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NFC Reader: Seamless Access to a New Era of Smart Mobility

10/26/2024

As the automotive industry steadily advances toward smart mobility, the adoption of digital car keys is growing rapidly. According to market research, the digital car key market is expected to achieve an 8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next decade. In recent years, NFC technology has seen significant progress in the automotive sector, becoming a key enabler of digital car key systems. With the help of NFC technology, car owners can easily unlock their car doors with a simple “tap,” making driving more convenient. The NFC Reader plays a crucial role in enabling this functionality.

NFC (Near Field Communication) operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, with a typical data transfer rate of 106 Kbit/s. Its electromagnetic field strength ranges from 1.5 A/m to 7.5 A/m, providing secure and efficient close-range communication.

NFC Reader Application Scenarios

In the digital car key ecosystem, the NFC Reader is a specialized device designed to read data from NFC-enabled keys, which may include NFC cards, smartphones, or smartwatches. Its primary role is to authenticate the transmitted data and verify whether the digital key has the appropriate permissions to control the vehicle. This enables functions such as locking, unlocking, and starting the vehicle.

The main installation positions of NFC Reader in the vehicle are usually the rear view mirror, door handle, B-pillar between the front and rear windows, and the center console of the car; the first three positions are used for vehicle unlocking NFC entry module, the center console of the car as the NFC starter module. In addition to achieving the vehicle’s start-up function, the NFC starter module, in general, and the pairing of the NFC-enabled digital car key are also completed through the starter module. More and more vehicles choose to integrate the NFC start module and the car’s wireless charging module.

Technical Challenges for Automotive NFC Readers

Designing NFC Readers for automotive applications involves more challenges than developing general-purpose NFC devices, including:

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Space Constraints:
Limited installation space, especially in key areas like mirrors or door
handles, demands compact and efficient designs.
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Environmental Interference:
Nearby metal components and the need for waterproofing introduce
engineering complexities, requiring advanced solutions to maintain NFC performance.
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High-Reliability Standards:
The automotive industry imposes stringent stability and reliability
requirements, especially for safety-critical functions like unlocking and starting the vehicle.


NFC Reader Testing and Certification

To meet industry standards, NFC Readers must undergo rigorous testing and certification to ensure quality, performance, and interoperability.

DV and PV Testing

Design Validation (DV) and Production Validation (PV) tests are carried out according to the requirements of various OEM manufacturers. These tests cover electrical, environmental, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) aspects, validating the functionality, stability, and reliability of the product from the design phase through production. High standards are required across hardware, software, and manufacturing processes to pass these tests.

NFC Forum Certification

Founded in 2004, the NFC Forum is a nonprofit industry association that promotes the development and adoption of NFC technology by ensuring interoperability between devices and services. The certification process includes tests on both the physical layer and digital protocol layer, requiring authorized laboratories to carry out the assessments. The latest certification version is CR13.

Successful certification depends on fine-tuning critical parameters such as waveform, field strength, and antenna matching. Upon completion, products can display the official NFC Forum certification mark, building trust and credibility in the market.

Apple NFC CarKey Certification

Apple’s CarKey protocol allows users to unlock, lock, start, and control NFC-enabled vehicles using an iPhone or Apple Watch. After passing Apple’s CarKey certification, automakers can enable users to add and share digital car keys via the iOS Wallet app. Users can pair their devices with vehicles through the automaker’s app or by entering a pairing code into the Wallet app.

The CarKey certification process includes: NFC Compatibility Testing: Conducted to ensure NFC Readers meet Apple’s communication and performance standards (currently at version R7). In-Vehicle Testing: Verifies that the NFC Reader works as expected under real-world conditions. Given Apple’s stringent requirements for reading distance and detection zones, design engineers must account for environmental factors specific to each installation location.

About Watchdata’s NFC Reader Products

Watchdata has dedicated 30 years to the field of information security, accumulating profound expertise in the research and development of NFC Reader products. The NFC Reader products we developed have been successfully mass-produced and integrated into multiple vehicle models of OEM manufacturers. These products are NFC Forum certified, with official projects successfully passing Apple’s NFC CarKey testing.

With a team of professional developers, advanced testing tools, and sophisticated design methodologies, we are well-equipped to meet customers’ demands for high-performance and reliable products. Our technical expertise and comprehensive service framework ensure that we deliver NFC Readers of exceptional quality and performance.

At Watchdata, we are committed to working with industry partners to advance digital car key technology, making mobility more secure, convenient, and intelligent. We look forward to earning your trust and becoming your go-to partner in NFC Reader solutions, helping you stay at the forefront of the smart mobility revolution.