NFC Module (PN532) 13.56 Mhz

The PN532 is a highly integrated transmission module for contactless communication at 13.56 MHz including microcontroller functionality based on an 80C51 core with 40 Kbytes of ROM and 1 Kbytes of RAM. The PN532 combines a modulation and demodulation concept completely integrated for different kinds of contactless communication methods and protocols at 13.56 MHz with an easy-to-use firmware for the different supported modes and the required host controller interfaces.

It works as RFID reader/writer,1443-A card or a virtual card and also supports NFC with Android phone. It is also compatible with Arduino.

Pinout Diagram Details

Features:

PN532

• 80C51 microcontroller core with 40kBROM and 1kBRAM
• Highly integrated analog circuit, demodulation, and decoding response
• Support NFC RFID reading and writing, P2P communication with peers
• Easy to change between communications option
• The output buffer driver is connected to the antenna through a minimum number of external passive devices
• Integrated RF field detector
• Integrated data pattern detector
• Support ISO / IEC14443A / MIFARE®
• Support ISO / IEC14443B only in reader mode
• The typical working distance exceeds 50mm in the reader mode, the specific distance is determined by the antenna size, tuning, and power supply
• Working distance up to 50mm in NFCIP-1 mode, depending on antenna size, tuning, and power supply
• The typical working distance in card operation mode is about 100mm, the specific distance is determined by the antenna size, tuning, and external field strength
• In the reader mode, support MifareClassic encryption which can support two higher data transmission rates of 212kbit / s and 424kbit / s
• In FeliCa mode, support communication baud rate of 106kbit / s, 212kbit / s and 424kbit / s
• Integrated NFCIP-1 RF interface, transmission rate up to 424kbit / s
• Support host interface:
  • SPI interface
  • I2C interface
  • Serial UART
• Flexible interrupt mode
• Low power consumption mode-hardware power-down mode-software power-down mode
• When the device is in power-down mode, it can automatically wake up through the I2C, HSU, and SPI interfaces
• Programmable timer
• Quartz crystal oscillator
• 2.7V ~ 5.5V power supply

Mifare Card

• Mifare ISO14443A 1K Classic card, an RFID read/write card that is designed to work with a Read/ Write machine.
• Credit Card Size and thickness.
• 13.56MHz operating frequency
• 1K (1024) bytes of memory
• Mifare Classic
• ISO14443A
• Easy printing of logo and custom graphic on both sides directly with a direct image or thermal transfer printers.
• Compatible with both RC522 and PN532.
• Dimension: 8.5cm x 5.4cm

How to use PN532 NFC Module?

For using PN532 module, first we will choose the mode of communication between MODULE and CONTROLLER. As mentioned earlier, this module has three interfaces, of which we have to choose one. Remember at any given point of time only one of three interfaces can be used. All three cannot be used together. We will have to choose the mode of interface using two switches solder to the board. The switches are S1 and S2 shown in pin diagram.

Choose the mode of interface and corresponding state of switches from above table. Next toggle the switches S1 and S2 to those positions.

After choosing the type of interface, connect the module to the controller or processor. Say if you opted to use I2C, then connect module to I2C of the controller. If you opted to use SPI, then connect module to SPI of controller.

After interfacing you have to download the library files for the module from corresponding websites. Say for ARDUINO platform [https://www.arduinolibraries.info/libraries/adafruit-pn532]. Save the library files in the IDE program files.

Now all that left is to write the program for the controller or ARDUINO in the IDE software. And do call up on the saved library files while writing the program. With those libraries we can directly communicate with the module while skipping all the steps of communication protocol.

Once the programming is done, power up the circuit to get the desired response.

Where to use PN532 NFC Module?

• PN532 module basically used to setup a communication mode to devices for quick data exchange.
• PN532 module can be used on experimental products to communicate with smart phones and PC.
• The module is used as a communication shield for ARDUINO and PI platforms.
• The module can be used an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader and writer.
• The module itself can be used as RFID card.
• The module consumes very less power so it can be used in mobile systems which work on battery.
• The module can be used on any controller (or processer) who has any one of three Interfaces (I2C, UART, and SPI).

Applications

• Media or Data sharing
• Robotics
• Smart Phones and Smart devices
• Security systems
• Computer Peripherals
• Package Identification
• Theft protection systems

Useful Links:

PN532 Datasheet