Microchip Tiny mini on metal NFC Sticker FPC NFC Tag

When a standard NFC sticker is too large for your product, a tiny FPC NFC tag can provide a more flexible solution. This Microchip Tiny Mini NFC Sticker is a compact 13.56 MHz HF RFID/NFC tag designed for applications where installation space is limited.

The tag uses a flexible FPC structure with a double copper antenna and can be supplied in either a standard or anti-metal configuration. Small custom sizes are also available, making it suitable for wearable devices, Bluetooth wristbands, compact electronic products, payment tracking systems, membership management and other applications that require a discreet RFID or NFC component.

With multiple chip options, flexible dimensions and read/write capability, this small NFC tag can be customized according to the product’s available space, operating environment and data requirements.

Key Features of the Tiny FPC NFC Tag

The main advantage of this NFC sticker is its compact construction. Instead of using a conventional large antenna, the FPC design allows the antenna to be integrated into a small footprint.

Key features include:

• 13.56 MHz HF RFID/NFC operation
• Flexible FPC construction
• Double copper antenna
• Standard and anti-metal versions available
• PET surface material
• Waterproof and chemical-resistant material
• Read/write operation
• Multiple ISO14443A chip options
• Compact sizes from approximately 8 mm
• Custom shapes and dimensions available
• Custom logo printing available
• Suitable for installation inside compact electronic products

The standard product range includes square, rectangular and round formats. Custom antenna dimensions can also be discussed for projects with strict internal space limitations.

Specifications

Application

Insert applications for bluetooth wristband pedometer for payment tracking and member management
reading distance 2CM outer case, 1~1.5CM inside wristband case

Our self R&D micro FPC small copper RFID sticker for bluetooth wristband pedometer for payment tracking & member management. This type with double copper antenna, size 18.45*9.8mm special shape, HF 13.56mhz chip.

Kindly find the pic below for FPC stickers and the bluetooth wristband, you will find our FPC sticker is perfect fit in the wristband case. The bluetooth wristband pedometer can track steps, calories, heart rate,cycling data and sleep qualities, IP 67 waterproof and OK for swim etc.

Chip Options

Remark:

MIFARE and MIFARE Classic are trademarks of NXP B.V.

MIFARE DESFire are registered trademarks of NXP B.V. and are used under license.

MIFARE and MIFARE Plus are registered trademarks of NXP B.V. and are used under license.

MIFARE and MIFARE Ultralight are registered trademarks of NXP B.V. and are used under license.

Why Choose an FPC NFC Tag?

A conventional NFC inlay works well when there is sufficient space for the antenna. However, modern electronic products are becoming smaller, thinner and more densely integrated. Components such as batteries, circuit boards, sensors and metal housings can leave very little room for an RFID antenna.

An FPC NFC tag addresses this problem by allowing the antenna to follow a compact or customized shape.

The flexible construction is particularly useful when the tag must be installed inside a curved, narrow or irregular product enclosure. It can also be designed around other internal components when a standard circular or rectangular NFC sticker does not fit.

For product manufacturers, the objective is not simply to make the NFC tag smaller. The antenna must also be designed to achieve reliable communication within the available installation space.

Tiny NFC Tag vs. Standard NFC Sticker

Choosing a smaller NFC tag is not always about reducing the overall product size. In many cases, it is about fitting the antenna into a specific location without interfering with other components.

A standard NFC sticker remains a good option for general-purpose applications. The FPC version becomes more attractive when size, shape or installation conditions are important design requirements.

On-Metal NFC Tag for Metal Surfaces

Metal can interfere with the electromagnetic field generated by an NFC antenna. As a result, a conventional NFC sticker may not perform as expected when it is attached directly to a metal surface or installed close to a metal component.

For these applications, an anti-metal NFC tag can be used.

The anti-metal version is designed for applications where the NFC antenna needs to operate in a metal-related environment. The exact antenna structure and matching should be selected according to the final product, mounting position and required read distance.

For production projects, testing the final tag inside the actual product housing is strongly recommended.

Compact Sizes for Space-Constrained Products

The product can be supplied in a range of compact dimensions, including:

These dimensions are examples rather than a limitation of the product. Custom sizes and shapes can be developed according to project requirements.

Special FPC Design for Bluetooth Wristbands

One application described for this product is a Bluetooth wristband or pedometer.

The special FPC NFC sticker used in this type of application has a compact 18.45 × 9.8 mm shape. Its flexible structure allows the tag to fit inside the wristband enclosure while leaving space for other electronic components.

The application can combine NFC/RFID identification with wearable functions such as step tracking, calorie monitoring, heart-rate monitoring, cycling data and sleep-related functions.

The original application example indicates a read distance of approximately 2 cm through the outer case and approximately 1–1.5 cm when installed inside the wristband case. Actual performance should be validated with the final wristband housing and reader because enclosure materials and antenna positioning can affect NFC communication.

NTAG213 vs. NTAG215 vs. NTAG216

For NFC projects that use the NTAG family, selecting the correct memory capacity can simplify product design.

For a simple NFC URL or identification function, a lower-memory chip may be sufficient. If the application requires larger NDEF records or additional data, a higher-capacity option can be considered.

The smallest possible chip is not always the best choice. Selecting the chip based on actual data requirements can help control product cost while maintaining the required functionality.

NFC Tag Read Distance

The listed read distance for this product is approximately 2–10 cm.

However, NFC read distance should not be treated as a fixed value for every application. It depends on several factors, including:

• NFC chip type
• Antenna dimensions
• Antenna tuning
• Reader or smartphone antenna
• Reader output power
• Installation position
• Product housing
• Nearby metal
• Battery and electronic components
• Orientation between the reader and tag

A very small NFC tag naturally has a smaller antenna area than a larger NFC inlay. Therefore, compact size and maximum read distance often need to be balanced during product development.

If the tag must be installed inside a wearable, electronic device or metal housing, prototype testing is recommended before mass production.

Read and Write NFC Functionality

The FPC NFC tag supports read/write operation when used with a compatible chip and NFC reader/writer.

This makes it possible to use the tag for applications such as:

• Product identification
• Digital product information
• Membership management
• Asset identification
• NFC URL storage
• Device pairing workflows
• Payment-related tracking applications
• Access and authentication systems
• Inventory identification
• Smart wearable products

The exact functionality depends on the selected chip and software system. The NFC tag itself is the data carrier; the application software and reader determine how the stored information is processed.

Applications of Tiny FPC NFC Tags

The compact format makes this type of NFC tag suitable for products where conventional RFID labels are difficult to install.

Wearable Devices

Smart wristbands, fitness trackers and pedometers often have limited internal space. A customized FPC antenna can fit around other electronic components.

Payment and Membership Tracking

Small NFC tags can be integrated into products used for payment tracking, membership identification or customer engagement.

Consumer Electronics

Compact electronic products can use NFC for identification, configuration, authentication or access to digital information.

Smart Product Identification

Manufacturers can integrate an NFC tag into a product and use its unique identification or stored NFC data as part of a digital product system.

Asset Management

Small RFID tags can be useful for identifying compact tools, equipment or components where a large label is impractical.

Embedded RFID Applications

The FPC structure is particularly useful when the RFID tag needs to be integrated inside the product rather than attached visibly to the outside.

Standard NFC Tag vs. Anti-Metal NFC Tag

The correct product depends heavily on the installation environment.

If you are unsure which version is appropriate, provide the product material, available installation area and approximate distance from metal. These details can be used to determine the appropriate antenna configuration.

Custom FPC NFC Tag Manufacturing

A major advantage of an FPC NFC tag is the ability to customize the antenna and physical format for a specific product.

Customization can include:

• Antenna dimensions
• Overall tag dimensions
• Shape
• Chip type
• Anti-metal configuration
• Surface material
• Printing
• Logo
• Packaging
• Application-specific antenna design

For a custom project, the most useful information to provide is the maximum available length and width, product material, installation position, distance to metal, required read distance and preferred NFC chip.

Providing these details at the beginning of the project can reduce unnecessary prototype iterations.

How to Choose the Right Tiny NFC Tag

A simple selection process can help determine the appropriate configuration.

Step 1: Measure the available space

Measure the maximum length, width and thickness available for the NFC tag.

Step 2: Check the surrounding material

Determine whether the tag will be installed on plastic, glass, wood, metal or inside an electronic device.

Step 3: Determine the required read distance

Decide whether the tag only needs to be read when a smartphone is placed close to the product or whether a longer reading distance is required.

Step 4: Select the chip

Choose the chip according to memory, security and application requirements.

Step 5: Select standard or anti-metal construction

If metal is directly underneath or close to the antenna, an anti-metal configuration should be considered.

Step 6: Test the complete assembly

The final test should be performed with the actual product enclosure, battery, PCB and reader. This provides a much more reliable indication of real-world performance than testing the NFC tag by itself.

Why Use a Tiny NFC Sticker Instead of a Large RFID Label?

Large RFID labels are convenient for many logistics and identification applications, but they may not be suitable for small consumer products.

A tiny FPC NFC sticker can provide several advantages:

• Smaller installation footprint
• Flexible antenna geometry
• Better integration into compact products
• Available anti-metal configuration
• Multiple chip choices
• Custom dimensions
• Discreet product integration
• Suitable for wearable electronics

The main trade-off is that reducing antenna size can reduce communication performance compared with a larger antenna. For this reason, the smallest possible tag should be selected only after considering the required reading distance and installation environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What frequency does this NFC tag use?

The tag uses the HF 13.56 MHz frequency commonly used for NFC and high-frequency RFID applications.

Is this NFC sticker suitable for metal?

An anti-metal version is available. If the tag will be mounted directly on metal or installed very close to metal, the anti-metal configuration should be considered.

What is the smallest available size?

The listed product sizes include an 8.7 × 8.7 mm format and a 9 mm round version. Custom sizes and shapes are also available.

Can the NFC tag be customized?

Yes. Size, shape, chip configuration, antenna design and printing can be customized according to the application.

Can it be used inside a wearable device?

Yes. The product is specifically described for compact wearable applications such as Bluetooth wristbands and pedometers. The final antenna design should be tested inside the actual enclosure.

Can I use NTAG213, NTAG215 or NTAG216?

Yes. NTAG213, NTAG215 and NTAG216 are among the listed chip options. The correct choice depends mainly on memory and application requirements.

Is the NFC tag read-only?

The product supports read/write operation. Actual read/write functions depend on the selected NFC chip and application system.

What affects NFC reading distance?

Antenna size, chip selection, reader power, reader antenna, installation position, product housing, metal and the orientation between the reader and NFC tag can all affect read performance.

Tiny NFC Tag for Your Next Product

If your product requires a very small RFID or NFC component, the Microchip Tiny Mini FPC NFC Sticker provides a flexible starting point for compact product integration.

The combination of a double copper antenna, flexible FPC construction, compact dimensions and multiple 13.56 MHz chip options makes the tag suitable for wearable devices, electronic products, membership systems, product identification and other space-constrained applications.

For applications involving metal, an anti-metal configuration can be considered. For applications with strict dimensional requirements, the antenna and tag shape can be customized to fit the available installation area.

Before mass production, we recommend testing the selected NFC tag in the final product environment. This is especially important for small tags, wearable products and applications involving metal or other electronic components.

To request a quotation or discuss a custom tiny NFC tag, provide the required tag size, chip type, application, installation material and expected reading distance. This information will help determine the most appropriate FPC NFC tag configuration for your project. Welcome to contact us.