the applications most related to the lighting sector. NFC technology allows us to easily, quickly and reliably program auxiliary lighting equipment such as drivers or sensors.

Within the lighting industry, manufacturers use a wide variety of programming methods to establish the operating conditions of the LED drivers in their luminaires. Programming using NFC is a new way of carrying out this process and it has multiple advantages. On the one hand, it is infinitely faster than traditional methods and, compared to adjustments using resistors or switches, much more flexible and complete in terms of functionality. It also requires less training time for the employees in charge of carrying out this work on the production line.

NFC technology allows manufacturers to set the operating conditions of LED drivers wirelessly, such as the output current, the type of dimming curve or its DALI address. This process can be carried out on the production line without the need to feed the LED drivers to the electrical network, reducing the effort required to protect workers from operating with said voltage and increasing their safety.

nfc programming

Figure 2. NFC programming of LED drivers – General description of the system.

The NFC programming system shown in figure 2 consists of an NFC reader (NFC Reader) and an NFC tag (NFC tag) integrated into the LED driver. The NFC reader is a hardware device that allows the exchange of information with an NFC tag. Said tag is made up of a small antenna and an integrated circuit that is used to store information which can be read and, sometimes, written by an NFC reader. The NFC tag is a passive device that is activated through the energy of the electromagnetic field generated by the NFC reader. Contrary to what the term seems to indicate, an NFC reader is capable of both reading and writing an NFC tag.

In an NFC programming system, the NFC reader is generally connected to a PC from which it receives instructions through a specific program installed on it. Subsequently, the NFC reader wirelessly transfers the programming data to the NFC tag integrated in the LED driver.

The aforementioned combination (PC + software + NFC reader) can also be replaced by a Smartphone with an NFC configuration app. Therefore, we can conclude that NFC programming can be done both through dedicated NFC readers, as well as through a simple Smartphone.

Within dedicated NFC readers there are a wide variety of options available. On the market we can find desktop, pistol-type and even portable (completely wireless) models. On the other hand, there are also other types of long-range NFC readers that allow us to simultaneously program several drivers without even needing to remove them from their packaging.

nfc programming methods

Figure 3. NFC programming methods using dedicated NFC reader (top-left) and Smartphone (top-right). Types of conventional (bottom-left) and long-range (bottom-right) NFC readers.

NFC technology has a series of characteristics that are causing a complete transformation of processes within the lighting sector:

  • Speed: It is possible to configure the luminaires much faster without having to deal with complex and slow wired systems that require the drivers to be fed into the electrical network.
  • Safety: As we have already mentioned, through this technology it is possible to configure the luminaires without the need for them to be connected to the electrical network. This means that we can safely program the parameters at any time, for example when we are working with a public lighting luminaire while the disconnector is open.
  • Flexibility: It allows reconfiguring the operating conditions of the components both before and after installation in the luminaire. This means that a customer/integrator can easily modify the parameters of a luminaire (such as power or luminosity) if the conditions of the installation change. It also makes it possible for a customer or dealer to read the settings of a defective device (even if it is unable to power on) and record those settings identically to a new device to replace it, using only their mobile phone.
  • Cost reduction: This technology allows us a significant reduction of references in our inventory, as well as greatly simplifying the analysis of failures in the field or, even, during the after-sales technical service. For example, it would be possible to analyze the operating conditions of defective equipment returned by a client to check if the working conditions were correct or if some abnormal situation had occurred (overvoltages, short circuits, excess temperature...) that would invalidate the guarantee, even even if we could not power the equipment due to the failure produced.

NFC technology, with its ability to simplify and speed up programming operations, is revolutionizing processes within the world of lighting. At OLFER Electronics we have a wide variety of compatible devices and tools with this disruptive technology, which significantly improves field operations by eliminating the need for electrical power, making them safer and easier. Some examples of these products are the constant voltage sources of the CVPD2 (INFINITUM POWER) series or the LED drivers for outdoor applications of the APD series, which allow their configuration in the last stages of the manufacturing process, even directly in the installation. , and provide extraordinary support for fault diagnosis and analysis. Without a doubt, this type of technology considerably facilitates the operations of manufacturers and is leading lighting to what seems to be an increasingly connected and wireless future.