NFC System Single Front End Multiple Secure Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NFC systems are limited by the need for multiple contactless front ends for each secure element, leading to complexity and resource inefficiency in accessing multiple secure elements for secure transactions and applications.
Innovation Solution
An NFC system with a contactless front end and multiple secure element interfaces, controlled by a processing unit, which sends an initialization command to all secure elements upon exposure to an NFC reader, allowing simultaneous initialization and efficient access to multiple secure elements with a single front end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple NFC contactless front ends are used to access multiple secure elements, then access speed and reliability are improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple secure element interfaces into a single NFC contactless front end. The processing unit coordinates access to multiple secure elements (SE1, SE2, etc.) through one unified front end, eliminating the need for separate front ends for each secure element while maintaining reliable access to all of them.
Solution Approach 2:
The single NFC contactless front end is designed to serve multiple secure elements simultaneously. It functions as a universal interface that can initialize and communicate with any connected secure element through standardized protocols, making the system more flexible and less complex.
2Productivity
If multiple NFC contactless front ends are allocated to each secure element, then access speed is improved, but resource consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit sends initialization commands to all secure elements in advance through the single front end before actual access is needed. This preliminary initialization ensures that when access is required, the secure elements are already ready, maintaining fast access speed without requiring multiple front ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic initialization commands sent through the single front end to maintain readiness of multiple secure elements. Instead of maintaining constant active connections through multiple front ends, the system periodically initializes secure elements as needed, reducing continuous resource consumption while maintaining access capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables fast and efficient access to multiple secure elements without the need for multiple NFC contactless front ends, reducing complexity and resource consumption, while supporting multiple secure elements and applications in a unified framework.
Implementation Method 1
Typical NFC is a short range radio technology based on the inductive coupling of two loop antennae resonating at 13.56 MHz
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a method implemented by an electronic device comprising a near field communication (NFC) system. The system comprises an NFC contactless front end, a plurality of secure element interfaces to which a plurality of secure elements are connected, and a processing unit adapted to control the NFC contactless front end and the plurality of secure elements through the secure element interfaces. The method comprises sending (S10) an initialization command to all the secure elements through the secure element interfaces, upon exposure of the NFC contactless front end to an NFC reader. The method improves the field of near field communication.