NFC IC Gateway for Secure Mobile Host Processor Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Near Field Communication (NFC) devices in mobile phones face challenges in efficiently managing communication paths between processing units and external devices, particularly due to the need for direct access and synchronization across multiple interfaces, which can lead to conflicts and transaction failures.
Innovation Solution
A near field communication device with a control unit acting as a gateway, utilizing a single wire protocol and NFC IC to establish communication, allowing for secure and synchronized data exchange between processing units and external devices without direct coupling, thereby avoiding conflicts and simplifying access through a single interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct access and multiple interfaces are used for communication between processing unit and external device, then communication flexibility is improved, but conflict and transaction failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves as an intermediary component between the processing unit and external devices. It manages all communication paths, including direct NFC connections and indirect connections through other interfaces. The control unit coordinates access requests, ensuring that only one interface is active at a time, thereby preventing conflicts while maintaining multiple communication options available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are provided for communication, then communication path options increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple communication interfaces into a single control unit. While multiple physical interfaces (NFC, contactless, contact-based) are maintained for versatility, their control and coordination are consolidated in one unit that selectively activates only the necessary interface for each transaction, effectively reducing the operational complexity despite maintaining multiple path options.
3Productivity
If direct coupling between processing unit and external device is established, then communication efficiency is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as a security intermediary between the processing unit and external devices. Even when direct NFC coupling is established for efficient communication, the control unit monitors and manages the interaction, ensuring that security protocols are followed and that the processing unit is protected from unauthorized access or malicious operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A near field communication (NFC) device for providing a communication path between a processing unit of the device and an external device is disclosed. A mobile device is also disclosed. An NFC integrated circuit (IC) is also disclosed. In an embodiment, an NFC IC includes a mobile host processor interface for communicating with a mobile host processor, a wireless interface for communicating with at least one of a contactless card and an external radio frequency (RF) reader, and a single wire protocol (SWP) interface for communicating with a secure element. In an embodiment, the NFC IC is configured to enable communications between the secure element and the mobile host processor by providing a channel for exchange of ISO 7816 commands between the mobile host processor and the secure element, wherein the ISO 7816 commands are carried over the SWP interface and the mobile host processor interface.