Library update: The SPI compatibility issue has been resolved in the official ELECHOUSE library. The standard examples in ELECHOUSE_PN7150_PN7160 (GitHub) can now be used with PN7161 MINI V1 SPI after enabling SPI mode in the example sketch.
PN7161 MINI NFC Module (SPI)
The PN7161 MINI V1 — SPI is the SPI member of the PN7161 family from ELECHOUSE. It is intended for embedded systems that require an SPI interface, especially compact boards, Linux-based controllers, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32 designs.
If you need the PN7161 feature set on an SPI-based design, this is the correct module. If your system is built around I2C, use the PN7161 NFC RFID Module (I2C).
Why Choose PN7161 MINI SPI
- SPI interface for platforms that do not use I2C as the main NFC bus
- Compact form factor for space-constrained embedded products
- Part of the PN7161 family, including Apple ECP support
- Suitable for Raspberry Pi, ESP32, Linux, and custom controller boards
Key Specifications
| Chip | NXP PN7161 |
|---|---|
| Interface | SPI |
| Protocol Stack | NCI 2.0 |
| Apple ECP | Supported |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V to 5V |
| Board Style | Compact MINI format |
Antenna and Reading Distance
The PN7161 MINI V1 — SPI uses flexible external NFC antennas. The package includes both antenna sizes listed below: one 40 mm × 50 mm antenna and one 10 mm × 25 mm antenna. They are included together, not selected as alternative sizes. Reading distance depends on antenna size, ferrite backing, tag size, tag orientation, power supply, and the surrounding installation environment.
Antenna and Mechanical Details
| Main board size | 22.6 mm × 23.5 mm × 4.4 mm |
|---|---|
| Antenna size options | 40 mm × 50 mm × 0.2 mm; 10 mm × 25 mm × 0.2 mm |
| Included antennas | Both 40 mm × 50 mm and 10 mm × 25 mm flexible antennas are included with the module. |
| Ferrite backing | The standard shipped antennas are without ferrite. Ferrite-backed antennas are customized versions and should be requested before ordering. |
| Connection cable | 10 cm |
| Antenna connectors | IPEX and SH1.0 interfaces supported |
| Antenna features | Thin and flexible antenna; custom antenna sizes available for project requirements |
Reading Distance Test Results
| Antenna configuration | Square Mifare S50 card (85 mm × 54 mm) |
Round Mifare S50 tag (25 mm diameter) |
Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 mm × 50 mm antenna without ferrite | 10 cm | 4.8 cm | Standard shipped version (included by default) |
| 40 mm × 50 mm antenna with ferrite | 5.8 cm | 3.3 cm | Customized version (available on request) |
| 10 mm × 25 mm antenna without ferrite | 4.2 cm | 2.3 cm | Standard shipped version (included by default) |
| 10 mm × 25 mm antenna with ferrite | 3.0 cm | 2.0 cm | Customized version (available on request) |
Test note: In the table above, Standard shipped version means the default antennas included with the product. Customized version means a ferrite-backed/custom antenna version that should be requested before ordering. The values are typical test results; actual reading distance may vary with card/tag type, antenna orientation, mounting material, nearby metal, cable routing, and RF interference.
Supported NFC Functions
- Reader / Writer
- Peer-to-Peer
- Card Emulation
- ISO 14443A / 14443B
- ISO 15693
- MIFARE and FeliCa
Typical Applications
- Compact NFC reader devices
- SPI-based Raspberry Pi and Linux projects
- ESP32 and embedded controller integration
- Industrial and custom embedded NFC products
PN7161 MINI SPI to ESP32 VSPI Typical Wiring
| PN7161 MINI SPI | ESP32 Dev Module | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SCK | GPIO18 | SPI clock |
| MISO | GPIO19 | SPI MISO |
| MOSI | GPIO23 | SPI MOSI |
| SS / NSS | GPIO5 | Chip select |
| IRQ | GPIO14 | Interrupt |
| VEN | GPIO13 | Enable / reset |
| VDD | 3.3V | Logic supply |
| VANT | 5V | Antenna supply |
| GND | GND | Common ground |
Documentation and Test Guides
Product information stays on this page. Wiring, Raspberry Pi setup, ESP32 validation, and software test flows are maintained separately in the documentation hub.
Downloads
Package and Support
- 1 × PN7161 MINI V1 — SPI module
- 2 × flexible NFC antennas included: 40 mm × 50 mm and 10 mm × 25 mm
- Technical documents and validation references available in the documentation hub, including ELECHOUSE_PN7150_PN7160 (GitHub) for Arduino and ESP32 development
Arduino Library and Examples
- Use ELECHOUSE_PN7150_PN7160 (GitHub) for Arduino and ESP32 development
- The shared library
examples/now support PN7161 MINI V1 SPI directly - In the example sketch, change
#define PN71XX_USE_SPI 0to1 - SPI examples use the PN7160-compatible path, which is the intended compatibility path for PN7161 in this library
Wiring Reminder
When wiring the module to ESP32 VSPI, Raspberry Pi SPI, or similar hosts, do not only connect the signal pins. Also connect VDD to 3.3V, VANT to 5V, and GND to GND.
