Qualcomm adds NFC to chipsets

Qualcomm has added Near Field Communication technology to some of its chipsets

Wireless chipset maker Qualcomm has announced the addition of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to a selection of its chipsets.

NFC is short-range wireless data transfer technology operating at 13.56MHz and transferring data at up to 424Kbit/s. It is used in many contactless systems to provide a range of information, payment and travel options simply by bringing the device close to a reader.

By adding NFC to its chipsets, Qualcomm is hoping to help accelerate the commercial availability of mobile handsets using this technology.

The company is also working with other NFC system providers to develop reference designs based on its Mobile Station Modem chipsets.

"NFC technology holds great potential for changing the way mobile devices are used," said Mike Concannon, senior vice president of product management for Qualcomm CDMA Technologies.

"As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver leading-edge technologies and value to our customers, we are now engaged with leaders in NFC technology to offer reference designs that have this next-generation functionality."

Toshiba also recently unveiled an NFC-compatible universal SIM card, further completing the infrastructure required for mass roll-out of this technology.