Advanced end-to-end transaction testing provider, Fime, has announced that its radio frequency (RF) test bench has been officially approved by the NFC Forum, a global association that advances the use of near field communication (NFC) technology.
The tool validation process and approval brings official recognition that the FIME RF test bench meets the requirements defined in the NFC Forum specifications, making the tool eligible for testing devices for conformance to the functional requirements outlined by the NFC Forum.
The FIME RF test bench evaluates the analog compliance of smart devices, such as mobile handsets and tablets, ensuring product compliance to the NFC Forum Analog Technical Specification. Successful product evaluation through compliance testing and NFC Forum certification allows a device manufacturer to use and display the NFC Forum Certification Mark.
"The specification makes it easier for device manufacturers to build NFC Forum-compliant devices," explains Stephanie El Rhomri, NFC & Payment Vendors Business Line Manager at FIME. "Manufacturers can use the test bench throughout the development lifecycle for pre-certification testing in advance of product submission for official certification testing, speeding up time to market and mitigating bugs prior to launch."
The test bench is now available to mobile handset and device manufacturers at FIME's network of global laboratories, spanning America, Asia and Europe.
"Having become a NFC Forum authorised laboratory in 2011, we are delighted to receive approval for our RF test tool," adds Stephanie. "FIME has been heavily involved in the development of the NFC Forum Analog Test Specification at a technical level. This acquired knowledge enables us to help manufacturers bring fully compliant products to market as quickly as possible."
"FIME's RF test bench is a welcome addition to the growing number of approved test tools for NFC Forum Certification testing," said Paula Hunter, Executive Director of the NFC Forum. "Test tools give device makers a range of options to help them ensure their products comply with NFC Forum specifications."
The NFC Forum's certification programme was launched in 20010 to foster a gold standard of confidence and credibility and provide a foundation for interoperability within the marketplace.
FIME's RF test bench is currently used by more than 100 manufacturers and laboratories worldwide and is available to test a range of different RF devices, including EMV contactless cards and readers, NFC Forum devices and ICAO e-passports and readers. FIME has made significant contributions to the development of NFC solutions and services, working across multiple sectors - including transport and payment - and is accredited by American Express, Discover, Isis, MasterCard and Visa to perform mobile RF testing, amongst other activities.