ST25R3916B NFC Module is an ELECHOUSE 13.56 MHz NFC and HF RFID reader module based on the STMicroelectronics ST25R3916B reader IC. It is designed for developers who need a high-performance NFC reader for ISO 14443A/B, ISO 15693, FeliCa, NFC-A, NFC-B, NFC-F, and NFC-V projects.
If you are comparing ST25R3916 vs ST25R3916B, the real difference is mainly at the reader IC level. The two ELECHOUSE modules use a very similar module-level design and connector style. The B-version module uses the newer ST25R3916B chip and includes the capacitor arrangement required for the ST25R3916B active wave shaping (AWS) implementation.
ST25R3916 vs ST25R3916B: Product Differences
Short answer: both modules are high-performance ST25 NFC reader modules with the same broad NFC/HF RFID protocol family and the same ELECHOUSE software family. ST25R3916B is the newer B-series reader IC, with newer EMVCo PCD L1 3.2a alignment, wider ASK modulation range, and a B-series AWS implementation that uses a different VDD_AM capacitor recommendation.
| Item | ST25R3916 NFC Reader Module | ST25R3916B NFC Module |
|---|---|---|
| Reader IC | STMicroelectronics ST25R3916 | STMicroelectronics ST25R3916B |
| Chip generation | Original ST25R3916 generation | Newer ST25R3916B generation |
| Module design | Original ELECHOUSE ST25R3916 board | Very similar ELECHOUSE board design, with B-version capacitor adjustment for active wave shaping (AWS) |
| EMVCo target | EMVCo 3.0 analog and digital | EMVCo PCD L1 3.2a analog and digital |
| Active wave shaping (AWS) | ST25R3916 AWS / overshoot-under-shoot control | B-series AWS implementation with matching VDD_AM capacitor setup |
| ASK modulation depth | 5% to 40% | 0% to 82% |
| Low-power card detection | Phase and amplitude measurement | Phase and amplitude measurement |
| Supported protocols | ISO 14443A/B, ISO 15693, FeliCa, NFC Forum tag technologies, NFC-A/F card emulation | Same broad NFC/HF RFID protocol family |
| Host interface | SPI by default, I2C after board configuration | SPI by default, I2C after board configuration |
| Software library | ELECHOUSE ST25R3916 library | Same ELECHOUSE ST25R3916 library |
| Recommended choice | Best for existing ST25R3916 projects or designs already validated with this module | Better choice for new designs that prefer the newer B-series reader IC and updated AWS hardware setup |
Product links: ST25R3916 NFC Reader Module | ST25R3916B NFC Module
Why choose the ST25R3916B NFC Module?
- You want the newer ST25R3916B reader IC generation
- You prefer the newer EMVCo PCD L1 3.2a target level
- You want the B-series active wave shaping (AWS) implementation with the matching module capacitor setup
- You need a strong NFC reader for ISO 15693, access control, payment-adjacent reader design, industrial RFID, or custom embedded NFC products
- You want to stay in the same ELECHOUSE ST25R3916 software family
Who should use this module?
- Engineers comparing ST25R3916B vs ST25R3916
- Developers building NFC readers for ESP32, Linux, Raspberry Pi, or embedded MCU platforms
- Teams needing ISO 15693 long-range reading
- OEM and ODM projects that need a high-performance 13.56 MHz NFC reader module
Key features
- Based on STMicroelectronics ST25R3916B
- 13.56 MHz NFC and HF RFID operation
- Supports ISO 14443A/B, ISO 15693, FeliCa, and NFC Forum tag types
- Supports NFC-A and NFC-F card emulation at IC level
- Integrated PCB antenna
- SPI by default, with I2C mode available after board configuration
- Compatible with the ELECHOUSE ST25R3916 GitHub library
- Suitable for advanced NFC reader and RFID product development
Specifications
| Product name | ST25R3916B NFC Module |
| Reader IC | STMicroelectronics ST25R3916B |
| Operating frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Host interface | SPI by default, I2C after board configuration |
| Supply input | 5V input to the module |
| Logic level | 3.3V host logic recommended |
| Antenna | Integrated PCB antenna |
| Connector signals | IRQ, CS, SCLK/SCL, MOSI, MISO/SDA, 5V, GND |
Pinout notes
| Pin | SPI function | I2C function |
| IRQ | Interrupt output | Interrupt output |
| CS | SPI chip select | Not used for standard I2C wiring |
| SCLK/SCL | SPI clock | I2C clock |
| MOSI | SPI host-to-module data | Not used for standard I2C wiring |
| MISO/SDA | SPI module-to-host data | I2C data |
| 5V | Power input | Power input |
| GND | Ground | Ground |
For first testing, SPI is the easiest setup path. If you need I2C, configure the board for I2C mode first, then use the I2C examples from the shared library.
Software library and documentation
This module uses the same development ecosystem as the ST25R3916 NFC Reader Module.
- ELECHOUSE ST25R3916 GitHub Library
- ST25R3916 Documentation
- ESP32 SPI Test Guide
- ESP32 I2C Quick Start
- ST25R3916 Schematic Reference
Typical applications
- NFC reader prototypes
- Industrial RFID and NFC devices
- Access control readers
- ISO 15693 inventory and asset tracking readers
- MIFARE and DESFire reader projects
- Custom embedded NFC terminals
Frequently asked questions
- Is ST25R3916B better than ST25R3916?
- For new designs, usually yes. ST25R3916B is the newer B-series chip generation, with newer EMVCo PCD L1 3.2a alignment, wider ASK modulation range, and a B-series AWS implementation. If you already validated an ST25R3916 design, the original module may still be the right continuity choice.
- Does ST25R3916B support the same protocols as ST25R3916?
- Yes. Both target the same broad NFC and HF RFID protocol family, including ISO 14443A/B, ISO 15693, FeliCa, and NFC Forum tag technologies.
- Can I use the same software library?
- Yes. This module is positioned to use the same ELECHOUSE ST25R3916 software family and development flow.
- Should I choose ST25R3916 or ST25R3916B for a new project?
- If you are starting a new design, ST25R3916B is the more future-facing choice. If you need continuity with an earlier validated ST25R3916 design, ST25R3916 may still make sense.
Ordering note
Choose this ST25R3916B NFC Module when you want a newer high-performance NFC reader platform for advanced 13.56 MHz NFC and HF RFID projects, while keeping practical compatibility with the ELECHOUSE ST25R3916 software ecosystem.
