Melexis Technologies NV MLX12115EFR
- Part No.:
- MLX12115EFR
- Manufacturer:
- Melexis Technologies NV
- Category:
- RFID, RF Access, Monitoring ICs
- Package:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MLX12115EFR.pdf
- Description:
- IC RFID TXRX 13.56MHZ 20-SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,996
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Product details
Overview
MLX12115EFR from Melexis is a 13.56 MHz ISO/IEC 14443A- and ISO/IEC 15693-compliant RFID transceiver IC designed for short-to-mid-range contactless reader systems. It delivers up to 200 mW RF output power into 50 Ω, supports ASK/FSK modulation with programmable depth, and operates from 3–5.5 V with idle current as low as 12 mA. Used in portable data terminals and access control readers.
For engineers reviewing the MLX12115EFR datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its SSOP-20 package, dual-ground architecture (VSS_TX/VSS_RX/VSS_DIG), serial interface timing (1.5 MHz SCK), receiver sensitivity (–65 dBm), and drop-in compatibility with TI S6700-based designs.
Technical Context
The MLX12115EFR integrates analog front-end, digital baseband, and serial control logic in a single chip. Its transmitter uses an external MOSFET driver (TX_OUT) with R_MOD-adjustable 10% ASK depth and 40 dB minimum modulation depth for 100% ASK; receiver features dual-mode FSK/ASK demodulation with 120 dB gain in FSK and 80 dB in ASK, plus majority voting error detection via M_ERR.
It relies on an internal 13.56 MHz crystal oscillator (XTAL1/XTAL2) with 2–5 ms start-up time and supports external clock input at XTAL2. The serial interface (DIN/DOUT/SCLOCK) enables microcontroller configuration of modulation, protocol mode, and error handling without dedicated firmware overhead.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Frequency | 13.56 MHz - precisely matches ISO/IEC 14443A and 15693 air interface standards. |
| Output Power | 200 mW into 50 Ω - enables mid-range reading (up to ~50 cm) with standard matching network. |
| Receiver Sensitivity | –65 dBm typical - ensures reliable tag interrogation under low-SNR conditions. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V - supports battery-powered (3.3 V) and line-powered (5 V) reader designs. |
| Idle Current | 12–15 mA - balances responsiveness and power budget in handheld readers. |
| SCK Frequency | 1.5 MHz max - defines serial interface speed for real-time command/response latency. |
| Modulation Depth Control | 0–90% via RMOD pin - allows fine-tuning of ASK depth to match specific tag requirements. |
Pinout & Package
The MLX12115EFR is housed in a lead-free 20-pin SSOP package (209 mil width), RoHS-compliant and qualified per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 reflow profiles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD_TX (Pin 1) | Transmitter power rail | Separate 5 V supply for high-current TX stage; decoupling required near pin. |
| TX_OUT (Pin 2) | Drain of internal output transistor | Connects to external MOSFET gate driver; requires impedance-matching network to antenna. |
| R_MOD (Pin 3) | ASK modulation depth setting | External resistor to ground sets 10% ASK depth; open for 100% ASK mode. |
| VSS_TX (Pin 4) | Transmitter ground reference | Dedicated ground return path minimizes noise coupling into RX section. |
| XTAL1 / XTAL2 (Pins 5–6) | Crystal oscillator connections | Supports 13.56 MHz fundamental-mode crystal; XTAL2 also accepts external clock input. |
| VSS_DIG (Pin 7) | Digital section ground | Isolates logic noise from analog sections; must be connected to system ground plane. |
| XTAL_CLK (Pin 8) | Buffered oscillator output | Provides clean 13.56 MHz clock for external timing or synchronization. |
| NU (Pins 9–10) | No-connect (grounded) | Internally unused; externally grounded to reduce EMI and improve stability. |
| DOUT (Pin 11) | Serial data output | Manchester-encoded response from transponder; synchronized to SCLOCK. |
| VDD_DIG (Pin 12) | Digital power supply | 3.3 V or 5 V rail for logic core; separate from VDD_TX for noise isolation. |
| DIN (Pin 13) | Serial data input | Accepts command stream from host MCU; latched on SCLOCK rising edge. |
| M_ERR (Pin 14) | Manchester decoding error flag | Active-high pulse indicates bit-level corruption during frame reception. |
| SCLOCK (Pin 15) | Serial interface clock | Host-generated clock up to 1.5 MHz; defines data rate and sampling timing. |
| NC (Pins 16, 18) | No-connect | Must remain unconnected; no internal connection or function. |
| VDD_RX (Pin 17) | Receiver power supply | Dedicated 5 V rail for analog RX chain; improves SNR vs shared supply. |
| VSS_RX (Pin 19) | Receiver ground | Independent ground for LNA and demodulator; prevents crosstalk from TX switching. |
| RX_IN (Pin 20) | RF input from antenna | High-impedance (100 kΩ) node accepting signal via matching network; 1–4.9 Vpp range. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Multi-standard compliance | Native support for ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 15693, and Tag-it™ protocols - eliminates need for firmware-layer protocol translation. |
| Programmable ASK depth | 0–90% adjustment via RMOD pin - enables optimization for diverse tag types (e.g., low-power NFC tags vs. high-sensitivity ISO15693). |
| Dual-ground architecture | Separate VSS_TX, VSS_RX, and VSS_DIG - reduces inter-section noise coupling and improves receiver sensitivity by >3 dB. |
| Majority voting error detection | M_ERR pin asserts on Manchester decode failure - provides hardware-level frame integrity check without CPU polling. |
| Low external component count | Requires only crystal, 2–3 resistors, matching network, and MCU - cuts BOM cost and PCB area vs discrete RF solutions. |
Applications
| Portable Data Terminals | Access Control Readers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld scanners used in warehouse inventory management and field service asset tracking. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RFID transceiver managing bidirectional communication with ISO15693 tags at ≤30 cm range. Use Value: 12 mA idle current and 200 mW RF output enable battery life >8 hours and reliable read performance in noisy industrial environments. | Use Scenario: Wall-mounted door readers authenticating employee badges in office buildings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core RF interface implementing ISO14443A protocol for secure card emulation and mutual authentication. Use Value: –65 dBm receiver sensitivity and majority voting ensure consistent read success even with worn or misaligned cards. |
| Contactless Payment Terminals | Smart Label Printers |
Use Scenario: Point-of-sale terminals processing EMV-compliant NFC payments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reader IC executing PCD-initiated transactions per ISO14443A Layers 3–4 with strict timing constraints. Use Value: 1.5 MHz SCK and hardware Manchester decoding reduce MCU firmware complexity and meet EMV transaction latency targets. | Use Scenario: Industrial printers embedding RFID tags into labels during high-speed production. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Transceiver writing encoded data to ISO15693 tags while synchronizing with print head motion. Use Value: Programmable ASK depth and direct-mode operation allow fast, deterministic write cycles without protocol stack overhead. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RFID transceiver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Instruments TRF7960ARHBT | Supports ISO14443A/B, ISO15693, FeliCa; integrated analog front-end; requires external MCU for protocol handling. | Lacks native majority voting and direct-mode startup; higher BOM count due to required external LDOs and filters. | Preferred when multi-protocol flexibility beyond Melexis' supported standards is required. |
| NXP PN5120A0HN/C1 | Integrated ARM Cortex-M0+ processor; supports NFC Forum protocols; lower RF output (100 mW); 3.3 V only. | Self-contained firmware execution; no external MCU needed but less customizable than MLX12115EFR's register-level control. | Chosen for rapid prototyping or closed-system NFC readers where MCU integration reduces board space. |
Compared with TRF7960ARHBT and PN5120A0HN/C1, the MLX12115EFR offers superior RF output (200 mW), dedicated ground separation for noise-sensitive applications, and simpler system integration via direct-mode operation-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability fixed or portable readers requiring ISO14443A/15693 compliance.
Availability
MLX12115EFR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data terminals, access control readers, and contactless payment terminals requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges (–40°C to +85°C).
Supply support for MLX12115EFR 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
Melexis is a Belgian semiconductor company specializing in sensor and RF ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications, with ISO/TS 16949 and ISO14001 certification.
The MLX12115EFR belongs to Melexis' RFID transceiver product line, engineered specifically for compact, low-power, multi-standard contactless reader designs targeting ISO/IEC 14443A and 15693 compliance.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MLX12115EFR?
The MLX12115EFR is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C, as indicated by the "E" temperature code in its ordering designation. This range is validated per absolute maximum ratings and electrical specifications in the datasheet, supporting deployment in industrial and outdoor reader applications without derating.
Does the MLX12115EFR require an external crystal oscillator?
Yes, the MLX12115EFR requires a 13.56 MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected between XTAL1 and XTAL2 pins. The internal oscillator has a 2–5 ms start-up time and supports external clock input at XTAL2 if a precision system clock is available.
Can the MLX12115EFR replace the Texas Instruments S6700 directly?
Yes, the MLX12115EFR is explicitly documented as a drop-in replacement for the TI S6700. Pin compatibility, functional equivalence in ISO14443A/15693 modes, and identical SSOP-20 packaging enable direct substitution without PCB changes.
How is modulation depth controlled on the MLX12115EFR?
Modulation depth is controlled via the R_MOD pin (Pin 3). Connecting an external resistor to ground selects 10% ASK depth (e.g., 10 Ω yields 10–16%); leaving R_MOD open configures 100% ASK mode. Minimum depth is 40 dB, verified per datasheet test conditions.
What is the purpose of the M_ERR pin on the MLX12115EFR?
The M_ERR pin (Pin 14) signals Manchester protocol decoding errors detected during frame reception. It asserts a high pulse upon bit-level corruption, enabling hardware-triggered retransmission or diagnostic logging without continuous software polling of status registers.
MLX12115EFR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Melexis Technologies NV
- Series:
- MLX12115
- Package/Case:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- RFID Reader/Transponder
- Frequency:
- 13.56MHz
- Standards:
- ISO 14443, ISO 15693
- Interface:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SSOP
MLX12115EFR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MLX12115EFR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MLX12115EFR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MLX12115EFR reliable?
The price and inventory of MLX12115EFR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MLX12115EFR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MLX12115EFR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MLX12115EFR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MLX12115EFR?
MLX12115EFR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MLX12115EFR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MLX12115EFR?
For technical support, including MLX12115EFR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MLX12115EFR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MLX12115EFR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MLX12115EFR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MLX12115EFR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MLX12115EFR?
All MLX12115EFR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MLX12115EFR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MLX12115EFR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MLX12115EFR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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