PN5331B3HN-C27051 - 13.56MHz NFC Transceiver, USB, 40-VFQFN | NXP
MPN: PN5331B3HN-C27051 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.5 | $9.50 |
| 10 | $8.55 | $85.50 |
| 100 | $7.65 | $765.00 |
| 500 | $6.85 | $3,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.1 | $6,100.00 |
PN5331B3HN-C27051 Overview
An NFC controller is a specialized radio transceiver IC that handles modulation, demodulation, framing, anti-collision, and cryptographic handshaking for short-range (typically <10 cm) inductive-coupled communications. In the broader system hierarchy, the PN533 sits between a host MCU or USB host (which runs the application stack) and the analog RF front end; it is a member of the contactless reader/writer IC family, which itself is a sub-category of RF/wireless interface ICs under the broader semiconductor umbrella.
Key features include six selectable operating modes (ISO/IEC 14443A/MIFARE Reader/Writer, FeliCa Reader/Writer, ISO/IEC 14443B Reader/Writer, MIFARE 1 KB/4 KB Card emulation, FeliCa Card emulation, and NFCIP-1 peer-to-peer), integrated load modulation for card-emulation, hardware-accelerated crypto support via the NFC-WI/S2C secure-element interface, and a USB 2.0 full-speed peripheral interface for plug-and-play host connection. The 80C51 firmware core executes the complete protocol stack on-chip, offloading the host processor.
Typical applications include USB NFC readers for contactless payment terminals, NFC peer-to-peer file transfer, access control readers, public transit fare collection, and embedded development boards demonstrating MIFARE/FeliCa capabilities. The exposed thermal pad and QFN footprint also support compact reader antenna designs where PCB area is constrained.
When designing with this part, note that a complete secure element (e.g., an NXP SmartMX secure IC) is required for EMVCo payment-grade functionality via the NFC-WI/S2C interface. The integrated USB interface eliminates the need for an external bridge IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area versus UART/SPI-only NFC front-ends.
Drop-in alternatives for PN5331B3HN-C27051 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PN5331B3HN/C270,55
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PN5331B3HN/C270
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PN5331B3HN,118
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PN7150EV
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PN5180A0EV/C2E
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PN5331B3HN-C27051 Specifications
| Product Type | NFC / RFID Transceiver IC |
| Operating Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Supported Protocols | ISO/IEC 14443A/B, FeliCa, ISO/IEC 18092 (NFCIP-1), MIFARE |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| Host Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed |
| Operating Modes | 6 modes (Reader/Writer A, Reader/Writer B, FeliCa R/W, MIFARE Card, FeliCa Card, NFCIP-1 P2P) |
| Microcontroller Core | 80C51 |
| Secure Element Interface | NFC-WI / S2C |
| Package | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Card Emulation Support | MIFARE 1 KB / 4 KB, FeliCa |
| Load Modulation | Internal TX + external LOADMOD pin |
PN5331B3HN-C27051 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | ANT1 — Antenna output 1 |
| Pin 2 | ANT2 — Antenna output 2 |
| Pin 3 | VDD_TX — Transmitter supply |
| Pin 4 | TVDD — Transmitter driver supply |
| Pin 5 | TVSS — Transmitter ground |
| Pin 6 | RX — Receiver input |
| Pin 7 | LOADMOD — External load modulation driver output |
| Pin 8 | AUX1 — Auxiliary signal |
| Pin 9 | AUX2 — Auxiliary signal |
| Pin 10 | VSSA — Analog ground |
| Pin 11 | VDDA — Analog supply |
| Pin 12 | SVDD — Secure element supply |
| Pin 13 | SVSS — Secure element ground |
| Pin 14 | NFC_WI_S2C — NFC-WI / S2C interface to secure element |
| Pin 15 | IRQ — Interrupt request to host |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Digital supply |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 18 | RESET — Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 19 | OSC_IN — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 20 | OSC_OUT — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 21 | USB_DP — USB D+ data line |
| Pin 22 | USB_DM — USB D- data line |
| Pin 23 | VBUS — USB VBUS sense |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 33 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 34 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 35 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 36 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 37 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 38 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to ground |
Typical Applications
PN5331B3HN-C27051 is suitable for 7 applications: USB NFC Reader for Contactless Payment Terminals, NFC Peer-to-Peer File Transfer Dongle, MIFARE-Based Access Control Reader, Public Transit Fare Collection Terminal, Embedded NFC Development / Evaluation Board, Industrial NFC Tag Programming Station, Healthcare Device Pairing via NFC.
USB NFC Reader for Contactless Payment Terminals
The PN5331B3HN-C27051's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed peripheral and 80C51 firmware core make it a single-chip solution for PC-connected NFC payment terminals. It supports ISO/IEC 14443A/B at 13.56 MHz, the standard for EMVCo contactless cards, and exposes an NFC-WI/S2C interface to attach an NXP SmartMX secure element for cryptographic operations. Placed between the host PC's USB port and the printed NFC antenna, it eliminates the external bridge ICs that UART/SPI-only NFC readers require. Compared to USB-attached PN532-based readers that need an FTDI bridge, this part saves roughly $1.50 in BOM and 100 mm² of PCB area.
Recommended
NFC Peer-to-Peer File Transfer Dongle
The PN5331B3HN-C27051's ISO/IEC 18092 NFCIP-1 peer-to-peer mode enables Android Beam-style file transfer between two NFC devices. With a 13.56 MHz carrier and on-chip 80C51 protocol handling, it manages the full LLCP/SNEP stack without host intervention, leaving the USB host free to render the user interface. Designers typically pair it with a Class-1 Bluetooth companion or use it standalone for tag-touch data exchange. The 40-VFQFN exposed-pad package dissipates approximately 0.5 W during continuous P2P sessions, manageable with a 4-layer PCB thermal pour.
Recommended
MIFARE-Based Access Control Reader
Access control systems for offices, gyms, and transit gates rely on MIFARE Classic 1 KB/4 KB cards at 13.56 MHz, and the PN5331B3HN-C27051's ISO/IEC 14443A/MIFARE reader mode plus on-chip anti-collision handles multi-card environments. Its 2.5V-3.6V supply lets it run from a regulated 3.3V rail shared with the door controller MCU. The exposed thermal pad of the 40-VFQFN package keeps junction temperature within spec at continuous read duty cycles common in transit gates.
Recommended
Public Transit Fare Collection Terminal
The PN5331B3HN-C27051 supports both ISO/IEC 14443A (MIFARE DESFire) and FeliCa in a single chip, making it ideal for transit terminals that must interoperate with multiple card standards across regions. Its NFCIP-1 mode also enables mobile-tap applications where commuters pay via smartphone. Operating from a 2.5V-3.6V rail, it integrates cleanly with 3.3V system designs without level shifters. The 80C51 core handles the entire transaction in <300 ms, meeting transit dwell-time budgets.
Recommended
Embedded NFC Development / Evaluation Board
Hobbyist and OEM evaluation kits use the PN5331B3HN-C27051 as the reference NFC front end because its USB interface plugs directly into a developer PC and the 80C51 firmware executes a full protocol stack out of the box. The /C270 and /C270,55 firmware variants let developers target different application profiles (payment, transit, peer-to-peer) without redesigning hardware. Combined with NXP's NFC library, evaluation takes hours rather than weeks, accelerating prototype cycles.
Recommended
Industrial NFC Tag Programming Station
Manufacturing test stations that program ISO/IEC 14443A/B and NFC Forum tags benefit from the PN5331B3HN-C27051's multi-protocol support and USB host connection. A single test fixture can handle MIFARE, FeliCa, and NTAG parts without reconfiguration, reducing line changeover time. The exposed-pad VFQFN package withstands industrial thermal profiles and the 80C51 firmware executes deterministic write sequences at known latency for AOI verification.
Recommended
Healthcare Device Pairing via NFC
Medical device manufacturers use the PN5331B3HN-C27051's NFCIP-1 peer-to-peer and card-emulation modes for secure Bluetooth pairing - a tap on a glucose meter or inhaler sends credentials without on-screen menus. Operating from a 2.5V-3.6V rail, it integrates with battery-powered designs at 3.3V; the USB interface enables firmware updates and data download in clinical settings. Its multi-protocol support means a single NFC IC handles pairing, patient ID card read, and clinician badge access.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PN5331B3HN-C27051 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PN5331B3HN/C270,55 | PN5331B3HN/C270 | PN5331B3HN,118 | PN7150EV | PN5180A0EV/C2E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | HVQFN-40 - same family | HVQFN-40 - same family |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Operating Frequency | 13.56 MHz | 13.56 MHz | 13.56 MHz | 13.56 MHz | 13.56 MHz | 13.56 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 2.7 V to 5.5 V (wider) |
| Host Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | USB 2.0 Full-Speed | I2C / NCI 2.0 | SPI / NCI 2.0 |
| Firmware Core | 80C51 | 80C51 | 80C51 | 80C51 | NCI 2.0 firmware | NCI 2.0 firmware |
| NFCIP-1 P2P Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ISO/IEC 15693 Support | No | No | No | No | No | Yes (Vicinity cards) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed peripheral eliminates external bridge IC (vs PN532)
- On-chip 80C51 core runs full NFC protocol stack without host CPU intervention (vs PN7150EV)
- NFC-WI/S2C interface for direct secure-element attachment (vs PN5180A0EV/C2E)
Design Notes
The 40-VFQFN exposed pad must be soldered to a continuous ground plane on the top layer with at least 8 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch) stitching to inner ground layers. Antenna traces from ANT1/ANT2 must be impedance-controlled to 50 ohm and routed as short, balanced differential pairs to the matching network. Place the 13.56 MHz EMC filter capacitors within 2 mm of the antenna pins to maintain Q of the matching network above 30.
The PN5331B3HN-C27051 draws peak currents of approximately 150 mA during RF transmission at full power. Use a low-noise LDO (such as NXP's PFUZE or a generic 3.3V LDO with <30 uVrms noise) on the VDD rail and decouple with 100 nF ceramic + 10 uF bulk + 4.7 uF tantalum within 5 mm of the supply pins. USB VBUS sensing requires a 10 kohm pull-down on the VBUS pin to avoid floating during suspend.
The 13.56 MHz carrier and its 848 kHz sub-carrier harmonics (27.12 MHz, 40.68 MHz) must be filtered to comply with regional EMC regulations such as ETSI EN 300 330 and FCC Part 15. Place a pi-network EMI filter (CLC) at the antenna feed, and route the 27 MHz crystal away from the antenna traces by at least 5 mm. The exposed pad and ground pour form the return path; gaps in the ground plane create slot-antenna effects that radiate harmonics.
Do not connect VBUS directly to VDD - the PN5331B3HN-C27051 uses VBUS only as a USB presence detect signal. Power must come from a regulated 3.3V LDO. Also, the IRQ pin is open-drain and requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; leaving it floating causes host-software enumeration failures. Finally, the RESET pin must be held low for at least 10 ms after VDD stabilizes for proper firmware boot - check the datasheet's power-on-reset timing diagram.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per NXP product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part targets commercial/industrial NFC applications, not automotive.
