Infineon providing 'Boosted NFC Secure Element' to smart wearable devices

Infineon Technologies AG (FSE

Available as smart watch or wristband, "Sharkey" generates convenient mobile lifestyle: it is a secure bank card when shopping or a contactless ticket when taking public transportation combined with personal sport management functions. Watchdata unveiled "Sharkey" - one of the first smart wearable devices available on the market with contactless payment and transport ticketing functionality - today, at the Cartes Secure Connexions Event in Paris.

"Modern society is increasingly connected and going mobile. We are delighted to contribute our security and contactless expertise for one of the first smart wearable devices available on the market", says Stefan Hofschen, Division President Chip Card and Security at Infineon Technologies.

"Infineon has been providing security solutions to protect users' digital data for more than 30 years - and we are strongly committed to bring this expertise to smart applications in the Internet of Things to support a sustainable new way of communication and living," he added.

In addition to providing security and smart card functionalities, the Infineon Boosted NFC Secure Element is adapted to an ultra-small NFC antenna, consuming at least 80 percent less PCB footprint than conventional solutions - it is the perfect solution for smart wearable devices.

"The Secure Element from Infineon can be seamlessly integrated into our smart wearable device while providing sophisticated security functions and excellent contactless performance", says Jack Pan, Vice President of Watchdata Technologies' International Business. Watchdata Technologies supplies authentication and security solutions to millions of mobile subscribers, e-banking customers and commuters in over 50 countries.

The Boosted NFC Secure Element family from Infineon supports ISO14443 A/B, ISO18092 standards for contactless communication and financial security functions. It has successfully been deployed in smart MicroSD(tm) or SIM/UICC cards to bring NFC payment to conventional mobile handsets. Thanks to its small footprint it is the optimized solution for smart wearable devices, its outstanding design fully supports the ultra-small NFC antenna required in this environment. The availability of up to 500kB secured user memory prepared for dynamic multi-application loading brings the largest flexibility to system vendors and service providers. To provide interoperable transport ticketing solutions, the Secure Element supports the CIPURSE(tm) open security standard and is compatible to transport ticketing systems based on Mifare technology. Last but not least, the Boosted NFC Secure Element provides high levels of security against user identity attacks and account tampering and received Common Criteria EAL 6+ certification as well as approval from EMVCo.

With the Infineon Boosted NFC Secure Element, mobile device manufacturers and service providers have a truly open and interoperable solution at hand to address mobile payment services in cross boundary projects.