The PN532 NFC RFID Module with External Antenna is a compact PN532-based NFC module with a flexible external antenna — available in multiple cable lengths (5 cm, 15 cm, 30 cm, 50 cm, 100 cm). It is designed for installations where the antenna must be placed separately from the main board, such as inside an enclosure, behind a panel, or in a space-constrained assembly.
Note: This product is currently out of stock. The PN5321 MINI w/ Interference-Resistant Antenna is the recommended replacement — it offers a similar external antenna configuration with ferrite backing for better interference resistance and improved performance in compact installations.
Who This Module Is For
- Engineers who need to mount the NFC antenna separately from the PCB
- Projects where the reader electronics must be hidden inside an enclosure
- Applications requiring flexible antenna cable routing
Core Advantages
- Compact main board: 35mm × 24mm
- Flexible antenna cable: available in 5 / 15 / 30 / 50 / 100 cm lengths
- Standard PN532 chip — full software compatibility with PN532 V4 and all PN532 libraries
- On-board level shifter — works with both 3.3V and 5V systems
- I2C, SPI, and HSU interfaces supported
Key Specifications
| Chip | NXP PN532 |
| Operating Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Interfaces | I2C, SPI, HSU (High Speed UART) |
| Logic Level | 5V TTL (I2C, UART) / 3.3V TTL (SPI) |
| Main Board Size | 35mm × 24mm |
| Antenna Cable Length | 5 / 15 / 30 / 50 / 100 cm (IPEX, 50-ohm) |
Reading Performance
- Mifare Classic (ISO 14443A): 5–6 cm (consistent across tested cable lengths)
- SRT512 (ISO 14443B): 3–4 cm
Reading performance is consistent across all tested cable lengths (10–100 cm) when using 50-ohm cable.
Supported Protocols
- ISO 14443A: MIFARE Classic, Ultralight, DESFire
- ISO 14443B: SRT512 and compatible cards
- FeliCa (JIS X 6319-4)
- Innovision Jewel
- ISO 18092 (NFC-IP1 / P2P)
- Android NFC (NDEF)
Downloads
Product List
- PN532 main board × 1
- 15 cm antenna cable × 1
- Antenna board × 1
Recommended Alternative
The PN5321 MINI w/ Interference-Resistant Antenna is the current in-stock replacement. It offers similar external antenna flexibility with ferrite backing for improved performance in metal-adjacent or high-interference environments.
Related Documentation and Selection Guides
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.
Wiring Reference
Interface selection is done via solder jumper on the main board (same as PN532 V4). The external antenna connects via IPEX/U.FL connector.
| Module Pin | Arduino Uno (I2C) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SDA | A4 | I2C data |
| SCL | A5 | I2C clock |
| VCC | 5V | 3.3–5V supported |
| GND | GND | Common ground |
For SPI and UART wiring, follow the same pinout as the PN532 V4. The boards are software-compatible.
Cable Length and Reading Distance
Reading performance is consistent across all tested cable lengths (5–100 cm) when using 50-ohm coaxial cable. Cable length does not meaningfully affect reading range.
| Tag Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Mifare Classic (ISO 14443A) | 5–6 cm |
| NTAG213 / NTAG216 | 4–6 cm |
| ISO 14443B (SRT512) | 3–4 cm |
Common Installation Questions
- Can I route the antenna cable through a metal panel? Yes, but keep the antenna face on the outside of the panel. The antenna field must not be blocked by metal in front of the antenna.
- Does cable length affect performance? No — reading distance is consistent across all tested cable lengths (10–100 cm) using 50-ohm cable.
- Can I extend the cable beyond 100 cm? Not recommended without RF design consideration. Longer cables introduce impedance mismatch and signal loss.
- Is the PN5321 MINI a better choice for new designs? Yes, for new designs the PN5321 MINI with ferrite-backed antenna offers better metal interference resistance and is actively stocked.
