- Boosted NFC security chip installed in WatchData's new 'Sharkey' smartwatch and wristband

November 12, 2014, Seoul — Infineon Technologies (Korea CEO Seung-soo Lee) announced that its Boosted NFC secure chip (Secure Element) will be integrated into Watchdata Technologies' new "Sharkey" smart wearable device. Available in the form of a smartwatch or wristband, "Sharkey" enables a convenient mobile lifestyle by offering personal sports management functions, as well as serving as a secure bank card for shopping and a contactless ticket for public transportation. Watchdata unveiled "Sharkey," one of the first smart wearable devices featuring contactless payment and transportation ticketing capabilities, at the Cartes Secure Connexions Event in Paris, France, on November 4.

Dr. Stefan Hofschen, President of Chip Card and Security at Infineon Technologies, said, “Modern society is becoming increasingly connected and mobility is increasing. “We are pleased to be able to provide Infineon’s security and contactless expertise to one of the industry’s first smart wearable devices,” he said. “Infineon has been providing security solutions to protect users’ digital data for over 30 years, and we have been actively working to apply this expertise to smart applications in the Internet of Things to support new, sustainable ways of communicating and living.”

In addition to providing security and smart card functions, Infineon's Boosted NFC security chip enables the implementation of ultra-small NFC antennas with a PCB footprint more than 80% smaller than existing solutions, making it the perfect solution for smart wearable devices.

"Infineon's security chips seamlessly integrate into our smart wearable devices to provide sophisticated security features and superior contactless performance," said Jack Pan, Vice President of International Business at WatchData Technologies. WatchData Technologies provides authentication and security solutions to millions of mobile subscribers, online banking customers, and commuters in more than 50 countries.

Ultra-compact, flexible, and interoperable design
Infineon's Boosted NFC security chip family supports ISO14443 A/B and ISO18092 standards for contactless communication and financial security functions. This family has been successfully applied to smart microSD or SIM/UICC cards to provide NFC payments for existing mobile handsets. It enables an optimized solution for smart wearable devices with a small footprint, and its superior design fully supports the ultra-small NFC antennas required in these environments. Additionally, up to 500kB of secure user memory is allocated for dynamic multi-application loading, providing maximum flexibility to system vendors and service providers. Infineon security chips support the CIPURSE™ open security standard to provide interoperable transportation ticketing solutions and are compatible with Mifare technology-based transportation ticketing systems. Finally, Boosted NFC security chips provide a high level of security against user ID attacks and account tampering, and have obtained Common Criteria (CC) EAL 6+ certification as well as EMVCo approval.

With the launch of Infineon's Boosted NFC security chip, mobile device manufacturers and service providers can now have a truly open and interoperable solution to meet the demand for borderless mobile payment services.

Security for a Connected World
More information about Infineon's chip card and security solutions is available at: www.infineon.com/chip-card-and-security