AMS Intros Development Kit for NFC

AMS introduced the AS3911 NFC development kit and NFC Controller Interface (NCI) stack, both of which are currently available. Now, OEMs have no need to create a proprietary software interface to address the NFC Reader integrated circuit (IC), the operating system and the host controller.

NFC, or Near Field Communication, has become a growing component in the mobile industry, allowing consumers to make contactless payments, to quickly sync one device to the other, to share files between two devices and more. Many OEMs are looking to take advantage of NFC's popularity.

According to AMS, the SDK's software stack is compatible with Android, Linux, Windows 7 and Windows 8. The software is a "standard-based modular firmware/software solution" that operates from the hardware up to the operating system. And because the stack is modular, devs can pick and choose only the features and functions that the NFC app requires.

"The AS3911 development kit lets developers quickly and easily create NFC applications for multiple microcontrollers," the press release explained. "The standard interface is suitable for any kind of NFC-enabled device, including routers, set-top boxes, automotive infotainment systems, consumer electronics devices and home appliances."

AMS indicated that the software stack supports its AS391x family of NFC readers that include the automatic antenna tuning feature. The stack also provides "extended" functionality for proprietary card systems and support for NFC protocols specified by the ISO standards organization.

The standard-based interface is best used on a number of NFC-enabled gadgets including automotive infotainment systems, consumer electronic devices, network routers and more. You can purchase the new development kit from AMS' website.

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