NXP Semiconductors PN5120A0HN/C2,518
- Part No.:
- PN5120A0HN/C2,518
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RFID, RF Access, Monitoring ICs
- Package:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PN5120A0HN/C2,518.pdf
- Description:
- IC RFID RDR/TRAN 13.56MZ 40HVQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
PN5120A0HN/C2 from NXP Semiconductors is a full NFC Forum-compliant frontend IC for 13.56 MHz contactless communication, supporting Reader/Writer (ISO/IEC 14443A/MIFARE, ISO/IEC 14443B, FeliCa), Card Operation, and NFCIP-1 modes. It integrates analog modulation/demodulation, CRC coprocessing, RF level detection, and buffered TX1/TX2 drivers enabling direct antenna connection with minimal external components. It operates from 2.5 V to 3.6 V and delivers up to 50 mm read range in Reader mode.
For engineers reviewing the PN5120A0HN/C2 datasheet, PN5120A0HN/C2 pinout, PN5120A0HN/C2 application, or PN5120A0HN/C2 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, HVQFN40 package mapping, confirmed 40-pin configuration, real-world operating distance data (up to 100 mm in Card Operation mode), and validated alternative options for NFC system design.
Technical Context
The PN5120A0HN/C2 implements a fully integrated analog front-end with dual transmitter outputs (TX1/TX2) for 13.56 MHz carrier generation, an RF level detector for field presence sensing, and a data mode detector to auto-identify MIFARE/FeliCa/NFCIP-1 protocols prior to demodulation. Its digital baseband handles ISO/IEC 14443A framing, parity, and CRC16 per Part 3, plus FeliCa-specific framing with automatic preamble/sync insertion and CRC calculation.
It supports four host interfaces-SPI (up to 10 Mbit/s), I²C (Fast/High-speed modes), UART (RS232-level, up to 1228.8 kBd), and 8-bit parallel-with IRQ-driven interrupt control and a 64-byte FIFO buffer. The internal oscillator accepts 27.12 MHz crystal input via OSCIN/OSCOUT, and S2C interface enables secure IC coupling for card emulation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 13.56 MHz carrier with integrated oscillator support for 27.12 MHz crystal - eliminates need for external clock source. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 3.6 V (VDDA/VDDD/VDD(TVDD)) - single-rail compatibility with common logic domains. |
| Reader Mode Range | Up to 50 mm with tuned antenna - enables robust proximity interaction in access control and payment terminals. |
| Card Operation Range | Up to 100 mm depending on antenna and field strength - supports extended-range card emulation in wearables and smart tags. |
| Max Data Rate | 424 kbit/s in ISO/IEC 14443A, FeliCa, and NFCIP-1 modes - meets high-throughput requirements for transit ticketing and fast pairing. |
| FIFO Depth | 64-byte send/receive buffer - reduces host CPU overhead and prevents data loss during burst transfers. |
| Power-Down Current | ≤10 µA (soft), ≤5 µA (hard) at 3 V - extends battery life in portable NFC readers and IoT edge devices. |
Pinout & Package
PN5120A0HN/C2 is housed in a plastic thermal enhanced very thin quad flat no-lead (HVQFN40) package measuring 6 × 6 × 0.85 mm (SOT618-1), with 40 terminals arranged in a perimeter layout and exposed thermal pad for improved heat dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| TX1, TX2 | Modulated RF output | Drive 13.56 MHz carrier directly into antenna network; supports complementary driver configuration for 40 Ω matched loads. |
| RX | Receiver input | Accepts load-modulated signals from cards/targets; feeds analog demodulator chain for ISO/IEC 14443A/B, FeliCa, NFCIP-1 decoding. |
| IRQ | Interrupt request output | Active-low signal indicating frame completion, error, or RF field detection - enables event-driven host firmware architecture. |
| N_RSTPD | Reset & power-down control | Low-active pin disabling oscillator, current sinks, and I/O pads; rising edge triggers internal reset sequence. |
| D0–D7 | Bi-directional data bus | Supports 8-bit parallel interface (with ALE/NRD/NWR/NCS); repurposed as I²C address pins or test I/Os in serial mode. |
| OSCIN / OSCOUT | Crystal oscillator interface | Connects to 27.12 MHz quartz; internal inverting amplifier forms Pierce oscillator - no external capacitors required per spec. |
| TVDD / TVSS | Transmitter power supply | Dedicated 2.5–3.6 V rail for TX stage; decoupling critical for stable RF output amplitude and EMI control. |
| SVDD | S2C interface supply | Provides regulated power to S2C pads for secure IC coupling - enables standalone card emulation when paired with certified secure element. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated RF Level Detector | Enables automatic wake-up on field detection without host polling - reduces system power consumption in always-on NFC readers. |
| Programmable Data Mode Detector | Identifies MIFARE/FeliCa/NFCIP-1 protocol pre-demodulation - ensures optimal receiver configuration before signal processing begins. |
| Buffered TX Outputs | Drives antenna directly with minimal external components - eliminates need for discrete MOSFET drivers or matching networks in basic designs. |
| CRC Coprocessor | Hardware-accelerated CRC16 per ISO/IEC 14443-3 and FeliCa standards - offloads checksum computation from host MCU and guarantees protocol compliance. |
| S2C Interface Support | Provides digital path for secure IC communication - essential for EMV-compliant card emulation and cryptographic operations in payment applications. |
Applications
| Access Control Terminal | Public Transit Validator |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Contactless credential reading at building entry points using ISO/IEC 14443A MIFARE Classic cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PN5120A0HN/C2 acts as the analog front-end and protocol handler, managing modulation, demodulation, framing, and CRC for secure authentication exchange. Use Value: Achieves ≥45 mm reliable read range with compact PCB antenna, reducing mechanical integration complexity and enabling sleek industrial design. |
Use Scenario: High-speed fare validation in metro turnstiles using FeliCa-based Suica/Pasmo cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PN5120A0HN/C2 operates in FeliCa Reader/Writer mode at 424 kbit/s, handling Manchester-coded physical layer and automatic preamble/sync insertion. Use Value: Enables sub-200 ms transaction time with hardware CRC and 64-byte FIFO - meets strict throughput requirements for peak-hour passenger flow. |
| Smart Wearable Emulator | NFC Peer-to-Peer Initiator |
Use Scenario: Wristband emulating contactless credit card via ISO/IEC 14443A Card Operation mode. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PN5120A0HN/C2 generates digital load-modulated signals and interfaces with secure element via S2C to respond to reader commands. Use Value: Supports up to 100 mm operating distance with optimized antenna tuning - allows tap-free interaction even when device is in pocket or bag. |
Use Scenario: Smartphone accessory initiating NFC data exchange with another NFC device using NFCIP-1 Active mode. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PN5120A0HN/C2 serves as NFCIP-1 initiator, generating its own 13.56 MHz field and handling full duplex 424 kbit/s communication per ECMA-340/ISO/IEC 18092. Use Value: Eliminates dependency on host SoC's NFC controller - enables dedicated, low-latency P2P link for secure file sharing or device pairing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar NFC frontend applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PN7150B0HN/C1 | Integrated firmware, I²C-only interface, lower power (2.5 µA deep sleep), no parallel interface or S2C support. | Targeted at simple reader applications without secure element coupling or high-speed parallel host interfacing. | Select when firmware abstraction and ultra-low-power operation outweigh need for S2C or multi-interface flexibility. |
| ST25DV04K-IER | Dynamic NFC tag IC (I²C EEPROM + RF interface), not a frontend - lacks transmitter, RX demodulator, or host protocol stack support. | Used for passive tag emulation only; cannot act as reader or NFCIP-1 initiator. | Select only for pure tag-side applications requiring rewritable memory and RF energy harvesting - not a functional replacement. |
Compared with PN7150B0HN/C1, PN5120A0HN/C2 offers broader interface support and S2C capability for secure card emulation but requires external firmware development; versus ST25DV04K-IER, it provides full active frontend functionality essential for reader and initiator roles, not just passive tag behavior.
Availability
PN5120A0HN/C2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for access control systems, public transit validators, smart wearable emulators, and NFC peer-to-peer initiators requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges (−30 °C to +85 °C).
Supply support for PN5120A0HN/C2 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
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions, with core expertise in RFID, NFC, automotive MCUs, and secure elements.
PN5120A0HN/C2 belongs to NXP's PN512 NFC frontend product line, designed specifically for high-reliability, multi-protocol 13.56 MHz contactless communication in industrial and consumer terminals where analog integration, protocol flexibility, and secure IC coupling are critical.
FAQ
What communication protocols does the PN5120A0HN/C2 support?
The PN5120A0HN/C2 supports ISO/IEC 14443A/MIFARE (including MIFARE Classic encryption), ISO/IEC 14443B, FeliCa, and NFCIP-1 (ECMA-340/ISO/IEC 18092) protocols across all four operating modes: Reader/Writer, Card Operation, and NFCIP-1 Active/Passive. Each mode uses dedicated analog and digital signal paths within PN5120A0HN/C2 to ensure protocol fidelity and timing compliance.
Does the PN5120A0HN/C2 include an integrated oscillator?
Yes, the PN5120A0HN/C2 includes an internal oscillator circuit that accepts a 27.12 MHz crystal connected between OSCIN and OSCOUT pins. The oscillator uses an inverting amplifier with built-in feedback, requiring no external capacitors per the datasheet specification - simplifying BOM and layout for the PN5120A0HN/C2 design.
What is the maximum operating distance achievable with the PN5120A0HN/C2 in Reader mode?
The PN5120A0HN/C2 achieves a typical operating distance of up to 50 mm in Reader/Writer mode, dependent on antenna size, tuning, and power supply. This performance is measured using a complementary driver configuration and antenna matched to 40 Ω between TX1 and TX2 at 13.56 MHz - values confirmed in the official datasheet Quick Reference Data table.
Can the PN5120A0HN/C2 operate as a contactless smart card emulator?
Yes, the PN5120A0HN/C2 supports Card Operation mode for both ISO/IEC 14443A/MIFARE and FeliCa schemes. In this mode, it generates digital load-modulated signals and - when paired with a secure IC via the S2C interface - delivers full card emulation functionality. PN5120A0HN/C2 alone provides the RF interface and baseband processing; secure element handles cryptography.
Which host interfaces are available on the PN5120A0HN/C2?
The PN5120A0HN/C2 provides SPI (up to 10 Mbit/s), I²C (Fast mode up to 400 kBd, High-speed mode up to 3400 kBd), UART (RS232-level, up to 1228.8 kBd), and 8-bit parallel interfaces. The parallel interface is only available in the HVQFN40 package variant (PN5120A0HN/C2), confirmed in Section 1.1 of the datasheet.
PN5120A0HN/C2,518 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- MIFARE®
- Package/Case:
- 40-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- RFID Reader/Transponder
- Frequency:
- 13.56MHz
- Standards:
- FeliCa, ISO 14443, MIFARE, NFC
- Interface:
- I2C, SPI, UART
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 90°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-HVQFN (6x6)
PN5120A0HN/C2,518 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PN5120A0HN/C2,518 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PN5120A0HN/C2,518 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 PN5120A0HN/C2,518 reliable?
The price and inventory of PN5120A0HN/C2,518 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PN5120A0HN/C2,518 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PN5120A0HN/C2,518?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PN5120A0HN/C2,518 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PN5120A0HN/C2,518?
PN5120A0HN/C2,518 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PN5120A0HN/C2,518 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 PN5120A0HN/C2,518?
For technical support, including PN5120A0HN/C2,518 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PN5120A0HN/C2,518 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PN5120A0HN/C2,518 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PN5120A0HN/C2,518 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 PN5120A0HN/C2,518 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PN5120A0HN/C2,518?
All PN5120A0HN/C2,518 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PN5120A0HN/C2,518, 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 PN5120A0HN/C2,518 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PN5120A0HN/C2,518:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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