Texas Instruments TRF7960RHBR

Overview

TRF7960RHBR from Texas Instruments is a fully integrated 13.56-MHz RFID analog front end and data-framing reader IC supporting ISO/IEC 14443 A/B, FeliCa, and ISO/IEC 15693 protocols. It delivers 100 mW or 200 mW RF output power, features dual AM/PM receiver inputs with RSSI, and operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply - enabling secure access control readers with extended read range and multi-standard interoperability.

For engineers reviewing the TRF7960RHBR datasheet, TRF7960RHBR pinout, TRF7960RHBR application, or TRF7960RHBR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 32-pin VQFN (5 mm × 5 mm) package, SPI/parallel interface flexibility, programmable ASK modulation depth (8–30%), built-in 20-mA LDO for MCU supply, and ultra-low-power modes (<1 µA power-down current).

Technical Context

The TRF7960RHBR implements a dual-input receiver architecture with independent AM and PM demodulation paths, minimizing communication holes across varying tag orientations and field conditions. Its internal framing engine handles SOF/EOF generation, CRC/parity calculation, and bit-collision detection for ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC 15693 - eliminating MCU-side protocol overhead.

It supports direct-mode operation where encoders/decoders are bypassed, granting full MCU access to raw subcarrier data or unframed ISO-formatted streams with extracted clock. The device integrates three high-PSRR regulators (VDD_RF, VDD_A, VDD_X) with configurable voltage settings and noise isolation between analog, digital, and PA sections.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The TRF7960RHBR is housed in a 32-pin VQFN package (5 mm × 5 mm) with exposed thermal pad, optimized for compact RFID reader designs requiring thermal efficiency and board-space savings.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RFID reader analog front end applications.

Compared with TRF7961RHB and ST25R3916B, the TRF7960RHBR uniquely balances full multi-standard support (including ISO/IEC 15693), pin-compatibility within TI's TRF796x family, and minimal firmware overhead via hardware framing - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained reader designs needing broad tag interoperability.

Availability

TRF7960RHBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure access control systems, public transport fare validators, and medical device authentication platforms requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for TRF7960RHBR 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions, with decades of expertise in RF and wireless system design.

The TRF7960RHBR belongs to TI's RFID reader AFE product line, engineered specifically for compact, low-power, multi-standard contactless identification systems operating at 13.56 MHz.

FAQ

What communication interfaces does the TRF7960RHBR support?

The TRF7960RHBR supports both parallel 8-bit and 4-wire SPI interfaces, each using a shared 12-byte hardware FIFO. The parallel interface uses I/O_0–I/O_7 pins with DATA_CLK and IRQ signaling, while SPI uses MOSI/MISO/CLK/CS lines mapped to I/O_7/I/O_6/DATA_CLK/EN. Both modes allow identical register access and framing control - enabling flexible MCU selection without redesigning the TRF7960RHBR interface layer.

Does the TRF7960RHBR require an external crystal oscillator?

Yes, the TRF7960RHBR requires a 13.56-MHz fundamental-mode crystal connected between OSC_IN (Pin 31) and OSC_OUT (Pin 30). This crystal drives the internal PLL and establishes the precise carrier frequency needed for ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC 15693 compliance. No internal RC oscillator is provided - external crystal selection must meet TI's specified load capacitance and stability requirements per the TRF7960RHBR datasheet.

How does the TRF7960RHBR handle power management in battery-operated devices?

The TRF7960RHBR provides three low-power states: power-down (<1 µA), standby (120 µA), and active RX-only (10 mA). In power-down mode, all regulators and oscillators halt except optional VDD_X retention (enabled via EN2 pin). Standby maintains the crystal oscillator and LDOs for fast wake-up (<100 µs), making it ideal for motion-activated readers. These modes are controlled directly via EN and EN2 pins - no firmware overhead is required to enter or exit them.

Can the TRF7960RHBR drive an external power amplifier?

No, the TRF7960RHBR integrates a fully self-contained PA stage with selectable 100 mW or 200 mW output into 50 Ω and does not provide a buffered RF driver output for external amplification. Its TX_OUT pin connects directly to the antenna matching network. External PA use would require signal extraction from internal nodes not accessible in the RHB package - and is neither supported nor characterized by TI for the TRF7960RHBR.

What is the function of the ASK/OOK pin on the TRF7960RHBR?

The ASK/OOK pin (Pin 12) configures the modulation scheme: logic low selects ASK (amplitude shift keying) for ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC 15693, while logic high selects OOK (on-off keying) for legacy or proprietary protocols. In direct mode, this pin can alternatively output the received analog baseband signal (ANA_OUT), enabling custom demodulation algorithms in the host MCU - providing flexibility beyond standard protocol handling.