NFC controller has embedded secure element for digital-wallet services
A combined NFC controller and secure element IC, the ST54L, enables mobile devices, including smartphones, smart wearables and tablets to access security-protected contactless ticketing and payment services through the STPay-Mobile platform.
STMicroelectronics has released the ST54L which can host multiple services including NFC mobile payments, mobile transit ticketing, access-control applications such as digital car key, and converged services requiring an embedded SIM (eSIM). The chip is loaded with the Thales mobile secure operating system running on the embedded secure element.
Compared to the previous-generation devices, the new ST54L chip strengthens NFC RF performance and increases non-volatile storage by over 50 percent to 3.3Mbyte, reported ST. The larger memory permits loading extra services on the device while providing generous storage for users to download additional eSIM profiles to support multiple enabled profiles (MEP) or secure applications.
The ST54L is in mass production and uses proprietary embedded flash technology at its own wafer-fabrication plant and relies on a full in-house supply chain.
