Switstack Moka Now Available as EMV L2 Reference Design Powered by Qualcomm

‍ For the first time, companies building PCI-PTS devices powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing processors can start from a fully integrated, validated EMV L2 stack, helping to streamline parts of the certification process.

At Switstack, our mission is to simplify and accelerate how modern payment devices are built and certified. Today, we’re excited to announce that Switstack Moka, our EMV L2 kernel stack, is now available as part of a reference design for payment devices powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ QCS4490 processor. This integration enables OEMs, ODMs, ISVs, and SIs to simplify development and accelerate time to market.

Removing the EMV Bottleneck

EMV L2 integration has long been a bottleneck in payment device development—adding time, cost, and uncertainty. Teams typically face three options: build from scratch, integrate a third-party stack, or wait for a kernel provider to complete an integration. With Moka, we’re reducing development time and integration uncertainty.

Moka is optimized with Qualcomm Technologies’ processor, allowing teams to install a package directly onto their terminals. Pre-certification accreditation readiness can be validated using Swittest—Switstack’s automated EMV testing platform—alongside a pre-certification accreditation testing tool, enabling rapid lab submission.

We’re pleased to collaborate with Switstack on the launch of their easy-to-use EMV L2 reference design powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ hardware,
By integrating Moka and Swittest, it will enable our partners to simplify integration complexity and maintain control over their payment stack—accelerating the deployment of security-focused payment terminals. - Ketal Gandhi, Senior Director of Business Development, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.    

Key Benefits

• Minimizes EMV integration effort – No porting, adaptation, or reliance on third-party vendors.
• Supports pre-certification accreditation readiness – Validated against certification-grade test scripts from day one.
• Full control and ownership – Source-available kernel for long-term flexibility.
• Reduced delivery risk – Predictable schedules and fewer unknowns in PCI-PTS programs.

By removing the integration bottleneck, this availability allows teams to focus on hardware design, product differentiation, and deployment, while retaining independence over their EMV implementation.

Qualcomm Collaborators—can now bypass the traditional integration phase and start with a stack that:

• Is already ported on the Qualcomm reference design.
• Supports precertification-grade functional testing using Swittest.
• Installs as a drop-in Android package, without further engineering required.

This eliminates the need for:

• Multi-year kernel development projects.
• Costly, high-expertise integration of third-party kernels.
• Waiting for kernel vendors to complete a port.
• Building and maintaining an in-house test environment for certification.

About Moka & Swittest

• Moka is a hardware-agnostic, source-available EMV L2 kernel stack designed for modern payment device development. Learn more →
• Swittest is a managed EMV L2 testing service that enables automated, certification-grade tests on payment devices, lab tools, or CI/CD workflows. Learn more →

Qualcomm and Qualcomm Dragonwing are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated. Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patented technologies are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.

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