Provisioning embedded systems with dual-interface NFC tags
Larke, Mikko (2022)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202205108406
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202205108406
Tiivistelmä
Embedded systems are often designed to work infinitely without interference from the end-user. Therefore, it is not beneficial to include comprehensive user interfaces for these products. Still, while most system configurations can be programmed during product software development, some settings can usually be end-user dependent. Thus, a solution for providing this information is often needed.
Dual-interface NFC tags are small, cost-efficient, and end-user-friendly components that can be easily included in embedded system hardware. This type of NFC tag has both wired and wireless interfaces, enabling replacing embedded systems’ internal user interface with a mobile device, such as a smartphone.
The first part of this thesis introduces the NFC technology. It declares the working principles of the technology and explains the difference between NFC readers and tags. NFC technologies security issues are discussed, and solutions for improving security over NFC data transfers are presented. Lastly, the advantages and disadvantages of dual-interface NFC tags as a platform for provisioning embedded systems are compared.
The second part of the thesis focuses on implementing an API library that can be included in existing software to add NFC-based provisioning. The API was designed to use Espressif ESP32 microcontroller and STMicroelectronics ST25DV based dual-interface NFC tag. First, the hardware components are introduced, and their key features are explained. Each of the functions included in the API library is introduced, and their usage is explained. The development process for including API in an existing program is presented, and a practical use case is shown.
Dual-interface NFC tags are small, cost-efficient, and end-user-friendly components that can be easily included in embedded system hardware. This type of NFC tag has both wired and wireless interfaces, enabling replacing embedded systems’ internal user interface with a mobile device, such as a smartphone.
The first part of this thesis introduces the NFC technology. It declares the working principles of the technology and explains the difference between NFC readers and tags. NFC technologies security issues are discussed, and solutions for improving security over NFC data transfers are presented. Lastly, the advantages and disadvantages of dual-interface NFC tags as a platform for provisioning embedded systems are compared.
The second part of the thesis focuses on implementing an API library that can be included in existing software to add NFC-based provisioning. The API was designed to use Espressif ESP32 microcontroller and STMicroelectronics ST25DV based dual-interface NFC tag. First, the hardware components are introduced, and their key features are explained. Each of the functions included in the API library is introduced, and their usage is explained. The development process for including API in an existing program is presented, and a practical use case is shown.