NFC troubleshooting
Introduction to NFC troubleshooting
The NFC engine comprises a single chip mixed signal ASIC (N6500) and external matching components for a
magnetic loop antenna as well as decoupling capacitors for the integrated LDO regulators.
NFC general information
NFC ASIC and most NFC block HW components are located under permanent shielding (A6500). This limits NFC
HW troubleshooting methods.
The NFC HW block consists of NFC ASIC, antenna matching circuit, antenna and power supply decoupling
capacitors.
The testing is performed with care service SW. The menus used are Self Tests and Near Field Communication.
The following problems can occur with the NFC hardware:
Symptom
Problem
Action
Repair solution
Unable to switch on NFC
on phone user interface
Open circuit solder joints or
component failure of NFC ASIC
Run self tests
Replacement of engine
PWB
NFC can be switched on
but communication does
not work
Problem with antenna
connection or matching
circuit
Run self tests
Replacement of battery
cover, chassis or engine
PWB
Phone can read tag but
Payment & Ticketing
feature does not work
Incorrect SIM card fitted (SIM
must contain secure element)
or faulty SWP interface
Perform
Single Wire
test
Replacement of SIM
connector or engine
PWB
Poor operating distance
Damaged antenna, poor
antenna connection or
transmitter power supply
problem
Run self tests
Replacement of B-cover
or chassis
NFC test coverage
The tests listed in the table below should be performed to verify whether NFC is functional. NFC should be
re-tested after repair.
Test
Test Coverage
Repair solution
Self Test: ST_NFC_TEST
NFC ASIC host interface including
I2C, IRQ and FW_RESET
Replacement of engine PWB
Self Test: ST_NFC_ANTENNA_TEST
Antenna matching circuit and
antenna
Replacement of antenna
(battery cover) or engine PWB
Near Field Communication Test:
Single Wire
SWP interface between NFC ASIC
and SIM
Replacement of SIM connector
or engine PWB
Near Field Communication Test:
Upgrade Firmware
Check and update NFC ASIC’s
firmware
The self tests run from care testing software are used for fault diagnosis.
If the care testing software is not available, the functional tests with phone accessories are sufficient to verify
the functionality of NFC.
RM-824; RM-825; RM-826
BB Troubleshooting Guide
Issue 2
NOKIA INTERNAL USE ONLY
Page 3 – 47
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