Overview
ISO/IEC 19369:2014 defines test methods for verifying NFCIP-2 mode selection and initial communication between Near Field Communication (NFC) devices. Published by ISO/IEC and adopted from Ecma (ECMA-403), this standard specifies how to test that an Implementation Under Test (IUT) correctly detects external RF fields, selects and switches operating modes (PICC, PCD, VCD, NFC Initiator/Target), and performs the required initial exchange for the selected mode. The Test Management Service Data Units (TM‑SDUs) and the interface over which they are exchanged are explicitly out of scope.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Test scope and conformance: Conformance requires passing the tests defined in Clause 6 using the test environment and apparatus in Clause 5.
- Test architecture: Uses the ISO/IEC 9646 conformance-testing model and an apparatus composed of an Upper Tester (UT), Lower Tester (LT) and the IUT.
- Major test types:
- External RF field detection - verify IUT does not unintentionally switch on its RF field.
- Mode selection and switching - verify correct selection and switching among PICC, PCD, VCD, and NFC (Initiator/Target) modes.
- PICC/PCD/VCD functional tests - use referenced test methods (ISO/IEC 10373‑6 and 10373‑7) to validate proximity, contactless, and vicinity behaviors.
- NFC Initial exchange - validate ATR_REQ/ATR_RES and Initiator protocols per ISO/IEC 18092 and the timing constraints (e.g., 1 ms reaction window noted for Type A/B alternation).
- Out-of-scope items: TM‑SDUs and the UT–IUT SDU interface are not covered by this standard.
Applications and Who Uses It
ISO/IEC 19369:2014 is intended for:
- NFC device manufacturers and chipset vendors validating mode-selection and initial RF behaviour.
- Conformance and interoperability test laboratories performing formal testing for product certification.
- Standards engineers and QA teams ensuring implementations meet ISO/IEC 21481 (NFCIP-2) initial communication requirements.
- Certification bodies and integrators requiring documented test methods for compliance evidence.
Practical benefits include ensuring interoperable NFC handshakes, predictable mode switching, reliable RF behaviour in mixed Type A/Type B environments, and a repeatable test platform for certification.
Related Standards
Keywords: ISO/IEC 19369:2014, NFCIP-2 test methods, NFC testing, mode selection, RF field detection, NFC conformance, IUT, UT, LT, ISO/IEC 21481.