wiring rfid nfc roles
Choose the radio, supported tag protocol and host interface before choosing wires.
Applies to: Capability planning for documented NFC parts. Reading, writing and card emulation are separate operations; chip features do not guarantee module firmware support.
Building tag-based identification, an NDEF demonstration or your own NFC test device.
RFID describes a broad family. A 13.56 MHz NFC module is not automatically compatible with 125 kHz or UHF tags.
| Role / part | What to check | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Reader | Frequency and tag technology | Detection is not proof of application access |
| Writer | Writable memory, permissions and locks | A readable tag may not be writable |
| Card emulator | Supported card type and host stack | Not an automatic copy of another card |
| ST25R3916B | NFC frontend with host software | Do not transfer all features to 3917B/3919B |
| PN532 | Host mode and supported NFC modes | Module switches and voltage circuits vary |
| PN7160 | NCI controller and host application | Type-4 emulation needs the appropriate application |
| PN5180 | Exact silicon/firmware and NFC library | Use the relevant revision documentation |
- Identify the exact module, antenna, tag technology and intended read/write/emulation role.
- Choose a supported host library and verify mode support before assembling the prototype.
- Use known test tags and inspect results without assuming UID detection proves full interoperability.
- Antenna matching and nearby metal affect operation; an arbitrary wire is not a drop-in antenna.
- Module supply input, I/O voltage and RF field configuration are different specifications.
- ST25R3916B NFC Module — original images and datasheets
- ST25R3916B Mini NFC Module with Ultra-Slim External Antenna — original images and datasheets
- PN532 NFC RFID module V3 — original images and datasheets
- PN5180 NFC MODULE — original images and datasheets
- PN7160 MINI V1 — I2C — original images and datasheets
Source documents inspected; independent electrical and bench review pending. Reviewed 2026-09-27.
- STMicroelectronics: ST25R3916B / 3917B / 3919B datasheet — Feature comparison: protocol and card-emulation differences between suffixes; checked 2026-09-27
- NXP: PN532/C1 datasheet — Host interfaces and supported operating modes; checked 2026-09-27
- NXP: PN7160 card emulation, AN13861 — Card emulation mode, NCI and host application responsibilities; checked 2026-09-27
- NXP: PN5180 product documentation — NFC frontend, protocol support and host interface; checked 2026-09-27
Original writing and diagram by Kal / Valleytech Solutions, CC BY 4.0. Manufacturer artwork and documentation retain their own rights.
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