NXP unveils PN544 NFC Controller Chip

NXP has unveiled the PN544, a new generation of Near Field Communication (NFC) controller chip which compliant with latest ETSI NFC specifications. NXP PN544 is primarily targeted to mobile phone manufacturers and operators to introduce next gen NFC devices and services. PN544 NFC controller enable cellphone users to access a new range of contactless applications such as mobile payments and paperless ticketing. PN544 also enable data sharing directly from the cellphone SIM (Subscriber Identity Module).

NXP PN544 NFC Controller Application: Mobile Payment

Responding to the announcement of NXP PN544 Near Field Communication controller chip, Jonathan Collins from ABI Research said:

Standardized SIM-based NFC chipsets provide a solid foundation for NFC adoption. They provide handset manufacturers, mobile operators, banks, transport operations and a host of other players, with a platform for their NFC developments… Standardization will also help other organizations align their businesses to support mobile contact-less services – stimulating the market further.

Based in this new NFC controller, NXP offeres a contacless identification solution which is fully compliant with NFC specifications on the Single Wire Protocol (SWP) connection with the SIM and the Host Controller Interface (HCI). According the press release from NXP, the new PN544 NFC controller is fully backwards compatible and interoperable with existing contact-less infrastructure for payments and ticketing, already in place across the world.

PN544 NFC controller supports 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.

Other key benefits of the PN544 NFC controller include:

• Shorter integration time due to qualified design-in support from NXP
• MIFARE 1K/4K Reader/writer functionality enabled in host baseband
• Optionally available with an modular, generic and platform independent software stack
• Optimized antenna designs for best-in-class RF performance
• Low power consumption
• Working in Battery off and Battery Low modes
• Small footprint

NXP worked closely with leading SIM card manufacturers such as Oberthur Technologies, Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient to ensure interface interoperability. On February this year, NXP announced the completion of interoperability tests between PN544 NFC controller and Oberthur’s Opera FlyBuy NFC SIM Cards. Opera FlyBuy NFC SIM Cards from Oberthur Technologies can be used in conjunction with NXP’s PN544 to design NFC mobile devices compatible with MIFARE Classic technology in existing infrastructures.

NXP PN544 NFC controller chip is currently being sampled. Mass product of this chip, along with the first commercially NFC-enabled cellphone are expected to be available in Q3 this year.

Reference:

• Press release: NXP Propels NFC with World’s First Industry Standard Chip (_http://www.nxp.com/news/content/file_1558.html)
• Press release: Oberthur Technologies and NXP move ahead with NFC deployment Compatible with MIFARE infrastructures (_http://www.nxp.com/news/content/file_1531.html)
• NXP PN544 new controllerfor easy NFC integration(_http://www.smartcardstrends.com/det_atc.php?idu=9393&main=31d32eeeb60a17f8c0bbaff6e32bd0b4)