Available from the NFC Forum website, the specifications deliver new capabilities that support improved RF communication, device identification, greater security in peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging, and new RF Interface extensions for optimized and scalable P2P and memory tag communications.

These specifications are being released as the momentum for Near Field Communication continues to build. According to Strategy Analytics, there are currently over one billion NFC-enabled devices in the global marketplace with two billion expected to ship by the end of next year.

New and updated specifications:

RTD Device Information 1.0 is a new specification that defines the Device Information record type, which conveys fundamental device model and identification information. The purpose of the Device Information record is to convey host information in a record format that can be used across different carrier types or service types.
NFC Analog Technical Specification Version 1.1 addresses the analog characteristics of the RF interface of the NFC Forum Device. This new version incorporates technical changes related to the influence of the Listening Device on the Operating Field.

New candidate specifications:

NFC Logical Link Control Protocol (LLCP) Candidate Technical Specification Version 1.3 defines a protocol to support P2P communication between two NFC-enabled devices, which is essential for any NFC applications that involve bi-directional communications. Candidate Version 1.3 of the LLCP specification adds an unauthenticated secure data transport option to ensure privacy and confidentiality of messages exchanged between peer devices.
NFC Controller Interface (NCI) Candidate Technical Specification Version 2.0 defines a standard interface within an NFC device between an NFC controller and the device's main application processor. NCI 2.0 introduces the concept of RF Interface Extensions to optimize for developers the data exchange for P2P and memory tag communications. The Listen Mode Routing mechanism has been extended to provide more flexibility for NFC devices with multiple secure elements. The new version also includes the option for NFC controllers to emulate NFC Forum tags autonomously, as well as a high-level RF interface to communicate with NFC Forum tags. NCI 2.0 supports Active Communication Mode (ACM) for P2P communication and Type V technology, allowing NFC devices to communicate with a broader range of devices and tags.

"With the release of these specifications, the NFC Forum's Technical Working Groups have delivered capabilities that make NFC communications more robust, flexible, information-rich, and secure," said Koichi Tagawa, chairman of the NFC Forum. "The specifications also help to ensure a great user experience across the broadest range of use cases. We thank our Working Groups and Technical Committee for their outstanding work."

Candidate specifications remain candidates for final release pending feedback from NFC Forum members and other standards organizations. By releasing candidate specifications, the NFC Forum enables organizations in the NFC ecosystem to begin integrating them into their own work. This gives both NFC Forum members and other standards organizations an opportunity to accelerate their development and provide valuable feedback that can be incorporated into the final specifications. Once the feedback has been evaluated and integrated, the specification will be officially adopted and released by the NFC Forum.