Overview
The NXP PN7160 is a comprehensive NFC (Near Field Communication) controller designed to simplify the development and integration of NFC capabilities into various applications, including those running on Android or Linux operating systems. It supports all NFC forum modes, meaning it is versatile enough to handle a multitude of NFC operations such as reader/writer mode, peer-to-peer mode, and card emulation mode.
In terms of connectivity, the PN7160 can interface with a range of popular microcontroller units (MCUs) through I2C or SPI interfaces, making it compatible with a broad array of systems. It works with MCUs such as LPC, Kinetis, and i.MX. There’s also a PN7161 version that adds support for Apple’s Enhanced Contactless Polling (ECP).
Key Features
- Support for All NFC Modes:
- Reader/Writer Mode: Supports ISO/IEC 14443 A/B, FeliCa, MIFARE 1K, 4K, NFC Forum type 1,2,3,4,5, ISO/IEC 15693.
- Peer-to-Peer Mode: Supports both passive and active, initiator and target modes.
- Card Emulation Mode: Supports NFC Forum type 3 and type 4 (A&B).
- Integrated Firmware: The embedded NFC firmware reduces the need for host interactions, minimizes code size, and simplifies the design process, making it easier for developers to integrate NFC functionality into their products.
- Flexible Host Interface: The PN7160 supports both I²C and SPI interfaces and is compliant with NCI 2.0 protocol. It operates on a supply voltage of either 1.8V or 3.3V and includes an IRQ signal for improved synchronization.
- High Performance: Features dynamic power control and active load modulation, which enhance the communication range and reliability. It also includes low-power modes, making it suitable for battery-powered devices.
- Compatibility: Compatible with popular microcontrollers such as LPC, Kinetis, and i.MX, which facilitates integration into various systems, including those running Android and Linux operating systems.
Applications
The PN7160 can be used in a variety of applications across different domains:
- Communication Infrastructure: Broadband modems and residential gateways.
- Industrial: Fitness and healthcare equipment.
- Mobile: Tablets, mobile computers, and wearables.
- Smart City: Open and closed-loop payment systems.
- Smart Home: Audio and video conference phones, major home appliances, printers, e-boards, and gaming devices.
Compare with PN5321
| Feature | PN7160 | PN5321 |
|---|---|---|
| Technology and Future Expandability | Supports all NFC Forum modes, including latest features like dynamic power control and load modulation. | Supports multiple protocols but lacks latest NFC features, limited future expandability. Example: Limited support for newer NFC applications like contactless payments in smart cities. |
| Integration and Development Convenience | Integrated firmware reduces host dependency, simplifying development and reducing time and cost. Supports Android and Linux drivers. | Requires more host interaction, increasing development complexity and code size. Example: Developers need to write additional code to handle host interactions, leading to longer development cycles. |
| Interface and Application Support | Supports I²C and SPI interfaces, compatible with popular MCUs like LPC, Kinetis, and i.MX. Suitable for smart home, mobile payments, and industrial automation. | Supports SPI, I²C, and UART interfaces, but mainly suitable for traditional NFC applications. Example: Commonly used in basic access control systems and simple NFC readers. |
| Power Consumption and Performance | Better power management with low power modes and dynamic power control, ideal for battery-powered devices. | Less optimized for power consumption, not ideal for modern applications with strict power requirements. Example: Higher power consumption makes it less suitable for battery-powered IoT devices. |
| Market and Support Resources | Extensive support from NXP with comprehensive documentation and tools, leveraging latest community support. | Limited support as it’s not recommended for new designs, fewer resources and community support. Example: Fewer updates and less technical support from NXP, making it harder to troubleshoot issues. |
Board information
- Dimenstion: 42.83 mm x 40.53 mm
- Supply voltage:
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- VDD-1.8V or 3.3 V
- VANT-2.5V~5.8V
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- Interface: I2C, 8p 1.25mm lockable socket
- Antenna type: On-board integrated PCB antenna
RFID Reading Performance
| Reading Distance | (54mm*85mm)Mifare M1 | (Diameter 25mm) Round Mifare M1 |
|---|---|---|
| PN7610 w/o Ferrite underlying | 8.5cm | 5.8cm |
| PN7610 w/ Ferrite underlying | 5.0cm | 3.0cm |
