NXP (distributed in Australia Avnet) has unveiled what it claims is the “world’s first truly industry standard” Near Field Communication (NFC) controller, delivering a platform for handset manufacturers and operators to introduce NFC devices and services.
The new NXP PN544 chip is based on the latest NFC specifications by the European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI). It will enable mobile phone users to access a new range of contactless applications such as mobile payments, transport and event ticketing as well as data sharing directly from the mobile phone SIM for improved on-the-go experience.
“Standardised SIM-based NFC chipsets provide a solid foundation for NFC adoption,” says Jonathan Collins, principal analyst, short range wireless at ABI Research. “They provide handset manufacturers, mobile operators, banks, transport operations and a host of other players, with a platform for their NFC developments. Standardisation will also help other organisations align their businesses to support mobile contactless services — stimulating the market further.”
To meet the needs of the differing handset manufacturers, the PN544 has been designed to support the three main architectures which are used to secure NFC transactions, including the Secure Element within the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC), within the SD card and within the mobile handset.
The company co-invented NFC jointly with Sony in 2002 and co-founded the NFC Forum in 2004.
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