NFC Circuit Segmentation for Secure Host Card Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-field communication (NFC) systems in devices with small form factors, such as wearables, are unable to support host card emulation (HCE) applications due to high power consumption and lack of data security features, limiting their functionality for applications like 'Android Pay'.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost NFC hardware architecture that uses a booster chip instead of a conventional NFC controller, reducing power consumption and complexity, with the secure element handling firmware and data security, enabling HCE applications while minimizing additional components and enhancing data protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional NFC controller is used in small form factor devices, then data security and HCE functionality are supported, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC system is segmented into two distinct circuits: a secure element circuit that handles security-related applications and data protection, and a host controller circuit that handles non-security applications including HCE. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently, with the host controller consuming less power since it doesn't need to maintain security functions continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
Security functions are extracted from the host controller and placed into a separate secure element circuit. This extraction allows the host controller to operate with lower power consumption while the secure element maintains security protocols independently, resolving the contradiction between security requirements and power consumption in small form factor devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional NFC controller is used in small form factor devices, then HCE applications are supported, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC controller functionality is segmented between the secure element circuit and the host controller circuit. The host controller can independently perform HCE applications through its interface with the antenna circuit, while the secure element handles security protocols. This segmentation enables HCE functionality without requiring a full-featured NFC controller, reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The host controller circuit is designed to perform multiple functions including HCE applications, general control operations, and communication with the antenna circuit. This multi-functionality allows the system to support HCE without requiring dedicated specialized circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Speed
If signal boosting is implemented in small form factor devices, then communication range is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal boosting function is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The host controller circuit enables signal boosting only when communication is required, allowing the system to maintain adequate signal strength for NFC operations while minimizing power consumption during standby or non-communication periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for performing a near-field communication having a contactless circuit which is configured for the contactless exchange of data signals with an external contactless reading device, a security circuit which has a memory in which application identifiers are stored and which is configured to execute security-related applications, and a control circuit which is configured to execute non-security-related applications, wherein the contactless circuit, the security circuit and the control circuit are coupled with one another in such a way and, using at least one of the application identifiers, are configured in such a way that the data signals are supplied from the contactless circuit to the control circuit and vice versa exclusively by means of the security circuit. The security circuit can furthermore store bonding and authentication keys for applications in the control circuit in order to set up a secure data exchange channel for these applications.