Read our full Mobile World Congress coverage
Moversa, joint venture between NXP and Sony, has unveiled a device which adds security to near-field communications (NFC) wireless links.
The Universal Secure Access Module (U-SAM) will be able to manage contactless smartcard applications in NFC capable devices, regardless of protocols or operating systems.
The U-SAM runs on a secure CPU core based on 32-bit architecture with an embedded high density non-volatile memory. The chip also supports DES/3DES, AES, RSA, ECC to address security requirements for contactless transactions and its hardware is targeted to receive Common Criteria EAL 5+ and EMVCo certification.
“Handsets powered by our universal contactless IC platform will enable mobile network operators and service providers to drive mobile wallet concepts on a global basis by rolling out exciting new contactless services which enhance consumer lifestyles,” said Guus Frericks, president of Moversa.
The U-SAM supports both NXP’s MIFARE and Sony’s FeliCa contactless smartcard technologies. The chip will allow device manufacturers to design interoperable products capable of working with Existing contactless infrastructures.
“Moversa’s chip increases the possibilities to expand the existing contactless smart card domain into various NFC mobile services,” said Takeshi Natsuno, professor of Keio University.
The U-SAM will be made available in both embedded and SIM form factors, which will support standardised communication interfaces including SPI, ISO7816, UART and SWP (ETSI compliant).
Moversa will begin sampling the U-SAM to selected manufactures during mid 2009, with a volume step up expected to take place in the first half of 2010.
The U-SAM will be demoed at this years Mobile World Congress, from 16-19 February in Barcelona, Spain, at the NTT DOCOMO booth (b117 in hall 8).