Introduction
In our previous articles, we explored the basics of NFC technology and various NFC modules. In this post, we will continue by discussing common NFC hardware development tools.
NFC-supported development tools include development boards, modules, toolkits, and accompanying software. These tools enable developers to quickly design, test, and integrate NFC functionality into their projects. Whether for IoT applications, payment systems, or smart devices, choosing the right NFC development tool is crucial for seamless integration and efficient prototyping. Below, we highlight some of the most commonly used NFC hardware development tools available today.
1. NXP Semiconductors
NXP is a major supplier of NFC technology, offering a diverse range of hardware development tools suitable for embedded systems, IoT devices, and payment applications.
PN7150 NFC Development Toolkit
- The PN7150 NFC development tool kit is based on the PN7150 chip (built-in NFC controller)
- It supports Plug-and-play functionality and can be directly used with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and BeagleBone
- Fully supports Android and Linux systems.
- Used in IoT applications, smart homes, and payment terminals
- Supports open APIs for quick and convenient development.
Explore NFC-WW Development Board
- The Explore NFC-WW development board is based on the PN512 chip and is specifically designed for Raspberry Pi.
- It supports all NFC modes (Reader, P2P, Card Emulation)
- Used in educational projects and rapid prototyping
- Affordable and highly compatible with Raspberry Pi
- The main development tool is the PN532 NFC development board, which is based on the NXP PN532 chip.
- It supports ISO/IEC 14443A/B, Felica, and MIFARE protocols.
- Provides UART, SPI, and I2C interfaces making it compatible with various microcontrollers.
- Used in NFC reader design, access control systems, and smart tags application.
- Strong community support – making it advantageous for beginners.
2. STMicroelectronics (ST)
ST provides a complete NFC development solution, focusing on high-performance card readers and EEPROM integration.
- The main development tool is the X-NUCLEO-NFC04A1, which is based on the ST25R3916 NFC reader
- Designed for STM32 Nucleo development boards
- Supports ISO 14443, ISO 15693, and NFC P2Pmodes
- Suitable for industrial-grade NFC applications and smart card readers
- Fully integrates with the STM32 development environment
- Used to evaluate the characteristics and functions of the ST25DVxxKC devices.
- Based on the embedded NFC ST25DV64KC device on daughterboards
- Uses Class 3 and Class 6 antennas along with an
- STM32 processor driving a motherboard, providing dedicated software stored in flash memory.
- The ST25R3911B-DISCO uses the ST25R3911B high-performance reader chip,
- Supports multiple protocols (ISO 14443, ISO 15693, NFC P2P modes)
- Ideal for payment terminals and POS system development
- Industrial-grade stability making it suitable for high-demand scenarios
3. Seeed NFC Module
- The Seeed Grove NFC module is based on the PN532 chip
- Supports Grove interface and integrates I2C communication
- Compatible with the Seeed Grove ecosystem
- Great for beginner projects and IoT applications, allowing for easy integration and quick start-up.
4. Raspberry Pi NFC Tools
- The main development tools for Raspberry Pi NFC include the Raspberry Pi NFC HAT (based on PN532)
- Specifically designed for supporting SPI and I2C interfaces
- Provides complete Python library support
- Used for smart tag and payment simulator development
- Ideal for education and DIY projects
- The NFC Pi Shield supports ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 protocols
- Integrates into Raspberry Pi GPIO interface
- Can be used for IoT solution development, offering open-source code and complete development documentation.
5. MikroElektronika
- MikroElektronika’s main development tool is the NFC Click module, which is based on the NXP PN512 chip
- Supports UART and SPI communication
- Compatible with MikroE Click Board ecosystem
- Can be used for rapid development of embedded applications, featuring a modular design for easy multifunctional expansion.
6. Other Third-Party Development Tools
Other third-party development tools include the
- Based on PN532 chip
- Supports Arduino and Raspberry Pi
- Best for DIY, education, and rapid prototyping
- Boasting strong community support and a wealth of learning resources.
- Features a Compact design for easy integration
- Ideal for beginner and hobbyist projects
- It provides an open-source library and educational guides.
Choosing the Right NFC Development Tool
Application Scenario Consideration:
- For Rapid prototyping: Choose Arduino or Raspberry Pi modules
- For Professional applications (payments, industrial IoT): Use high-performance modules from NXP, ST, or MikroE
Compatibility with Development Environment:
- It is important to confirm whether the development tools are compatible with the hardware platforms being used (such as STM32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
- Select tools with comprehensive SDKs, open-source libraries, and technical documentation.
Comparison of NFC Chips, Modules, and Development Kits
| Name | Chip/Module Type | Main Features | Application Scenarios | Advantages | Communication Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NXP PN532 | NFC Chip/Module | upports ISO/IEC 14443A/B, MIFARE, Felica; suitable for multifunctional applications | NFC Readers, Smart Tags | High stability, widely used in the open-source community | UART、SPI、I2C |
| NXP PN5180 | NFC Chip | Supports multiple protocols (ISO 14443, ISO 15693, etc.), high efficiency, and low power consumption | Industrial Applications, Payment Terminals | Multi-standard support, low power consumption | SPI |
| NXP PN7150 | NFC Controller Module | Plug-and-play, supports Android/Linux platforms | IoT Applications, Smart Home, Payment | Easy to develop, suitable for quick integration | I2C |
| ST25TA Series | NFC Tag | High-performance tags, based on ISO14443-A RF interface as NFC Forum Type 4 tags | Consumer Electronics, Computer Peripherals, Gaming Devices, Home Appliances, Industrial Automation, and Medical Products | High security, tamper-resistant | Supports NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) |
| ST25R95 Series | NFC Chip | Supports NFC Forum Type 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 tag detection, reading, and writing | Mobile Payment | Highly integrated design | SPI |
| M24LR Series | NFC Tag | Features password protection, energy harvesting, and RF status functions | Consumer Electronics, Computer Peripherals, Home Appliances, Industrial Automation, Healthcare Products | EEPROM memory density ranging from 4 Kb to 64 Kb | I2C |
| M24SR Series | NFC Tag | Supports NFC NDEF, 128-bit password protection | Consumer Electronics, Computer Peripherals, Home Appliances, Industrial Automation, and Medical Products | EEPROM memory density ranging from 2 Kb to 64 Kb | I2C |
| ST25DV-I2C Series | NFC EEPROM Tag | Supports NDEF format, dynamic data access | Smart Tags, IoT Applications | Ultra-low power consumption, suitable for long-lifetime applications | I2C |
| Seeed Grove NFC Module | NFC Module | Based on PN532 chip, supports Grove interface | IoT and Smart Tag Applications | Easy to integrate, beginner-friendly | I2C |
| Raspberry Pi NFC HAT | NFC Module | Based on PN532, designed for Raspberry Pi, supports multiple modes | DIY, IoT Applications | Fully compatible with Raspberry Pi | SPI、I2C |
| Explore NFC-WW | NFC Module | Based on PN512 chip, supports all NFC modes (Reader, P2P, Card Emulation) | Educational Projects, Rapid Prototyping | Affordable, ideal for beginners | I2C |
| MikroElektronika NFC Click | NFC Module | Based on PN512 chip, supports UART and SPI interfaces | Embedded Applications, Rapid Development | Modular design, easy to expand | UART、SPI |
| Adafruit NFC Module | NFC Module | Based on PN532 chip, supports Arduino and Raspberry Pi | DIY, Educational Projects | Rich open-source libraries and tutorials | SPI、I2C |
| SparkFun NFC Module | NFC Module | Compact design, easy to integrate | Beginner and Educational Projects | Provides educational resources and open-source code | UART、I2C |
| ST25R3911B-DISCO | NFC Development Kit | Based on ST25R3911B chip, high-performance multi-protocol support | Industrial-Grade Payment Terminal Development | Industrial-grade stability, suitable for high-demand applications | SPI |
| ST25DV64KC-DISCO | NFC Development Kit | Includes ST25DV64KC component, built-in 64 Kb EEPROM | Smart Tags, IoT Applications | Built-in dedicated software, easy to develop | I2C |
Conclusion
NFC technology, with its short-range connectivity, high convenience, and multifunctional applications, has become a vital communication tool in modern smart societies. From payments and identity authentication to smart homes and IoT, NFC is transforming how people and devices interact. With continuous advancements, NFC chips and modules are improving in performance, expanding protocol support, reducing power consumption, and enhancing security and user experience.
Leading manufacturers like NXP, STMicroelectronics, Arduino, and Seeed offer a wide range of development tools that cater to various application needs, from beginners to industry professionals. Open-source communities and modular tools have further lowered the development barrier, accelerating the widespread adoption of NFC technology.
Looking ahead, NFC is expected to integrate more deeply with AI, IoT, and edge computing, driving innovation in smart cities, digital identity, and contactless interactions. As technology evolves, companies and developers who effectively utilize NFC solutions will unlock new opportunities in an increasingly connected world.
Related Article
NFC Chips and Modules: A Complete Guide to Key Products and Applications
Near-Field Communication (NFC): A Gateway to Contactless Solutions
Comparison of NFC with Competing Wireless and Contactless Communication Technologies
Applicable part Numbers
| DigiKey Part Number | Manufacturer Part Number |
|---|---|
| 497-X-NUCLEO-NFC08A1-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC08A1 |
| 568-12995-ND | OM5578/PN7150ARDM |
| 1528-4701-ND | 4701 |
| 1568-SEN-21274-ND | SEN-21274 |
| 497-14940-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 |
| 1471-1731-ND | MIKROE-2462 |
| 497-16569-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC03A1 |
| 497-X-NUCLEO-NFC07A1-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC07A1 |
| 1471-MIKROE-5935-ND | MIKROE-5935 |
| 1471-MIKROE-6029-ND | MIKROE-6029 |
| 1738-DFR0231-H-ND | DFR0231-H |
| 497-X-NUCLEO-NFC09A1-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC09A1 |
| 568-OM2NTP5332-ND | OM2NTP5332 |
| 568-OM2NTA5332-ND | OM2NTA5332 |
| 497-X-NUCLEO-NFC10A1-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC10A1 |
| 1528-1043-ND | 789 |
| 1471-MIKROE-4309-ND | MIKROE-4309 |
| 1471-MIKROE-5538-ND | MIKROE-5538 |
| 497-X-STM32MP-NFC08-ND | X-STM32MP-NFC08 |
| 1471-1109-ND | MIKROE-1434 |
| 1471-1453-ND | MIKROE-1726 |
| 1471-MIKROE-4635-ND | MIKROE-4635 |
| 1597-1219-ND | 113030001 |
| 2070-OM-E-RFID-ND | OM-E-RFID |
| 1788-1008-ND | MIRAGE-PIFA |
| 1597-101021093-ND | 101021093 |
| 1471-MIKROE-6452-ND | MIKROE-6452 |
| 1471-MIKROE-6453-ND | MIKROE-6453 |
| 568-OM5579/PN7150RPI-ND | OM5579/PN7150RPI |
| 497-17556-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC04A1 |
| 800-10009106-PTX105RQC-ND | 10009106-PTX105RQC |
| 1471-MIKROE-3971-ND | MIKROE-3971 |
| 1471-MIKROE-3659-ND | MIKROE-3659 |
| 568-CLEV6630ARD-ND | CLEV6630ARD |
| 1471-1690-ND | MIKROE-2395 |
| 1471-MIKROE-5230-ND | MIKROE-5230 |
| 1188-MOD-RFID1356MIFARE-ND | MOD-RFID1356MIFARE |
| 448-NBT2000A8K0T4SHLDV1TOBO1-ND | NBT2000A8K0T4SHLDV1TOBO1 |
| 1568-SPX-19035-ND | SPX-19035 |
| 1568-SPX-18991-ND | SPX-18991 |
| 1568-SPX-20691-ND | SPX-20691 |
| 497-16336-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC02A1 |
| DEV-10406-ND | DEV-10406 |
| 1597-113990775-ND | 113990775 |
| 113040010-ND | 113040010 |
| DFR0231-ND | DFR0231 |
| 1597-1001-ND | 101020070 |
| 497-19793-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC06A1 |
| 1568-1846-ND | DEV-14634 |
| 113040000-ND | 113040000 |
| 1597-1073-ND | 113020006 |
| 1471-MIKROE-4842-ND | MIKROE-4842 |
| 1597-1039-ND | 114990076 |
| 113990077-ND | 113990077 |
| 568-OM5579/PN7150BBB-ND | OM5579/PN7150BBB |
| 568-OM5579/PN7150ARD-ND | OM5579/PN7150ARD |
| 568-12996-ND | OM5578/PN7150BBBM |
| 568-12997-ND | OM5578/PN7150RPIM |
| 497-17569-ND | X-NUCLEO-NFC05A1 |
| 568-OM27150ARD-ND | OM27150ARD |
| 568-OM27151ARD-ND | OM27151ARD |
| 1471-1822-ND | MIKROE-2540 |
| 568-OM27160A1-ND | OM27160A1 |
| 497-ST25DV64KC-DISCO-ND | ST25DV64KC-DISCO |
| 497-STEVAL-25R3916B-ND | STEVAL-25R3916B |
| 296-38597-ND | RF430FRL152HEVM |
| 568-13412-ND | PNEV5180BM |
| 568-12873-ND | OM25180FDKM |
| 568-14694-ND | OM27462CDKP |
| 568-12426-ND | OM5577/PN7120SM |
| 568-13409-ND | OM5577/PN7120ARDM |
| 1528-1781-ND | 364 |
| 568-OM27160B1-ND | OM27160B1 |
| 568-OM27160B1EVK-ND | OM27160B1EVK |
| 568-OM27160A1EVK-ND | OM27160A1EVK |
| 497-ST25-TAG-BAG-UI1-ND | ST25-TAG-BAG-UI1 |
| 497-18079-ND | STEVAL-SMARTAG1 |
| 497-STEVAL-SMARTAG2-ND | STEVAL-SMARTAG2 |
| 568-OM2NTA5KIT-ND | OM2NTA5KIT |
| 448-DEVKITNAC1080TOBO1-ND | DEVKITNAC1080TOBO1 |
| 800-10009105-PTX105REK-ND | 10009105-PTX105REK |
| 568-14695-ND | PNEV7462C |
| EVALNLM0011DCTOBO1-ND | EVALNLM0011DCTOBO1 |
| 568-8606-ND | OM5591/MF0U10,699 |
| 568-OM27642DB-ND | OM27642DB |
| 568-OM27642EVK-ND | OM27642EVK |
| BLOCKCHAINSTARTKITTOBO1-ND | BLOCKCHAINSTARTKITTOBO1 |
| 448-DEVKITNGC1081TOBO1-ND | DEVKITNGC1081TOBO1 |
| 568-10177-ND | PNEV512B,699 |
| 497-ST25-TAG-BAG-EC-ND | ST25-TAG-BAG-EC |
| 800-10009130-PTX130REK-ND | 10009130-PTX130REK |
| 497-ST25-TAG-BAG-AB-ND | ST25-TAG-BAG-AB |
| 497-ST25TV02KC-ASEAL-ND | ST25TV02KC-ASEAL |
| 813-1046-ND | DLP-RF430BP |
| 296-45674-ND | DLP-RF430BP |
| 568-13433-ND | NHS3152DBUL |
| 813-1049-ND | DLP-RF430CL331BP |
| 568-PNEV5190BP-ND | PNEV5190BP |
| 800-10009100-PTX100REK-ND | 10009100-PTX100REK |
| 497-18394-ND | ANT7-T-ST25DV04K |
| 497-18215-ND | ST25DV-PWM-ESET |
| 296-46762-ND | RF430-TMPSNS-EVM |
| 497-19065-ND | ST25-TAG-BAG-U |
| 296-36203-ND | RF430CL330HTB |
| 568-11717-ND | OM5569/NT312D,699 |
| 497-17254-ND | ST25DV-DISCOVERY |
| AS3953-TAGS-KIT-ND | AS3953-TAGS-KIT |
| 568-12907-ND | OM5569/NT322EM |
| 296-31310-ND | TRF7970ATB |
| NHS3100UCODEDBUL-ND | NHS3100UCODEDBUL |
| 114990147-ND | 114990147 |
| AS3955-WL_DK_ST-ND | AS3955-WL_DK_ST |
| 568-12906-ND | OM5569/NT322ERM |
| 568-PNEV5190MB-ND | PNEV5190MB |
| AS3953-DK-ST-ND | AS3953-DK-ST |
| AS3953-DK-TAGS-ND | AS3953-DK-TAGS |
| 800-10009022-PTX30WMCU-ND | 10009022-PTX30WMCU |
| 296-29475-ND | TRF7970AEVM |
| AS39513-QF_DK_ST-ND | AS39513-QF_DK_ST |
| 568-9826-ND | PNEV533D,699 |
| 568-PNEV5190AM-ND | PNEV5190AM |
| 568-12951-ND | PNEV7462BM |
| PREV601M-ND | PREV601M |
| 568-13423-ND | NHS3152THADADKUL |
| NHS3100THADADKUL-ND | NHS3100THADADKUL |
| NHS3100UCODEADKUL-ND | NHS3100UCODEADKUL |
| 497-16099-ND | EVAL-ST95HF |
| 568-9828-ND | PNEV512,699 |
| 568-11622-ND | PREV601M/01,699 |
| 800-10009020-PTX130WEB-ND | 10009020-PTX130WEB |
| 800-10009021-PTX30WEB-ND | 10009021-PTX30WEB |
| 978-1022-ND | 100-3600-1 |
| 568-12950-ND | OM27462CDKM |
| AS3911-RD-AUT-ND | AS3911-RD-AUT |
| OM5581/N5322S02-ND | OM5581/N5322S02 |
| OM5588/N5331U01,69-ND | OM5588/N5331U01,69 |
| 568-9602-ND | OM5597/RD2612,699 |
| 568-9825-ND | PREV533D,699 |
| AS3911-DK-ST-ND | AS3911-DK-ST |
| AS3911-RD-STQFN32-V2-ND | AS3911-RD-STQFN32-V2 |
| 978-1025-ND | 100-3601-1 |
| NFC-TAG-MN63Y1210A-ND | NFC-TAG-MN63Y1210A |
| NFC-TAG-MN63Y1208-ND | NFC-TAG-MN63Y1208 |
| P17034-ND | NFC-TAG-MN63Y1213_4030 |
| P17035-ND | NFC-TAG-MN63Y1213_2020 |
| 568-13410-ND | OM5569/NT322FM |
| 568-13434-ND | NHS3152TEMOADKUL |
| 568-13441-ND | OM23221ARD |
| 568-OM5569/NT322E-ND | OM5569/NT322E |
| 497-ST25-TAG-BAG-UB-ND | ST25-TAG-BAG-UB |
| 10-NFC-TAG-MN63Y1212-ND | NFC-TAG-MN63Y1212 |
| 10-NFC-TAG-MN63Y1213-ND | NFC-TAG-MN63Y1213 |
| 3744-P40CK492PB0S14010EB-ND | P40CK492PB0S14010EB |
| 568-OM5569/NT322ER-ND | OM5569/NT322ER |
| 800-10009230-PTXWLCEK1-ND | 10009230-PTXWLCEK1 |
| 3892-RYRR10S_LITE-ND | RYRR10S_LITE |
| PN553A1EV/C102Y |