Inside Secure is selling its next generation NFC controller technology to chip maker Intel, as well as an expanded license, for $19.2 million, though will keep most of its NFC patents and embedded chip technology.
The move hastens Inside’s exit from the NFC modem chip business and expands a broad licensing deal Inside has had with Intel, which Inside announced in late 2011. Intel could potentially use the NFC technology for its smartphone reference designs, including its wireless connectivity chips, as well as chips for tablets and PCs.
Under the new deal, Inside is transferring the latest generation of its MicroRead NFC controller and software radio chip, which is still under development. In addition, there will be “certain IP assets” that Intel is buying. And Inside said that part of the deal grants Intel royalty-free access to the NFC technology from Inside’s IP and patents. Inside expects some employees based in France and California to transfer to Intel. The deal is scheduled to close in the second quarter.
