STMicroelectronics DEMOKITCRX14

Overview

DEMOKITCRX14 from STMicroelectronics is an ISO/IEC 14443 Type-B contactless reader evaluation kit built around the CRX14 coupler IC. It enables rapid prototyping of secure short-range RFID readers supporting anti-collision, CRC-verified frame exchange, and France Telecom anti-clone authentication. The kit operates at 13.56 MHz, delivers 106 kbit/s data transfer, integrates a SO16N-packaged CRX14 IC, and supports up to eight devices on a single I²C bus - ideal for secure access control and disposable smart tag validation.

For engineers reviewing the DEMOKITCRX14 datasheet, DEMOKITCRX14 pinout, DEMOKITCRX14 application, or DEMOKITCRX14 equivalent, this kit provides verified hardware reference design, complete I²C register mapping, RF antenna tuning guidance, and functional validation of ISO14443-B anti-collision sequences - critical for NFC reader firmware development, security module integration, and interoperability testing with ST short-range memory PICCs.

Technical Context

The DEMOKITCRX14 implements a full analog front-end for ISO14443 Type-B communication, using ASK modulation (10% depth) at 13.56 MHz for transmission and BPSK sub-carrier (847 kHz) demodulation for reception. Its core CRX14 IC features a dedicated RAM buffer for 36-byte I/O frames, automated ST probabilistic anti-collision logic, and France Telecom–licensed anti-clone authentication.

Control is handled via a 400 kHz I²C interface with three chip-enable pins (E0–E2), enabling up to eight CRX14 devices on one bus. All timing, CRC generation/check, SOF/EOF framing, and slot marker management are performed in hardware - offloading protocol stack complexity from the host microcontroller.

Key Specifications

Availability

DEMOKITCRX14 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure access control systems, contactless payment terminal validation, and NFC-enabled ID document readers requiring stable component supply and pre-validated RF performance.

Supply support for DEMOKITCRX14 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in microcontrollers, analog ICs, power management, and secure connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The CRX14 product line targets cost-sensitive, high-security short-range RFID applications - specifically designed to simplify ISO14443-B reader implementation with minimal external components and integrated anti-cloning capability.

FAQ

Does DEMOKITCRX14 include firmware or only hardware?

No firmware is included. The kit provides fully assembled hardware - including the CRX14 IC, tuned antenna circuitry, crystal oscillator, and I²C interface headers - along with schematics, layout files, and register-level documentation. Host-side firmware must be developed separately to manage ISO14443-B protocol layers via the I²C interface.

Can DEMOKITCRX14 read MIFARE cards?

No. DEMOKITCRX14 supports only ISO/IEC 14443 Type-B compliant PICCs (e.g., ST SRx series, Infineon SLE66Rxx). MIFARE cards use ISO14443 Type-A, which requires a different analog front-end architecture and modulation scheme not implemented in the CRX14.

What antenna topology does the kit use?

The kit implements a series-tuned LRC antenna circuit connected between RFOUT and GND, with discrete matching components (C1–C8, FL4–FL7, R7–R8) optimized for 13.56 MHz operation. Antenna geometry and impedance are user-configurable via ANT1/ANT2 test points, and the schematic shows recommended 50 Ω input impedance matching.

Is the France Telecom anti-clone function license-free for commercial use?

No. The anti-clone function is licensed by France Telecom and requires separate authorization for production deployment. The DEMOKITCRX14 enables functional verification and development, but commercial use of the anti-clone feature mandates direct licensing agreement with Orange (formerly France Telecom) and compliance with their implementation guidelines.