ams Enables Quick And Easy NFC Implementation

“The AS3953 creates virtually limitless possibilities for interactions with NFC enabled smartphones. Imagine lending the processing power of a multi-core ARM processor and a high-definition 4-inch display for your application without paying for it. This is exactly what the AS3953 enables you to do without the problems of a full NFC reader design”, said Rene Wutte, Marketing Manager at ams.

The AS3953 is compliant with NFC Forum specifications and the ISO14443A industry standard. It also contains a complete analog front end and a 4-wire SPI. The 1kB of internal EEPROM can be used to program an application wirelessly and unpowered, or store information from the Application side (e.g. Sensors, maintains, diagnostic data).

The AS3953 also allows direct communication ideal for applications where large amounts of data need to be transferred. The device enables system designers to add full bi-directional NFC capability at a total cost less than one third of a typical NFC reader implementation.

Requiring no external power source the AS3953 NFiC can provide up to 5mA of harvested power from the reader field to the host system. With data rates of up to 848kbps and integrated wake up feature the AS3953 is ideal for purely passive programming and communication of an application controller.

End customer benefits are that people can use mobiles they are familiar with. No communication setup is required as simple tapping is enough. AS3953 reduces BOM by removing the displays from application. It can be used in application where data history can be stored and send (e.g. medical history sent to the doctor). It enables wireless firmware upgrades, end user based maintains and diagnostic therefore enabling better services while cutting costs.

The AS3953 fits in a wide variety of applications where contactless interfacing with MCU-based systems is required. This includes medical devices, home appliance, personal electronics, vending machines, toys, industrial applications as well as smart cards with displays, smart retail shelf labels and sensors.

The AS3953 NFiC is available as a bare die, WL-CSP or in a 10-pin, 3mm x 3mm MLPD package. The device is fully available. It is priced at $1.59 for 1,000 pieces in MLPD, $1.09 as WL-CSP and $0.99 as a bare die.