nfc report
TRANSCRIPT
Seminar Report ’08 1 Near Field Communication
1. INTRODUCTION
Near Field Communication or NFC is a short-range high frequency wireless
communication technology which enables the exchange of data between devices over about
a 10 centimetre (around 4 inches) distance. The technology is a simple extension of the ISO
14443 proximity-card standard (contactless card, RFID) that combines the interface of a
smartcard and a reader into a single device. An NFC device can communicate with both
existing ISO 14443 smartcards and readers, as well as with other NFC devices, and is
thereby compatible with existing contactless infrastructure already in use for public
transportation and payment. NFC is primarily aimed at usage in mobile phones.
Near-field Communication (NFC) is characterized as a very short-range radio
communication technology with a lot of potential, especially when applied to mobile
handsets. Imagine yourself using your cell phone to interact with posters, magazines, and
even with products while at the store, and with such interaction initiating a request or search
for related information in real-time. Other usages of NFC include the electronic wallet to
make payments using your handset, the same way you do with your credit card. With NFC
all this is possible. But NFC is still a young technology. That said, NFC-enabled handsets
are being introduced into the market, and deployments and pilots around the world are
occurring. This report explores NFC and how you can leverage it in your Java application
by using the Contactless Communications API.
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2. TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Near Field Communication is a standards-based, short-range wireless connectivity
technology that enables convenient short-range communication between electronic devices.
The underlying layers of NFC technology are ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards. NFC
applications can be split into the following four basic categories:
1. Touch and Go: Applications such as access control or transport/event ticketing, where
the user needs only to bring the device storing the ticket or access code close to the
reader. Also, for simple data capture applications, such as picking up an Internet URL
from a smart label on a poster.
2. Touch and Confirm: Applications such as mobile payment where the user has to
confirm the interaction by entering a password or just accepting the transaction.
3. Touch and Connect: Linking two NFC-enabled devices to enable peer to peer transfer of
data such as downloading music, exchanging images or synchronizing address books.
4. Touch and Explore: NFC devices may offer more than one possible function. The
consumer will be able to explore a device's capabilities to find out which functionalities
and services are offered.
NFC STANDARDS
NFC is a standard, and is ISO standards-based. The ISO 14443 Type A and
Type B standards + FeliCa is a four-part international standard for contact-less smart cards
operating at 13.56 MHz in close proximity with a reader antenna. The ISO 18092 standard
defines communication modes for NFC Interface and Protocol.
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3. MODES OF COMMUNICATION
NFC has three modes of communication
Peer-to-Peer mode is defined for device to device link-level communication. Note that this
mode is not supported by the Contactless Communication API.
Read/Write mode allows applications for the transmission of NFC Forum-defined
messages. Note that this mode is not secure. This mode is supported the Contactless
Communication API.
NFC Card Emulation mode allows the NFC-handset behave as a standard Smartcard. This
mode is secure. This mode is supported by the Contactless Communication API.
Fig. 3.1 Modes of communication
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4. TERMINOLOGY
NDEF - NFC Data Exchange Format - standard exchange formats for URI, Smart Posters etc.
The NDEF specification describes a common data exchange format for NFC Forum-
compliant devices and NFC Forum-compliant tags. It contains the rules for constructing a
valid NDEF message as an ordered and unbroken collection of NDEF records. Additionally,
it defines the mechanism for specifying the types of application data encapsulated in NDEF
records.
RTD - Record Type Definition - An NFC-specific record type and type name which may be
carried in an NDEF record. RTD provides guidelines for specifying well-known record
types for inclusion in NDEF messages exchanged between NFC Forum-compliant devices,
and between NFC Forum-compliant devices and tags.
NDEF message - Basic message construct defined by this specification. An NDEF message
contains one or more NDEF records
NDEF record - Contains a payload described by a type, a length, and an optional identifier.
NDEF payload - The application data carried within an NDEF record.
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5. THE CONTACTLESS COMMUNICATION API
The Contactless Communication API Java specification, led by Nokia and defined under
the Java Community Process as JSR-257, defines a set of APIs for proximity, contactless-
based communication. The API consists of five Java packages, as follows:
java package Interfaces Classes Exceptions
javax.microedition.contactless
A mandatory package that contains all the target discovery and classes common to all targets
Tag Connection
Target Listener
Target Properties
Transaction Listener
Tag Connection
Target Listener
Target Properties
Transaction Listener
Contactless Exception
javax.microedition.contactless.ndf
An optional package for communicating with NDEF formatted data tags
NDEF Record Listener
NDEFTagConnection
NDEF Message
NDEF Record
NDEF Record Type
javax.microedition.contactless.rf
An optional package for communicating with RFID (no NDEF formatted data) tags
Plain Tag Connection
javax.microedition.contactless.sc
An optional package for communicating with external smartcards
ISO14443Connection
javax.microedition.contactless.visual
An optional package for reading and generating visual tags
Image Properties
Visual Tag Connection
Symbology Manager
Visual Tag Coding Exception
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5.1ANATOMY OF A CONTACTLESS API MIDlet
Let's now cover the elements of a typical mobile Java application (MIDlet) that uses the
Contactless Communication API looks. This is illustrated next where we have the following
typical elements:
1. The Java Runtime with JSR-257 implementation,
2. The MIDlet application running on a handset,
3. RFID/NFC transponder, controllers, and baseband,
4. A SIM card, as well as secure and external elements.
Fig 5.1 Anatomy of a contactless API MIDlet
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External Readers
External readers include contactless payment readers in Point of Sale
stations, ticketing systems on transportation systems, external radio, visual tags such as
NFC, RFID and barcodes, or Smartcards.
Secure Elements
Secure elements (SE) can be internal or external elements; example of a
secure element is a Java Card-based smartcard. MIDlets can access secure elements by
using the Security and Trust Services API (SATSA), and/or the Contactless
Communication API (JSR 257). External readers access internal secure elements directly
via the RFID circuitry (using the Card Emulation mode).
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6. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING TECHNOLOGIES
THE PRESENT USAGES OF CONTACTLESS TECHNOLOGIES
Bluetooth wireless technology was designed to replace cables between cell phones, laptops,
and other computing and communication devices within a 10-meter range.
Wi-Fi technology was designed and optimized for Local Area Networks (LAN); it provides an
extension or replacement of wired networks for dozens of computing devices within a +100-
meter range.
ZigBee wireless technology is a standard enabling control and monitoring capabilities for
industrial and residential applications within a +100-meter range.
IrDA is a short range (< 1 meter), line-of-sight communication standard for exchange of data
over infrared light. IrDA interfaces are frequently used in computers and mobile phones.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is an automatic identification method, relying on
storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags. An RFID tag is a small
object that can be attached to or incorporated into a product. RFID tags contain silicon chips
to enable them to receive and respond to queries from an RFID reader/writer.
Contactless smart cards incorporate a chip (microprocessor) that communicates with a card
reader through RFID technology. Examples of contactless smart card communications are
ISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa, which allow communications at distances up to 10 cm.
Although there is always room for more wireless technology, on one hand, some
argue that introducing a new standard, such as NFC, alongside 802.11 and Bluetooth may
prove to be an uphill battle. On the other hand, some would argue that they do not think
NFC really steps on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. They simply do not see NFC being used to
download pictures from digital cameras, or as a WLAN. NFC is demonstrably too slow. At
212 kilobits per second, NFC’s data rate is nearer a 55K modem than the 1- or 7-Mbps
speeds of either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
And, both Sony and Philips have 802.11 and Bluetooth products, with each
insisting the NFC standard would complement the more established wireless networks. Like
VDC these market leaders believe there is room for a simple, less-expensive solution. In
fact, with the ever-increasing complexity and cost of adding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, price
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could become a major deciding factor for OEMs and manufacturers. NFC reportedly would
cost 20¢ per chip. Bluetooth is expected to drop to $4-5 per radio. If the promise of
affordable chips is realized, NFC technology could be effectively leveraged in the near-to-
mid term for payment and security/access applications.
Along with affordability, ‘power drain’ issues have become of utmost
importance within 802.11 and Bluetooth markets. By using a chip, rather than a battery,
NFC hopes to stand out against the rest. As a result, VDC sees NFC-enabled devices
connecting myriad un-powered items such as RFID tags and smart-cards within the next
three to five years.
Others, however, are quick to dismiss any notion of NFC being a giant killer.
While Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have a range anywhere between 33-300 ft, NFC deals in inches.
Table 6.1 Comparison of NFC with existing technologies
7. FUNCTIONING
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Many products and devices will soon be NFC enabled, including credit
cards as well as train tickets. But the mobile handset is the first target for NFC applications.
Operators are the primary customers for handsets and, therefore, are the gatekeepers who
will decide when NFC is to be integrated into the handsets they subsidize for their
customers. Since new technologies always need to develop new markets, the industry needs
to create high consumption volumes in order to reduce the cost of NFC implementation to
mobile handsets. Currently, an NFC equipped mobile costs around an additional $20 to $25
per unit, so wireless operators need to secure revenues in return for their investment.
Yet, mobile operators do seem increasingly positive that NFC will bring new
revenues. The increasing interest in NFC technology is shown by the rising number of
members of the NFC Forum Association. While it had just 4 members in 2004, it now has
over 130, coming from a broad range of backgrounds: manufacturers, applications
developers, financial services institutions, and more, all working together to promote the use
of NFC technology in consumer electronics, mobile devices, and PCs. Such a wide group of
business and technology experts is essential. The future applications are very diverse, and
they need to be shaped by professionals from many fields to assess the best operational
standards in order to ensure seamless interoperability between devices and a good level of
security for users.
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Fig 7.1 Functioning of NFC enabled devices
As a sign of the times, all major handsets manufacturers are developing
NFC handsets used in field trials and early commercial launches: Nokia, LG, Samsung,
Motorola, Sagem. NTT DoCoMo has used the FeliCa contactless technology, which is now
embedded in about 80% of the phones sold by NTT DoCoMo in Japan. There are no great
technological or cost barriers for NFC to be integrated quickly into a wide range of devices -
unlike cameras or Bluetooth, which were first restricted to high-end devices.
7.1 MODES OF OPERATION OF THE NFC
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7.1.1 ACTIVE MODE : In this mode both the initiator and the target are using their own
generated RF fields to enable communication.
7.1.2. PASSIVE MODE:
In this mode the target answers to the initiator command in a load
modulation scheme. The initiator generates the RF field.
7.2 THE NFC SIGNAL INTERFACE
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The specification of signal interfaces for different communication transfer speeds:
Modulation
Bit- representation and coding
Fig 7.2.1: Signal Interface
7.3. USING CONTACTLESS COMMUNICATION API
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The Contactless Communication API allows you to discover and exchange
data with supported contactless radio and visual targets (tags). Applications using the
Contactless Communication API typically follow the flow illustrated next:
Fig 7.3.1 Flowchart showing the flow of Applications using the Contactless Communication API
NFC technology has many dimensions, but two are essential to enabling all of
these potential applications on mobile handsets: security and the user interface. Of course,
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since markets around the world operate in different ways, there are also numerous options to
enable these variations to be addressed. In the NFC standards, security is managed by a
“secure element” (SE). The SE shares mobile functionality with the NFC chipset, which
manages communications. The SE hosts the fire walled applications and user credentials,
and controls security and cryptography using an onboard microprocessor and software.
There are three ways to implement the SE:
In the SIM. This has the advantage of portability, and is the preferred approach in GSM
countries; it is recommended by GSMA and supported by a standard for communication
between SIM and NFC chipset, the Single Wire Protocol (SWP), which was invented by
Gemalto and is now standardised at ELSI.
Embedded SE component. This is a separate chipset in the handset. Its principal advantage is
that it is convenient for CDMA handset manufacturers to implement quickly because it doesn’t
require any standardization between the NFC chipset and SE.
A removable SE component. This is a theoretical approach to create a removable separate
chipset in the handset; there are no standards and no concrete implementations.
7.4 HARDWARE & BASICS
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NFC Device A device featuring different operating modes based on RF technology.
There are three modes: tag emulation (PICC), NFC peer to peer (NFC) and reader/writer
mode (PCD). NFC Devices must implement at least mandatory parts of the NFC Protocol
Stack. The NFC Devices' operating modes are defined by the NFC Forum.
NFC Near Field Communication: A communication technology standardized in ISO
18092 and ETSI allowing bidirectional communication between two devices based on RF
technology. This is also refereed as the peer to peer (P2P) mode of NFC devices.
RFID Radio Frequency Identification: technology used to identify objects carrying
RF transponders. NFC and RFID technology have overlapping standards and terminology.
PCD Proximity coupling device: a transmitter that can read tags based on ISO14443
(PICC). The reader emits an electromagnetic field that powers a tag/transmitter by
inductivity. Communicates with PICC using load modulation scheme.
PICC Proximity inductive coupling card: a transponder that can be read or written by
a proximity reader. Theses tags are based on the ISO14443 standard. Such tags do not have
a power supply like a battery, but are powered by the electromagnetic field of the reader
(PCD)
8. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
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8.1 ADVANTAGES:
1. Highest convenience for the user, due to intuitive usage by simply holding two devices close
to each other
2. Complementary to existing wireless technologies
3. Interoperable with compatible RFID systems at 13.56 MHz
4. Allows communication, both between two powered devices and between powered and
passive devices.
5. Reduced cost of electronic issuance. Multi-issue ticketing operators like mass transport
operators or event ticketing operators see phenomenal cost reductions in electronic ticketing.
Security-sensitive airlines have already moved to "e-ticketing" in order to reduce costs.
6. Increased revenue from interactive services. Mobile network operators and content
providers earn revenue when users choose to use value added services. NFC surrounds the
user with advertisements and valuable information within easy reach.
7. NFC-enabled devices drive consumption of rich media content. NFC will fuel the market for
advanced personal devices that consumers use to purchase, play, store, and share rich media
content.
8. Consumer preference for NFC-enabled services. Users may have no choice about which
ticket they use for a service, but they typically can choose how they pay. Convenience is a
strong differentiator and more convenient payment will drive adoption of contactless and
NFC technology.
8.2 DISADVANTAGES:
1. The system has the limitation that it can be operated only with devices under a short range
i.e., around 10 cm.
2. The data transfer rate is very less at about 106kbps, 212 kbps and 424kbps.
3. Costly implementation on the electronic basis.
9. APPLICATIONS
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NFC opens up myriad new opportunities. It will enable people to
effortlessly connect digital cameras, PDAs, video set-top boxes, computers and mobile
phones. With NFC it is possible to connect any two devices to each other to exchange
information or access content and services—easily and securely. Solution vendors argue that
NFC’s intuitive operation makes it particularly easy for consumers to use, while its built-in
security makes it ideal for mobile payment and financial transaction applications. However,
NFC-enhanced consumer devices are also targeted at applications that exchange and store
personal data such as messages, pictures, and MP3 files.
Applications for NFC are broad reaching, and the potential to support
multiple applications via NFC exists. Consequently VDC has grouped NFC-related
applications into three basic categories:
Short-range, near-contact mobile transactions and applications such as access
control or transport/event ticketing, where the NFC-enabled device storing the access code
or ticket is presented near a reader. Mobile payment called m-commerce and applications
where the customer must confirm the financial transaction by entering a password or simply
accepting the interaction. Also included are applications requiring simple data capture such
as picking up an Internet URL from a smart label on a poster and advertisement;
Short-range, near-contact linking transactions–connecting two NFC-enabled
devices to enable a P2P transfer of data such as downloading music, exchanging images or
synchronizing address books; and
In order to provide a more complete understanding of the real-world potential
for NFC, here are some example applications for NFC-enabled devices to consider:
In addition to facilitating contactless smart-card-based transactions, emerging
cell-phone multimedia capabilities could be leveraged to support NFC transactions such as
the purchase and download of games, music, MP3 files, videos, software, and other files to
NFC-enabled handheld devices by touching NFC-enabled computers;
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Consumers are able to make online travel reservations using a PC and download
reservations and/or tickets to a cell phone or PDA by bringing the mobile device in close
proximity to the computer and checking-in for the trip or hotel stay by touching the
handheld device to the terminal or kiosk at the departure gate or check-in station. No
printing of documents, such as tickets and hotel receipts, is required;
Posters, signs, and advertisements with RFID transponders can be scanned/read
using an NFC-enabled device to download more information, make a purchase, such as
paperless event tickets, and store other pertinent electronic data;
Pictures can be taken using an NFC-enabled cell phone with an integrated
digital camera. The device could then be presented/touched to a NFC-enabled television,
kiosk, computer, and others, to transmit images for display and/or printing; and
In conjunction with another wireless technology that may provide longer range
and greater bandwidth, large files can be transferred between two devices, such as a laptop
and a desktop, simply by touching the two NFC-enabled devices together.
Moreover, the increased use of mobile services benefiting from synergies with
NFC is becoming more apparent. By integrating NFC applications with existing mobile
services, mobile operators could secure new revenue opportunities by:
Applying service charges for adding value to the electronic cash value stored on a
mobile phone via a mobile service.
What about NFC and the potential for ‘theft by RF?’ First, the relatively short
read range gives customers control over NFC and the applications. NFC-enabled devices
add another level of security over the traditional smart-card, as it can be powered on/off or
include a pass code or voice biometric code for higher-volume transactions. For applications
that require tighter security and perhaps anti-counterfeiting measures, chips can be used to
store biometric information for identification.
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10. DEVICES THAT USES THE NFC TECHNOLOGY
A wide range of devices and machines are likely to become NFC enabled. Here are some examples:
1. Mobile phones:
NOKIA 6131NFC: The Nokia 6131NFC (clam cell) is commercially available since
Q1/2007. The SDK for J2ME application is available for free. The phone itself supports
Tag-Emulation with Mifare and JCOP, as well as the Reader/Writer and the NFC Peer-to-
Peer mode. The SDK provides a full JSR257 implementation and a subset of JSR177. The
NFC controller inside is from NXP whereas the SE is a G&D (Venyon) one. (Phones +
J2ME and SE-SDK available to NFC-Research)
NOKIA 3220: The Nokia 3220 (brick + cover) was the first NFC handset available
commercially. NFC module was integrated in the removable cover of the cell phone. There
are different editions of the cover: one with a secure element and one without. The SDK
for the NFC and SE functionality is not available to public. The SDK has a basic
implementation of the JSR257 and a proprietary implementation for the SE access. The
NFC platform inside the phone comes from NXP. (Phones + J2ME and SE-SDK available
to NFC-Research)
WIRELESS DYNAMICS Inc. SDiD1020: The WDI SDiD1020 is an SDIO Card
providing NFC functionality for PDA with a Windows Mobile operating system. The SD-
Cards come with a propriatary API for Tag-Emulation, R/W-Mode as well as P2P. The IC
in the SD-Card are a product of NXP. (SD-Card + SDK available to NFC-Research)
SAMSUNG SGH-X700n: The Samsung SGH-X700n (brick) is the NFC edition of the
SGH-X700 phone. The phone comes with a NXP NFC platform inside, allowing all three
operating modes (P2P, R/W, Tag). The SDK is proprietary. This phone is used for the trial
in Hagen berg. (Phones + J2ME and SE-SDK available to NFC-Research)
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2. Turnstiles
3. Vending machines
4. Parking meters
5. Check-out cash registers or "point-of-sale" equipment
6. ATMs
7. Office, house and garage doors
8. Personal computers
9. Posters, street signs, bus stops, local points of interest (with NFC-readable tags only)
10. Product packaging
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11. CONCLUSION
Many products and devices will soon be NFC enabled, including credit cards
as well as train tickets. But the mobile handset is the first target for NFC applications which
are already implemented in a successful manner. Operators are the primary customers for
handsets and, therefore, are the gatekeepers who will decide when NFC is to be integrated
into the handsets they subsidize for their customers.
When compared to the other short-range radio technologies, NFC is extremely
short ranged and people-centric. Some of the other short-range communication technologies have
similar characteristics, for example RFID, while others are completely different yet
complimentary to NFC; for example Bluetooth and Infrared. A good scenario of such
compliment is the combination of NFC and Bluetooth, where NFC is used for pairing
(authenticating) a Bluetooth session used for the transfer of data.
11.1 FUTURE SCOPE
NFC is based on existing contactless infrastructure around the world that is
already in use by millions of people on a daily basis. NFC is not a fashionable nice-to-have
technology, but actually a technology that makes peoples lives easier – easier to pay for
goods and services, easier to use public transport, and easier to share data between devices.
At the heart of NFC’s benefits is its simplicity of use – holding two objects
together is intuitive for everyone, young or old. NFC is building on existing systems and
human actins, so it has a very good chance to be valued and used for many years to come.
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The NFC technology is expected to have a remarkable growth in the coming
years. Almost every mobile handset will have NFC incorporated in it. The figure below
shows the expected growth of NFC devices.
Fig 11.1.1: Expected growth of NFC devices
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12. REFERENCES
[1] http://www.nfc-forum.org
[2] http://www.gemalto.com/nfc.html
[3] http://www. whatis.techtarget.com/nfc.html
[4] http://www. asia.cnet.com/near field communication.html
[5] www.radio-electronics.com/info/wireless/nfc/nfc_overview.php
[6] http://www.controleng.com/index.asp?layout=article& articleid=CA6289218&spacedesc=latest News
[7] http://www.nxp.com/news/content/file_1053.html
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