Description

The MFRC531 is a highly integrated reader IC for contactless communication at 13.56 MHz. It utilizes a modulation and demodulation concept that is integrated for all kinds of passive contactless communication methods and protocols at this frequency. The MFRC531 is pin-compatible to the MFRC500, MFRC530, and SLRC400.

Specifications and features

- Highly integrated analog circuitry to demodulate and decode card response

- Buffered output drivers to connect an antenna with minimum number of external components

- Proximity operating distance of up to 100 mm

- Supports ISO 14443

- Supports MIFARE® Dual Interface Card ICs and MIFARE® Classic protocol

- Supports contactless communication with baudrates up to 424kHz

- Features Crypto1 and secure non-volatile internal key memory

- Pin-compatible to the MFRC500, MFRC530, and SLRC400

- Offers parallel µ-Processor interface with internal address latch and IRQ line

- Provides SPI compatible interface

- Flexible interrupt handling

- Automatically detects the used µ-Processor interface type

- Includes a 64-byte send and receive FIFO buffer

- Allows hard reset with low power function

- Supports power down mode per software

- Offers programmable timer

- Provides unique serial number

- Supports bit- and byte-oriented framing

- Includes an internal oscillator buffer to connect a 13.56 MHz quartz, optimized for low phase jitter

- Supports 3.3 V to 5 V operation for transmitter (antenna driver) in short range and proximity applications

- Supports 3.3 V or 5V operation for the digital part

Application Scenarios

The MFRC531 is tailored to fit the requirements of various applications using contactless communication based on ISO/IEC 14443 standard where cost-effectiveness, small size, high performance with a single voltage supply are important. Some of the applications include:

• Public transport terminals
• Handheld terminals
• On board units
• Contactless PC terminals
• Metering
• Contactless public phones

Comparison

- Highly integrated and compact design

- Supports multiple protocols and communication methods

- Offers a wide range of operating distances

- Compatible with other reader ICs in the same family

- Includes secure internal key memory

- May require additional components for antenna connection