Signature - Q2, 2008 - (Page 15)

Ask the SIG | Illustration by Clare Nicholas | Q2 ’08 What is near ﬁeld communication? NFC is a short-range wireless connectivity technology based on radio frequency identification (RFID). NFC communications are automatically enabled when two NFC-compatible devices are brought within 4 cm (1.6 in.) of each other (users often tap the devices together, but physical contact isn’t necessary). NFC operates at 13.56 MHz and transfers data at speeds up to 424 Kbps. The short transmission range helps to keep NFC-enabled transactions secure. NFC technology lets mobile devices read information stored in RFID-style tags affixed to everyday objects such as advertising posters, turnstiles, ATMs, vending machines, product packaging and more. Applications include transactions such as payments, transit ticketing and access to product information. Why was NFC added as an option to the Bluetooth Core Speciﬁcation Version 2.1 + EDR? The version 2.1 + EDR specification enhances user experience through improved security and reduced power consumption. It also promises to simplify the pairing process. NFC is a complementary technology that automates the pairing process. With NFC and the new core specification, the pairing scenario is as simple as touching the products together. The Bluetooth SIG has long seen the benefits of including NFC in the core specification. In an effort to identify synergies and eliminate redundancy in the Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) market, the Bluetooth SIG has been working closely with the NFC Forum to make this capability possible. Why not just merge near ﬁeld communication with the Bluetooth core speciﬁcation? The Bluetooth SIG felt it was advantageous to integrate ultra wideband (UWB) and ultra low power Bluetooth technology into the specification in order to enhance high speed and low power applications. At the same time, the Bluetooth SIG determined that Bluetooth enabled devices can leverage NFC without having that technology built into the specification. The Bluetooth SIG is working with the NFC Forum to ensure that the technologies are optimized to work together in pairing scenarios. How will NFC work with Bluetooth technology? Get a Little Closer Go ahead, let your cell phone cozy up to your laptop. If both devices have near field communication (NFC) capabilities and Bluetooth wireless technology, they’ll make the most of their close quarters by automatically pairing and communicating with each other. Experience More The Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol (NFCIP-1) allows configuration data to be exchanged between various wireless devices just by bringing them into close proximity. The devices can then set up and continue communication via the longer range and faster Bluetooth wireless protocol. Imagine that you want to transfer a large amount of data between a desktop computer and a laptop computer. NFC alone would be too slow. You’d want the bandwidth of Bluetooth technology. Save time using NFC to pair the computers, then let the systems use Bluetooth technology to transfer the files. How can members get involved with future Bluetooth core specification developments? You can join the Core Specification Working Group, which develops technology enhancements for future versions of the Bluetooth wireless specification. Visit the Working Groups page on Bluetooth.org for more information. Have a question for the Bluetooth SIG? Want to share an answer to a Frequently Asked Question from your customers? E-mail us at signature@bluetooth.com. Bluetooth Special Interest Group | 15 http://www.bluetooth.org

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