Host Card Emulation NFC System with Secure Module Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NFC communication systems face hardware limitations due to single wire protocol (SWP) and security risks associated with software emulation in host card emulation (HCE) technology, particularly in processing NFC signals and storing transaction-related keys.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising an HCE application module and a security module that enables software-based NFC signal processing, secure storage, and two-way transmission, with an application ID routing table and secure transmission channels to prevent hardware limitations and security risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SWP-based physical circuit is used to guide NFC signals to security module, then hardware connection is established, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switch component as an intermediary between the NFC controller and multiple security modules. This switch enables flexible routing of NFC signals to different security modules (SIM card, microSD card, or embedded security module) without requiring physical wire connections to each module, thereby maintaining reliable signal transmission while significantly improving ease of operation.
2Productivity
If HCE software emulation is used for NFC transactions, then deployment speed increases, but security risk increases due to lack of secure storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the NFC system into two distinct functional components: the HCE application module for fast deployment and signal processing, and the security module for secure key storage and cryptographic operations. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the speed advantages of software emulation while maintaining the security benefits of hardware-based secure storage through the separate security module.
3Reliability
If SWP-based architecture is used for NFC, then hardware connection is established, but adaptability deteriorates due to hardware limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic routing mechanism where the switch component can be controlled to connect the NFC controller to different security modules based on runtime conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different NFC transaction scenarios and security module configurations without being constrained by fixed hardware connections, thereby significantly improving adaptability while maintaining transmission stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes an HCE application module and a security module. The HCE application module can carry out NFC and transmit an NFC signal in software format. The security module can provide a secure storage for storing at least one NFC applet, receive the NFC signal from the HCE application module, and carry out a process corresponding to the NFC signal. A communication method includes the steps of activating the HCE application module; enabling connection between the HCE application module and the security module; waiting for an NFC signal from an NFC reader; receiving the signal; processing and transmitting the signal to the security module; storing at least one transaction-related key and transaction-related data of the NFC signal and executing a process corresponding to the signal by the security module; and transmitting a responsive signal to the NFC reader.