INSIDE Contactless, a leader in semiconductor solutions for secure transactions and digital identity, introduced SecuRead, a complete system-in-package (SIP) NFC solution that makes it simple for manufacturers of NFC mobile and other devices to integrate all of the contactless, security and application functions required for a broad range of NFC payment, retail, transit, ID and access control applications.

SecuRead integrates INSIDE’s award-winning MicroRead NFC controller with a high-performance security controller from Infineon Technologies (News - Alert) and a GlobalPlatform-compliant Java Card operating system from Giesecke & Devrient. SecuRead also integrates INSIDE’s Open NFC protocol stack to provide a best-of-breed solution that helps mobile device manufacturers bring rich NFC capabilities to market more quickly.

In a press release, Loic Hamon, vice president of products and marketing for NFC at INSIDE Contactless (News - Alert), said, “Unlike other NFC solutions, which must be integrated from multiple hardware and software providers and are less technically robust, SecuRead truly breaks new ground in the NFC market, providing a one-stop-shop, turn-key solution that mobile device makers can use to enable a broad range of NFC applications in their products. SecuRead offers a superior NFC controller, one of the largest capacity and most flexible secure elements on the market and the leading Java Card OS in a single package, with superior software and technical support from a single, global supplier.”

According to Hamon, INSIDE’s SecuRead already has been selected by a leading mobile device manufacturer for use in NFC mobile device products due out in 2011.

SecuRead offers all the functionality of INSIDE’s third-generation MicroRead v3 silicon -- plus the secure element and Java Card OS -- in a VQFN-32 package, and is pin-for-pin compatible with the standalone MicroRead product. The on-chip Java Card operating system, based on G&D’s Convego Join 4, includes the implementation of the GlobalPlatform 2.1.1 specifications, supports the full Java Card 3.0.1 API and is compliant with relevant ISO standards as well as EMV for domestic and international mobile payment. The Java Card Operating system supports core AES cryptography for OSPT standards in the transit fare collection market, and a MIFARE-compliant emulation is provided for compatibility for some transit applications.

SecuRead also supports HID iCLASS virtual credentials and is HID Trusted Identity Platform (TIP)-enabled for access control and emerging mobile applications. The secure element features a powerful secure microcontroller with multitasking capability that stores both code and data in a 144KB non-volatile memory, and is Common Criteria EAL5+ (high) certified and EMVCo approved.

Recently, INSIDE Contactless announced that shipments of its award-winning MicroPass intelligent payment platform surpassed 250 million units worldwide.

Sujata Garud is a TMCnet freelancer with three years of writing/editing experience and two years of market research experience. As an editor she has covered the IT, electronics, banking, pharma, construction, mining and healthcare industries. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Tammy Wolf