The ST25R3916 NFC Reader Module is built around STMicroelectronics’ ST25R3916, one of the highest-performance NFC reader chips available. It delivers exceptional reading range across a wide range of tag types and protocols, including ISO 15693 tags readable at over 11 cm. This module is designed for demanding applications where reading distance, protocol coverage, and signal reliability matter.
Who This Module Is For
- Engineers requiring high reading distance or multi-protocol NFC support
- Developers working with ISO 15693 (long-range) or MIFARE DESFire tags
- Industrial and commercial applications needing robust NFC reading
- OEM/ODM customers building production NFC reader devices
Core Advantages
- Industry-leading reading distance — up to 11+ cm on ISO 15693 tags
- Broad protocol coverage: ISO 14443A/B, ISO 15693, FeliCa, NFC Forum Type 1–5
- Active load modulation for card emulation
- Low power modes suitable for battery-operated devices
- SPI interface for straightforward microcontroller integration
- Field detection (wake-on-NFC) capability
Key Specifications
| Chip | STMicroelectronics ST25R3916 |
| Operating Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Interface | SPI |
| Supported Standards | ISO 14443A/B, ISO 15693, FeliCa, NFC Forum Type 1–5 |
| Card Emulation | NFC Forum Type 4 (ISO 14443A/B), with active load modulation |
Compatible Platforms
- Arduino (SPI)
- ESP32 / ESP8266
- STM32 and other ARM-based MCUs
- Raspberry Pi (SPI)
- Any microcontroller with SPI support
Reading Distance Test Results
All tests performed with the on-board integrated PCB antenna under standard conditions:
| Tag Type | Standard | Chip / Tag | Card Size (cm) | Read Distance (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFC Type 1 Tag | ISO 14443A | Topaz 512 | 8.5 × 5.4 | 5.5 |
| NFC Type 2 Tag | ISO 14443A | NTAG213 | 8.5 × 5.4 | 6.5 |
| NFC Type 2 Tag | ISO 14443A | NTAG216 | 8.5 × 5.4 | 6.5 |
| NFC Type 3 Tag | JIS X 6319-4 | FeliCa | 8.5 × 5.4 | 5.0 |
| NFC Type 4 Tag (DESFire) | ISO 14443-4 | MIFARE DESFire 4K/8K | 8.5 × 5.4 | 2.8 |
| NFC Type 4 Tag (NTAG424 DNA) | ISO 14443A | NTAG424 DNA | 8.5 × 5.4 | 5.0 |
| NFC Type 4 Tag (ISO 14443-4B) | ISO 14443-4B | – | 8.5 × 5.4 | 2.3 |
| NFC Type 5 Tag | ISO 15693 | ICODE SLI-S | 8.5 × 5.4 | 9.5 |
| NFC Type 5 Tag (I CODE SLIX2) | ISO 15693 | I CODE SLIX2 | 8.5 × 5.4 | 11.0 |
| NFC Type 5 Tag (I CODE SLI-X) | ISO 15693 | I CODE SLI-X | 8.5 × 5.4 | 9.5 |
| Anti-Metal Tag (F08) | ISO 14443A | MIFARE Classic | 5 × 5 | 2.2 |
| Anti-Metal Tag (F08, round) | ISO 14443A | MIFARE Classic | Ø 3 | 0.9 |
| Anti-Metal Tag (NTAG213) | ISO 14443A | NTAG213 | 4 × 2.5 | 2.2 |
| Anti-Metal Tag (ISO 15693) | ISO 15693 | – | 4 × 2.5 | 2.3 |
Typical Use Cases
- High-performance NFC readers for access control and identification
- ISO 15693 long-range tag reading (inventory, asset tracking)
- MIFARE DESFire secure card applications
- NFC antenna testing and protocol research
- Industrial NFC reading in demanding environments
Quick Start
- Connect the module to your microcontroller via SPI
- Download the ST25R3916 testing example from the Downloads section
- Refer to the schematic PDF for pinout and wiring reference
- Run the provided SPI test to verify connectivity and read a tag
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum reading distance?
- Up to 11 cm with an I CODE SLIX2 tag (ISO 15693, 85×54mm). Distance varies by tag type and environment.
- Does it work with standard Mifare cards?
- Yes. MIFARE Classic 1K/4K, Ultralight, and DESFire are all supported via ISO 14443A.
- What interface does it use?
- SPI only. The module does not have an I2C interface.
- Can it do card emulation?
- Yes. The ST25R3916 supports NFC Forum Type 4 card emulation with active load modulation for high-performance emulation.
- How does it compare to the PN532 or PN7160?
- The ST25R3916 typically offers longer reading range and broader tag type support, particularly for ISO 15693. The PN532 is simpler to use with Arduino. The PN7160 has native Linux/Android driver support. See the comparison page for details.
Compare This Module
Downloads
Related Documentation and Selection Guides
- ST25R3916 Documentation
- PN532 vs PN7160 vs ST25R3916
- Best NFC Module for Arduino
- 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 this 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.
