PN7161A1HN-C100Y - NFC Plug & Play Controller | NXP | 40-VFQFN
MPN: PN7161A1HN-C100Y ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.05 | $7.05 |
| 10 | $6.4 | $64.00 |
| 100 | $5.2 | $520.00 |
| 500 | $4.45 | $2,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.85 | $3,850.00 |
PN7161A1HN-C100Y Overview
Background: An NFC (Near Field Communication) controller is a specialized mixed-signal IC that manages the physical and protocol layers of 13.56 MHz contactless communication, including RF field generation, demodulation, modulation, anti-collision, and cryptographic authentication for tags/cards. NFC controllers sit within the broader hierarchy of RF identification ICs -> RFID reader/transponder ICs -> wireless connectivity -> semiconductor, providing the lowest-level hardware interface while higher software layers (NCI, NFC Forum, NDEF) handle application logic. Modern plug-and-play NFC controllers integrate the full firmware stack so the host processor only needs to issue high-level commands, making them functionally distinct from RFID reader chips that require an external stack.
Key features include a high RF output power supporting typical NFC reader ranges, low standby current suitable for always-on applications, support for EMVCo and NFC Forum compliance, and a single 40-pin package that consolidates all functions to minimize external BOM. The exposed thermal pad enables efficient heat dissipation in compact designs. The C100Y variant is the Apple ECP-enabled firmware configuration shipped in production packaging quantities, while the base PN7160 supports the same hardware without Apple-ECP-specific code extensions.
The integrated ARM Cortex-M0 core handles all on-chip processing, offloading real-time NFC protocol timing from the application processor. An on-chip LDO and DC-DC converter generate internal supply rails from a single external 3.3V feed, simplifying power-tree design. The device also includes EEPROM for firmware patches and configuration storage, so field updates do not require external memory components.
Typical applications include NFC payment terminals, Bluetooth pairing via NFC, smart home commissioning, wireless charging authentication, access control readers, and OEM authentication tags. The Apple ECP support specifically targets iPhone-based tap-to-pair and tap-to-pay use cases. When designing with this controller, follow NXP's reference antenna design guidelines and ensure proper impedance matching for the matching network components to achieve the rated RF output power across all supported protocols.
Drop-in alternatives for PN7161A1HN-C100Y — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PN7161A1HN-C100Y (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Host Interface, Package, Peak Reflow Temperature.
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No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPN7161A1HN-C100Y Specifications (manufacturer-published)
| Product Type | NFC Plug and Play Controller (RFID Reader IC) |
| Operating Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Supported Protocols | FeliCa, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, MIFARE, NFC Forum, Apple ECP |
| Host Interface | I²C (NCI) |
| Supply Voltage (VBAT/VVDD) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Voltage (VDDIO/Host) | 1.65 V to 1.95 V |
| Package | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad (HVQFN, SOT1655-1) |
| Special Feature | Apple ECP support, integrated firmware, NCI interface |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| Peak Reflow Temperature | 260 °C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Integrated MCU Core | ARM Cortex-M0 (on-chip firmware) |
| Compliance | EMVCo, NFC Forum |
PN7161A1HN-C100Y Interfaces & Connectors
PN7161A1HN-C100Y exposes the following interfaces and connectors as published by the manufacturer: Power Input. Expansion header pinout, connector pin numbering, and electrical limits are defined in the manufacturer documentation.
| Power Input | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the full expansion header pinout and connector pin numbering.
Power & Thermal Characteristics
| Power Input | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
Power input and thermal parameters for PN7161A1HN-C100Y as published by the manufacturer.
Typical Applications
PN7161A1HN-C100Y is suitable for 6 applications: NFC Payment Terminals (POS), Bluetooth Tap-to-Pair Accessories, Smart Home Commissioning & Tags, Access Control & Authentication Readers, Wireless Charging Authentication, OEM Authentication & Anti-Counterfeit Tags.
NFC Payment Terminals (POS)
The PN7161A1HN-C100Y directly serves POS terminals tapping contactless cards and mobile wallets, where its 13.56 MHz ISO 14443 layer-3 protocol handling and EMVCo/NFC Forum compliance accelerate payment certification. Per NXP datasheet, integrating the full NCI firmware on chip cuts host code size by ~80% versus an external stack, freeing the application processor for transaction UI and cryptography. The 40-VFQFN exposed pad allows the matching network components to sit directly under the IC, keeping the antenna trace impedance-controlled for the longest legal reading range. Choose PN7161B1HN/C100Y instead when the application must submit formal EMV L1 test reports; the 'A' variant's Apple ECP support remains valuable for iPhone tap-to-pay acceptance.
Recommended
Bluetooth Tap-to-Pair Accessories
The PN7161A1HN-C100Y's Apple ECP firmware is purpose-built for tap-to-pair flows that pair Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and earbuds with iPhones by holding the device near an NFC tag. Per NXP product page documentation, the controller's automatic field detection and low standby current make it suitable for battery-powered accessories that wake on card presence. The integrated ARM Cortex-M0 and on-chip LDOs remove the need for a separate MCU or external regulator chain, reducing accessory PCB area and bill of materials. The 40-VFQFN exposed-pad package supports reflow profiles up to 260 °C per industry-standard lead-free manufacturing, enabling high-volume production in standard SMT lines.
Recommended
Smart Home Commissioning & Tags
The PN7161A1HN-C100Y provides out-of-the-box NFC Forum NDEF read/write capability that lets commissioning apps configure Wi-Fi credentials, set up hub pairings, or trigger firmware updates via a smartphone tap. According to NXP PN7160_PN7161 datasheet, the integrated NCI host interface works seamlessly with Android NFC service APIs and Apple Core NFC extensions, supporting both major smartphone ecosystems. The 1.65V-1.95V VDDIO range allows direct connection to low-power Cortex-M0+/M4 host MCUs without level shifters, simplifying board design. The exposed thermal pad plus the EMV/NFC Forum compliance make this controller drop-in into mains-powered hubs and battery-powered sensor tags alike.
Recommended
Access Control & Authentication Readers
The PN7161A1HN-C100Y reads MIFARE Classic, MIFARE DESFire, and ISO 15693 tags at 13.56 MHz, with autonomous card detection so the reader can power down its host between scans. Per NXP datasheet, the embedded firmware handles anti-collision and ISO 14443 layer 4 protocol autonomously, freeing the host MCU for credential validation and door-control logic. The 40-VFQFN exposed pad supports up to 260 °C reflow and meets MSL 3 moisture handling standards for industrial-rated readers. The Apple ECP support additionally enables building-occupant iPhone badges as access credentials, alongside traditional RFID cards.
Recommended
Wireless Charging Authentication
The PN7161A1HN-C100Y authenticates Qi wireless chargers via NFC between the charger pad and a phone, ensuring compliant handshake before power transfer. According to NXP PN7160_PN7161 datasheet, the controller's low standby current and rapid field-on detection enable it to remain in low-power standby until a phone is placed on the charger. The 1.65V-1.95V VDDIO rail directly powers the host MCU domain, simplifying power-tree design across 3.3V and 1.8V domains. The exposed thermal pad supports the higher continuous dissipation that may result from full RF power during protocol exchanges.
Recommended
OEM Authentication & Anti-Counterfeit Tags
The PN7161A1HN-C100Y embeds NXP's NTAG-style authentication flows in reader devices that validate consumables, replacement parts, or accessories for authenticity. Per the NXP PN7160_PN7161 datasheet, the integrated NCI stack handles anti-collision, cryptography initiation, and MIFARE DESFire session key derivation off the host, accelerating authentication latency. The exposed-pad 40-VFQFN package fits standard printer-cartridge, ink-bottle, and accessory authentication footprints, while the 3.0-3.6V main supply and 1.65-1.95V host rail pin out to typical battery-management ICs and MCUs. The Apple ECP support additionally enables iPhone-native OEM tag scanning via Apple's Core NFC extensions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PN7161A1HN-C100Y — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PN7161A1HN-C100E | PN7161B1HN-C100Y | PN7160A1HN/C100 | PN7161A1HN/C100 | PN7160A1HN/C100Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same | 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad - same |
| 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 |
| Apple ECP Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| EMV L1 Certified Firmware | No (Forum/Apple only) | No (Forum/Apple only) | Yes | No (Forum only) | No (Forum/Apple only) | No (Forum only) |
| Host Interface | I²C (NCI) | I²C (NCI) | I²C (NCI) | I²C (NCI) | I²C (NCI) | I²C (NCI) |
| Supply Voltage (RF Section) | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Supply Voltage (Host I/O) | 1.65 V to 1.95 V | 1.65 V to 1.95 V | 1.65 V to 1.95 V | 1.65 V to 1.95 V | 1.65 V to 1.95 V | 1.65 V to 1.95 V |
| Supported Protocols | FeliCa, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, MIFARE, NFC Forum, Apple ECP | FeliCa, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, MIFARE, NFC Forum, Apple ECP | FeliCa, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, MIFARE, NFC Forum, Apple ECP + EMV L1 | FeliCa, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, MIFARE, NFC Forum | FeliCa, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, MIFARE, NFC Forum, Apple ECP | FeliCa, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, MIFARE, NFC Forum |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated firmware reduces host code footprint (vs PN5180)
- Apple ECP support for iOS tap interactions (vs PN7160A1HN/C100)
- Plug-and-play model with lower design-in barrier (vs PN5190)
Design Notes
Route the antenna matching network as a tight, controlled-impedance differential pair from the TX1/TX2 pins to the EMC filter, keeping total length under 10 mm to minimize loss at 13.56 MHz. Per NXP PN7160_PN7161 datasheet Section 8, the matching network must be tuned with an impedance analyzer and a representative NFC tag stack to comply with the EMC and regulatory limits that govern the ECP-enabled firmware option. Place the GND return stitch directly under the matching components to maintain a 50 ohm single-ended reference.
The PN7161A1HN-C100Y's 40-VFQFN exposed thermal pad is the primary heat path, so the PCB land pattern must provide at least 25 mm² of continuous copper under the pad with a 4 x 4 thermal via array (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pad) tying to an inner ground plane. Estimated junction-to-ambient thermal resistance drops from approximately 65 C/W on a minimum land to ~30 C/W on the recommended copper. While the PN7161 is far below its thermal cutoff in typical reader duty cycles, the thermal pad becomes critical if the matching network dissipates significant RF power under antenna mismatch.
Do not exceed the 3.6 V maximum on the VBAT pin or 1.95 V on VDDIO — voltage overshoot during hot-plug events can lock the PN7161A1HN-C100Y into a state that requires a full power cycle. Reference NXP's PN7160_PN7161 datasheet figure on power sequencing: VDDIO must rise before VBAT, or VDDIO and VBAT can rise simultaneously, but VBAT must never lead VDDIO by more than 50 ms. Also note that firmware updates via NCI are not possible without a free IRQ pin — leaving IRQ disconnected will disable future firmware upgrades.
Per NXP reference designs, keep the I²C SDA/SCL traces under 50 mm and place pull-ups (typically 4.7 kohm) near the host MCU, not near the PN7161. The VEN reset pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up and a 100 nF decoupling cap on VBAT for stable boot. Do not share the I²C bus with devices that cannot tolerate the 400 kHz NCI clock stretching that the PN7161 may apply during firmware-driven transactions.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per NXP product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable for consumer/industrial NFC controller. Halogen-free status not specified in verified web data — set to unknown.
