- Japan's first payment card featuring multiple contactless applications on a single chip, realized with ST's technology

- Enhances the convenience and speed of card transactions with a unique RF automatic recognition function

November 26, 2014, Seoul – STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company contributing to customers across various electronic applications and one of the top three suppliers of smart card ICs, announced that its new dual-interface security microcontroller will be installed in a micropayment card to be launched by Sony in the Japanese market in the first half of 2016.

ST’s ST31G480 is the most advanced dual-interface (contact/contactless) security microcontroller on the market, combining high computing power and power efficiency with excellent flexibility and interoperability. It is the only device capable of automatically recognizing and processing various radio frequency communications from card readers [1]. With this product, Sony and other OEMs can develop and distribute contactless multi-application payment cards regardless of different standards, infrastructure, or geographical location.

Sony’s new smart card payment solution is scheduled for release in the first half of 2016 and will be the first product in Japan to integrate the latest Visa/Mastercard/JCB dual interface payment methods and FeliCa-based payment applications into a single chip. ST’s chip card technology ensures stable transaction speeds, robustness, and ease of use in addition to multi-payment capabilities.

Kazuyuki Sakamoto, Senior Business Unit President of Sony’s FeliCa business, said, “Thanks to the unique advantages of ST’s secure microcontrollers, we were able to integrate general payment methods and FeliCa-based applications onto a single chip in the safest and most cost-effective way. This technological advancement will enhance convenience by expanding opportunities for Japanese consumers to easily use payment cards in various environments and situations.”

"The collaboration with Sony further strengthens ST's position in the digital security sector and empowers us to distribute safe and convenient contactless solutions in technology-conscious Japanese and Asian markets," said Marie-France Florentin, Head of ST's Security Microcontroller business unit.

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