For new product design, NXP recommends PN7160 NFC RFID MODULE instead of PN5321
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
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Product List
- PN532 NFC Module V4 × 1
Related Documentation and Selection Guides
- PN532 Web Serial Tester — browser-based firmware check and ISO14443A UID test
- 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.
