TDK Corporation introduces the IFQ06 magnetic sheet, offering high permeability (μ’) and low magnetic loss (μ”). This new magnetic sheet from the Flexield family of magnetic shielding materials was designed for near-field communications (NFC) applications. Moreover, IFQ06 provides highly effective protection against performance-reducing design features that can complicate NFC designs, such as metal objects directly behind the antenna.

The evolution of ever smaller and more multifunctional electronic devices heightens difficulty to keep advanced functionalities from interfering with each other. Accordingly, NFC communication uses electromagnetic induction. With this, the antenna receiving a carrier wave from a reader/writer allows the on-board IC chip to perform signal processing.

In particular, metal objects absorb or disturb the magnetic flux lines of the generated H field. This creates eddy currents that reduce effective range. Moreover, these disturbances shift the inductance value and self-resonance frequency, reducing performance because of tuning issues between the two antennas. In some cases, the metal close to the antenna will carry an induced current that produces a countering magnetic field; thus, shortening the communication distance and making communication impossible.

By placing the newly released IFQ06 Series material between the antenna coil and any metal surface, the magnetic flux is confined within the magnetic shield that is generated by the reader/writer. As a result, the generation of induced current on the metal surface is eliminated and up to 13.56MHz communication conditions can be maintained.

Magnetic Sheet Features

Additionally, the IFQ06 Series shapes or directs the magnetic H field. It influences the quality factor (Q) of the inductive antenna and increases the coupling factor (K) between the two antennas. Also, the magnetic sheet helps set the inductance value (Ls) for resonant tuning and completes the magnetic field path. Overall, it improves security by encapsulating the magnetic field and its respective information.

TDK’s IFQ06 flexible magnetic sheet materials are available in roll or sheet materials ideal for prototyping, lower volumes or where large areas need to be covered; and custom cut parts to exactly match design requirements for higher volume or automated assembly options.

This highly flexible magnetic material facilitates easy forming to desired sizes and shapes. It is available in multiple standard thicknesses: 0.050mm, 0.100mm, and 0.200mm. Also, additional thicknesses of 0.065mm and 0.075mm are available upon request. This thin film offers high permeability at µ’: 56; low magnetic loss at µ”: ~ 2; and good Q (µ’/µ”: 28) at 13.56MHz. Additionally, it exhibits high surface resistivity of >10MΩ allowing for direct contact to metal antennas. It is available with an optional high temperature resin [IFQ06S] that supports applications up to +125°C.