PN7642EV/C100K - NFC Controller with Cortex-M33 MCU | NXP
MPN: PN7642EV-C100K ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.53 | $12.53 |
| 10 | $11.42 | $114.20 |
| 100 | $10.36 | $1,036.00 |
| 500 | $9.58 | $4,790.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.89 | $8,890.00 |
PN7642EV-C100K Overview
An NFC controller is a specialized mixed-signal integrated circuit that modulates and demodulates 13.56 MHz RF signals and executes contactless protocol stacks. Within the system hierarchy, the PN7642 sits above discrete NFC front ends: by combining the analog NFC front end, a general-purpose MCU and a secure element on one die, it functions as a complete NFC reader system-on-chip within the connectivity layer of a terminal design.
Key differentiating features include 180 kB of programmable flash memory (256 kB total memory per distributor listings), an integrated security toolbox optimized for secure key storage and cryptography, and low-power operation suited to battery-powered readers. The single-chip architecture removes the need for a separate host MCU and a discrete secure element, reducing bill-of-materials count and board area.
Technically, the PN7642 combines NXP's proven NFC RF front end with an Arm Cortex-M33 CPU core, providing developer-customizable firmware on the C100 firmware version (01.00). GPIO pins with PWM capability (for example GPIO2/GPIO3 on balls E7 and D7) allow direct control of LEDs, buzzers and power switches. The datasheet also documents firmware variants C101 (02.00, pinless-download mode) and C102 (03.00) for field-upgradeable deployments.
Typical applications include point-of-sale payment terminals, access-control readers, battery-powered smart locks, and industrial handheld readers. The security subsystem makes it particularly suited to payment and authentication use cases requiring cryptographic key protection.
A key design consideration is the 64-ball VFBGA package: ball-grid mounting requires controlled reflow profiles and is not hand-solderable, so panel design and rework capability should be confirmed before layout. Antenna matching network design should follow the NXP PN7642 antenna design guidance for 13.56 MHz EMC performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PN7642EV-C100K — 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 PN7642EV-C100K (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Supply Voltage, Function, GPIO.
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No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPN7642EV-C100K Specifications (manufacturer-published)
| Function | NFC reader / open controller with MCU and security subsystem |
| Core Processor | Arm Cortex-M33 |
| Programmable Flash | 180 kB |
| Total Memory | 256 kB (per distributor listing) |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.5 V |
| Carrier Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Contactless Protocols | ISO 14443-A, ISO 14443-3/4-B, ISO 15693, ISO 18092 (NFCIP-1), ISO 18000-3, MIFARE, FeliCa |
| Host Interfaces | I2C, SPI, UART, USB |
| Card Mode | ISO 14443-4A (PICC) |
| General-Purpose I/O | Up to 21 (GPIO with PWM capability) |
| Security | Integrated security subsystem for secure key storage and cryptography |
| Firmware Version (C100) | 01.00 |
| Package | 64-VFBGA |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (ball grid array) |
| Packaging | Tray (per Future Electronics listing) |
PN7642EV-C100K Interfaces & Connectors
PN7642EV-C100K 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 | 1.8 V to 3.5 V |
Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the full expansion header pinout and connector pin numbering.
Power & Thermal Characteristics
| Power Input | 1.8 V to 3.5 V |
Power input and thermal parameters for PN7642EV-C100K as published by the manufacturer.
Typical Applications
PN7642EV-C100K is suitable for 6 applications: Point-of-Sale Payment Terminals, Access-Control Readers, Battery-Powered Smart Locks, Industrial Handheld Readers, Smart Meters and Utility Infrastructure, Consumer Electronics NFC Pairing.
Point-of-Sale Payment Terminals
The PN7642EV/C100K is purpose-built for unattended and attended POS payment terminals. Its integrated security subsystem provides cryptographic key storage that satisfies the tamper-resistance expectations of contactless payment, while support for ISO 14443-A/B, MIFARE, and FeliCa covers the full range of EMV contactless cards and mobile wallets. The Arm Cortex-M33 with 180 kB of programmable flash runs the protocol stack locally, and the I2C/SPI/UART/USB host interfaces integrate cleanly with a main payment application processor. Placed with a 13.56 MHz antenna matched per NXP guidance, it delivers reliable read performance at wallet distances. Unlike discrete front-end designs, the single-chip architecture shortens security certification cycles by consolidating the secure boundary on one die.
Recommended
Access-Control Readers
Multi-protocol credential reading is the core requirement of modern access-control readers, and the PN7642EV/C100K covers ISO 14443-A/B, ISO 15693, MIFARE, and FeliCa in one device, allowing a single reader head to serve legacy and current credential generations. The Cortex-M33 MCU with 180 kB flash executes the reader state machine and can interface to a door controller via UART, I2C, or SPI, while up to 21 GPIOs with PWM drive LEDs, buzzers, and tamper switches directly - GPIO2 (ball E7) and GPIO3 (ball D7) are documented PWM-capable examples. Operating from a 1.8 V to 3.5 V rail, it fits standard reader power budgets. The security subsystem also supports challenge-response credential authentication schemes.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Smart Locks
Smart locks demand low standby power, a small PCB footprint, and secure key storage - the PN7642EV/C100K addresses all three. Its 1.8 V to 3.5 V supply range matches lithium coin cells and 2-cell alkaline stacks directly without an extra regulator stage, and the single-chip integration of MCU, NFC front end, and security subsystem minimizes quiescent system overhead versus a three-chip alternative. The Cortex-M33 wakes on card detection and manages the lock actuator through PWM-capable GPIOs. With 180 kB of flash, firmware including BLE-bridge logic or policy engines fits on-chip. For battery lifetime modeling, consult the data sheet power-consumption tables for idle, polling, and active-reader modes before finalizing the antenna and polling-interval design.
Recommended
Industrial Handheld Readers
Handheld data-collection terminals in logistics and manufacturing need rugged, multi-protocol RFID plus a programmable controller, and the PN7642EV/C100K delivers both: it reads ISO 15693 and ISO 18000-3 tags common in item-level tracking as well as ISO 14443 cards, and its onboard Cortex-M33 with 180 kB flash offloads tag-inventory polling from the host. The USB interface supports docking-station data offload, while UART/SPI link to the handheld's main processor. The 64-ball VFBGA conserves board area inside compact pistol-grip enclosures. ISO 18000-3 mode 3 support future-proofs the design for higher-throughput inventory tags. Antenna matching per NXP 13.56 MHz guidance is critical for the extended read range handheld users expect in warehouse conditions.
Recommended
Smart Meters and Utility Infrastructure
Utility meters increasingly use NFC for field service, commissioning, and prepaid top-up, and the PN7642EV/C100K fits this role with its ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 reader support plus onboard security for authenticated service sessions. The integrated Cortex-M33 executes challenge-response handshakes with technician cards using keys protected by the cryptographic subsystem, preventing clone-card tampering on the meter seal. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.5 V, it shares the meter's primary supply, and the MCU can manage the NFC wake-up budget so polling does not burden meter battery-backed operation. UART or SPI connects to the metering SoC; up to 21 GPIOs handle optical diagnostics LEDs and case-tamper switches without extra logic.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics NFC Pairing
For TVs, audio systems, and IoT hubs, one-touch NFC pairing benefits from the PN7642EV/C100K's NFCIP-1 (ISO 18092) peer-to-peer support: a tap transfers connection credentials (for example Bluetooth handover records) from a phone to the device. The onboard Cortex-M33 parses NDEF and executes handover logic without burdening the main application processor, connecting via I2C, SPI, or UART. Card mode (ISO 14443-4A) lets the consumer device emulate a tag for configuration apps. The 64-ball VFBGA suits dense consumer PCBs, and USB enables firmware field updates on the production line. The 256 kB memory headroom leaves room for feature growth across product generations using the same footprint.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PN7642EV-C100K — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PN7642EV-C101K | PN7642EV-C102K | PN7642EV-C101Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-VFBGA | 64-VFBGA - same | 64-VFBGA - same | 64-VFBGA - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Factory Firmware | 01.00 (C100) | 02.00, pinless-download default | 03.00 | 02.00, pinless-download default |
| Programmable Flash | 180 kB | 180 kB | 180 kB | 180 kB |
| Host Interfaces | I2C, SPI, UART, USB | I2C, SPI, UART, USB | I2C, SPI, UART, USB | I2C, SPI, UART, USB |
| Contactless Protocols | ISO 14443-A/B, ISO 15693, ISO 18092, ISO 18000-3, MIFARE, FeliCa | Same protocol set | Same protocol set | Same protocol set |
Key Differentiators
- Single-chip MCU + NFC + secure element integration (vs PN5190B1EV)
- Firmware flexibility via pin-compatible variants (vs PN7642EV-C101K)
- Broad multi-protocol coverage including FeliCa (vs ST25R3916B)
Design Notes
The 64-ball VFBGA package requires controlled reflow assembly and is not hand-solderable. Confirm your contract manufacturer supports 0.4-0.5 mm pitch BGA assembly and X-ray inspection before committing to layout. Plan rework capability early: BGA rework on payment terminal boards with nearby shielding cans is difficult, so position the PN7642 with clearance for a rework nozzle. Follow the NXP PN7642 data sheet ball map exactly and verify against the latest revision, since GPIO multiplexing options can change ball function assignments across firmware versions.
The 13.56 MHz antenna matching network is the single biggest determinant of read range. Follow NXP PN7642 antenna design guidance: keep EMC filter components and matching capacitors close to the TX/RX balls, route the antenna differential with symmetric traces, and keep the antenna loop away from ground planes and metal shielding to preserve Q factor. Budget for a matching-network tuning pass on first silicon bring-up - measured antenna inductance typically deviates from calculated values by several percent, requiring capacitor adjustments to hit resonance at 13.56 MHz.
Firmware version selection has functional consequences: on the C101 variants, pinless-download mode is enabled by default, which disables USB mass-storage download per NXP application note AN13936. If your production flow relies on USB firmware download, either use C100 and control pinless download via the API, or plan an alternate update path. Also, the C100K (1.8 V to 3.5 V) and C101K (2.4 V to 5.5 V per DigiKey catalog) show different catalog supply ranges - validate your rail against the data sheet for the exact orderable part number to avoid over-voltage stress.
Estimated: RF transmit bursts on a 13.56 MHz reader front end draw the highest peak current; size your 1.8 V to 3.5 V rail and local decoupling (typically >=10 uF bulk plus 100 nF ceramic per power ball per NXP design guidance) to hold the rail within tolerance during full-field read sequences. For battery designs, derive duty-cycle-average current from the data sheet power tables - do not average only idle figures. Exact peak current values must be taken from the manufacturer data sheet.
Compliance Information
Compliance details were not stated in the provided distributor or manufacturer snippets. Verify RoHS/REACH status on the NXP product page for PN7642EV before procurement.
