Korean researchers have created a new passive NFC chip that could drastically drop the price of implementing NFC, according to the Institute of Physics (IOP).

Developed by Sunchon National University and Paru Printed Electronics Research Institute, these “rectenna” chips are printed in rolls like newspaper – a method that reduces the price per unit to just one penny. These chips could then be implemented in a number of everyday objects – e.g. price tags, signs, posters, etc. – for next to nothing, enabling NFC smart phone users to interact with a rich environment with just a tap of their handset.

According to IOP, the rectenna is a combination of an antenna and a rectifier, i.e. an AC to DC conversion device. This allows the rectenna to draw its power directly from the 13.56 MHz radio waves given off an NFC phone and send back information through its digital circuits.

“What is great about this technique is that we can also print the digital information onto the rectenna, meaning that everything you need for wireless communication is in one place,” said researcher Gyoujin Cho.

“The application of NFC technology with the smart phone will be limitless in the near future,” he added. “The medical, automotive, military and aerospace industries will benefit greatly.”

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