Information
February 24, 2012
NXP and FeliCa Networks team-up to create a unique NFC radio
controller interoperable with global infrastructure
Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and Tokyo, Japan, February 24, 2012 - NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI), and FeliCa Networks, Inc. today announced that their collaboration will ensure interoperability between NXP's family of NFC radio controller solutions and the Japan infrastructure compliant to FeliCa™ (NFC-F). Based on a single NFC radio controller from NXP, equipment manufacturers will be able to design handsets delivering true interoperability with the global infrastructure.
NXP and FeliCa Networks plan to collaborate in expanding the functionality of NXP's global leading NFC radio controller with the integration of FeliCa Networks' technology, which will enable interoperability with the FeliCa™ (NFC-F) compliant reader infrastructure and with Osaifu-Keitai® phones in Japan. This NXP unique solution can support application services around the world; the first NFC radio controller will be available in 2013.
"Ever since NXP co-invented NFC in 2002, we have worked to develop the Mobile Transactions ecosystem and make NFC a globally available technology. As leading OEMs require global interoperability to pursue global markets, our co-operation with FeliCa Networks creates interoperability in wireless communication protocol layer with all deployed infrastructure, including FeliCa™ ecosystem as well as countless services and infrastructures based on globally widespread MIFARE® technology", noted Jeff Miles, vice president, mobile transactions at NXP Semiconductors.
Hirotaka Sugiyama, president, FeliCa Networks, commented, "Working with NXP is essential for realizing fully worldwide NFC-enabled phones. We are proud to ease the development of completely global NFCenabled mobile devices for manufacturers and a higher level of convenience for consumers, not only in Japan but also around the world, by this collaboration with NXP. We intend to go on offering full NFC solutions based on our knowledge and business experience of mobile contactless for eight years."
NFC is a market proven, standardized technology co-invented by NXP and Sony in 2002. NXP is at the center of this ecosystem, fuelling its development by partnering with almost all major handset manufacturers, mobile OS providers and applications developers. NXP is the No1 supplier to the Identification market globally, and leverages its leadership in contactless and security technologies to provide complete Mobile Transactions solutions: NFC controllers, Secure Elements in all form factors, NFC tags and infrastructure reader ICs. Currently OEMs have selected NXP's NFC technology for more than 130 mobile devices. Transport systems on MIFARE technology are available in over 650 cities around the world.
FeliCa Networks has been providing proven technologies and integrated solutions for the world's largest scale NFC service platform. The total number of wireless subscribers who own a mobile phone implemented with such technologies and solutions including contactless IC chips reached approximately 70 million in 2011. The cumulative number of smart phones with them exceeded 10 million units as of January 2012. A great variety of over 100 services, not only payment and transportation but also other advanced services, is available on the service platform.
At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, NXP will showcase the latest in NFC mobile applications and FeliCa Networks will show the company's outline and application services. Visit NXP at Hall 1, 1F-14 and FeliCa Networks at Hall 7, 7A107 to experience most advanced NFC world.
* FeliCa is the contactless IC card technology developed by Sony Corporation.
* FeliCa is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
* Mifare is a registered trademark of NXP Semiconductor B.V.
* Osaifu-Keitai is a registered trademark of NTT DOCOMO, Inc.
About FeliCa Networks
FeliCa Networks, Inc. provides a wide range of technologies and solutions for NFC service platform. The technology is applied to radio controller, secure application module, security server. In addition, FeliCa Networks offers solutions and services such as mobile middleware, security domain management, personalization and application service. FeliCa Networks Web Site: https://www.FeliCaNetworks.co.jp/en/
About NXP Semiconductors
NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions that leverage its leading RF, Analog, Power Management, Interface, Security and Digital Processing expertise. These innovations are used in a wide range of automotive, identification, wireless infrastructure, lighting, industrial, mobile, consumer and computing applications. A global semiconductor company with operations in more than 25 countries, NXP posted revenue of $4.2 billion in 2011. Additional information can be found by visiting www.nxp.com.