Secure ISO/IEC 14443 Chip suits closed-loop applications.

Press Release Summary:



Supporting RF antennas as small as 38 x 28 mm, RF-HCT-WRC5-KP221 secure multi-purpose contactless chip/module combines security with flexible and configurable memory that supports up to 5 applications on one contactless card or token. This ISO/IEC 14443 Type B chip offers dynamic encryption via NIST-approved Triple DES and SHA-1 crypto-algorithms as well as ANSI X9.63 based session key security. Also, 128-bit unique session key is generated for each transaction.



Original Press Release:



Texas Instruments Opens New Closed-Loop Contactless Markets with Its Secure ISO/IEC 14443 Chip and Module



Multi-applications and layered security designed into high-speed, low-power platform

DALLAS, Sept. 10 -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE:TXN), www.ti.com/rfid, today announced the availability of a new secure multi-purpose contactless chip designed for the growing closed-loop contactless micropayment, loyalty, ID and access application markets. TI's ISO/IEC 14443 Type B chip called the RF-HCT-WRC5-KP221, (also available in module form), combines processing speed, advanced radio frequency (RF) performance and industry-standard security with a flexible and configurable memory that supports up to five applications on one contactless card or token.

A number of closed-loop applications, particularly in Asia and in Central and South America, are seeking the speed, convenience and security of the ISO/IEC 14443 standards-based contactless technology that TI's secure multi-purpose chip provides. These applications, which include private label payment and loyalty/membership programs, closed-loop micropayments, secure ID and corporate access control, can be implemented individually or in combination on the same card or token. For example, a retailer could implement customer payment and loyalty, or a university campus may want to combine building access, payment and secure student and employee ID.

TI's secure contactless chip incorporates a number of security features to provide data privacy in sensitive applications and to protect against cloning and replay attacks. Dynamic encryption is achieved using National Institute of Standards and Technology-approved Triple DES and SHA-1 crypto-algorithms as well as an ANSI X9.63 based session key security. A 128-bit unique session key is generated for each transaction, and the communication between the tag and reader can be encrypted to provide a high-level of confidentiality. The TI product also allows the tag and reader to mutually authenticate each other during every communication session, thus only a trusted tag and reader are authorized to complete a transaction.

"Our new contactless chip and module deliver the high-security, ease of implementation and fast and reliable processing capabilities that companies deploying a host of closed-loop applications want in a secure proximity contactless solution," said VC Kumar, manager of secure electronic ID, Texas Instruments RFID Systems.

In addition to its secure contactless chip and module, TI is also offering its TRF796x ISO/IEC 14443 reader IC to enable customers to develop and implement a complete contactless tag and reader solution. One such customer is China-based systems integrator Lierda, which is equipping household electric, gas and water meters in China with TI's TRF796x reader module and MSP430 microcontroller to enable contactless pre-payment of utilities. In the electronic metering application, residents purchase contactless cards from a kiosk that contain TI's secure multi-purpose contactless chip module stored with a pre-paid yuan amount. The cards are waved in front of the meters to activate them, and the amount chosen by the customer is debited from the card.

"Many homes have separate meters for their utilities that must be pre-paid so it's difficult to keep track of them," said Liang Yuan, Chief Technology Officer of Lierda. "Using TI's secure contactless chip and reader technology we can offer our utility company customers a fast and convenient way for their customers to pay, while ensuring continuous service."

TI's secure multi-purpose contactless chip and module include a highly sensitive radio frequency front end to enable a successful transaction each time with little consideration of the orientation of the card as the customer taps it to the reader. The chip and module support RF antennas as small as 38 x 28 mm, while providing superior read performance, allowing them to be packaged into a variety of form factors including keyfobs, tokens and ISO/IEC 7810 cards. For more information RF-HCT-WRC5-KP221 chip or the RF-HCT-MRT4-KP222 module, visit ti.com/secureIC or contact 1-800-962-7343.

About Texas Instruments

A technology pioneer in secured contactless applications, Texas Instruments delivers many innovative contactless and secure products to the forefront of electronic ID and payments market. ExxonMobil's SpeedPass(TM) and card issuers such as MasterCard leveraged TI's technical expertise in providing the first "pay-at-the-pump" application and the innovative contactless credit card design and form factors. TI is developing faster, more secure smart IC applications for the next generation of contactless electronic government-issued identification. High-performance and low-power contactless applications continue to be evidence of TI's strength in designing robust, yet streamlined products that execute more efficiently. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for secured contactless applications. For more information, call 1-800-962-7343, or visit the http://www.ti.com/contactless.

Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, go to www.ti.com/, or visit TI's RFID web site at http://www.ti.com/rfid.

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