NXP Semiconductors (NXP) has become the first vehicle digital key solution provider to receive certification for its NFC chips by passing the certification from the Car Connectivity Consortium® (CCC).

NXP announced today that its SN220 single-chip NFC and embedded secure element solution has passed the CCC Digital Key™️ Certification Program introduced by the CCC in December 2023.

It is part of NXP’s overall system encompassing Ultra-Wideband (UWB), NFC chips and Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) for mobile device manufacturers and automotive OEMs.

Vehicle digital keys do more than simply provide seamless and secure access to your vehicle.

Drivers can control vehicle access for everyone from family members to designated chauffeurs via digital keys.

As demand for this functionality grows, compatibility, security and safety are emerging as key components.;

With more than 200 member companies, including major automakers, smart device manufacturers and technology companies, the CCC recently announced a certification program based on the CCC Digital Key standard.

This mandates that vehicle digital keys ensure seamless compatibility and security across the entire ecosystem encompassing cars, mobile phones and other hands-free vehicle access devices.

“As a founding member of the CCC, NXP has long been at the heart of the secure car access ecosystem,” said Michael Leitner, general manager, Smart Car Access, NXP Semiconductors. “This certification validates the specifications needed to enable the future of digital keys in the automotive market, and as the first authentication solution provider, NXP’s fully integrated system will set the standard for quality and security in this rapidly growing market.”

“This certification is an important step toward building trust between consumers and the industry,” said Alysia Johnson, CCC President. “It will enable automakers and device manufacturers to deliver a secure and user-friendly experience for digital key access.”

He continued, “Our goal is to establish global compatibility for a seamless and secure digital key experience regardless of the type of vehicle or mobile device,” adding, “Selecting our digital key solution as a CCC digital key certification target is part of our efforts to achieve this goal.”

“Xiaomi prioritizes excellent user experience,” said Zhang Shuxiao, senior director of connectivity at Xiaomi. “NXP’s SN220 has excellent performance, and this certification further enhances compatibility.“This is a significant element that reflects our commitment to providing new and exciting features to our users,” he said.

The SN220 is a convergence solution that combines an NFC controller and an embedded secure element in a single chip and is part of a complete digital key system solution.

NXP’s digital key includes a Secure Element and NFC, and leverages UWB and BLE to ensure a consistent and seamless user experience.