STMicroelectronics X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1

Overview

X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 from STMicroelectronics is a Dynamic NFC tag expansion board built around the M24SR64-Y dual-interface IC, enabling I²C-controlled or RF-powered 13.56 MHz NFC/RFID tag functionality on STM32 Nucleo platforms. It integrates a 31 mm × 30 mm double-layer PCB antenna, 64 Kbit EEPROM, Arduino UNO R3 pin-compatible headers, and three general-purpose LEDs. Used in secure data exchange, smart poster emulation, and device pairing applications.

For engineers reviewing the X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 datasheet, X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 pinout, X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 application, or X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 equivalent, key selection factors include I²C interface compatibility with STM32 Nucleo, RF coupling performance of the etched 13.56 MHz antenna, power sourcing via Arduino headers, and support for ISO 14443 Type A and NFC Forum Tag Type 4 protocols.

Technical Context

The board implements a dual-interface architecture where the M24SR64-Y IC operates either as an I²C slave (address 0x50) connected to the host MCU or as a contactless RFID tag powered and addressed by external 13.56 MHz readers. Its RF interface complies with ISO/IEC 14443-A and NFC Forum Tag Type 4 specifications.

Power delivery is exclusively through the Arduino UNO R3 connector (5 V), with no onboard voltage regulation or battery support. The board lacks RF matching components beyond the integrated antenna trace, requiring proximity-based coupling within typical NFC read ranges (≤5 cm).

Key Specifications

Availability

X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for NFC-enabled IoT node development, secure firmware update provisioning, smart label integration, and STM32-based access control prototyping requiring stable component supply and rapid evaluation capability.

Supply support for X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, analog ICs, MEMS, and power devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

This board belongs to ST's X-NUCLEO ecosystem - a family of Arduino-form-factor expansion boards designed to accelerate prototyping of sensor, connectivity, and power applications on STM32 Nucleo development platforms.

FAQ

Does X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 support peer-to-peer (P2P) NFC mode?

No. The board implements only reader/tag operation using the M24SR64-Y's Type 4 tag mode. It does not support LLCP or SNEP protocols required for P2P communication. Host MCU must handle all higher-layer logic; the board itself functions solely as a passive or I²C-controlled tag endpoint.

Can X-NUCLEO-NFC01A1 be powered independently without an STM32 Nucleo board?

No. It has no standalone power input or regulator. Power is drawn exclusively through the Arduino UNO R3 connector pins (5 V and GND) from a host Nucleo board or compatible controller. No VIN, USB, or battery terminals are present.

What is the maximum reliable read distance for the onboard antenna?

Measured read range is ≤4 cm with standard NFC smartphones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S series) and ≤5 cm with high-sensitivity readers. Performance depends on reader field strength, orientation, and shielding; the 31 mm × 30 mm double-layer antenna is optimized for compact form factor over extended range.

Is firmware or middleware provided for STM32 HAL drivers?

Yes. ST provides the X-CUBE-NFC1 software expansion package, including HAL-based I²C drivers, NFC Type 4 message parsing utilities, and example projects for STM32CubeIDE. No proprietary bootloader or closed-source stack is required.