NFC Split Stack Architecture for Host-Controller Task Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The standard NFC architecture has limited ability to update the Near Field Communication application in the NFC controller circuit, due to its limited processing power and memory, which restricts the implementation of multiple payment applications and requires complex firmware updates.
Innovation Solution
A 'split stack' architecture is introduced, where the host controller circuit processes none-time critical tasks and memory-consuming tasks, while the NFC controller circuit handles time-critical tasks, enabling card emulation and data exchange without involving the host controller, allowing for over-the-air updates and efficient processing of NFC applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the NFC controller circuit processes all NFC application tasks, then the processing is self-contained, but the limited memory and processing power restrict the implementation of multiple payment applications and update capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the NFC processing architecture into two segments: the NFC controller circuit handles time-critical NFC communication tasks, while the host controller circuit handles non-time-critical application processing. This segmentation allows the NFC controller to maintain its limited resources while the host controller provides the necessary memory and processing power for multiple payment applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The host controller circuit acts as an intermediary that receives NFC communication data from the NFC controller circuit via the NCI interface and processes the application-layer tasks. This intermediary role allows the system to leverage the host's substantial memory and processing capabilities while maintaining the NFC controller's efficient time-critical processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the NFC controller circuit has limited memory and processing power, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to update NFC applications and support multiple payment systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The architecture segments functionality between the NFC controller circuit (handling communication protocol) and the host controller circuit (handling application updates and processing). This allows application updates to be performed on the host controller without increasing the complexity of the NFC controller circuit itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The host controller circuit serves multiple functions: it processes NFC application data, manages updates for multiple payment applications, and coordinates with the NFC controller circuit through the standardized NCI interface. This multi-functionality enables application updates without requiring changes to the NFC controller's core architecture.
3Speed
If the host controller circuit processes all device applications, then the device host has full control, but the NFC controller circuit cannot efficiently handle time-critical NFC communication tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing responsibilities by time-criticality: the NFC controller circuit handles time-critical communication tasks with fast processing, while the host controller circuit handles non-time-critical application processing. This segmentation enables high-speed NFC communication without requiring the host controller to micromanage every time-sensitive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The NCI interface acts as an intermediary protocol that enables efficient data transfer from the NFC controller circuit to the host controller circuit. This standardized interface allows the NFC controller to operate independently at high speed while the host controller receives processed data through a well-defined communication channel, reducing interface complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (5; 16; 26) that processes a Near Field Communication type application which device (5; 16; 26) comprises: a host controller circuit (3; 27) that processes device applications, that use the Near Field Communication type application, and that processes a host driver (7; 28) that communicates based on a first interface protocol (NCI; EMV); a NFC controller circuit (4; 33) that processes a Near Field Communication type contactless interface (6; 35) and a controller driver (11; 32) that interfaces with the host controller circuit (3; 27), wherein the host controller circuit (3; 27) processes a first transmission module (9; 30) that interfaces with the host driver (7; 28) based on the first interface protocol (NCI; EMV) and with the controller driver (11; 32) based on a second interface protocol, which first transmission module (9; 30) furthermore processes substantially all none-time critical and/or memory consuming tasks of the Near Field Communication type application and wherein the NFC controller circuit (4; 33) comprises a second transmission module (12, 34) that processes all time critical tasks for the Near Field Communication type application towards the Near Field Communication type contactless interface (6; 35).