The PN7160 NFC RFID Module is built around the NXP PN7160 controller, a full-featured NFC chip with integrated firmware and native Linux/Android driver support. It supports all NFC Forum modes and interfaces via I2C, making it suitable for Raspberry Pi, Linux-based systems, and embedded Android platforms.
Who This Module Is For
- Developers building NFC into Linux or Android-based systems
- Engineers using Raspberry Pi or i.MX-based platforms
- System integrators requiring full NFC Forum compliance (reader, P2P, card emulation)
- OEM/ODM customers building production devices with embedded NFC
Core Advantages
- Integrated NCI 2.0 firmware — reduces host MCU workload and code size
- Native Linux driver support (linux_libnfc-nci) — works out of the box on Raspberry Pi and i.MX
- All NFC Forum modes: Reader/Writer, Peer-to-Peer, Card Emulation
- Lockable 8-pin 1.25mm I2C connector — secure connection for integration
- Dynamic power control and active load modulation for extended range
- Upgrade path available: PN7161 adds Apple ECP support
Key Specifications
| Chip | NXP PN7160 |
| Interface | I2C (8-pin 1.25mm lockable socket) |
| NFC Protocol | NCI 2.0 |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8V or 3.3V |
| Antenna Voltage (VANT) | 2.5V – 5.8V |
| Antenna | On-board integrated PCB antenna |
| Board Dimensions | 42.83mm × 40.53mm |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS |
Supported NFC Modes and Protocols
- Reader/Writer: ISO 14443A/B, FeliCa, MIFARE 1K/4K, NFC Forum Type 1–5, ISO 15693
- Peer-to-Peer: Passive and active, initiator and target
- Card Emulation: NFC Forum Type 3, Type 4A/B
Compatible Platforms
- Raspberry Pi (via I2C — Quick Start guide included)
- ESP32 in Arduino IDE (guide and video included)
- Linux with libnfc-nci (NXP official driver)
- Android (NCI 2.0 compliant)
- LPC, Kinetis, i.MX-based systems
Reading Performance
| Condition | Mifare M1 (85×54mm card) | Round Mifare M1 (25mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Without ferrite | 8.5 cm | 5.8 cm |
| With ferrite underlying | 5.0 cm | 3.0 cm |
Typical Use Cases
- Raspberry Pi NFC reader/writer applications
- Linux-based access control and payment systems
- Smart home NFC integration (Android)
- Industrial NFC readers with card emulation
- Contactless payment and identification prototypes
Quick Start
- Connect the module to your Raspberry Pi or ESP32 via the I2C interface (8-pin 1.25mm connector)
- For Raspberry Pi: follow the Quick Guide (I2C) to install linux_libnfc-nci
- For ESP32 in Arduino IDE: follow the ESP32 Guide
- Run a card detection example to verify the connection
For I2C address configuration, refer to the I2C address setting guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this module work on Raspberry Pi without additional software?
- You need to install the linux_libnfc-nci driver (NXP official). The setup guide is included in the downloads.
- What is the difference between PN7160 and PN7161?
- The PN7161 adds support for Apple’s Enhanced Contactless Polling (ECP), which is required for Apple Wallet and Apple VAS integration. If you don’t need Apple ECP, PN7160 is sufficient.
- Can I use this with Arduino?
- Yes. An ESP32 + Arduino IDE guide is included. For standard Arduino boards (Uno, Mega), the I2C interface works but the Linux driver ecosystem is limited — Raspberry Pi or ESP32 is recommended.
- What connector type does it use?
- The module uses an 8-pin 1.25mm pitch lockable (MX1.25) I2C connector for secure cable attachment.
- Does it support card emulation?
- Yes. The PN7160 supports NFC Forum Type 3 and Type 4 (A&B) card emulation via the NCI 2.0 firmware.
Compare This Module
Downloads
- Quick Guide — PN7160 with Raspberry Pi
- Guide — PN7160 with ESP32 in Arduino IDE
- I2C Address Setting
- PDF Schematic
- Module Dimension
- 3D File
- CE Certificate
- RoHS
- linux_libnfc-nci (GitHub)
- Video: PN7160 with ESP32
Related Documentation and Selection Guides
- PN7160 Documentation
- PN532 vs PN7160 vs ST25R3916
- Best NFC Module for Raspberry Pi / Linux
- Best NFC Module for ESP32
- NFC for Access Control
- NFC for IoT & Smart Home
OEM / Custom Orders
ELECHOUSE provides OEM and ODM services for the PN7160 module. Learn more or contact us.
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.
