RFID Tag/Reader question

[KentOverton]

Hi,

I have an application that needs to detect an RFID tag at a range of zero to four inches inside of a metal housing.

The reader, antenna and tag would all be enclosed in the same housing.

I could use a general direction - a place to start looking for such a solution.

[Tomas_Parizek]

Hello KentOverton, 

Are you targeting RFID working at HF or UHF frequencies? 

About the NFC Tag and reader selection, please look at our portfolio under this link: https://www.nxp.com/products/rfid-nfc/nfc-hf:MC_71110

About the use case (metal housing), I would suggest taking a look at our antenna application notes where we describe NFC operation in metal environments e.g. PN7160 antenna design and matching guide -> section 3 Shielding and environment impact. 

Generally, you should keep a distance between the NFC antennas and metal + if the metal is directly behind the antenna, so ferrite shielding is recommended. 

In case of any further assistance with the design or chip selection do not hesitate co contact us. 

BR

Tomas