The PN5321 MINI NFC Module is a compact, interference-resistant NFC module from ELECHOUSE, designed for applications where space is limited or standard antennas are inadequate. It uses a ferrite-backed antenna that delivers more reliable signal in environments with metal or interference sources.
Who This Module Is For
- Engineers building NFC into compact devices, wearables, or enclosures near metal surfaces
- Developers who need a small NFC module with flexible antenna positioning
- IoT and industrial applications requiring reliable NFC reading in demanding environments
- OEM/ODM customers needing a small-footprint, well-tested NFC solution
Core Advantages
- Compact main board: 25 mm × 16.4 mm — easy to embed in space-constrained designs
- Interference-resistant ferrite antenna — maintains reading performance near metal or in RF-noisy environments
- Two antenna connector options: MX1.25 and IPEX 4 — flexible cable routing
- Three interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART — configurable by solder pad
- Wide supply voltage range: 2.7V to 5.5V — compatible with 3.3V and 5V systems
- Broad operating temperature: -25°C to +85°C
Key Specifications
| Chip | NXP PN5321 |
| Operating Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Interfaces | I2C, SPI, UART |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7V – 5.5V |
| Interface Voltage | 3.3V |
| Main Board Size | 25mm × 16.4mm × 4.4mm |
| Antenna Options | 10mm×25mm or 40mm×50mm (both with ferrite) |
| Antenna Connectors | MX1.25, IPEX 4 |
| Connection Cable | 10 cm |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +85°C |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS |
Supported Protocols
- ISO 14443A / 14443B
- ISO 15693
- JIS X 6319-4 (FeliCa)
Compatible Platforms
- Arduino (Uno, Mega, Nano, Leonardo)
- ESP32 / ESP8266
- Raspberry Pi (via I2C or SPI)
- Linux (libnfc)
- Any 3.3V or 5V microcontroller with I2C, SPI, or UART
Reading Distance Test Results
Tested with different antenna configurations using ferrite backing:
| Antenna | Square Mifare S50 (85×54mm card) | Round Mifare S50 (25mm coin) |
|---|---|---|
| 40×50mm antenna with ferrite | 5.8 cm | 3.3 cm |
| 10×25mm antenna with ferrite | 3.0 cm | 2.0 cm |
Ferrite backing reduces electromagnetic interference, resulting in clearer signal reception. Watch the antenna comparison video.
Typical Use Cases
- Smart wearables and IoT devices with limited space
- Access control systems in metal enclosures or near metallic surfaces
- Consumer electronics with built-in NFC (point-of-sale, healthcare)
- Industrial equipment requiring reliable NFC in high-interference environments
- Custom product integration (OEM/ODM)
Quick Start
- Select your interface (I2C, SPI, or UART) using the solder pads on the board
- Connect the antenna using the MX1.25 or IPEX 4 connector
- Wire the module to your microcontroller using the selected interface
- Use the ELECHOUSE PN532 library or any PN532-compatible library for Arduino
- Run a basic card-read example to verify communication
For detailed wiring and code examples, see the PN5321 MINI Documentation or the product manual below.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why use a ferrite antenna instead of a standard PCB antenna?
- Ferrite reduces interference from nearby metal and improves signal clarity in environments where standard antennas perform poorly. This makes the MINI more reliable in compact or metal-adjacent designs.
- Can I use both antenna connectors at the same time?
- No. The MX1.25 and IPEX 4 connectors are alternative options. Use one antenna at a time.
- Is this module compatible with the PN532 V4?
- They use different chips (PN5321 vs PN532) but are protocol-compatible at the NFC level. Software libraries written for PN532 typically work with PN5321 as well, though some advanced features may differ.
- What interface voltage does it use?
- The logic interface voltage is 3.3V. If your microcontroller operates at 5V, use a level shifter or confirm 5V tolerance before connecting directly.
- What reading distance should I expect?
- With the 40×50mm antenna and a standard Mifare card, expect around 5–6 cm. Results vary with card type, orientation, and environment.
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OEM / Custom Orders
ELECHOUSE provides OEM and ODM services for this module, including antenna customization, firmware adaptation, and volume supply. Learn more or contact us to discuss your requirements.
