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INSIDE Secure NFC solution supported in Linux kernel 3.9 release
April 2013 by Marc Jacob
INSIDE Secure announces that its award-winning MicroRead(R) Near Field Communications (NFC) controller chip is supported in the Linux kernel 3.9 release. The new MicroRead Linux kernel driver was developed by Intel at its Open Source Technology Center with support from INSIDE and other community members. It significantly simplifies and speeds the integration of the MicroRead chip into a broad range of Linux-based TVs, set-top boxes, GPS devices, in-vehicle infotainment systems, electronic toys, industrial machines and medical devices by effectively eliminating the need for manufacturers to write any software to use it.
The MicroRead Linux kernel driver is Host Controller Interface (HCI)-based and supports two physical interfaces – I2C and the Intel(R) Management Engine Interface (Intel MEI). NFC tag read, write and format, as well as several peer-to-peer mode functions are currently supported. Additional functionality such as card emulation and secure element access will be implemented when they are supported by the Linux NFC subsystem.
The goal of the Linux NFC project is to provide complete open source and hardware independent NFC support for Linux.
Manufacturers are looking to NFC for an increasing number of applications beyond mobile phones as a way to simplify data exchange between two devices, quickly establish Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections and many other functions. As a result, this technology is now starting to find its way into a broad range of consumer and commercial electronic products, many of which are based upon the Linux operating system.
INSIDE Secure has long played a leading role in NFC technology innovation, including the ownership of several important NFC patents. INSIDE’s MicroRead NFC controller sets a new standard for ease of integration and offers the broadest range of best-of-breed NFC options to help manufacturers more easily create new contactless applications and quickly bring them to market.
