xNT Chip Specifications

• 13.56MHz ISO14443A & NFC Type 2 compliant NTAG216 RFID chipset
• Full datasheet for the NXP NTAG216 RFID/NFC chip
• 7 byte UID and 886 bytes of user read/write memory
• 10 year data retention. Rated for 100k writes per memory block.
• Encased in 2.1mm by 12mm bioglass with non-toxic epoxy
• Pre-tested and pre-loaded into sterile injection assembly
• No “anti-migration” coating means easy removal/replacement

xEM Chip Specifications

• 125kHz EM41xx/EM4200/HID/Indala compatible ATA5577 RFID chipset
• Full datasheet for the Atmel ATA5577 chip
• Pre-programmed in EM41xx mode with a 40 bit unique ID
• Encased in 2.1mm by 12mm bioglass with non-toxic epoxy
• Pre-tested and pre-loaded into sterile injection assembly
• No “anti-migration” coating means easy removal / replacement

Passive RFID and NFC chips are magnetically coupled devices that power themselves and communicate data over a shared magnetic field the reader generates. This means their effective read range and performance depends entirely on how well the antenna coils of both the tag and reader couple with each other. This typically means the shape, size, and orientation of both antennas must be complimentary.Unfortunately, most reader devices, including mobile phones, typically have antennas designed with thin PCB traces made into blocky rectangular shapes that lay along a flat plane. These antenna designs are great for coupling with and reading large flat labels and access cards which also share this antenna shape, but they have a hard time coupling to the very small cylindrical antenna coil inside our x-series chips. Most mobile phones and reader devices have a “sweet spot” or two that must be located and used each time to get consistent results. Other devices, such as the Samsung Ezon electronic deadbolt lock, sometimes use wire wound coil antenna loops inside, which work much more reliably with small glass transponders like our x-series chips. You should not expect your USB reader or mobile device to achieve the same read range with our x-series chips that you normally get with a label tag or card style tag. Here are some example videos detailing typical read performance and how to find that “sweet spot”.

The X Field Detector can help! The XFD is a diagnostic device that mimics the x-series antenna coil winding and shows you the best possible location and rotation/orientation for holding your x-series transponder up to any reader. That’s why we include it in our deluxe bundle!

Our x-series transponders are typically installed into the webbing between the metacarpal bones of the index finger and thumb, resting parallel to the index metacarpal. The reason they are installed in the hand has to do with the extremely short read range of x-series chips and the typical use case being some form of access control where the tag must be presented to a fixed reader of some kind. The suggested placement within the hand was chosen due to the lack of major nerve bundles or blood vessels running through that area.

Achieving a safe installation definitely requires a steady hand and experience performing aseptic procedures. Dangerous Things prefers our customers locate one of our professional body piercing or body modification partners to complete the installation of this product. If no partners are available in your area, you should be able to follow this guide to finding a professional in your area who is willing to assist you. For aftercare information and what to expect, please read our X-Series FAQ page.