New NFC Forum Analog Specification Clears the Path to Device Interoperability

Specification Represents Milestone in Global Commercialization of NFC

WAKEFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The NFC Forum, a non-profit industry association that advances the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, has approved and adopted the NFC Analog technical specification, which is available now to the public for download at no charge. This new specification is a major step forward in the NFC Forum’s goal of global interoperability because it makes it easier for device manufacturers to build NFC Forum-compliant devices. It addresses the analog characteristics of the RF interface of an NFC-enabled device, and it is intended for use by manufacturers wanting to implement such devices.

“With the new NFC Analog specification we offer the industry a solution that will lead to improved global interoperability between NFC devices”

The NFC Analog specification is focused on the analog characteristics of the RF interface of an NFC-enabled device. It characterizes and specifies the externally observable radio signals for an NFC-enabled device, without specifying the design of its antenna. This includes power requirements (determining operating volume), transmission requirements, receiver requirements, and signal forms (time/frequency/modulation characteristics). In doing so, it provides a common interface to the NFC chip, thereby giving manufacturers greater flexibility to use NFC chips from different suppliers without putting device interoperability at greater risk.

The NFC Analog specification brings the total of NFC published specifications to 17, with one additional candidate specification at this time. The new specification has been adopted in final form after a validation period and subsequent votes by NFC Forum membership and Board. Access to all NFC Forum specifications is found on the Forum's website.

"With the new NFC Analog specification we offer the industry a solution that will lead to improved global interoperability between NFC devices," said Koichi Tagawa, NFC Forum Chairman, "and because it also streamlines testing and certification, it will accelerate the introduction of NFC-enabled devices into the market. We greatly appreciate the efforts of all our members who worked to deliver this milestone specification."

The scope of the specification covers the analog interface of the NFC Forum Device in its four roles (Peer Mode Initiator, Peer Mode Target, Reader/Writer Mode and Card Emulation Mode) for all three technologies (NFC-A, NFC-B, and NFC-F) and for all the different bit rates (106 kbps, 212 kbps, and 424 kbps). The document specifies the RF characteristics in such a way that interoperability issues arising from the radio link are minimized, providing a basis for testing and approvals that draws upon the experience of related work.

About Near Field Communication Technology

NFC technology makes life easier and more convenient for consumers around the world by making it simpler to make transactions, exchange digital content, and connect electronic devices with a touch.

A standards-based connectivity technology, NFC harmonizes today's diverse contactless technologies, enabling current and future solutions in areas such as access control, consumer electronics, healthcare, information collection and exchange, loyalty and coupons, payments, and transport.

NFC technology is supported by the world’s leading communication device manufacturers, semiconductor producers, network operators, IT and services companies, and financial services organizations. NFC is compatible with hundreds of millions of contactless cards and readers already deployed worldwide.

About the NFC Forum

The NFC Forum (http://www.nfc-forum.org) was launched as a non-profit industry association in 2004 by leading mobile communications, semiconductor, and consumer electronics companies. The Forum’s mission is to advance the use of Near Field Communication technology by developing specifications, ensuring interoperability among devices and services, and educating the market about NFC technology. The Forum’s 170+ global member companies currently are developing specifications for a modular NFC device architecture, and protocols for interoperable data exchange and device-independent service delivery, device discovery, and device capability.

The NFC Forum’s Sponsor members, which hold seats on the Board of Directors, include leading players in key industries around the world. The Sponsor members are: Barclaycard, Broadcom Corporation, INSIDE Secure, Intel, MasterCard Worldwide, NEC, Nokia, NTT DOCOMO, Inc., NXP Semiconductors, Renesas Electronics Corporation, Samsung, Sony Corporation, STMicroelectronics, and Visa Inc.