STMicroelectronic’s CD21-Rev3 microcontroller, used widely in Calyso contactless travel cards, has been validated by FIME as compliant to the EMV Contactless Communication Protocol V2.0.1.

According to ST, the EMV specification describes the minimum functions required for Proximity Integrated Circuit Cards (PICCs) and Proximity Coupling Devices (PCDs) to ensure correct operation and market interoperability. This certification confirms that the Calypso chip is the first to market that supports both transport and payment applications.

“In testing ST’s secure microcontroller for compliance with EMV Contactless Specification, we have applied the breadth of FIME’s testing expertise,” said Vincent Poty, head of Strategy and Corporate Development at FIME. “The test results recognize the robustness and suitability of ST’s chip to ensure security in global credit-card financial transactions.”

The recently announced CD21-Rev3 secure microcontroller already supports the latest version of the popular Calypso ticketing standard that is used in more than 90 million travel cards for mass-transit networks worldwide, according to ST. Now that the chip has also achieved the PICC analog-test validation, it has been proven suitable for use in secure payment transactions, extending its field of application.