Platform agnostic and features Broadcom’s advanced Maestro middleware
Semiconductor firm Broadcom has unveiled a new family of NFC chips based on 40nm CMOS technology designed to drive the mass deployment of near-field communication (NFC) in consumer electronics devices.
The company claims that the new Broadcom BCM2079x family slashes power consumption by more than 90%, uses 40% fewer components and has a 40% smaller board area.
The NFC controllers are platform agnostic, and features Broadcom’s advanced Maestro middleware that allows new NFC applications to utilise Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities in the device.
Broadcom said the new chips family reduces power consumption; reduces board space requirements and design complexity; provides support and flexibility for all business models and future wireless innovation; and multiple SWP (single wire protocol) interfaces.
Broadcom VP and GM of Wireless Personal Area Networks Craig Ochikubo said these offerings provide the features and performance that enable disruptive innovation that will reshape the mobile consumer experience.
"Our leadership and proficiency in wireless connectivity influenced the architecture of these new chips to meet the performance required by OEMs, allowing them to more easily add NFC to their designs," Ochikubo said.
Broadcom is also working closely with the NFC Forum to define and drive standards to ensure interoperability with other NFC devices.