INSIDE’s microread® Addresses the Requirements Needed to Bring NFC Technology to Consumer Electronic Devices on a Mass-Market Scale

AIX EN PROVENCE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--INSIDE Contactless, a world leader for contactless semiconductor chips, today announced microread®, the world’s most advanced single integrated circuit for sending and receiving Near Field Communication (NFC) data between two electronic devices. microread® establishes secure connections between devices, and helps to facilitate mobile payments, transport ticketing, access control, and numerous other transactions from mobile phones or PDAs.

“It is the first NFC chip that provides the foundation needed by handset manufacturers and mobile operators to begin incorporating NFC applications into their offerings on a mass-market scale.”

microread®-enabled mobile devices are able to complete transactions with other mobile phones, or with millions of contactless reader terminals already installed worldwide. microread® supports all of the NFC standard which enables it to behave as both a reader and a card, in order to execute secure contactless transactions. Furthermore, it enables RFID transactions commonly used for Access control applications.

The microread® integrated circuits are targeted to Mobile operators, Bluetooth & WLAN technology providers, PC manufacturers for Hot-Synch applications, and contactless POS manufacturers. The chip supports all RF protocols, providing straightforward integration on a global scale. microread’s SIM-friendly architecture makes it easy for mobile operators to control the deployment of NFC applications – which is a critical step in deriving revenue from this revolutionary technology.

“microread® is the industry’s most advanced NFC chip because of its SIM-friendly architecture, its compliance with all RF standards , its 'battery off' capability, and optimized silicon design which provides the best balance between Distance, Speed & Consumption,” said Philippe Martineau, Executive Vice President of INSIDE Contactless’ NFC Business Line. “It is the first NFC chip that provides the foundation needed by handset manufacturers and mobile operators to begin incorporating NFC applications into their offerings on a mass-market scale.”

Single Wire Protocol (SWP) is a protocol compatible with the high speed protocol thanks to its one wire connection onto the SIM card. Today it is the only and ideal solution for low end SIM cards.

microread®’s “battery off” mode supports both NFC and SIM power supplies from the antenna, which enables consumers to make purchases or access transport applications by leveraging the power field of the reader device. This ensures that contactless transactions can be made even when the battery of a mobile phone runs out.

Today, microread® is already integrated into a Sagem phone for France’s First EMV Contactless Mobile Commerce Pilot. Groupe Crédit Mutuel, CIC and NRJ Mobile customers will participate in the pilot with the help of the specially designed mobile phone from Sagem Communication. The phone is powered by MasterCard® PayPass™ contactless technology, supported by an EMV¹ capable SIM card from Gemalto, and a contactless reader from Sagem Monetel. The trial is the realization of the innovative and commercial expertise and approach of all seven consortium members. microread’s technology will also be integrated into several other NFC pilot throughout the world.

About microread®:

microread® is an innovative, next-generation RF single silicon chip that uses Near Field Communication (NFC) for proximity data transactions. Incorporated into cell phones, PDAs or PCs, it enables them to operate like RF readers AND contactless smart cards or RF tags. microread® is fully compliant with NFC’s specifications and includes all options of NFC. It incorporates a battery off mode that enables a transaction to occur despite the fact that the phone’s battery is off as it is a self powered chip.

About INSIDE Contactless:

Headquartered in France with a global presence in China, Singapore, Poland and the USA, INSIDE Contactless is a leading fabless semiconductor provider, delivering the most flexible, innovative, cost-effective, and trusted platform for contactless applications including bank card payments and Near Field Communications (NFC). INSIDE is involved in numerous industry initiatives, including the NFC Forum, which is driving the standardization of NFC; as well as the IN-CLUB Limited, which is a non-profit association that brings together companies in the Payment, ID, Mass Transit and Mobile application markets, to collaborate on contactless applications and initiatives. For more information on INSIDE, please visit: www.insidecontactless.com

¹ Europay, MasterCard, Visa