The PN532 NFC RFID Module V4 is ELECHOUSE’s most widely used NFC module, built around the NXP PN532 chip. It supports multiple interfaces and a broad range of NFC/RFID protocols, making it suitable for Arduino projects, embedded development, and production integration alike.
Who This Module Is For
- Makers and hobbyists building NFC projects with Arduino or ESP32
- Engineers prototyping access control, payment, or identification systems
- Developers integrating NFC into Raspberry Pi or Linux-based platforms
- OEM/ODM customers requiring a proven, well-documented NFC module
Core Advantages
- Three interface options in one module: I2C, SPI, and High Speed UART (HSU) — switchable by solder jumper
- On-board level shifter: 5V TTL for I2C and UART, 3.3V TTL for SPI — works with 3.3V and 5V systems without extra hardware
- Broad protocol support: MIFARE, FeliCa, ISO 14443A/B, P2P, Android NFC
- Improved reading distance over V3: 6–8 cm on standard Mifare tags
- Well-supported by the ELECHOUSE Arduino library and community resources
- CE and FCC certified
Key Specifications
| Chip | NXP PN532 |
| Operating Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Interfaces | I2C, SPI, HSU (High Speed UART) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V – 5V |
| Logic Level | 5V TTL (I2C, UART) / 3.3V TTL (SPI) |
| Reading Distance | 6–8 cm (Mifare S50, standard conditions) |
| Certifications | CE, FCC |
Supported Protocols
- ISO 14443A: MIFARE Classic (1K, 4K), MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE DESFire
- ISO 14443B: SRT512 and compatible cards
- ISO 18092 (NFC-IP1): Peer-to-peer communication
- FeliCa (JIS X 6319-4): RCS_860, RCS_854
- Innovision Jewel: IRT5001
- Android NFC (NDEF read/write)
Compatible Platforms
- Arduino (Uno, Mega, Leonardo, Nano, Due)
- ESP32 / ESP8266
- Raspberry Pi (via SPI or I2C)
- Linux (libnfc, nfcpy)
- Windows (via USB-UART bridge)
V4 vs V3 — Performance Improvement
V4 is fully hardware and software compatible with V3. The PCBA design and assembly process have been improved, resulting in better reading performance:
| Metric | PN532 V3 | PN532 V4 |
|---|---|---|
| Reading distance (Mifare tag, PVC) | 5–6 cm | 6–8 cm |
| Reading distance (SRT512, PVC) | 1–2 cm | 2–4 cm |
Typical Use Cases
- Access control systems (door locks, attendance tracking)
- NFC tag reading and writing (NDEF, MIFARE)
- Android phone NFC communication
- Smart card emulation and verification
- IoT device authentication
- Maker projects requiring multi-protocol NFC support
Quick Start
- Select your interface mode by setting the solder jumpers (I2C, SPI, or HSU)
- Connect the module to your Arduino or microcontroller using the selected interface
- Download and install the ELECHOUSE PN532 Arduino Library
- Open one of the provided examples (e.g.,
readMifare) and upload to your board - Open the Serial Monitor at 115200 baud to view tag data
For detailed wiring diagrams and example code, refer to the PN532 V4 Documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use this module with a Raspberry Pi?
- Yes. Connect via SPI or I2C and use libnfc or nfcpy on Linux. Set the interface jumper accordingly before connecting.
- Does it support card emulation?
- The PN532 chip supports card emulation mode. Refer to the NXP PN532 User Manual for implementation details.
- What is the default interface?
- The module ships with HSU (High Speed UART) as the default interface. You can change it by modifying the solder jumpers on the board.
- Is V4 compatible with V3 code and hardware?
- Yes. V4 is a drop-in replacement for V3 — same shape, same mounting holes, same interface, fully compatible with all V3 software.
- What reading distance can I expect?
- Typically 6–8 cm on standard Mifare S50 cards under normal conditions. Distance varies depending on the card type, antenna orientation, and environment.
Compare This Module
Download
Product List
- PN532 NFC Module V4 × 1
Related Documentation and Selection Guides
- PN532 V4 Documentation
- PN532 vs PN7160 vs ST25R3916
- Best NFC Module for Arduino
- Best NFC Module for ESP32
- NFC for Access Control
- NFC for IoT & Smart Home
OEM / Custom Orders
ELECHOUSE provides OEM and ODM services for this module, including firmware customization, antenna adaptation, and volume supply. Learn more about OEM/ODM or contact us directly.
RFID & NFC Module Selection Guide
Not sure which module fits your project? See the full comparison with protocol support, interface options, and use case guidance in our RFID & NFC Module Selection Guide.
