NFC Controller Routing High-Bandwidth Data to Secure Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication link between a device host and a secure element in NFC systems, such as the SWP link, is limited in bandwidth, which is insufficient for high-bandwidth data transfer applications like fingerprint identification, requiring a solution to enhance data exchange capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize additional communication links with higher bandwidths than the standard RF communication link, specifically routing information through an NFC controller, which includes separate communication links between the NFC controller and the device host and secure element, allowing for higher bit-rate data transfer, using protocols like SPI, I2C, UART, or USB, and incorporating the NFC Controller Interface (NCI) and Host Controller Interface (HCI) protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the standard SWP link is used for communication between device host and secure element, then compatibility with existing NFC standards is maintained, but bandwidth is limited and insufficient for high-data-transfer applications
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into multiple independent links: the original SWP link (link 3) is preserved for standard NFC communication, while additional high-bandwidth links (links 1 and 2) are introduced specifically for high-data-transfer applications. This segmentation allows the system to maintain backward compatibility while adding enhanced capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds another dimension to the communication architecture by introducing parallel communication paths. Instead of relying on a single SWP link, the system establishes multiple communication links (SPI, I2C, UART, or USB) that operate alongside the original link, effectively increasing the dimensional capacity for data transfer.
2Productivity
If additional high-bandwidth communication links are added between NFC controller and secure element, then data transfer rate is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which communication link to use based on the specific application requirements. For standard NFC operations, the original SWP link is used. For high-bandwidth applications like fingerprint transfer, the system activates the appropriate high-speed link (SPI, I2C, UART, or USB). This dynamic approach allows high productivity when needed while maintaining simplicity for常规 operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC controller acts as an intermediary that manages multiple communication links. It receives data from the device host through high-bandwidth links and routes it appropriately, or forwards data from the secure element through the SWP link to the antenna. This intermediary role allows the system to handle complex multi-link communication while presenting a simplified interface to external components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for managing information communication between a NFC controller (NCC) coupled to an antenna (ANT1) for a contactless communication with an object (RDR), to a device host (DH) and to at least one secure element (SE), comprising routing all said information through said NFC controller, communicating first information (INF1) to be communicated between said at least one secure element and said device host through a first communication link (LK1) between said NFC controller (NCC) and said device host (DH) and through a second communication link (LK2) between said NFC controller (NCC) and said at least one secure element (SE), communicating second information (INF2) coming from and/or intended to said antenna through a third communication link (LK3) between said NFC controller (NCC) and said at least one secure element (SE), said first (LK1) and second (LK2) communication links having bandwidths greater than the bandwidth of said third communication link (LK3).