New system enables nfc on all mobile phones

Developed in cooperation with Infineon Technologies, the system has been designed to speed up the deployment and the acceptance of standalone nfc solutions based on ultra small form factors such as microSD. Combining an Infineon security contactless microcontroller with austriamicrosystems' AS3922 rfid front end chip, the resulting device supports an antenna booster technology to overcome the lack of reliability of the existing nfc microSD. According to both companies, no other design approach on the market allows for reliable contactless payment fully enclosed within the microSD. Thomas Rosteck, vice president and general manager, Secure Mobile & Transaction at Infineon Technologies, said: "Infineon is continuously innovating to bring nfc to the consumer mass market. With our active nfc solution developed together with austriamicrosystems, we extend our comprehensive portfolio helping the business models of the mobile payment stakeholders and we enable the introduction of new secure nfc services to the consumer." Kambiz Dawoodi, senior vp and gm for the Consumer & Communications Business Unit of austiamicrosystems, added: "Partnering with Infineon enabled us to leverage their wealth of experience within the payment industry as well as their expertise as a market leader for secure microcontrollers. Both companies bring a lot of complementary IP to the overall design platform, resulting in a truly unique solution for the market." The AS3922 is currently being demonstrated at the CARTES & Identification 2011 exhibition in Paris until November 17th.