NXP-Semicon-MFRC52302HN1-151

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NXP-Semicon-MFRC52302HN1-151
MFRC523  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
1. Introduction  
This document describes the functionality and electrical specifications of the contactless  
reader/writer MFRC523.  
1.1 Different
 
available versions  
The MFRC523 is available in two versions:  
•
MFRC52302 (HVQFN32), hereafter named as version 2.0  
•
MFRC52301 (HVQFN32), hereafter named as version 1.0  
The differences of the version 1.0 to the version 2.0 are summarized in
Section 11
.  
2. General
 
description  
The MFRC523 is a highly integrated reader/writer for contactless communication at  
13.56 MHz. The MFRC523 reader supports ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE mode.  
The MFRC523’s internal transmitter is able to drive a reader/writer antenna designed to  
communicate with ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE cards and transponders without additional  
active circuitry. The receiver module provides a robust and efficient implementation for  
demodulating and decoding signals from ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE compatible cards and  
transponders. The digital module manages the complete ISO/IEC 14443 A framing and  
error detection (parity and CRC) functionality.  
All protocol layers of the ISO/IEC 14443 A and ISO/IEC 14443 B communication  
standards are supported provided:  
•
additional components, such as the oscillator, power supply, coil etc are correctly  
applied  
•
standardized protocols, such as ISO/IEC 14443-4 and/or ISO/IEC 14443 B  
anticollision are correctly implemented  
The MFRC523 supports contactless communication using MIFARE higher baud rates  
(see
Section 8.3.4.11 on page 22
) at transfer speeds up to 848 kBd in both directions.  
The following host interfaces are provided:  
•
Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)  
•
Serial UART (similar to RS232 with voltage levels dependent on pin voltage supply)  
•
I

2

C-bus interface  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
3. Features
 
and benefits  
Highly integrated analog circuitry to demodulate and decode responses  
Buffered output drivers for connecting an antenna with the minimum number of  
external components  
Supports ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE  
Supports ISO/IEC 14443 B Read/Write modes  
Typical operating distance in Read/Write mode up to 50 mm depending on the  
antenna size and tuning  
Supports MIFARE Mini, MIFARE 1K and MIFARE 4K encryption in Read/Write mode  
Supports ISO/IEC 14443 A higher transfer speed communication at 212 kBd, 424 kBd  
and 848 kBd  
Supports MFIN/MFOUT  
Additional internal power supply to the smart card IC connected via MFIN/MFOUT  
Supported host interfaces  
SPI up to 10 Mbit/s  
I

2

C-bus interface up to 400 kBd in Fast mode, up to 3400 kBd in High-speed mode  
RS232 Serial UART up to 1228.8 kBd, with voltage levels dependant on pin  
voltage supply  
FIFO buffer handles 64 byte send and receive  
Flexible interrupt modes  
Hard reset with low power function  
Power-down by software mode  
Programmable timer  
Internal oscillator for connection to 27.12 MHz quartz crystal  
2.5 V to 3.3 V power supply  
CRC coprocessor  
Programmable I/O pins  
Internal self-test  
4. Quick
 
reference data  
Table 1.  
Quick reference data  
Symbol Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
2.5  
2.5  
2.5  
1.6  
1.6  
Typ  
3.3  
3.3  
3.3  
1.8  
–
Max  
3.6  
3.6  
3.6  
3.6  
3.6  
Unit  
V
[1][2]  
[3]  
V

DDA  

V

DDD  

analog supply voltage  
digital supply voltage  
V

DD(PVDD)

V

DDA

= V

DDD

= V

DD(TVDD)

;  
V

SSA

= V

SSD

= V

SS(PVSS)

= V

SS(TVSS)

= 0 V  
V
V

DD(TVDD)

TVDD supply voltage  
V

DD(PVDD)

PVDD supply voltage  
V

DD(SVDD)

SVDD supply voltage  
V
V
V

SSA

= V

SSD

= V

SS(PVSS)

= V

SS(TVSS)

= 0 V  
V

DDA

= V

DDD

= V

DD(TVDD)

= V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V  
hard power-down; pin NRSTPD set LOW  
soft power-down; RF level detector on  
pin DVDD; V

DDD

= 3 V  
V
I

pd  

power-down current  
[4]  
[4]  
–
–
–
–
5
A  
A  
mA  
–
10  
9
I

DDD  

digital supply current  
6.5  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
2 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 1.  
Quick reference data
…continued  
Symbol Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
I

DDA  

analog supply current  
pin AVDD; V

DDA

= 3 V, CommandReg register’s  
RcvOff bit = 0  
–
7
10  
mA  
pin AVDD; receiver switched off; V

DDA

= 3
V
,  
CommandReg register’s RcvOff bit = 1  
–
3
5
mA  
[5]  
I

DD(PVDD)

PVDD supply current  
I

DD(TVDD)

TVDD supply current  
pin PVDD  
–
–
40  
mA  
mA  
C  
[6][7][8]  
pin TVDD; continuous wave  
HVQFN32  
–
60  
–
100  
+85  
T

amb  

ambient temperature  
25  
[1] Supply
 
voltages below 3 V reduce the performance in, for example, the achievable operating distance.  
[2] V

DDA

, V

DDD

and V

DD(TVDD)

must always be the same voltage.  
[3]  
V

DD(PVDD)

must always be the same or lower voltage than V

DDD

.  
[4] I

pd

is the total current for all supplies.  
[5] I

DD(PVDD)

depends on the overall load at the digital pins.  
[6]  
I

DD(TVDD)

depends on V

DD(TVDD)

and the external circuit connected to pins TX1 and TX2.  
[7] During
 
typical circuit operation, the overall current is below 100 mA.  
[8] Typical
 
value using a complementary driver configuration and an antenna matched to 40
between pins TX1 and TX2 at 13.56 MHz.  
5. Ordering
 
information  
Table 2.  
Ordering information  
Type number  
Package  
Name  
Description  
Version  
MFRC52302HN1/TRAYB

[1]  

HVQFN32 plastic
 
thermal enhanced very thin quad flat package; no leads;  
SOT617-1  
32 terminal; body 5
5
0.85 mm  
MFRC52302HN1/TRAYBM

[2]

HVQFN32 plastic
 
thermal enhanced very thin quad flat package; no leads;  
SOT617-1  
SOT617-1  
SOT617-1  
32 terminal; body 5
5
0.85 mm  
MFRC52301HN1/TRAYB

[1]  

HVQFN32 plastic
 
thermal enhanced very thin quad flat package; no leads;  
32 terminal; body 5
5
0.85 mm  
MFRC52301HN1/TRAYBM

[2]

HVQFN32 plastic
 
thermal enhanced very thin quad flat package; no leads;  
32 terminal; body 5
5
0.85 mm  
[1] Delivered
 
in one tray.  
[2] Delivered
 
in five trays.  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
3 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
6. Block
 
diagram  
The analog interface manages the modulation and demodulation of the analog signals.  
The contactless UART manages the protocol requirements for the communication  
protocols in cooperation with the host. The FIFO buffer ensures fast and convenient data  
transfers to/from the host and the contactless UAR
T
.  
Various host interfaces are implemented to meet different customer requirements.  
REGISTER BANK  
ANALOG  
INTERFACE  
CON
T
ACTLESS  
UART  
ANTENNA  
FIFO  
BUFFER  
SERIAL UART  
SPI  
I C-BUS  
HOST  
2
001aaj627  
Fig 1.
 
Simplified block diagram of the MFRC523  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
4 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
D6/ADR_0/  
MOSI/MX  
D2/ADR_4  
D1/ADR_5 D3/ADR_3  
25 26 27  
D4/ADR_2  
D5/ADR_1/  
D7/SCL/  
SDA/NSS/RX EA I2C  
24 32  
PVDD PVSS  
SCK/DTRQ  
MISO/TX  
1
28  
29  
30  
31  
2
5
3
4
DVDD  
DVSS  
VOLTAGE  
MONITOR  
AND  
POWER ON  
DETECT  
2
SPI, UAR
T
, I
 
C
-BUS INTERFACE CONTROL  
15  
18  
AVDD  
AVSS  
FIFO CONTROL  
STATE MACHINE  
64-BYTE FIFO  
BUFFER  
RESET  
CONTROL  
COMMAND REGISTER  
PROGRAMABLE TIMER  
INTERRUPT CONTROL  
CRC16  
6
POWER-DOWN  
CONTROL  
NRSTPD  
IRQ  
CONTROL REGISTER  
BANK  
23  
MIFARE CLASSIC UNIT  
GENERATION AND CHECK  
RANDOM NUMBER  
GENERATOR  
PARALLEL/SERIAL  
CONVERTER  
BIT COUNTER  
PARITY GENERATION AND CHECK  
FRAME GENERATION AND CHECK  
BIT DECODING  
BIT ENCODING  
7
8
9
MFIN  
SERIAL DATA SWITCH  
MFOUT  
SVDD  
21  
22  
CLOCK  
OSCIN  
GENERATION,  
FILTERING AND  
DISTRIBUTION  
AMPLITUDE  
RATING  
OSCILLATOR  
ANALOG TO DIGITAL  
CONVERTER  
OSCOUT  
REFERENCE  
VOLTAGE  
Q-CLOCK  
GENERATION  
TEMPERATURE  
SENSOR  
ANALOG TEST  
MULTIPLEXOR  
AND  
DIGITAL TO  
ANALOG  
I-CHANNEL  
AMPLIFIER  
Q-CHANNEL  
AMPLIFIER  
TRANSMITTER CONTROL  
I-CHANNEL  
DEMODULATOR  
Q-CHANNEL  
DEMODULATOR  
CONVERTER  
16  
19  
20  
17  
RX  
10, 14  
TVSS  
11  
TX1  
13  
TX2  
12  
VMID AUX1 AUX2  
TVDD  
001aak602  
Fig 2.
 
Detailed block diagram of the MFRC523  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
5 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
7. Pinning
 
information  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
24  
23  
22  
21  
20  
19  
18  
17  
I2C  
PVDD  
SDA/NSS/RX  
IRQ  
DVDD  
OSCOUT  
OSCIN  
AUX2  
DVSS  
MFRC523  
PVSS  
NRSTPD  
MFIN  
AUX1  
AVSS  
MFOUT  
RX  
001aal155  
T
r
ansparent top view  
Fig 3.
 
Pinning configuration HVQFN32 (SOT617-1)  
7.1 Pin
 
description  
Table 3.  
Pin description  
Pin  
1
Symbol  
I2C  
Type

[1]

Description  
I

[2]  

I

2

C-bus enable input  
2
PVDD  
DVDD  
DVSS  
PVSS  
NRSTPD  
P
pin power supply  
3
P
digital power supply  
4
G

[3]  

G
I
digital ground  
5
pin power supply ground  
reset and power-down input:  
reset: enabled by a positive edge  
6
power-down: enabled when LOW; internal current sinks are switched off, the oscillator  
is inhibited and the input pins are disconnected from the outside world  
7
MFIN  
MFOUT  
SVDD  
TVSS  
TX1  
I
MIFARE signal input  
8
O
P
G
O
P
O
G
P
MIFARE signal output  
9
MFIN and MFOUT pin power supply  
transmitter output stage 1 ground  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
transmitter 1 modulated 13.56 MHz energy carrier output  
transmitter power supply: supplies the output stage of transmitters 1 and 2  
transmitter 2 modulated 13.56 MHz energy carrier output  
transmitter output stage 2 ground  
TVDD  
TX2  
TVSS  
AVDD  
analog power supply  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
6 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 3.  
Pin  
16  
Pin description
…continued  
Symbol  
VMID  
RX  
Type

[1]

Description  
P
I
internal reference voltage  
17  
RF signal input  
18  
AVSS  
AUX1  
AUX2  
OSCIN  
G
O
O
I
analog ground  
19  
auxiliary outputs for test purposes  
auxiliary outputs for test purposes  
20  
21  
crystal oscillator inverting amplifier input; also the input for an externally generated clock  
(f

clk

= 27.12 MHz)  
22  
23  
24  
OSCOUT  
IRQ  
SDA

[2]  

NSS

[2]  

RX

[2]  

O
crystal oscillator inverting amplifier output  
interrupt request output: indicates an interrupt event  
I

2

C-bus serial data line input/output  
SPI signal input  
O
I/O  
I
I
UART address input  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
D1

[2]  

ADR_5

[2]  

I/O  
I/O  
I/O  
I
test port  
I

2

C-bus address 5 input  
D2  
test port  
ADR_4

[2]  

D3  
ADR_3

[2]  

I

2

C-bus address 4 input  
test port  
I

2

C-bus address 3 input  
I/O  
I
D4  
I/O  
I
test port  
ADR_2

[2]  

D5  
ADR_1

[2]  

SCK

[2]  

DTRQ

[2]  

D6  
ADR_0

[2]  

MOSI

[2]  

MX

[2]  

I

2

C-bus address 2 input  
test port  
I

2

C-bus address 1 input  
I/O  
I
I
SPI serial clock input  
O
UART request to send output to microcontroller  
test port  
I

2

C-bus address 0 input  
SPI master out, slave in  
UART output to microcontroller  
test port  
I

2

C-bus clock input/output  
SPI master in, slave out  
UART data output to microcontroller  
external address input for coding I

2

C-bus address  
30  
31  
32  
I/O  
I
I/O  
O
D7  
I/O  
I/O  
I/O  
O
SCL

[2]  

MISO

[2]  

TX

[2]  

EA

[2]  

I
[1] Pin
 
types: I = Input, O = Output, I/O = Input/Output, P = Power and G = Ground.  
[2] The
 
pin functionality of these pins is explained in
Section 8.3 “Digital interfaces”
.  
[3] Connection
 
of heatsink pad on package underside is not necessary. Optional connection to pin DVSS is possible.  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
7 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
8. Functional
 
description  
The MFRC523 transmission module supports ISO/IEC 14443 A and ISO/IEC 14443 B  
Read/Write mode at various transfer speeds and modulation protocols.  
BATTERY  
MFRC523  
ISO/IEC 14443 A CARD  
MICROCONTROLLER  
contactless card  
reader/writer  
001aal156  
Fig 4.
 
MFRC523 Read/Write mode  
8.1 ISO/IEC
 
14443 A functionality  
The physical level communication is shown in
Figure 5
.  
(1)  
ISO/IEC 14443 A  
READER  
ISO/IEC 14443 A CARD  
(2)  
MFRC523  
001aal157  
(1) Reader
 
to card (MFRC523 sends data to a card).  
(2) Card
 
to reader (card sends data to the MFRC523).  
Fig 5.
 
ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE Read/Write mode communication diagram  
The physical parameters are described in
T
a
ble 4
.  
Table 4.  
Communication overview for ISO/IEC 14443 A reader/writer  
Communication  
direction  
Signal type  
Transfer speed  
106 kBd  
212 kBd  
424 kBd  
848 kBd  
Reader to card  
reader side  
100 % ASK  
100 % ASK  
100 % ASK  
100 % ASK  
(MFRC523 sends data
 
modulation  
to a card)  
bit encoding  
modified Miller  
encoding  
modified Miller  
encoding  
modified Miller  
encoding  
modified Miller  
encoding  
bit length  
128 (13.56
s)  
64 (13.56
s)  
32 (13.56
s)  
16 (13.56
s)  
Card to reader (card  
sends data to the  
MFRC523)  
card side  
modulation  
subcarrier load  
modulation  
subcarrier load  
modulation  
subcarrier load  
modulation  
subcarrier load  
modulation  
subcarrier  
frequency  
13.56 MHz / 16  
13.56 MHz / 16  
13.56 MHz / 16  
13.56 MHz / 16  
bit encoding  
Manchester  
encoding  
BPSK  
BPSK  
BPSK  
The MFRC523’s contactless UART and dedicated external host must manage the  
ISO/IEC 14443 A protocol.
Figure 6
shows the data coding and framing according to  
ISO/IEC 14443 A.  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
8 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
ISO/IEC 14443 A framing at 106 kBd  
start  
8-bit data  
8-bit data  
8-bit data  
odd  
odd  
odd  
parity  
parity  
parity  
start bit is 1  
ISO/IEC 14443 A framing at 212 kBd, 424 kBd and 848 kBd  
start  
even  
parity  
8-bit data  
8-bit data  
8-bit data  
odd  
parity  
odd  
parity  
start bit is 0  
burst of 32  
subcarrier clocks  
even parity at the  
end of the frame  
001aak585  
Fig 6.
 
Data coding and framing according to ISO/IEC 14443 A  
The internal CRC coprocessor calculates the CRC value based on ISO/IEC 14443 A  
part 3 and handles parity generation internally based on the transfer speed. Automatic  
parity generation can be switched off using the ManualRCVReg register’s ParityDisable  
bit.  
8.2 ISO/IEC
 
14443 B functionality  
The MFRC523 reader IC fully supports the ISO 14443 international standard which  
includes the communication schemes ISO 14443 A and ISO 14443 B. Refer to the  
ISO 14443 reference documents
Identification cards – Contactless integrated circuit cards  
– Proximity cards
(parts 1 to 4).  
8.3 Digital
 
interfaces  
8.3.1 Automatic
 
microcontroller interface detection  
The MFRC523 supports direct interfacing to hosts using SPI, I

2

C-bus or serial UART  
interfaces. The MFRC523 resets its interface and checks the current host interface type  
automatically after performing a power-on or hard reset.  
The MFRC523 identifies the host interface by sensing the logic levels on the control pins  
after the reset phase. This is done using a combination of fixed pin connections.
T
a
ble 5  
shows the different pin connection configurations.  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
9 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 5.  
Connection protocol for detecting different interface types  
Pin  
Interface type  
UART (input)  
SPI (output)  
I

2

C-bus (I/O)  
SDA  
SDA  
I2C  
EA  
D7  
D6  
D5  
D4  
D3  
D2  
D1  
RX  
NSS  
0
0
1
0
1
EA  
TX  
MISO  
SCL  
MX  
MOSI  
ADR_0  
ADR_1  
ADR_2  
ADR_3  
ADR_4  
ADR_5  
DTRQ  
SCK  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
8.3.2 Serial
 
Peripheral Interface  
The 5-wire Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) is supported and enables high-speed  
communication with the host. The interface can manage data speeds up to 10 Mbit/s.  
When communicating with a host, the MFRC523 acts as a slave. As such, it receives data  
from the external host for register settings, sends and receives data relevant for RF  
interface communication.  
An interface compatible with SPI enables high-speed serial communication between the  
MFRC523 and a microcontroller. The implemented interface meets with the SPI standard.  
The timing specification is given in
Section 15.1 on page 78
.  
MFRC523  
SCK  
SCK  
MOSI  
MOSI  
MISO  
MISO  
NSS  
NSS  
001aal159  
Fig 7.
 
SPI connection to host  
The MFRC523 acts as a slave during SPI communication and is timed using the SPI clock  
signal (SCK) generated by the master. Data communication from the master to the slave  
uses the MOSI line. The MISO line is used to send data from the MFRC523 to the master.  
Data bytes on both MOSI and MISO lines are sent with the MSB first. Data on both MOSI  
and MISO lines must be stable on the rising edge of the clock and can be changed on the  
falling edge. Data is sent by the MFRC523 on the falling clock edge and is stable during  
the rising clock edge.  
8.3.2.1 SPI
 
read data  
Reading data using SPI requires the byte order shown in
T
a
ble 6
to be used. It is possible  
to read out up to n-data bytes.  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
10 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
The first byte sent defines both the mode and the address.  
Table 6.
 
MOSI and MISO byte order  
Line  
Byte 0  
address 0  
X

[1]  

Byte 1  
Byte 2  
To  
…  
Byte n  
Byte n + 1  
00  
MOSI  
MISO  
address 1  
data 0  
address 2  
data 1  
address n  
data n
1  
…  
data n  
[1] X
 
= Do not care.  
Remark:
The MSB must be sent first.  
8.3.2.2 SPI
 
write data  
To
w
rite data to the MFRC523 using SPI requires the byte order shown in
T
a
ble 7
. It is  
possible to write up to n-data bytes by only sending one address byte.  
The first send byte defines both the mode and the address byte.  
Table 7.  
Line  
MOSI and MISO byte order  
Byte 0  
address 0  
X

[1]  

Byte 1  
data 0  
X

[1]  

Byte 2  
data 1  
X

[1]  

To  
…  
Byte n  
data n
1  
X

[1]  

Byte n + 1  
data n  
X

[1]  

MOSI  
MISO  
…  
[1] X
 
= Do not care.  
Remark:
The MSB must be sent first.  
8.3.2.3 SPI
 
Read and Write address byte  
The read address byte must meet the following criteria:  
•
the Most Significant Bit (MSB) of the first byte sets the mode.
T
o
r
ead data from the  
MFRC523, the MSB is set to logic 1; see
T
a
ble 8  
•
bits [6:1] define the address  
•
the Least Significant Bit (LSB) should be set to logic 0  
Table 8.  
SPI read address  
Address  
(MOSI)  
Bit 7  
(MSB)  
Bit 6  
Bit 5  
Bit 4  
Bit 3  
Bit 2  
Bit 1  
Bit 0  
(LSB)  
byte 0  
1
address address address address address address  
0
MFRC523  
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The write address byte must meet the following criteria:  
•
the MSB of the first byte sets the mode.
T
o
w
rite data to the MFRC523, the MSB is set  
to logic 0; see
T
a
ble 9  
•
bits [6:1] define the address  
•
the LSB should be set to logic 0  
Table 9.  
SPI write address  
Address line  
(MOSI)  
Bit 7  
(MSB)  
Bit 6  
Bit 5  
Bit 4  
Bit 3  
Bit 2  
Bit 1  
Bit 0  
(LSB)  
byte 0  
0
address address address address address address  
0
8.3.3 UART
 
interface  
8.3.3.1 Connection
 
to a host  
MFRC523  
RX  
TX  
RX  
TX  
DTRQ  
DTRQ  
MX  
MX  
001aal158  
Fig 8.
 
UART connection to microcontrollers  
Remark:
Signals DTRQ and MX can be disabled by clearing
T
e
stPinEnReg register’s  
RS232LineEn bit.  
8.3.3.2 Selectable
 
UART transfer speeds  
The internal UART interface is compatible with the RS232 serial interface.  
The default transfer speed is 9.6 kBd.
T
o
c
hange the transfer speed, the host controller  
must write a value for the new transfer speed to the SerialSpeedReg register. Bits  
BR_T0[2:0] and BR_T1[4:0] define the factors for setting the transfer speed in the  
SerialSpeedReg register.  
The BR_T0[2:0] and BR_T1[4:0] settings are described in
T
a
ble 10
. Examples of different  
transfer speeds and the relevant register settings are given in
T
a
ble 11
.  
Table 10.
 
BR_T0 and BR_T1 settings  
BR_Tn  
Bit 0  
Bit 1  
Bit 2  
Bit 3  
Bit 4  
Bit 5  
Bit 6  
Bit 7  
BR_T0 factor  
BR_T1 range  
1
1
2
4
8
16  
32  
64  
1 to 32
 
33 to 64
 
33 to 64
 
33 to 64
 
33 to 64
 
33 to 64
 
33 to 64
 
33 to 64  
MFRC523  
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Table 11.
 
Selectable UART transfer speeds  
Transfer speed (kBd)
 
SerialSpeedReg value  
Transfer speed accuracy (%)

[1]  

Decimal  
250  
235  
218  
203  
171  
154  
122  
116  
90  
Hexadecimal  
FAh  
7.2  
0.25  
0.32  
9.6  
EBh  
14.4  
19.2  
38.4  
57.6  
115.2  
128  
DAh  
0.25  
0.32  
CBh  
ABh  
0.32  
9Ah  
0.25  
0.25  
0.06  
0.25  
0.25  
1.45  
7Ah  
74h  
230.4  
460.8  
921.6  
1228.8  
5Ah  
58  
3Ah  
28  
1Ch  
21  
15h  
0.32  
[1] The
 
resulting transfer speed error is less than 1.5 % for all described transfer speeds.  
The selectable transfer speeds shown in
T
a
ble 11
are calculated according to the  
following equations:  
If BR_T0[2:0] = 0:  
27.12
10

6  

BR
_
T0
+
1
  
transfer speed
=  
(1)  
(2)  
——————————-  
If BR_T0[2:0] > 0:  
27.12
10

6  

——————————–
–
–  
transfer speed
=  
BR
_
T1
+
33
  
———————————-  
2

BR
_
T0
–
1
  

Remark:
Transfer speeds above 1228.8 kBd are not supported.  
8.3.3.3 UART
 
framing  
Table 12.
 
UART framing  
Bit  
Length  
1-bit  
Value  
0
Start  
Data  
Stop  
8-bit  
data  
1
1-bit  
Remark:
The LSB for data and address bytes must be sent first. No parity bit is used  
during transmission.  
To
r
ead data using the UART interface, the flow shown in
T
a
ble 13
must be used. The first  
byte sent defines both the mode and the address.  
MFRC523  
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Table 13.
 
Read data byte order  
Pin  
RX  
TX  
Byte 0  
address  
–
Byte 1  
–
data 0  
ADDRESS  
RX  
SA  
A0  
A1  
A2  
A3  
A4  
A5  
(1)  
R/W SO  
DATA  
TX  
SA  
D0  
D1  
D2  
D3  
D4  
D5  
D6  
D7  
SO  
MX  
DTRQ  
001aak588  
(1) Reserved.  
Fig 9.
 
UART read data timing diagram  
To
w
rite data to the MFRC523 using the UART interface, the structure shown in
T
a
ble 14  
must be used.  
The first byte sent defines both the mode and the address.  
Table 14.
 
Write data byte order  
Pin  
RX  
TX  
Byte 0  
Byte 1  
address 0  
–
data 0  
address 0  
MFRC523  
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx x x x xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx xx xxxxx  
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx x x  
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx  
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxx  
ADDRESS  
DATA  
RX  
SA A0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5  
(1)
R/W SO  
SA D0 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 SO  
ADDRESS  
TX  
SA A0 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5  
(1)
R/W SO  
MX  
DTRQ  
001aak589  
(1) Reserved.  
Remark:
The data byte can be sent directly after the address byte on pin RX.  
Fig 10.
 
UART write data timing diagram  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
The address byte must meet the following formats:  
•
the MSB of the first byte sets the mode used  
–
the MSB is set to logic 0 to write data to the MFRC523  
–
the MSB is set to logic 1 to read data from the MFRC523  
•
bit 6 is reserved for future use  
•
bits [5:0] define the address; see
T
a
ble 15  
Table 15.
 
Address byte 0 register; address MOSI  
Bit 7  
Bit 6  
Bit 5  
Bit 4  
Bit 3  
Bit 2  
Bit 1  
Bit 0  
(MSB)  
(LSB)  
1 or 0  
reserved  
address  
address  
address  
address  
address  
address  
8.3.4 I

2

C Bus Interface  
An I

2

C-bus interface is supported and enables implementation of a low-cost, low pin count  
serial bus interface to the host. The I

2

C-bus interface is implemented based on  
NXP Semiconductors’
I

2

C-bus interface specification, rev. 2.1, January 2000
. The  
interface can only act in slave mode. Therefore the MFRC523 does not perform clock  
generation or access arbitration.  
PULL-UP  
NETWORK  
PULL-UP  
NETWORK  
MFRC523  
SDA  
SCL  
MICROCONTROLLER  
I2C  
CONFIGURATION  
WIRING  
EA  
ADR_[5:0]  
001aal160  
Fig 11.
 
I

2

C-bus interface  
The MFRC523 can act as a slave receiver or slave transmitter in Standard mode, Fast  
mode and High-speed mode.  
SDA is a bidirectional line connected to a positive supply voltage using a current source or  
a pull-up resistor. Both SDA and SCL lines are set HIGH when data is not transmitted. The  
MFRC523 has a 3-state output stage to perform the wired-AND function. Data on the  
I

2

C-bus can be transferred at data rates of up to 100 kBd in Standard mode, up to  
400 kBd in Fast mode or up to 3.4 Mbit/s in High-speed mode.  
If the I

2

C-bus interface is selected, spike suppression is activated on lines SCL and SDA  
as defined in the I

2

C-bus interface specification.  
See
T
a
ble 156 on page 79
for timing requirements.  
MFRC523  
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8.3.4.1 Data
 
validity  
Data on the SDA line must be stable during the HIGH clock period. The HIGH or LOW  
state of the data line must only change when the clock signal on SCL is LOW.  
SDA  
SCL  
data line  
stable;  
data valid  
change  
of data  
allowed  
mbc621  
Fig 12.
 
Bit transfer on the I

2

C-bus  
8.3.4.2 START
 
and STOP conditions  
To
m
anage the data transfer on the I

2

C-bus, unique START (S) and STOP (P) conditions  
are defined.  
•
A START condition is defined with a HIGH-to-LOW transition on the SDA line while  
SCL is HIGH.  
•
A STOP condition is defined with a LOW-to-HIGH transition on the SDA line while  
SCL is HIGH.  
The I

2

C-bus master always generates the START and STOP conditions. The bus is busy  
after the START condition. The bus is free again a certain time after the STOP condition.  
The bus stays busy if a repeated START (Sr) is generated instead of a STOP condition.  
The START (S) and repeated START (Sr) conditions are functionally identical. Therefore,  
S is used as a generic term to represent both the START (S) and repeated START (Sr)  
conditions.  
SDA  
SCL  
SDA  
SCL  
S
P
START condition  
STOP condition  
mbc622  
Fig 13.
 
START and STOP conditions  
8.3.4.3 Byte
 
format  
Each byte must be followed by an acknowledge bit. Data is transferred with the MSB first;  
see
Figure 16
. The number of transmitted bytes during one data transfer is unrestricted  
but must meet the read/write cycle format.  
MFRC523  
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8.3.4.4 Acknowledge  
An acknowledge must be sent at the end of one data byte. The acknowledge-related clock  
pulse is generated by the master. The transmitter of data, either master or slave, releases  
the SDA line (HIGH) during the acknowledge clock pulse. The receiver pulls down the  
SDA line during the acknowledge clock pulse so that it remains stable LOW during the  
HIGH period of this clock pulse.  
The master can then generate either a STOP (P) condition to stop the transfer or a  
repeated START (Sr) condition to start a new transfer.  
A master-receiver indicates the end of data to the slave-transmitter by not generating an  
acknowledge on the last byte that was clocked out by the slave. The slave-transmitter  
releases the data line to allow the master to generate a STOP (P) or repeated START (Sr)  
condition.  
data output  
by transmitter  
not acknowledge  
data output  
by receiver  
acknowledge  
SCL from  
master  
1
2
8
9
S
clock pulse for  
acknowledgement  
START  
condition  
mbc602  
Fig 14.
 
Acknowledge on the I

2

C-bus  
P
SDA  
Sr  
acknowledgement  
signal from slave  
acknowledgement  
signal from receiver  
MSB  
byte complete,  
interrupt within slave  
clock line held LOW while  
interrupts are serviced  
S
or  
Sr  
Sr  
or  
P
SCL  
1
2
7
8
9
1
2
3 – 8  
9
ACK  
ACK  
START or  
repeated START  
condition  
STOP or  
repeated START  
condition  
msc608  
Fig 15.
 
Data transfer on the I

2

C-bus  
MFRC523  
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8.3.4.5 7-Bit
 
addressing  
During the I

2

C-bus address procedure, the first byte after the START condition is used to  
determine which slave will be selected by the master.  
Several address numbers are reserved. During device configuration, the designer must  
ensure that collisions with these reserved addresses cannot occur. Check the
I

2

C-bus  
specification
for a complete list of reserved addresses.  
The I

2

C-bus address specification is dependent on the definition of pin EA. Immediately  
after releasing pin NRSTPD or after a power-on reset, the device defines the I

2

C-bus  
address according to pin EA.  
If pin EA is set LOW, the upper 4 bits of the device bus address are reserved by  
NXP Semiconductors and set to 0101b for all MFRC523 devices. The remaining 3 bits  
(ADR_0, ADR_1, ADR_2) of the slave address can be freely configured by the customer  
to prevent collisions with other I

2

C-bus devices.  
If pin EA is set HIGH, ADR_0 to ADR_5 can be completely specified at the external pins  
according to
T
a
ble 5 on page 10
. ADR_6 is always set to logic 0.  
In both modes, the external address coding is latched immediately after releasing the  
reset condition. Further changes at the used pins are not taken into consideration.  
Depending on the external wiring, the I

2

C-bus address pins can be used for test signal  
outputs.  
MSB  
bit 6  
LSB  
R/W  
bit 5  
bit 4  
bit 3  
bit 2  
bit 1  
bit 0  
slave address  
001aak591  
Fig 16.
 
First byte following the START procedure  
8.3.4.6 Register
 
write access  
To
w
rite data from the host controller using the I

2

C-bus to a specific register in the  
MFRC523 the following frame format must be used.  
•
The first byte of a frame indicates the device address according to the I

2

C-bus rules.  
•
The second byte indicates the register address followed by up to n-data bytes.  
In one frame, all data bytes are written to the same register address. This enables fast  
FIFO buffer access. The Read/Write (R/W) bit is set to logic 0.  
MFRC523  
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8.3.4.7 Register
 
read access  
To
r
ead out data from a specific register address in the MFRC523, the host controller must  
use the following procedure:  
•
Firstly, a write access to the specific register address must be performed as indicated  
in the frame that follows  
•
The first byte of a frame indicates the device address according to the I

2

C-bus rules  
•
The second byte indicates the register address. No data bytes are added  
•
The Read/Write bit is 0  
After the write access, read access can start. The host sends the device address of the  
MFRC523. In response, the MFRC523 sends the content of the read access register. In  
one frame all data bytes can be read from the same register address. This enables fast  
FIFO buffer access or register polling.  
The Read/Write (R/W) bit is set to logic 1.  
write cycle  
2
I C-BUS  
SLAVE ADDRESS  
[A7:A0]  
0
(W)  
JOINER REGISTER  
ADDRESS [A5:A0]  
DATA  
[7:0]  
S
A
0
0
A
[0:n]  
A
P
read cycle  
0
2
I C-BUS  
0
(W)  
JOINER REGISTER  
ADDRESS [A5:A0]  
SLAVE ADDRESS  
[A7:A0]  
S
A
0
A
P
optional, if the previous access was on the same register address  
[0:n]  
2
I C-BUS  
1
(R)  
DATA  
[7:0]  
SLAVE ADDRESS  
[A7:A0]  
S
A
[0:n]  
A
A
DATA  
[7:0]  
P
sent by master  
S
P
A
start condition  
stop condition  
acknowledge  
A
not acknowledge  
write cycle  
W
R
sent by slave  
read cycle  
001aak592  
Fig 17.
 
Register read and write access  
MFRC523  
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8.3.4.8 High-speed
 
mode  
In High-speed mode (HS mode), the device can transfer information at data rates of up to  
3.4 Mbit/s, while remaining fully downward-compatible with Fast or Standard modes  
(F/S modes) for bidirectional communication in a mixed-speed bus system.  
8.3.4.9 High-speed
 
transfer  
To
a
chieve data rates of up to 3.4 Mbit/s the following improvements have been made to  
I

2

C-bus operation.  
•
The inputs of the device in HS mode incorporate spike suppression, a Schmitt trigger  
on the SDA and SCL inputs and different timing constants when compared to  
F/S mode  
•
The output buffers of the device in HS mode incorporate slope control of the falling  
edges of the SDA and SCL signals with different fall times compared to F/S mode  
8.3.4.10 Serial
 
data transfer format in HS mode  
The HS mode serial data transfer format meets the Standard mode I

2

C-bus specification.  
HS mode can only start after all of the following conditions (all of which are in F/S mode):  
1. START
 
condition (S)  
2. 8-bit
 
master code (00001 XXXb)  
3. Not-acknowledge
 
bit (A)  
When HS mode starts, the active master sends a repeated START condition (Sr) followed  
by a 7-bit slave address with a R/W bit address and receives an acknowledge bit (A) from  
the selected MFRC523.  
Data transfer continues in HS mode after the next repeated START (Sr), only switching  
back to F/S mode after a STOP condition (P).
T
o
r
educe the overhead of the master code,  
a master links a number of HS mode transfers, separated by repeated START conditions  
(Sr).  
HS mode (current-source for SCL HIGH enabled)  
F/S mode  
F/S mode  
S
MASTER CODE  
A
Sr SLAVE
 
ADDRESS R/W  
A
DATA  
A/A  
P
(n-bytes + A)  
HS mode continues  
SLAVE ADDRESS  
Sr  
001aak749  
Fig 18.
 
I

2

C-bus HS mode protocol switch  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
t
1
A
8-bit master code 0000 1xxx  
S
t
H
SDA high  
SCL high  
1
2 to 5  
6
7
8
9
F/S mode  
n + (8-bit data  
+
A/A)  
R/W  
A
7-bit SLA  
Sr  
Sr P  
SDA high  
SCL high  
1
2 to 5  
6
7
8
9
1
2 to 5  
6
7
8
9
If P then  
HS mode  
F/S mode  
If Sr (dotted lines)  
then HS mode  
t
H
t
FS  
= Master current source pull-up  
= Resistor pull-up  
msc618  
Fig 19.
 
I

2

C-bus HS mode protocol frame  
8.3.4.11 Switching
 
between F/S mode and HS mode  
After reset and initialization, the MFRC523 is in Fast mode (which is in effect F/S mode as  
Fast mode is downward-compatible with Standard mode). The connected MFRC523  
recognizes the “S 00001XXX A” sequence and switches its internal circuitry from the Fast  
mode setting to the HS mode setting.  
The following actions are taken:  
1. Adapt
 
the SDA and SCL input filters according to the spike suppression requirement  
in HS mode.  
2. Adapt
 
the slope control of the SDA output stages.  
It is possible for system configurations that do not have other I

2

C-bus devices involved in  
the communication to switch to HS mode permanently. This is implemented by setting  
Status2Reg register’s I

2

CForceHS bit to logic 1. In permanent HS mode, the master code  
is not required to be sent. This is not defined in the specification and must only be used  
when no other devices are connected on the bus. In addition, spikes on the I

2

C-bus lines  
must be avoided because of the reduced spike suppression.  
8.3.4.12 MFRC523
 
in lower speed modes  
MFRC523 is fully downward-compatible and can be connected to an F/S mode I

2

C-bus  
system. The device stays in F/S mode and communicates at F/S mode speeds because a  
master code is not transmitted in this configuration.  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
8.4 Analog
 
interface and contactless UART  
8.4.1 General  
The integrated contactless UART supports the external host online with framing and error  
checking of the protocol requirements up to 848 kBd. An external circuit can be connected  
to the communication interface pins MFIN and MFOUT to modulate and demodulate the  
data.  
The contactless UART manage the protocol requirements for the communication  
protocols in cooperation with the host. Protocol handling generates bit and byte-oriented  
framing. In addition, it manages error detection such as parity and CRC, based on the  
various supported contactless communication protocols.  
Remark:
The size and tuning of the antenna and the power supply voltage have an  
important impact on the achievable operating distance.  
8.4.2 TX
 
p-driver  
The signal on pins TX1 and TX2 is the 13.56 MHz energy carrier modulated by an  
envelope signal. It can be used to drive an antenna directly using a few passive  
components for matching and filtering; see
Section 16 on page 81
. The signal on pins TX1  
and TX2 can be configured using the TxControlReg register; see
Section 9.2.2.5 on  
page 49
.  
The modulation index can be set by adjusting the impedance of the drivers. The  
impedance of the p-driver can be configured using registers CWGsPReg and  
ModGsPReg. The impedance of the n-driver can be configured using the GsNReg  
register. The modulation index also depends on the antenna design and tuning.  
The TxModeReg and TxSelReg registers control the data rate and framing during  
transmission and the antenna driver setting to support the different requirements at the  
different modes and transfer speeds.  
Table 16.
 
Register and bit settings controlling the signal on pin TX1  
Bit  
Tx1RFEn Force  
100ASK  
Bit  
Bit  
Bit  
Envelope Pin  
TX1  
GSPMos GSNMos Remarks  
InvTx1RFOn InvTx1RFOff  
0
X

[1]  

X

[1]  

0
X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

not specified if RF is  
switched off  
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
RF  
RF  
RF  
RF  
0
pMod  
pCW  
pMod  
pCW  
pMod  
nMod  
nCW  
nMod  
nCW  
nMod  
nCW  
100 % ASK: pin TX1  
pulled to logic 0,  
independently of the  
InvTx1RFOff bit  
1
1
X

[1]  

X

[1]  

RF_n pCW  
[1] X
 
= Do not care.  
MFRC523  
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Table 17.
 
Register and bit settings controlling the signal on pin TX2  
Bit  
Tx1RFEn Force  
100ASK  
Bit  
Bit  
Bit  
Bit  
Envelope Pin  
TX2  
GSPMos GSNMos Remarks  
Tx2CW InvTx2RFOn
 
InvTx2RFOff  
0
X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

not specified if  
RF is switched  
off  
1
0
0
0
1
X

[1]  

X

[1]  

0
RF  
RF  
pMod  
pCW  
nMod  
nCW  
nMod  
nCW  
nCW  
nCW  
–
1
0
RF_n pMod  
RF_n pCW  
1
1
0
0
1
X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

RF  
pCW  
conductance  
always CW for  
the Tx2CW bit  
RF_n pCW  
1
0
1
X

[1]  

X

[1]  

0
0
pMod  
pCW  
pMod  
nMod  
nCW  
nMod  
nCW  
nCW  
nCW  
100 % ASK: pin  
TX2 pulled  
to logic 0  
(independent of  
the  
InvTx2RFOn/Inv  
Tx2RFOff bits)  
1
RF  
0
0
1
RF_n pCW  
RF pCW  
RF_n pCW  
1
0
1
X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

X

[1]  

[1] X
 
= Do not care.  
The following abbreviations have been used in
T
a
ble 16
and
T
a
ble 17
:  
•
RF: 13.56 MHz clock derived from 27.12 MHz quartz crystal oscillator divided by 2  
•
RF_n: inverted 13.56 MHz clock  
•
GSPMos: conductance, configuration of the PMOS array  
•
GSNMos: conductance, configuration of the NMOS array  
•
pCW: PMOS conductance value for continuous wave defined by the CWGsPReg  
register  
•
pMod: PMOS conductance value for modulation defined by the ModGsPReg register  
•
nCW: NMOS conductance value for continuous wave defined by the GsNReg  
register’s CWGsN[3:0] bits  
•
nMod: NMOS conductance value for modulation defined by the GsNReg register’s  
ModGsN[3:0] bits  
•
X = Do not care  
Remark:
If only one driver is switched on, the values for CWGsPReg, ModGsPReg and  
GsNReg registers are used for both drivers.  
MFRC523  
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8.4.3 Serial
 
data switch  
Two main blocks are implemented in the MFRC523. The digital block comprises the state  
machines, encoder/decoder logic. The analog block comprises the modulator and  
antenna drivers, the receiver and amplifiers. It is possible for the interface between these  
two blocks to be configured so that the interfacing signals are routed to pins MFIN and  
MFOU
T
.
T
his topology allows the analog block of the MFRC523 to be connected to the  
digital block of another device.  
The serial signal switch is controlled by the TxSelReg and RxSelReg registers.  
Figure 20
shows the serial data switch for TX1 and TX2.  
DriverSel[1:0]  
3-state  
1
00  
01  
10  
11  
envelope  
INTERNAL  
CODER  
INVERT IF  
InvMod = 1  
to driver TX1 and TX2  
0 = impedance = modulated  
1 = impedance = CW  
INVERT IF  
PolMFin = 0  
MFIN  
001aak593  
Fig 20.
 
Serial data switch for TX1 and TX2  
8.4.4 MFIN
 
and MFOUT interface support  
The MFRC523 is divided into a digital circuit block and an analog circuit block. The digital  
block contains state machines, encoder and decoder logic, etc. The analog block contains  
the modulator and antenna drivers, receiver and amplifiers. The interface between these  
two blocks can be configured to enable the interfacing signals to be routed to pins MFIN  
and MFOU
T
;
s
ee
Figure 21 on page 26
. This configuration is implemented using  
TxSelReg register’s MFOutSel[3:0]/DriverSel[1:0] bits and RxSelReg register’s  
UARTSel[1:0] bits. This topology allows some parts of the analog block to be connected to  
the digital block of another device.  
Switch MFOutSel in the TxSelReg register can be used to measure MIFARE and  
ISO/IEC14443 A related signals. This is especially important during the design-in phase  
or for testing purposes as it enables checking of the transmitted and received data.  
The most important use of pins MFIN and MFOUT is found in the active antenna concept.  
An external active antenna circuit can be connected to the MFRC523’s digital block.  
Switch MFOutSel must be configured so that the internal Miller encoded signal is sent to  
pin MFOUT (MFOutSel = 100b). UARTSel[1:0] must be configured to receive a  
Manchester signal with subcarrier from pin MFIN (UARTSel[1:0] = 01).  
It is possible to connect a passive antenna to pins TX1, TX2 and RX (using the  
appropriate filter and matching circuit) and an active antenna to pins MFOUT and MFIN at  
the same time. In this configuration, two RF circuits can be driven (one after another) by a  
single host processor.  
Remark:
Pins MFIN and MFOUT have a dedicated supply on pin SVDD with the ground  
on pin PVSS.  
MFRC523  
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MFOUT  
3-state  
LOW  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3-state  
internal envelope  
envelope from pin MFIN  
HIGH  
0
1
2
3
TX2  
TX1  
TX bit stream  
MILLER  
CODER  
MODULATOR  
DRIVER  
MFOutSel[3:0]  
HIGH  
DRIVER  
Sel[1:0]  
test bus  
internal envelope  
TX serial data stream  
reserved  
DIGITAL MODULE  
ANALOG MODULE  
MFRC523  
RX serial data stream  
MFRC523  
SUBCARRIER  
DEMODULATOR  
0
1
2
3
LOW  
Manchester with subcarrier  
internal modulated  
RX bit stream  
MANCHESTER  
DECODER  
DEMODULATOR  
RX  
UART  
NRZ coding without subcarrier (> 106 kBd)  
Sel[1:0]  
MFIN  
001aal161  
Fig 21.
 
Overview of MFIN and MFOUT signal routing  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
8.4.5 CRC
 
coprocessor  
The following CRC coprocessor parameters can be configured:  
•
The CRC preset value can be either 0000h, 6363h, A671h or FFFFh depending on  
the ModeReg register’s CRCPreset[1:0] bits setting  
•
The CRC polynomial for the 16-bit CRC is fixed to x

16

+ x

12

+ x

5

+ 1  
•
The CRCResultReg register indicates the result of the CRC calculation. This register  
is split into two 8-bit registers representing the higher and lower bytes.  
•
The ModeReg register’s MSB first bit indicates that data will be loaded with the MSB  
first.  
Table 18.
 
CRC coprocessor parameters  
Parameter  
Value  
CRC register length  
CRC algorithm  
CRC preset value  
16-bit CRC  
algorithm according to ISO/IEC 14443 A and ITU-T  
0000h, 6363h, A671h or FFFFh depending on the setting of the  
ModeReg register’s CRCPreset[1:0] bits  
8.5 FIFO
 
buffer  
An 8
64 bit FIFO buffer is used in the MFRC523. It buffers the input and output data  
stream between the host and the MFRC523’s internal state machine. This makes it  
possible to manage data streams up to 64 bytes long without the need to take timing  
constraints into account.  
8.5.1 Accessing
 
the FIFO buffer  
The FIFO buffer input and output data bus is connected to the FIFODataReg register.  
Writing to this register stores one byte in the FIFO buffer and increments the internal FIFO  
buffer write pointer. Reading from this register shows the FIFO buffer contents stored in  
the FIFO buffer read pointer and decrements the FIFO buffer read pointer. The distance  
between the write and read pointer can be obtained by reading the FIFOLevelReg  
register.  
When the microcontroller starts a command, the MFRC523 can, while the command is in  
progress, access the FIFO buffer according to that command. Only one FIFO buffer has  
been implemented which can be used for input and output. The microcontroller must  
ensure that there are not any unintentional FIFO buffer accesses.  
8.5.2 Controlling
 
the FIFO buffer  
The FIFO buffer pointers can be reset by setting FIFOLevelReg register’s FlushBuffer bit  
to logic 1. Consequently, the FIFOLevel[6:0] bits are all set to logic 0 and the ErrorReg  
register’s BufferOvfl bit is cleared. The bytes stored in the FIFO buffer are no longer  
accessible allowing the FIFO buffer to be filled with another 64 bytes.  
8.5.3 FIFO
 
buffer status information  
The host can get the following FIFO buffer status information:  
•
Number of bytes stored in the FIFO buffer: FIFOLevelReg register’s FIFOLevel[6:0]  
•
FIFO buffer almost full warning: Status1Reg register’s HiAlert bit  
MFRC523  
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•
FIFO buffer almost empty warning: Status1Reg register’s LoAlert bit  
•
FIFO buffer overflow warning: ErrorReg register’s BufferOvfl bit. The BufferOvfl bit  
can only be cleared by setting the FIFOLevelReg register’s FlushBuffer bit.  
The MFRC523 can generate an interrupt signal when:  
•
ComIEnReg register’s LoAlertIEn bit is set to logic 1. It activates pin IRQ when  
Status1Reg register’s LoAlert bit changes to logic 1.  
•
ComIEnReg register’s HiAlertIEn bit is set to logic 1. It activates pin IRQ when  
Status1Reg register’s HiAlert bit changes to logic 1.  
If the maximum number of WaterLevel[5:0] bits (as set in the WaterLevelReg register) or  
less are stored in the FIFO buffer, the HiAlert bit is set to logic 1. It is generated according  
to
Equation 3
:  
HiAlert
=
64
–
FIFOLength
 
WaterLevel  
(3)  
If the number of WaterLevel[5:0] bits (as set in the WaterLevelReg register) or less are  
stored in the FIFO buffer, the LoAlert bit is set to logic 1. It is generated according to  
Equation 4
:  
LoAlert
=
FIFOLength
WaterLevel  
(4)  
8.6 Interrupt
 
request system  
The MFRC523 indicates certain events by setting the Status1Reg register’s IRq bit and, if  
activated, by pin IRQ. The signal on pin IRQ can be used to interrupt the host using its  
interrupt handling capabilities. This allows the implementation of efficient host software.  
8.6.1 Interrupt
 
sources overview  
T
a
ble 19
shows the available interrupt bits, the corresponding source and the condition for  
its activation. The ComIrqReg register’s TimerIRq interrupt bit indicates an interrupt set by  
the timer unit which is set when the timer decrements from 1 to 0.  
The ComIrqReg register’s TxIRq bit indicates that the transmitter has finished. If the state  
changes from sending data to transmitting the end of the frame pattern, the transmitter  
unit automatically sets the interrupt bit. The CRC coprocessor sets the DivIrqReg  
register’s CRCIRq bit after processing all the FIFO buffer data which is indicated by  
CRCReady bit = 1.  
The ComIrqReg register’s RxIRq bit indicates an interrupt when the end of the received  
data is detected. The ComIrqReg register’s IdleIRq bit is set if a command finishes and  
the Command[3:0] value in the CommandReg register changes to idle (see
T
a
ble 150 on  
page 69
).  
The ComIrqReg register’s HiAlertIRq bit is set to logic 1 when the Status1Reg register’s  
HiAlert bit is set to logic 1 which means that the FIFO buffer has reached the level  
indicated by the WaterLevel[5:0] bits.  
The ComIrqReg register’s LoAlertIRq bit is set to logic 1 when the Status1Reg register’s  
LoAlert bit is set to logic 1 which means that the FIFO buffer has reached the level  
indicated by the WaterLevel[5:0] bits.  
MFRC523  
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The ComIrqReg register’s ErrIRq bit indicates an error detected by the contactless UART  
during send or receive. This is indicated when any bit is set to logic 1 in register ErrorReg.  
Table 19.
 
Interrupt sources  
Interrupt flag
 
Interrupt source  
Trigger action  
TimerIRq  
TxIRq  
timer unit  
the timer counts from 1 to 0  
a transmitted data stream ends  
all data from the FIFO buffer has been processed  
a received data stream ends  
command execution finishes  
the FIFO buffer is almost full  
the FIFO buffer is almost empty  
an error is detected  
transmitter  
CRCIRq  
RxIRq  
CRC coprocessor  
receiver  
IdleIRq  
ComIrqReg register  
FIFO buffer  
HiAlertIRq  
LoAlertIRq  
ErrIRq  
FIFO buffer  
contactless UART  
8.7 Timer
 
unit  
The MFRC523A has a timer unit which the external host can use to manage timing tasks.  
The timer unit can be used in one of the following timer/counter configurations:  
•
Timeout counter  
•
Watchdog counter  
•
Stop watch  
•
Programmable one shot  
•
Periodic trigger  
The timer unit can be used to measure the time interval between two events or to indicate  
that a specific event occurred after a specific time. The timer can be triggered by events  
explained in the paragraphs below. The timer does not influence any internal events, for  
example, a time-out during data reception does not automatically influence the reception  
process. In addition, several timer-related bits can be used to generate an interrupt.  
The timer has an input clock of 13.56 MHz derived from the 27.12 MHz quartz crystal  
oscillator. The timer consists of two stages: prescaler and counter.  
The prescaler (TPrescaler) is a 12-bit counter. The reload values (TReloadVal_Hi[7:0] and  
TReloadVal_Lo[7:0]) for TPrescaler can be set between 0 and 4095 in the TModeReg  
register’s TPrescaler_Hi[3:0] bits and TPrescalerReg register’s TPrescaler_Lo[7:0] bits.  
The reload value for the counter is defined by 16 bits between 0 and 65535 in the  
TReloadReg register.  
The current value of the timer is indicated in the TCounterValReg register.  
When the counter reaches 0, an interrupt is automatically generated, indicated by the  
ComIrqReg register’s TimerIRq bit setting. If enabled, this event can be indicated on  
pin IRQ. The TimerIRq bit can be set and reset by the host. Depending on the  
configuration, the timer will stop at 0 or restart with the value set in the TReloadReg  
register.  
The timer status is indicated by the Status1Reg register’s TRunning bit.  
MFRC523  
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The timer can be started manually using the ControlReg register’s TStartNow bit and  
stopped using the ControlReg register’s TStopNow bit.  
The timer can also be activated automatically to meet any dedicated protocol  
requirements, by setting the TModeReg register’s TAuto bit to logic 1.  
The delay time of a timer stage is set by the reload value + 1. The total delay time (t

d

) is  
calculated using
Equation 5
:  
TPrescaler
2
+
1
  
TReloadVal
+
1
  
t

d  

=
(5)  
———————————————————————————————————  
13.56 MHz  
or if the TPrescalEven bit is set, using
Equation 6
:  
TPrescaler
2
+
2
  
TReloadVal
+
1
  
t

d  

=
———————————————————————————————————  
(6)  
13.56 MHz  
An example of calculating total delay time (t

d

) is shown in
Equation 7
, where the  
TPrescaler value = 4095 and TReloadVal = 65535:  
4095
2
+
1
  
65535
+
1
  
39.59 s
 
=  
(7)  
———————————————————————-  
13.56 MHz  
Example:
T
o
g
ive a delay time of 25
s requires 339 clock cycles to be counted and a  
TPrescaler value of 169. This configures the timer to count up to 65535 time-slots for  
every 25
s period.  
Available prescaler modes for version 1.0 (B1h) can be seen in
Section 11
.  
8.8 Power
 
reduction modes  
8.8.1 Hard
 
power-down  
Hard power-down is enabled when pin NRSTPD is LOW. This turns off all internal current  
sinks including the oscillator. All digital input buffers are separated from the input pins and  
clamped internally (except pin NRSTPD). The output pins are frozen at either a HIGH or  
LOW level.  
8.8.2 Soft
 
power-down mode  
Soft power-down mode is entered immediately after the CommandReg register’s  
PowerDown bit is set to logic 1. All internal current sinks are switched off, including the  
oscillator buffer. However, the digital input buffers are not separated from the input pins  
and keep their functionality. The digital output pins do not change their state.  
During soft power-down, all register values, the FIFO buffer content and the configuration  
keep their current contents.  
After setting the PowerDown bit to logic 0, it takes 1024 clocks until the Soft power-down  
mode is exited indicated by the PowerDown bit. Setting it to logic 0 does not immediately  
clear it. It is automatically cleared by the MFRC523 when Soft power-down mode is  
exited.  
MFRC523  
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Remark:
When the internal oscillator is used, time (t

osc

) is required for the oscillator to  
become stable. This is because the internal oscillator is supplied by V

DDA

and any clock  
cycles will not be detected by the internal logic until V

DDA

is stable. It is recommended for  
the serial UAR
T
,
t
o first send the value 55h to the MFRC523. The oscillator must be stable  
for further access to the registers.
T
o
e
nsure this, perform a read access to address 0 until  
the MFRC523 answers to the last read command with the register content of address 0.  
This indicates that the MFRC523 is ready.  
8.8.3 Transmitter
 
Power-down mode  
The Transmitter Power-down mode switches off the internal antenna drivers and the RF  
field. Transmitter Power-down mode is entered by setting either the TxControlReg  
register’s Tx1RFEn bit or Tx2RFEn bit to logic 0.  
8.9 Oscillator
 
circuit  
MFRC523  
OSCOUT  
OSCIN  
27.12 MHz  
001aal162  
Fig 22.
 
Quartz crystal connection  
The clock applied to the MFRC523 provides a time basis for the synchronous system’s  
encoder and decoder. The stability of the clock frequency is an important factor for correct  
operation.
T
o
o
btain optimum performance, clock jitter must be reduced as much as  
possible. This is best achieved using the internal oscillator buffer with the recommended  
circuitry.  
If an external clock source is used, the clock signal must be applied to pin OSCIN. In this  
case, be very careful in optimizing clock duty cycle and clock jitter. Ensure the clock  
quality has been verified.  
8.10 Reset
 
and oscillator start-up time  
8.10.1 Reset
 
timing requirements  
The reset signal is filtered by a hysteresis circuit and a spike filter before it enters the  
digital circuit. The spike filter rejects signals shorter than 10 ns. In order to perform a reset,  
the signal must be LOW for at least 100 ns.  
8.10.2 Oscillator
 
start-up time  
If the MFRC523 has been set to a Power-down mode or is powered by a V

DDX

supply, the  
start-up time for the MFRC523 depends on the oscillator used and is shown in
Figure 23
.  
MFRC523  
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The time (t

startup

) is the start-up time of the crystal oscillator circuit. The crystal oscillator  
start-up time is defined by the crystal.  
The time (t

d

) is the internal delay time of the MFRC523 when the clock signal is stable  
before the MFRC523 can be addressed.  
The delay time is calculated by:  
1024  
27
s  
t

d  

=
=
37.74
s  
(8)  
————-  
The time (t

osc

) is the sum of t

d

and t

startup  

.
device activation  
oscillator  
clock stable  
clock ready  
t
startup  
t
d
t
osc  
t
001aak596  
Fig 23.
 
Oscillator start-up time  
9. MFRC523
 
registers  
9.1 Register
 
bit behavior  
Depending on the functionality of a register, the access conditions to the register can vary.  
In principle, bits with same behavior are grouped in common registers. The access  
conditions are described in
T
a
ble 20
.  
Table 20.
 
Behavior of register bits and their designation  
Abbreviation Behavior  
Description  
R/W  
read and write
 
These bits can be written and read by the microcontroller. Since  
they are used only for control purposes, their content is not  
influenced by internal state machines, for example the  
ComIEnReg register can be written and read by the  
microcontroller. It will also be read by internal state machines but  
never changed by them.  
D
R
dynamic  
These bits can be written and read by the microcontroller.  
Nevertheless, they can also be written automatically by internal  
state machines, for example the CommandReg register changes  
its value automatically after the execution of the command.  
read only  
These register bits hold values which are determined by internal  
states only, for example the CRCReady bit cannot be written  
externally but shows internal states.  
MFRC523  
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Table 20.
 
Behavior of register bits and their designation
…continued  
Abbreviation Behavior
 
Description  
W
write only  
–
Reading these register bits always returns zero.  
reserved  
Registers which are indicated as being reserved must not be  
changed. However, in the case of a write access, it is  
recommended that 0 is always written.  
–
Registers which are indicated as being reserved for future use or  
are for production tests must not be changed.  
MFRC523  
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Product data sheet  
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MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
9.1.1 MFRC523
 
register overview  
Table 21.
 
MFRC523 register overview  
Subaddress Register
 
name  
(Hex)  
Function  
Refer to  
Page 0: Command and status  
00h  
01h  
02h  
03h  
04h  
05h  
06h  
07h  
08h  
09h  
0Ah  
0Bh  
0Ch  
0Dh  
0Eh  
0Fh  
Reserved  
reserved for future use  
T
a
ble 22 on page 37  
CommandReg  
ComlEnReg  
DivlEnReg  
starts and stops command execution  
enable and disable interrupt request control bits  
enable and disable interrupt request control bits  
interrupt request bits  
T
a
ble 24 on page 37  
T
a
ble 26 on page 38  
T
a
ble 28 on page 38  
T
a
ble 30 on page 39  
T
a
ble 32 on page 40  
ComIrqReg  
DivIrqReg  
interrupt request bits  
ErrorReg  
error bits showing the error status of the last command executed
 
T
a
ble 36 on page 41  
Status1Reg  
Status2Reg  
FIFODataReg  
FIFOLevelReg  
WaterLevelReg  
ControlReg  
BitFramingReg  
CollReg  
communication status bits  
T
a
ble 36 on page 41  
T
a
ble 38 on page 42  
T
a
ble 40 on page 43  
T
a
ble 42 on page 43  
T
a
ble 44 on page 44  
T
a
ble 46 on page 44  
T
a
ble 48 on page 45  
T
a
ble 50 on page 45  
T
a
ble 52 on page 46  
receiver and transmitter status bits  
input and output of 64 byte FIFO buffer  
number of bytes stored in the FIFO buffer  
level for FIFO underflow and overflow warning  
miscellaneous control registers  
adjustments for bit-oriented frames  
bit position of the first bit-collision detected on the RF interface  
reserved for future use  
Reserved  
Page 1: Command  
Reserved  
10h  
11h  
12h  
13h  
14h  
15h  
16h  
17h  
18h  
19h  
1Ah  
1Bh  
1Ch  
1Dh  
1Eh  
1Fh  
reserved for future use  
T
a
ble 54 on page 46  
T
a
ble 56 on page 47  
T
a
ble 58 on page 48  
T
a
ble 60 on page 48  
T
a
ble 62 on page 49  
T
a
ble 64 on page 50  
T
a
ble 66 on page 50  
T
a
ble 68 on page 51  
T
a
ble 70 on page 52  
T
a
ble 72 on page 52  
T
a
ble 74 on page 53  
T
a
ble 76 on page 53  
T
a
ble 78 on page 53  
T
a
ble 80 on page 54  
T
a
ble 82 on page 54  
T
a
ble 84 on page 55  
ModeReg  
defines general modes for transmitting and receiving  
defines transmission data rate and framing  
defines reception data rate and framing  
controls the antenna driver pins TX1 and TX2  
controls the setting of the transmission modulation  
selects the internal sources for the antenna driver  
selects internal receiver settings  
TxModeReg  
RxModeReg  
TxControlReg  
TxASKReg  
TxSelReg  
RxSelReg  
RxThresholdReg selects
 
thresholds for the bit decoder  
DemodReg  
Reserved  
Reserved  
MfTxReg  
MfRxReg  
TypeBReg  
defines demodulator settings  
reserved for future use  
reserved for future use  
controls MIFARE communication transmit parameters  
controls MIFARE communication receive parameters  
controls the ISO/IEC 14443 B functionality  
SerialSpeedReg selects
 
the speed of the serial UART interface  
MFRC523  
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© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
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NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 21.
 
MFRC523 register overview
…continued  
Subaddress Register
 
name  
(Hex)  
Function  
Refer to  
Page 2: Configuration  
20h  
21h  
22h  
23h  
24h  
25h  
26h  
27h  
Reserved  
reserved for future use  
T
a
ble 86 on page 56  
CRCResultReg  
CRCResultReg  
Reserved  
shows the MSB and LSB values of the CRC calculation  
shows the MSB and LSB values of the CRC calculation  
reserved for future use  
T
a
ble 88 on page 56  
T
a
ble 90 on page 56  
T
a
ble 92 on page 57  
T
a
ble 94 on page 57  
T
a
ble 96 on page 57  
T
a
ble 98 on page 58  
ModWidthReg  
Reserved  
controls the ModWidth setting  
reserved for future use  
RFCfgReg  
GsNReg  
configures the receiver gain  
selects the conductance of the antenna driver pins TX1 and TX2
 
T
a
ble 100 on  
for modulation  
page 58  
28h  
29h  
2Ah  
2Bh  
CWGsPReg  
ModGsPReg  
TModeReg  
defines the conductance of the p-driver output when not active  
T
a
ble 102 on  
page 59  
defines the conductance of the p-driver output during modulation
 
T
a
ble 104 on  
page 59  
defines settings for the internal timer  
T
a
ble 106 on  
page 59  
TPrescalerReg  
T
a
ble 108 on  
page 60  
2Ch  
2Dh  
2Eh  
2Fh  
TReloadReg  
TReloadReg  
defines the 16-bit timer reload value  
defines the 16-bit timer reload value  
T
a
ble 110 on page 61  
T
a
ble 112 on page 61  
T
a
ble 114 on page 61  
T
a
ble 116 on page 62  
TCounterValReg shows
 
the 16-bit timer value  
TCounterValReg shows
 
the 16-bit timer value  
Page 3: Test register  
30h  
31h  
Reserved  
reserved for future use  
T
a
ble 118 on page 62  
T
e
stSel1Reg  
T
e
stSel2Reg  
T
e
stPinEnReg  
general test signal configuration  
T
a
ble 120 on  
page 62  
32h  
33h  
34h  
35h  
36h  
37h  
38h  
39h  
general test signal configuration and PRBS control  
enables pin output driver on pins D1 to D7  
T
a
ble 122 on  
page 63  
T
a
ble 124 on  
page 63  
T
e
stPinValueReg defines
 
the values for D1 to D7 when it is used as an I/O bus  
T
a
ble 126 on  
page 64  
T
e
stBusReg  
Auto
T
e
stReg  
VersionReg  
shows the status of the internal test bus  
controls the digital self-test  
T
a
ble 128 on  
page 64  
T
a
ble 130 on  
page 64  
shows the software version  
T
a
ble 132 on  
page 65  
Analog
T
e
stReg  
T
e
stDAC1Reg  
controls the pins AUX1 and AUX2  
defines the test value for
T
e
stDAC1  
T
a
ble 134 on  
page 65  
T
a
ble 136 on  
page 67  
MFRC523  
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Product data sheet  
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NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 21.
 
MFRC523 register overview
…continued  
Subaddress Register
 
name  
(Hex)  
Function  
Refer to  
3Ah  
T
e
stDAC2Reg  
T
e
stADCReg  
Reserved  
defines the test value for
T
e
stDAC2  
shows the value of ADC I-channel and Q-channel  
reserved for production tests  
T
a
ble 138 on  
page 67  
3Bh  
T
a
ble 140 on  
page 67  
3Ch to 3Fh  
T
a
ble 142
to  
T
a
ble 148 on  
page 68  
MFRC523  
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MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
9.2 Register
 
descriptions  
9.2.1 Page
 
0: Command and status  
9.2.1.1 Reserved
 
register 00h  
Functionality is reserved for future use.  
Table 22.
 
Reserved register (address 00h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 23.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7 to 0
 
reserved reserved
 
for future use  
–
9.2.1.2 CommandReg
 
register  
Starts and stops command execution.  
Table 24.
 
CommandReg register (address 01h); reset value: 20h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
PowerDown  
D
3
2
1
0
Symbol:  
Access:  
00  
–
RcvOff  
R/W  
Command[3:0]  
D
Table 25.
 
CommandReg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7 to 6
 
00  
0
1
1
0
reserved  
5
4
RcvOff  
PowerDown  
analog part of the receiver is switched off  
Soft Power-down mode entered  
MFRC523 starts the wake up procedure during which this bit is  
read as a logic 1; it is read as a logic 0 when the MFRC523 is  
ready; see
Section 8.8.2 on page 30  
Remark:
The PowerDown bit cannot be set when the SoftReset  
command is activated  
3 to 0
 
Command[3:0] –  
activates a command based on the Command value; reading this  
register shows which command is executed; see
Section 10.3 on  
page 69  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
9.2.1.3 ComIEnReg
 
register  
Control bits to enable and disable the passing of interrupt requests.  
Table 26.
 
ComIEnReg register (address 02h); reset value: 80h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
IRqInv  
R/W  
TxIEn  
R/W  
RxIEn  
R/W  
IdleIEn HiAlertIEn
 
LoAlertIEn ErrIEn TimerIEn  
R/W R/W
 
R/W R/W
 
R/W  
Table 27.
 
ComIEnReg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7
IRqInv  
1
signal on pin IRQ is inverted with respect to the Status1Reg register’s IRq  
bit  
0
signal on pin IRQ is equal to the IRq bit; in combination with the  
DivIEnReg register’s IRqPushPull bit, the default value of logic 1 ensures  
that the output level on pin IRQ is 3-state  
6
5
TxIEn  
RxIEn  
–
–
allows the transmitter interrupt request (TxIRq bit) to be propagated to pin  
IRQ  
allows the receiver interrupt request (RxIRq bit) to be propagated to pin  
IRQ  
4
3
IdleIEn  
–
–
allows the idle interrupt request (IdleIRq bit) to be propagated to pin IRQ  
HiAlertIEn  
allows the high alert interrupt request (HiAlertIRq bit) to be propagated to  
pin IRQ  
2
LoAlertIEn –  
allows the low alert interrupt request (LoAlertIRq bit) to be propagated to  
pin IRQ  
1
0
ErrIEn  
–
–
allows the error interrupt request (ErrIRq bit) to be propagated to pin IRQ  
TimerIEn  
allows the timer interrupt request (TimerIRq bit) to be propagated to pin  
IRQ  
9.2.1.4 DivIEnReg
 
register  
Control bits to enable and disable the passing of interrupt requests.  
Table 28.
 
DivIEnReg register (address 03h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
IRQPushPull  
R/W  
reserved  
–
MfinActIEn  
R/W  
reserved  
–
CRCIEn  
R/W  
reserved  
–
Table 29.
 
DivIEnReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
IRQPushPull  
1
0
–
pin IRQ is a standard CMOS output pin  
pin IRQ is an open-drain output pin  
reserved for future use  
6 to 5
 
reserved  
4
MfinActIEn  
–
allows the MFIN active interrupt request to be propagated to  
pin IRQ  
3
2
reserved  
CRCIEn  
–
–
reserved for future use  
allows the CRC interrupt request, indicated by the DivIrqReg  
register’s CRCIRq bit, to be propagated to pin IRQ  
1 to 0
 
reserved  
–
reserved for future use  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
9.2.1.5 ComIrqReg
 
register  
Interrupt request bits.  
Table 30.
 
ComIrqReg register (address 04h); reset value: 14h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
HiAlertIRq  
D
2
LoAlertIRq  
D
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
Set1 TxIRq RxIRq IdleIRq  
ErrIRq TimerIRq  
W
D
D
D
D
D
Table 31.
 
ComIrqReg register bit descriptions  
All bits in the ComIrqReg register are cleared by software.  
Bit Symbol  
Value Description  
7
Set1  
1
0
1
1
indicates that the marked bits in the ComIrqReg register are set  
indicates that the marked bits in the ComIrqReg register are cleared  
set immediately after the last bit of the transmitted data was sent out  
receiver has detected the end of a valid data stream  
6
5
TxIRq  
RxIRq  
if the RxModeReg register’s RxNoErr bit is set to logic 1, the RxIRq bit is  
only set to logic 1 when data bytes are available in the FIFO  
4
IdleIRq  
1
if a command terminates, for example, when the CommandReg changes  
its value from any command to the Idle command (see
T
a
ble 150 on  
page 69
)  
if an unknown command is started, the CommandReg register  
Command[3:0] value changes to the idle state and the IdleIRq bit is set  
the microcontroller starting the Idle command does not set the IdleIRq bit  
the Status1Reg register’s HiAlert bit is set  
3
2
HiAlertIRq  
LoAlertIRq  
1
1
the HiAlertIRq bit stores this event and can only be reset as indicated by  
the Set1 bit in this register  
Status1Reg register’s LoAlert bit is set  
the LoAlertIRq bit stores this event and can only be reset as indicated by  
the Set1 bit in this register  
1
0
ErrIRq  
1
1
any error bit in the ErrorReg register is set  
TimerIRq  
the timer decrements the timer value in register TCounterValReg to zero  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
9.2.1.6 DivIrqReg
 
register  
Interrupt request bits.  
Table 32.
 
DivIrqReg register (address 05h); reset value: x0h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
Set2  
W
reserved  
MfinActIRq reserved CRCIRq  
reserved  
–
–
D
–
D
Table 33.
 
DivIrqReg register bit descriptions  
All bits in the DivIrqReg register are cleared by software.  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
Set2  
1
0
–
indicates that the marked bits in the DivIrqReg register are set  
indicates that the marked bits in the DivIrqReg register are cleared  
reserved for future use  
6 to 5
 
reserved  
4
MfinActIRq 1  
MFIN is active; this interrupt is set when either a rising or falling signal  
edge is detected  
3
2
reserved  
CRCIRq  
–
reserved for future use  
1
–
the CalcCRC command is active and all data is processed  
reserved for future use  
1 to 0
 
reserved  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
9.2.1.7 ErrorReg
 
register  
Error bit register showing the error status of the last command executed.  
Table 34.
 
ErrorReg register (address 06h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol WrErr
 
T
e
mpErr reserved BufferOvfl CollErr CRCErr ParityErr ProtocolErr  
Access  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
R
R
–
R
R
R
R
R
Table 35.
 
ErrorReg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7
WrErr  
1
data is written into the FIFO buffer by the host during the MFAuthent  
command or if data is written into the FIFO buffer by the host during the  
time between sending the last bit on the RF interface and receiving the  
last bit on the RF interface  
6
T
e
mpErr

[1]  

1
internal temperature sensor detects overheating, in which case the  
antenna drivers are automatically switched off  
5
4
reserved  
–
reserved for future use  
BufferOvfl  
1
the host or a MFRC523’s internal state machine (e.g. receiver) tries to  
write data to the FIFO buffer even though it is already full  
3
CollErr  
1
a bit-collision is detected  
cleared automatically at receiver start-up phase  
only valid during the bitwise anticollision at 106 kBd  
always set to logic 0 during communication protocols at 212 kBd,  
424 kBd and 848 kBd  
2
1
CRCErr  
1
1
the RxModeReg register’s RxCRCEn bit is set and the CRC calculation  
fails  
automatically cleared to logic 0 during receiver start-up phase  
parity check failed  
ParityErr  
automatically cleared during receiver start-up phase  
only valid for ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE communication at 106 kBd  
set to logic 1 if the SOF is incorrect  
0
ProtocolErr  
1
automatically cleared during receiver start-up phase  
bit is only valid for 106 kBd  
during the MFAuthent command, the ProtocolErr bit is set to logic 1 if the  
number of bytes received in one data stream is incorrect  
[1] Command
 
execution clears all error bits except the
T
e
mpErr bit. Cannot be set by software.  
9.2.1.8 Status1Reg
 
register  
Contains status bits of the CRC, interrupt and FIFO buffer.  
Table 36.
 
Status1Reg register (address 07h); reset value: 21h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol reserved
 
CRCOk CRCReady  
Access  
7
6
5
4
IRq  
R
3
2
1
0
LoAlert  
R
TRunning reserved
 
HiAlert  
–
R
R
R
–
R
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 37.
 
Status1Reg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7
6
reserved  
CRCOk  
–
reserved for future use  
the CRC result is zero  
1
the CRCOk bit is undefined for data transmission and reception: use  
the ErrorReg register’s CRCErr bit  
indicates the status of the CRC coprocessor, during calculation the  
value changes to logic 0, when the calculation is done correctly the  
value changes to logic 1  
5
4
CRCReady  
IRq  
1
–
the CRC calculation has finished; only valid for the CRC coprocessor  
calculation using the CalcCRC command  
indicates if any interrupt source requests attention with respect to the  
setting of the interrupt enable bits: see the ComIEnReg and DivIEnReg  
registers  
3
TRunning  
1
MFRC523’s timer unit is running, i.e. the timer will decrement the  
TCounterValReg register with the next timer clock  
Remark:
in gated mode, the TRunning bit is set to logic 1 when the  
timer is enabled by TModeReg register’s TGated[1:0] bits; this bit is not  
influenced by the gated signal  
2
1
reserved  
HiAlert  
–
reserved for future use  
1
the alert level for the number of bytes in the FIFO buffer  
(FIFOLength[6:0]) is:
HiAlert
=
64
–
FIFOLength
 
WaterLevel  
otherwise value = logic 0  
Example:  
FIFOLength = 60, WaterLevel = 4 then HiAlert = logic 1  
FIFOLength = 59, WaterLevel = 4 then HiAlert = logic 0  
0
LoAlert  
1
the alert level for number of bytes in the FIFO buffer (FIFOLength[6:0])  
is:  
LoAlert
=
FIFOLength
WaterLevel
otherwise value = logic 0  
Example:  
FIFOLength = 4, WaterLevel = 4 then LoAlert = logic 1  
FIFOLength = 5, WaterLevel = 4 then LoAlert = logic 0  
9.2.1.9 Status2Reg
 
register  
Contains status bits of the receiver, transmitter and data mode detector.  
Table 38.
 
Status2Reg register (address 08h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol
T
e
mpSensClear
 
I

2

CForceHS  
Access R/W
 
R/W  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
reserved  
–
MFCrypto1On  
D
ModemState[2:0]  
R
Table 39.
 
Status2Reg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
T
e
mpSensClear  
1
clears the temperature error if the temperature is below the  
alarm limit of 125
C  
MFRC523  
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NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 39.
 
Status2Reg register bit descriptions
…continued  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
6
I

2

CForceHS  
I

2

C-bus input filter settings:  
1
the I

2

C-bus input filter is set to the High-speed mode  
independent of the I

2

C-bus protocol  
0
–
the I

2

C-bus input filter is set to the I

2

C-bus protocol used  
5 to 4
 
reserved  
reserved  
3
MFCrypto1On  
–
indicates that the MIFARE Crypto1 unit is switched on and  
all data communication with the card is encrypted; this bit is  
cleared by software; can only be set to logic 1 by a  
successful execution of the MFAuthent command only valid  
in Read/Write mode for MIFARE standard cards  
2 to 0
 
ModemState[2:0]  
–
shows the state of the transmitter and receiver state  
machines:  
000  
001  
010  
idle  
wait for the BitFramingReg register’s StartSend bit  
TxWait: wait until RF field is present if the TModeReg  
register’s TxWaitRF bit is set to logic 1. The minimum  
time for TxWait is defined by the TxWaitReg register  
011  
100  
transmitting  
RxWait: wait until RF field is present if the TModeReg  
register’s TxWaitRF bit is set to logic 1. The minimum  
time for RxWait is defined by the RxWaitReg register  
101  
110  
wait for data  
receiving  
9.2.1.10 FIFODataReg
 
register  
Input and output of 64 byte FIFO buffer.  
Table 40.
 
FIFODataReg register (address 09h); reset value: xxh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
FIFOData[7:0]  
D
Table 41.
 
FIFODataReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 0  
FIFOData[7:0] data
 
input and output port for the internal 64-byte FIFO buffer. FIFO  
buffer acts as parallel in/parallel out converter for all serial data stream  
inputs and outputs  
9.2.1.11 FIFOLevelReg
 
register  
Indicates the number of bytes stored in the FIFO.  
Table 42.
 
FIFOLevelReg register (address 0Ah); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol FlushBuffer  
Access  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
FIFOLevel[6:0]  
R
W
MFRC523  
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Table 43.
 
FIFOLevelReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
FlushBuffer  
1
immediately clears the internal FIFO buffer’s read and write  
pointer and ErrorReg register’s BufferOvfl bit. Reading this bit  
always returns 0  
6 to 0
 
FIFOLevel[6:0]  
–
indicates the number of bytes stored in the FIFO buffer. Writing to  
the FIFODataReg register increments and reading decrements  
the FIFOLevel value  
9.2.1.12 WaterLevelReg
 
register  
Defines the level for FIFO under- and overflow warning.  
Table 44.
 
WaterLevelReg register (address 0Bh); reset value: 08h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
WaterLevel[5:0]  
R/W  
Table 45.
 
WaterLevelReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 6
 
reserved  
reserved for future use  
5 to 0
 
WaterLevel[5:0] defines
 
a warning level to indicate a FIFO buffer overflow or underflow:  
Status1Reg register’s HiAlert bit is set to logic 1 if the remaining  
number of bytes in the FIFO buffer space is equal to, or less than the  
defined number of WaterLevel[5:0] bits  
Status1Reg register’s LoAlert bit is set to logic 1 if equal to, or less  
than the WaterLevel[5:0] bits in the FIFO buffer  
Remark:
to calculate values for HiAlert and LoAlert, see  
Section 9.2.1.9 on page 42
.  
9.2.1.13 ControlReg
 
register  
Miscellaneous control bits.  
Table 46.
 
ControlReg register (address 0Ch); reset value: 10h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol TStopNow
 
TStartNow  
Access  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
reserved  
–
RxLastBits[2:0]  
R
W
W
Table 47.
 
ControlReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
7
Symbol  
Value Description  
TStopNow  
TStartNow  
1
1
–
timer stops immediately  
6
timer starts immediately. Reading this bit always returns it to 0  
reserved for future use  
5 to 3
 
reserved  
2 to 0
 
RxLastBits[2:0]  
–
indicates the number of valid bits in the last received byte. If this  
value is zero, the whole byte is valid  
MFRC523  
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9.2.1.14 BitFramingReg
 
register  
Adjustments for bit-oriented frames.  
Table 48.
 
BitFramingReg register (address 0Dh); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol StartSend  
Access  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
RxAlign[2:0]  
R/W  
reserved  
–
TxLastBits[2:0]  
R/W  
W
Table 49.
 
BitFramingReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
StartSend  
1
starts the transmission of data  
only valid in combination with the Transceive command  
6 to 4  
RxAlign[2:0]  
used for reception of bit-oriented frames: defines the bit  
position for the first bit received to be stored in the FIFO buffer  
example:  
0
1
7
LSB of the received bit is stored at bit position 0, the second  
received bit is stored at bit position 1  
LSB of the received bit is stored at bit position 1, the second  
received bit is stored at bit position 2  
LSB of the received bit is stored at bit position 7, the second  
received bit is stored in the next byte that follows at bit  
position 0  
These bits are only to be used for bitwise anticollision at  
106 kBd, for all other modes they are set to 0  
3
reserved  
–
–
reserved for future use  
2 to 0  
TxLastBits[2:0]  
used for transmission of bit oriented frames: defines the  
number of bits of the last byte that will be transmitted. 000b  
indicates that all bits of the last byte will be transmitted  
9.2.1.15 CollReg
 
register  
Defines the first bit-collision detected on the RF interface.  
Table 50.
 
CollReg register (address 0Eh); reset value: xxh bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol ValuesAfterColl
 
reserved CollPosNotValid  
Access R/W  
7
6
5
4
3
2
CollPos[4:0]  
R
1
0
–
R
Table 51.
 
CollReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
ValuesAfterColl  
0
all received bits will be cleared after a collision  
only used during bitwise anticollision at 106 kBd,  
otherwise it is set to logic 1  
6
5
reserved  
–
reserved for future use  
CollPosNotValid  
1
no collision detected or the position of the collision is  
out of the range of CollPos[4:0]  
MFRC523  
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Table 51.
 
CollReg register bit descriptions
…continued  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
4 to 0
 
CollPos[4:0]  
–
shows the bit position of the first detected collision in a  
received frame  
only data bits are interpreted  
example:  
00h  
01h  
08h  
indicates a bit-collision in the 32

nd

bit  
indicates a bit-collision in the 1

st

bit  
indicates a bit-collision in the 8

th

bit  
these bits will only be interpreted if the  
CollPosNotValid bit is set to logic 0  
9.2.1.16 Reserved
 
register 0Fh  
Functionality is reserved for future use.  
Table 52.
 
Reserved register (address 0Fh); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 53.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for future use  
7 to 0  
reserved  
9.2.2 Page
 
1: Communication  
9.2.2.1 Reserved
 
register 10h  
Functionality is reserved for future use.  
Table 54.
 
Reserved register (address 10h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 55.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for future use  
7 to 0  
reserved  
MFRC523  
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9.2.2.2 ModeReg
 
register  
Defines general mode settings for transmitting and receiving.  
Table 56.
 
ModeReg register (address 11h); reset value: 3Fh bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol MSBFirst
 
reserved TxWaitRF reserved PolMFin reserved  
Access R/W
 
R/W R/W  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
CRCPreset[1:0]  
R/W  
–
–
–
Table 57.
 
ModeReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
MSBFirst  
1
CRC coprocessor calculates the CRC with MSB first. In the  
CRCResultReg register the values for the CRCResultMSB[7:0]  
bits and the CRCResultLSB[7:0] bits are bit reversed  
Remark:
during RF communication this bit is ignored  
reserved for future use  
6
5
4
3
reserved  
TxWaitRF  
reserved  
PolMFin  
–
1
–
transmitter can only be started if an RF field is generated  
reserved for future use  
defines the polarity of pin MFIN  
Remark:
the internal envelope signal is encoded active LOW,  
changing this bit generates a MFinActIRq event  
1
0
–
polarity of pin MFIN is active HIGH  
polarity of pin MFIN is active LOW  
reserved for future use  
2
reserved  
1 to 0
 
CRCPreset  
[1:0]  
defines the preset value for the CRC coprocessor for the CalcCRC  
command  
Remark:
during any communication, the preset values are  
selected automatically according to the definition of bits in the  
RxModeReg and TxModeReg registers  
00  
01  
10  
11  
0000h  
6363h  
A671h  
FFFFh  
MFRC523  
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9.2.2.3 TxModeReg
 
register  
Defines the data rate during transmission.  
Table 58.
 
TxModeReg register (address 12h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol TxCRCEn  
Access R/W  
7
6
5
TxSpeed[2:0]  
D
4
3
2
1
TxFraming  
D
0
InvMod  
R/W  
Table 59.
 
TxModeReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value  
Description  
7
TxCRCEn  
1
enables CRC generation during data transmission  
Remark:
can only be set to logic 0 at 106 kBd  
defines the bit rate during data transmission  
6 to 4  
TxSpeed[2:0]  
the MFRC523 handles transfer speeds up to  
848 kBd  
000  
001  
010  
011  
100  
101  
110  
111  
1
106 kBd  
212 kBd  
424 kBd  
848 kBd  
reserved  
reserved  
reserved  
reserved  
3
InvMod  
modulation of transmitted data is inverted  
defines the framing used for data transmission  
ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE  
reserved  
2 to 0  
TxFraming[1:0]  
00  
01  
10  
11  
reserved  
ISO/IEC 14443 B  
9.2.2.4 RxModeReg
 
register  
Defines the data rate during reception.  
Table 60.
 
RxModeReg register (address 13h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol RxCRCEn  
Access R/W  
7
6
5
RxSpeed[2:0]  
D
4
3
2
1
0
RxNoErr RxMultiple  
R/W R/W  
RxFraming  
D
Table 61.
 
RxModeReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
RxCRCEn  
1
enables the CRC calculation during reception  
Remark:
can only be set to logic 0 at 106 kBd  
MFRC523  
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Table 61.
 
RxModeReg register bit descriptions
…continued  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
6 to 4
 
RxSpeed[2:0]  
defines the bit rate while receiving data. The MFRC523  
manages transfer speeds up to 848 kBd  
000  
001  
010  
011  
100  
101  
110  
111  
1
106 kBd  
212 kBd  
424 kBd  
848 kBd  
reserved  
reserved  
reserved  
reserved  
3
2
RxNoErr  
an invalid received data stream (less than 4 bits received) will  
be ignored and the receiver remains active  
RxMultiple  
0
1
receiver is deactivated after receiving a data frame  
able to receive more than one data frame  
only valid for data rates above 106 kBd in order to handle the  
polling command  
after setting this bit, the Receive and Transceive commands will  
not terminate automatically. Multiple reception can only be  
deactivated by writing any command (except the Receive  
command) to the CommandReg register, or by the host clearing  
the bit  
if set to logic 1, an error byte is added to the FIFO buffer at the  
end of a received data stream which is a copy of the ErrorReg  
register value  
For version 1.0 please see
Section 11
.  
defines the expected framing for data reception  
ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE  
reserved  
1 to 0
 
RxFraming  
00  
01  
10  
11  
reserved  
ISO/IEC 14443 B  
9.2.2.5 TxControlReg
 
register  
Controls the logical behavior of the antenna driver pins TX1 and TX2.  
Table 62.
 
TxControlReg register (address 14h); reset value: 80h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol InvTx2RF InvTx1RF InvTx2RF InvTx1RF Tx2CW reserved Tx2RFEn Tx1RFEn  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
On  
On  
Off  
Off  
Access  
R/W  
R/W  
R/W  
R/W  
R/W  
–
R/W  
R/W  
Table 63.
 
TxControlReg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7
6
5
InvTx2RFOn 1  
output signal on pin TX2 inverted when driver TX2 is enabled  
output signal on pin TX1 inverted when driver TX1 is enabled  
output signal on pin TX2 inverted when driver TX2 is disabled  
InvTx1RFOn 1  
InvTx2RFOff 1  
MFRC523  
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Table 63.
 
TxControlReg register bit descriptions
…continued  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
4
3
InvTx1RFOff 1  
output signal on pin TX1 inverted when driver TX1 is disabled  
Tx2CW  
1
output signal on pin TX2 continuously delivers the unmodulated  
13.56 MHz energy carrier  
0
–
Tx2CW bit is enabled to modulate the 13.56 MHz energy carrier  
reserved for future use  
2
1
reserved  
Tx2RFEn  
1
output signal on pin TX2 delivers the 13.56 MHz energy carrier  
modulated by the transmission data  
0
Tx1RFEn  
1
output signal on pin TX1 delivers the 13.56 MHz energy carrier  
modulated by the transmission data  
9.2.2.6 TxASKReg
 
register  
Controls transmit modulation settings.  
Table 64.
 
TxASKReg register (address 15h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol reserved
 
Force100ASK  
Access R/W  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
reserved  
–
–
Table 65.
 
TxASKReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
7
Symbol  
Value Description  
– reserved
 
for future use  
reserved  
6
Force100ASK 1  
forces 100 % ASK modulation independently of the ModGsPReg  
register setting  
5 to 0
 
reserved  
–
reserved for future use  
9.2.2.7 TxSelReg
 
register  
Selects the internal sources for the analog module.  
Table 66.
 
TxSelReg register (address 16h); reset value: 10h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol:  
Access:  
reserved  
–
DriverSel[1:0]  
R/W  
MFOutSel[3:0]  
R/W  
Table 67.
 
TxSelReg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7 to 6
 
reserved  
–
reserved for future use  
5 to 4
 
DriverSel[1:0]  
–
selects the input of drivers TX1 and TX2  
00  
3-state; in soft power-down the drivers are only in 3-state  
mode if the DriverSel[1:0] value is set to 3-state mode  
01  
modulation signal (envelope) from the internal encoder, Miller  
pulse encoded  
10  
11  
modulation signal (envelope) from pin MFIN  
HIGH; the HIGH level depends on the setting of bits  
InvTx1RFOn/InvTx1RFOff and InvTx2RFOn/InvTx2RFOff  
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Table 67.
 
TxSelReg register bit descriptions
…continued  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
selects the input for pin MFOUT  
3-state  
3 to 0
 
MFOutSel[3:0]  
0000  
0001  
0010  
0011  
LOW  
HIGH  
test bus signal as defined by the
T
e
stSel1Reg register’s  
T
s
tBusBitSel[2:0] value  
0100  
0101  
modulation signal (envelope) from the internal encoder, Miller  
pulse encoded  
serial data stream to be transmitted, data stream before Miller  
encoder  
0110  
0111  
reserved  
serial data stream received, data stream after Manchester  
decoder  
1000  
to  
reserved  
1111  
9.2.2.8 RxSelReg
 
register  
Selects internal receiver settings.  
Table 68.
 
RxSelReg register (address 17h); reset value: 84h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
UARTSel[1:0]  
R/W  
RxWait[5:0]  
R/W  
Table 69.
 
RxSelReg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7 to 6
 
UARTSel[1:0]  
selects the input of the contactless UART  
constant LOW  
00  
01  
10  
11  
Manchester with subcarrier from pin MFIN  
modulated signal from the internal analog module, default  
NRZ coding without subcarrier from pin MFIN which is only  
valid for transfer speeds above 106 kBd  
5 to 0
 
RxWait[5:0]  
–
after data transmission the activation of the receiver is delayed  
for RxWait bit-clocks, during this ‘frame guard time’ any signal on  
pin RX is ignored  
this parameter is ignored by the Receive command  
all other commands, such as Transceive, MFAuthent use this  
parameter  
the counter starts immediately after the external RF field is  
switched on  
MFRC523  
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9.2.2.9 RxThresholdReg
 
register  
Selects thresholds for the bit decoder.  
Table 70.
 
RxThresholdReg register (address 18h); reset value: 84h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
MinLevel[3:0]  
R/W  
reserved  
–
CollLevel[2:0]  
R/W  
Table 71.
 
RxThresholdReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 4  
MinLevel[3:0]  
defines the minimum signal strength at the decoder input that will be  
accepted. If the signal strength is below this level it is not evaluated  
3
reserved  
reserved for future use  
2 to 0  
CollLevel[2:0] defines
 
the minimum signal strength at the decoder input that must be  
reached by the weaker half-bit of the Manchester encoded signal to  
generate a bit-collision relative to the amplitude of the stronger half-bit  
9.2.2.10 DemodReg
 
register  
Defines demodulator settings.  
Table 72.
 
DemodReg register (address 19h); reset value: 4Dh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
AddIQ[1:0]  
FixIQ  
TPrescal  
Even  
T
a
uRcv[1:0]  
T
a
uSync[1:0]  
Access  
R/W  
R/W  
–
R/W  
R/W  
Table 73.
 
DemodReg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7 to 6
 
AddIQ[1:0]  
–
defines the use of I-channel and Q-channel during reception  
Remark:
the FixIQ bit must be set to logic 0 to enable the  
following settings:  
00  
01  
selects the stronger channel  
selects the stronger channel and freezes the selected channel  
during communication  
10  
11  
1
reserved  
reserved  
5
FixIQ  
if the bits of AddIQ are set to X0, the reception is fixed to  
I-channel  
if the bits of AddIQ are set to X1, the reception is fixed to  
Q-channel  
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Table 73.
 
DemodReg register bit descriptions
…continued  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
4
TPrescalEven 0  
the following formula is used to calculate f

Timer

of the prescaler:  
f

Timer

= 13.56 MHz / (2 * TPreScaler + 1).  
1
the following formula is used to calculate f

Timer

of the prescaler:  
f

Timer

= 13.56 MHz / (2 * TPreScaler + 2).  
(Default TPrescalEven is logic 0)  
This cannot be used in version, see
Section 11 “Errata sheet”  
3 to 2
 
T
a
uRcv[1:0]  
1 to 0
 
T
a
uSync[1:0]  
–
–
changes the time-constant of the internal PLL during data  
reception  
Remark:
if set to 00b the PLL is frozen during data reception  
changes the time constant of the internal PLL during burst  
9.2.2.11 Reserved
 
register 1Ah  
Functionality is reserved for future use.  
Table 74.
 
Reserved register (address 1Ah); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 75.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for future use  
7 to 0  
reserved  
9.2.2.12 Reserved
 
register 1Bh  
Functionality is reserved for future use.  
Table 76.
 
Reserved register (address 1Bh); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 77.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for future use  
7 to 0  
reserved  
9.2.2.13 MfTxReg
 
register  
Controls some MIFARE communication transmit parameters.  
Table 78.
 
MfTxReg register (address 1Ch); reset value: 62h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
TxWait[1:0]  
R/W  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 79.
 
MfTxReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
reserved  
TxWait  
Description  
7 to 2  
1 to 0  
reserved for future use  
defines the additional response time. 7 bits are added to the value of  
the register bit by default  
9.2.2.14 MfRxReg
 
register  
Table 80.
 
MfRxReg register (address 1Dh); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
ParityDisable  
R/W  
reserved  
–
Table 81.
 
MfRxReg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7 to 5
 
reserved reserved
 
for future use  
ParityDisable 1  
–
4
generation of the parity bit for transmission and the parity check for  
receiving is switched off. The received parity bit is handled like a  
data bit  
3 to 0
 
reserved  
–
reserved for future use  
9.2.2.15 TypeBReg
 
register  
Configures the ISO/IEC 14443 B functionality.  
Table 82.
 
TypeBReg register (address 1Eh); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol RxSOFReq
 
RxEOFReq reserved EOFSOF NoTxSOF NoTxEOF  
Width  
TxEGT[1:0]  
Access  
R/W  
R/W  
–
R/W  
R/W  
R/W  
R/W  
Table 83.
 
TypeBReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
RxSOFReq  
1
0
requires SOF; a datastream starting without SOF is ignored  
accepts a datastream starting with or without SOF; an SOF is  
removed and not written into the FIFO  
6
5
RxEOFReq  
reserved  
1
0
–
requires EOF; a datastream ending without EOF generates a  
protocol error  
accepts a datastream ending with or without EOF; an EOF is  
removed and not written into the FIFO  
reserved for future use  
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Table 83.
 
TypeBReg register bit descriptions
…continued  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
4
EOFSOFWidth  
1
if this bit is set to logic 1 and EOFSOFAdjust bit (Auto
T
e
stReg  
register) is logic 0, the SOF and EOF will have the maximum  
length defined in ISO/IEC 14443 B.  
if this bit is set to logic 1 and the EOFSOFAadjust bit is logic 1:  
then  
SOF low = (11 ETU

8 cycles) / f

clk  

SOF high = (2 ETU + 8 cycles) / f

clk  

EOF low = (11 ETU
8 cycles) / f

clk  

0
if this bit is cleared and EOFSOFAdjust bit is logic 0, the SOF  
and EOF will have the minimum length defined in  
ISO/IEC 14443 B.  
if this bit is set to logic 0 and the EOFSOFAdjust bit is logic 1  
results in an incorrect system behavior in respect to ISO  
specification  
3
2
NoTxSOF  
NoTxEOF  
1
1
SOF is suppressed  
EOF is suppressed  
defines EGT bit length  
no bits  
1 to 0
 
TxEGT  
00  
01  
10  
11  
1 bit  
2 bits  
3 bits  
For the available configuration on version 1.0, please see
Section 11
.  
9.2.2.16 SerialSpeedReg
 
register  
Selects the speed of the serial UART interface.  
Table 84.
 
SerialSpeedReg register (address 1Fh); reset value: EBh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
BR_T0[2:0]  
R/W  
BR_T1[4:0]  
R/W  
Table 85.
 
SerialSpeedReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 5  
BR_T0[2:0]  
factor BR_T0 adjusts the transfer speed: for description, see  
Section 8.3.3.2 on page 12  
4 to 0  
BR_T1[4:0]  
factor BR_T1 adjusts the transfer speed: for description, see  
Section 8.3.3.2 on page 12  
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9.2.3 Page
 
2: Configuration  
9.2.3.1 Reserved
 
register 20h  
Functionality is reserved for future use.  
Table 86.
 
Reserved register (address 20h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 87.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for future use  
7 to 0  
reserved  
9.2.3.2 CRCResultReg
 
registers  
Shows the MSB and LSB values of the CRC calculation.  
Remark:
The CRC is split into two 8-bit registers.  
Table 88.
 
CRCResultReg (higher bits) register (address 21h); reset value: FFh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
CRCResultMSB[7:0]  
R
Table 89.
 
CRCResultReg register higher bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 0  
CRCResultMSB[7:0] shows
 
the value of the CRCResultReg register’s most  
significant byte. Only valid if Status1Reg register’s CRCReady  
bit is set to logic 1  
Table 90.
 
CRCResultReg (lower bits) register (address 22h); reset value: FFh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
CRCResultLSB[7:0]  
R
Table 91.
 
CRCResultReg register lower bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Description  
7 to 0
 
CRCResultLSB[7:0] shows
 
the value of the least significant byte of the CRCResultReg  
register. Only valid if Status1Reg register’s CRCReady bit is set to  
logic 1  
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9.2.3.3 Reserved
 
register 23h  
Functionality is reserved for future use.  
Table 92.
 
Reserved register (address 23h); reset value: 88h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 93.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for future use  
7 to 0  
reserved  
9.2.3.4 ModWidthReg
 
register  
Sets the modulation width.  
Table 94.
 
ModWidthReg register (address 24h); reset value: 26h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
ModWidth[7:0]  
R/W  
Table 95.
 
ModWidthReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 0  
ModWidth[7:0] defines
 
the width of the Miller modulation as multiples of the carrier  
frequency (ModWidth + 1 / f

clk

). The maximum value is half the bit  
period  
9.2.3.5 Reserved
 
register 25h  
Functionality is reserved for future use.  
Table 96.
 
Reserved register (address 25h); reset value: 87h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 97.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for future use  
7 to 0  
reserved  
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9.2.3.6 RFCfgReg
 
register  
Configures the receiver gain.  
Table 98.
 
RFCfgReg register (address 26h); reset value: 48h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol reserved  
Access  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
RxGain[2:0]  
R/W  
reserved  
–
–
Table 99.
 
RFCfgReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
7
Symbol  
Value  
Description  
reserved  
RxGain[2:0]  
–
reserved for future use  
6 to 4  
defines the receiver’s signal voltage gain factor:  
000  
001  
010  
011  
100  
101  
110  
111  
–
18 dB  
23 dB  
18 dB  
23 dB  
33 dB  
38 dB  
43 dB  
48 dB  
3 to 0  
reserved  
reserved for future use  
9.2.3.7 GsNReg
 
register  
Defines the conductance of the antenna driver pins TX1 and TX2 for the n-driver when the  
driver is switched on.  
Table 100.
 
GsNReg register (address 27h); reset value: 88h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
CWGsN[3:0]  
R/W  
ModGsN[3:0]  
R/W  
Table 101.
 
GsNReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 4  
CWGsN[3:0] defines
 
the conductance of the output n-driver during periods without  
modulation which can be used to regulate the output power and  
subsequently current consumption and operating distance. The value is  
only used if driver TX1 or TX2 is switched on  
during Soft power-down mode the highest bit is forced to logic 1  
Remark:
the conductance value is binary-weighted  
3 to 0  
ModGsN[3:0] defines
 
the conductance of the output n-driver during periods without  
modulation which can be used to regulate the modulation index. The  
value is only used if driver TX1 or TX2 is switched on  
during Soft power-down mode the highest bit is forced to logic 1  
Remark:
the conductance value is binary weighted  
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9.2.3.8 CWGsPReg
 
register  
Defines the conductance of the p-driver output during periods of no modulation.  
Table 102.
 
CWGsPReg register (address 28h); reset value: 20h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
CWGsP[5:0]  
R/W  
Table 103.
 
CWGsPReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 6  
5 to 0  
reserved  
reserved for future use  
CWGsP[5:0]  
defines the conductance of the p-driver output which can be used to  
regulate the output power and subsequently current consumption and  
operating distance  
during Soft power-down mode the highest bit is forced to logic 1  
Remark:
the conductance value is binary weighted  
9.2.3.9 ModGsPReg
 
register  
Defines the conductance of the p-driver output during modulation.  
Table 104.
 
ModGsPReg register (address 29h); reset value: 20h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
ModGsP[5:0]  
R/W  
Table 105.
 
ModGsPReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 6  
5 to 0  
reserved  
reserved for future use  
ModGsP[5:0] defines
 
the conductance of the p-driver output during modulation  
which can be used to regulate the modulation index. If the TxASKReg  
register’s Force100ASK bit is set to logic 1 the value of ModGsP has  
no effect  
during Soft power-down mode the highest bit is forced to logic 1  
Remark:
the conductance value is binary weighted  
9.2.3.10 TModeReg
 
and TPrescalerReg registers  
These registers define the timer settings.  
Remark:
The TPrescaler setting higher 4 bits are in the TModeReg register and the lower  
8 bits are in the TPrescalerReg register.  
Table 106.
 
TModeReg register (address 2Ah); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
TAuto  
R/W  
TGated[1:0]  
R/W  
TAutoRestart  
R/W  
TPrescaler_Hi[3:0]  
R/W  
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Table 107.
 
TModeReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
TAuto  
1
the timer starts automatically at the end of the transmission in  
all communication modes at all speeds or when InvTxnRFOn  
bits are set to logic 1 and the RF field is switched on  
when RxMultiple bit in register RxModeReg is logic 0: in  
MIFARE mode and ISO/IEC 14443 B at 106 kBd, the timer  
stops after the 5

th

bit (1 start bit, 4 data bits). In all other  
modes, the timer stops after the 4

th

bit  
if the RxMultiple bit is set to logic 1, the timer never stops. In  
this case the timer can be stopped by setting the TStopNow  
bit in register ControlReg to logic 1  
0
indicates that the timer is not influenced by the protocol  
internal timer is runs in gated or non-gated mode  
6 to 5
 
TGated[1:0]  
Remark:
in gated mode, the Status1Reg register’s TRunning  
bit is logic 1 when the timer is enabled by the TModeReg  
register bits  
these bits do not influence the gating signal  
00  
01  
10  
11  
1
non-gated mode  
gated by pin MFIN  
gated by pin AUX1  
–
4
TAutoRestart  
timer automatically restarts its count-down from the 16-bit  
timer reload value instead of counting down to zero  
0
timer decrements to 0 and the ComIrqReg register’s  
TimerIRq bit is set to logic 1  
3 to 0
 
TPrescaler_Hi[3:0] –  
defines the higher 4 bits of the TPrescaler value  
the following formula is used to calculate f

Timer

if  
TPrescalEven bit in Demod Reg is set to logic 0:  
f

Timer

= 13.56 MHz / (2 * TPreScaler + 1).  
where TPreScaler = [TPrescaler_Hi:TPrescaler_Lo]  
(TPrescaler value on 12 bits). The default TPrescalEven is  
logic 0  
the following formula is used to calculate f

Timer

if  
TPrescalEven bit in Demod Reg is set to logic 1:  
f

Timer

= 13.56 MHz / (2 * TPreScaler + 2); see
Section 8.7  
“Timer unit”  
For the value applicable for version 1.0, see
Section 11
.  
Table 108.
 
TPrescalerReg register (address 2Bh); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
TPrescaler_Lo[7:0]  
R/W  
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Table 109.
 
TPrescalerReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
TPrescaler_Lo[7:0] defines
 
the lower 8 bits of the TPrescaler value  
the following formula is used to calculate f

Timer

if TPrescalEven bit in  
Description  
7 to 0  
Demot Reg is set to logic 0:  
f

Timer

= 13.56 MHz / (2 * TPreScaler + 1)  
where TPreScaler = [TPrescaler_Hi:TPrescaler_Lo] (TPrescaler  
value on 12 bits). The default TPrescalEven is logic 0;  
f

Timer

= 13.56 MHz / (2 * TPreScaler + 2); see
Section 8.7 “Timer  
unit”  
The value applicable for version 1.0 can be seen at
Section 11
.  
9.2.3.11 TReloadReg
 
register  
Defines the 16-bit timer reload value.  
Remark:
The reload value bits are contained in two 8-bit registers.  
Table 110.
 
TReloadReg (higher bits) register (address 2Ch); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
TReloadVal_Hi[7:0]  
R/W  
Table 111.
 
TReloadReg register higher bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 0  
TReloadVal_Hi[7:0]  
defines the higher 8 bits of the 16-bit timer reload value. On a  
start event, the timer loads the timer reload value. Changing  
this register affects the timer only at the next start event  
Table 112.
 
TReloadReg (lower bits) register (address 2Dh); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
TReloadVal_Lo[7:0]  
R/W  
Table 113.
 
TReloadReg register lower bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 0  
TReloadVal_Lo[7:0] defines
 
the lower 8 bits of the 16-bit timer reload value. On a  
start event, the timer loads the timer reload value. Changing this  
register affects the timer only at the next start event  
9.2.3.12 TCounterValReg
 
register  
Contains the timer value.  
Remark:
The timer value bits are contained in two 8-bit registers.  
Table 114.
 
TCounterValReg (higher bits) register (address 2Eh); reset value: xxh bit  
allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
TCounterVal_Hi[7:0]  
R
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Table 115.
 
TCounterValReg register higher bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 0  
TCounterVal_Hi[7:0] timer
 
value higher 8 bits  
Table 116.
 
TCounterValReg (lower bits) register (address 2Fh); reset value: xxh bit  
allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
TCounterVal_Lo[7:0]  
R
Table 117.
 
TCounterValReg register lower bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 0  
TCounterVal_Lo[7:0] timer
 
value lower 8 bits  
9.2.4 Page
 
3: Test  
9.2.4.1 Reserved
 
register 30h  
Functionality is reserved for future use.  
Table 118.
 
Reserved register (address 30h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 119.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for future use  
7 to 0  
reserved  
9.2.4.2 TestSel1Reg
 
register  
General test signal configuration.  
Table 120.
 
TestSel1Reg register (address 31h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
T
s
tBusBitSel[2:0]  
R/W  
Table 121.
 
TestSel1Reg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 3  
2 to 0  
reserved  
reserved for future use  
T
s
tBusBitSel[2:0] selects
 
a test bus signal which is output at pin MFOU
T
.
I
f  
AnalogSelAux2[3:0] = FFh in Analog
T
e
stReg register, test bus  
signal is also output at pins AUX1 or AUX2  
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9.2.4.3 TestSel2Reg
 
register  
General test signal configuration and PRBS control.  
Table 122.
 
TestSel2Reg register (address 32h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol
T
s
tBusFlip  
Access R/W  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
PRBS9 PRBS15  
R/W R/W  
T
e
stBusSel[4:0]  
R/W  
Table 123.
 
TestSel2Reg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
T
s
tBusFlip  
1
test bus is mapped to the parallel port in the following order:  
T
s
tBusBit4,
T
s
tBusBit3,
T
s
tBusBit2,
T
s
tBusBit6,
T
s
tBusBit5,  
T
s
tBusBit0; see
Section 17.1 on page 82  
6
5
PRBS9  
–
starts and enables the PRBS9 sequence according to  
ITU-TO150; the data transmission of the defined sequence is  
started by the Transmit command  
Remark:
all relevant registers to transmit data must be  
configured before entering PRBS9 mode  
PRBS15  
–
–
starts and enables the PRBS15 sequence according to  
ITU-TO150; the data transmission of the defined sequence is  
started by the Transmit command  
Remark:
all relevant registers to transmit data must be  
configured before entering PRBS15 mode  
4 to 0
 
T
e
stBusSel[4:0]  
selects the test bus; see
Section 17.1 “
T
e
st signals” on page 82  
9.2.4.4 TestPinEnReg
 
register  
Enables the test bus pin output driver.  
Table 124.
 
TestPinEnReg register (address 33h); reset value: 80h bit allocation  
Bit  
Symbol RS232LineEn  
Access R/W  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
T
e
stPinEn[5:0]  
R/W  
reserved  
–
Table 125.
 
TestPinEnReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
RS232LineEn  
0
–
serial UART lines MX and DTRQ are disabled  
6 to 1
 
T
e
stPinEn[5:0]  
enables the output driver on one of the data pins D1 to D7 which  
outputs a test signal  
Example:  
setting bit 1 to logic 1 enables pin D1 output  
setting bit 5 to logic 1 enables pin D5 output  
Remark:
If the SPI is used, only pins D1 to D4 can be used. If the  
serial UART interface is used and the RS232LineEn bit is set to  
logic 1 only pins D1 to D4 can be used.  
0
reserved  
–
reserved for future use  
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9.2.4.5 TestPinValueReg
 
register  
Defines the high and low values for the test port D1 to D7 when it is used as I/O.  
Table 126.
 
TestPinValueReg register (address 34h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
UseIO  
R/W  
T
e
stPinValue[5:0]  
R/W  
reserved  
–
Table 127.
 
TestPinValueReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Value Description  
7
UseIO  
1
enables the I/O functionality for the test port when one of the  
serial interfaces is used. The input/output behavior is defined  
by value
T
e
stPinEn[5:0] in the
T
e
stPinEnReg register  
6 to 1
 
T
e
stPinValue[5:0]  
–
defines the value of the test port when it is used as I/O and  
each output must be enabled by
T
e
stPinEn[5:0] in the  
T
e
stPinEnReg register  
Remark:
Reading the register indicates the status of pins D6  
to D1 if the UseIO bit is set to logic 1. If the UseIO bit is set to  
logic 0, the value of the
T
e
stPinValueReg register is read back.  
0
reserved  
–
reserved for future use  
9.2.4.6 TestBusReg
 
register  
Shows the status of the internal test bus.  
Table 128.
 
TestBusReg register (address 35h); reset value: xxh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
T
e
stBus[7:0]  
R
Table 129.
 
TestBusReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 0  
T
e
stBus[7:0]  
shows the status of the internal test bus. The test bus is selected using  
the
T
e
stSel2Reg register; see
Section 17.1 on page 82  
9.2.4.7 AutoTestReg
 
register  
Controls the digital self-test.  
Table 130.
 
AutoTestReg register (address 36h); reset value: 40h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol reserved
 
AmpRcv reserved EOFSOF  
Adjust  
Self
T
e
st[3:0]  
Access  
–
R/W  
–
R/W  
R/W  
For the configuration on version 1.0, please see
Section 11
.  
MFRC523  
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Table 131.
 
AutoTestReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
7
Symbol  
reserved  
AmpRcv  
Value Description  
–
reserved for production tests  
6
1
internal signal processing in the receiver chain is performed  
non-linearly which increases the operating distance in  
communication modes at 106 kBd  
Remark:
due to non-linearity, the effect of the RxThresholdReg  
register’s MinLevel[3:0] and the CollLevel[2:0] values is also  
non-linear  
5
4
reserved  
–
reserved for production tests  
EOFSOFAdjust  
0
If set to logic 0 and the EOFSOFwidth bit is set to logic 1 it  
results in the maximum length of SOF and EOF according to  
ISO/IEC 14443 B  
If set to logic 0 and the EOFSOFwidth bit is set to logic 0 it  
results in the minimum length of SOF and EOF according to  
ISO/IEC 14443 B  
1
–
If this bit is set to logic 1 and the EOFSOFwidth bit is logic 1, it  
results in  
SOF high = (2 ETU + 8 cycles) / f

clk  

SOF low = (11 ETU
8 cycles) / f

clk  

EOF low = (11 ETU
8 cycles) / f

clk  

3 to 0
 
Self
T
e
st[3:0]  
enables the digital self-test. The self-test can also be started by  
the CalcCRC command; see
Section 10.3.1.4 “CalcCRC  
command” on page 70
. Self-test is enabled by 1001b.  
Remark:
for default operation the self-test must be disabled  
by 0000b  
9.2.4.8 VersionReg
 
register  
Shows the MFRC523 software version.  
Table 132.
 
VersionReg register (address 37h); reset value: xxh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
Version[7:0]  
R
Table 133.
 
VersionReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 0  
Version[7:0]  
indicates current MFRC523 software version. The value for the version  
1.0 is B1h (see
Section 11
) and the value for the version 2.0 is B2h.  
9.2.4.9 AnalogTestReg
 
register  
Determines the analog output test signal at, and status of, pins AUX1 and AUX2.  
Table 134.
 
AnalogTestReg register (address 38h); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
AnalogSelAux1[3:0]  
R/W  
AnalogSelAux2[3:0]  
R/W  
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Table 135.
 
AnalogTestReg register bit descriptions  
Bit Symbol
 
Value Description  
7 to 4
 
AnalogSelAux1[3:0] controls
 
pin AUX1  
3-state  
0000  
0001  
0010  
0011  
0100  
0101  
0110  
0111  
1000  
1001  
1010  
1011  
1100  
output of
T
e
stDAC1 (AUX1), output of
T
e
stDAC2 (AUX2)

[1]  

test signal Corr1

[1]  

reserved  
DAC: test signal MinLevel

[1]  

DAC: test signal ADC_I

[1]  

DAC: test signal ADC_Q

[1]  

reserved  
reserved, test signal for production test

[1]  

reserved  
HIGH  
LOW  
TxActive:  
106 kBd: HIGH during start bit, data bit, parity and CRC  
212 kBd, 424 kBd and 848 kBd: HIGH during data and  
CRC  
1101  
1110  
1111  
RxActive:  
106 kBd: HIGH during data bit, parity and CRC  
212 kBd, 424 kBd and 848 kBd: HIGH during data and  
CRC  
subcarrier detected:  
106 kBd: not applicable  
212 kBd: 424 kBd and 848 kBd: HIGH during last part of  
data and CRC  
test bus bit as defined by the
T
e
stSel1Reg register’s  
T
s
tBusBitSel[2:0] bits  
Remark:
all test signals are described in
Section 17.1 “
T
e
st  
signals” on page 82  
3 to 0
 
AnalogSelAux2[3:0] –  
controls pin AUX2 (see bit descriptions for AUX1)  
[1]
Remark:
Current source output; the use of 1 k
pull-down resistor on AUXn is recommended.  
MFRC523  
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9.2.4.10 TestDAC1Reg
 
register  
Defines the test value for
T
e
stDAC1.  
Table 136.
 
TestDAC1Reg register (address 39h); reset value: xxh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
T
e
stDAC1[5:0]  
R/W  
Table 137.
 
TestDAC1Reg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
7
Symbol  
reserved  
reserved  
Description  
reserved for production tests  
reserved for future use  
6
5 to 0  
T
e
stDAC1[5:0] defines
 
the test value for
T
e
stDAC1. Output of DAC1 can be routed to  
AUX1 by setting value AnalogSelAux1[3:0] to 0001b in the  
Analog
T
e
stReg register  
9.2.4.11 TestDAC2Reg
 
register  
Defines the test value for
T
e
stDAC2.  
Table 138.
 
TestDAC2Reg register (address 3Ah); reset value: xxh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
T
e
stDAC2[5:0]  
R/W  
Table 139.
 
TestDAC2Reg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 6  
5 to 0  
reserved  
reserved for future use  
T
e
stDAC2[5:0] defines
 
the test value for
T
e
stDAC2. DAC2 output can be routed to  
AUX2 by setting value AnalogSelAux2[3:0] to 0001b in the  
Analog
T
e
stReg register  
9.2.4.12 TestADCReg
 
register  
Shows the values of ADC I-channel and Q-channel.  
Table 140.
 
TestADCReg register (address 3Bh); reset value: xxh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Symbol  
Access  
ADC_I[3:0]  
ADC_Q[3:0]  
R
R
Table 141.
 
TestADCReg register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
7 to 4  
3 to 0  
ADC_I[3:0]  
ADC_Q[3:0]  
ADC I-channel value  
ADC Q-channel value  
MFRC523  
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9.2.4.13 Reserved
 
register 3Ch  
Functionality reserved for production test.  
Table 142.
 
Reserved register (address 3Ch); reset value: FFh bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 143.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for production tests  
7 to 0  
reserved  
Table 144.
 
Reserved register (address 3Dh); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 145.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for production tests  
7 to 0  
reserved  
Table 146.
 
Reserved register (address 3Eh); reset value: 03h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 147.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for production tests  
7 to 0  
reserved  
Table 148.
 
Reserved register (address 3Fh); reset value: 00h bit allocation  
Bit  
7
6
5
4
3
2
Symbol  
Access  
reserved  
–
Table 149.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions  
Bit  
Symbol  
Description  
reserved for production tests  
7 to 0  
reserved  
MFRC523  
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10. MFRC523 command set  
The MFRC523 operation is determined by a state machine capable of performing a set of  
commands. A command is executed by writing a command code (see
T
a
ble 150
) to the  
CommandReg register.  
Arguments and data necessary to process a command are exchanged using the FIFO  
buffer.  
10.1 General
 
description  
The MFRC523 operation is determined by a state machine capable of performing a set of  
commands. A command is executed by writing a command code (see
T
a
ble 150
) to the  
CommandReg register.  
Arguments and/or data necessary to process a command are exchanged via the FIFO  
buffer.  
10.2 General
 
behavior  
•
Each command that needs a data bit stream (or data byte stream) as an input  
immediately processes any data in the FIFO buffer. An exception to this rule is the  
Transceive command. Using this command, transmission is started with the  
BitFramingReg register’s StartSend bit.  
•
Each command that needs a certain number of arguments, starts processing only  
when it has received the correct number of arguments from the FIFO buffer.  
•
The FIFO buffer is not automatically cleared when commands start. This makes it  
possible to write command arguments and/or the data bytes to the FIFO buffer and  
then start the command.  
•
Each command can be interrupted by the host writing a new command code to the  
CommandReg register, for example, the Idle command.  
10.3 MFRC523
 
command overview  
Table 150.
 
Command overview  
Command  
Command Action  
code  
Idle  
0000  
0001  
no action, cancels current command execution  
Mem  
stores 25 bytes into the internal buffer  
Generate RandomID
 
0010  
generates a 10-byte random ID number  
activates the CRC coprocessor or performs a self-test  
transmits data from the FIFO buffer  
CalcCRC  
0011  
0100  
0111  
Transmit  
NoCmdChange  
no command change, can be used to modify the  
CommandReg register bits without affecting the command,  
for example, the PowerDown bit  
Receive  
1000  
1100  
activates the receiver circuits  
Transceive  
transmits data from FIFO buffer to antenna and automatically  
activates the receiver after transmission  
MFRC523  
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Table 150.
 
Command overview
…continued  
Command  
Command Action  
code  
–
1101  
1110  
1111  
reserved for future use  
MFAuthent  
SoftReset  
performs the MIFARE standard authentication as a reader  
resets the MFRC523  
10.3.1 MFRC523
 
command descriptions  
10.3.1.1 Idle
 
mode  
Places the MFRC523 in Idle mode. The Idle command also terminates itself.  
10.3.1.2 Mem
 
command  
Transfers 25 bytes from the FIFO buffer to the internal buffer.
T
o
r
ead out the 25 bytes  
from the internal buffer the Mem command must be started with an empty FIFO buffer. In  
this case, the 25 bytes are transferred from the internal buffer to the FIFO.  
During a hard power-down (using pin NRSTPD), the 25 bytes in the internal buffer remain  
unchanged and are only lost if the power supply is removed from the MFRC523.  
This command automatically terminates when finished and the Idle command becomes  
active.  
10.3.1.3 Generate
 
RandomID  
This command generates a 10-byte random number which is initially stored in the internal  
buffer. This then overwrites the 10 bytes in the internal 25-byte buffer. This command  
automatically terminates when finished and the MFRC523 returns to Idle mode.  
10.3.1.4 CalcCRC
 
command  
The FIFO buffer content is transferred to the CRC coprocessor and the CRC calculation is  
started. The calculation result is stored in the CRCResultReg register. The CRC  
calculation is not limited to a dedicated number of bytes. The calculation is not stopped  
when the FIFO buffer is empty during the data stream. The next byte written to the FIFO  
buffer is added to the calculation.  
The CRC preset value is controlled by the ModeReg register’s CRCPreset[1:0] bits. The  
value is loaded in to the CRC coprocessor when the command starts. This command  
must be terminated by writing a command to the CommandReg register, such as, the Idle  
command.  
If the Auto
T
e
stReg register’s Self
T
e
st[3:0] bits are set correctly, the MFRC523 enters  
Self-test mode. Starting the CalcCRC command initiates a digital self-test. The result of  
the self-test is written to the FIFO buffer.  
10.3.1.5 Transmit
 
command  
The FIFO buffer content is immediately transmitted after starting this command. Before  
transmitting the FIFO buffer content, all relevant registers must be set for data  
transmission.  
This command automatically terminates when the FIFO buffer is empty. It can be  
terminated by another command written to the CommandReg register.  
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10.3.1.6 NoCmdChange
 
command  
This command does not influence any running command in the CommandReg register. It  
can be used to manipulate any bit except the CommandReg register Command[3:0] bits,  
for example, the RcvOff bit or the PowerDown bit.  
10.3.1.7 Receive
 
command  
The MFRC523 activates the receiver path and waits for a data stream to be received. The  
correct settings must be chosen before starting this command.  
This command automatically terminates when the data stream ends. This is indicated  
either by the end of frame pattern or by the length byte depending on the selected frame  
type and speed.  
Remark:
If the RxModeReg register’s RxMultiple bit is set to logic 1, the Receive  
command does not automatically terminate. It must be terminated by starting another  
command in the CommandReg register.  
10.3.1.8 Transceive
 
command  
This command continuously repeats the transmission of data from the FIFO buffer and the  
reception of data from the RF field. The first action is transmit and after transmission the  
command is changed to receive a data stream.  
Each transmit process must be started by setting the BitFramingReg register’s StartSend  
bit to logic 1. This command must be cleared by writing any command to the  
CommandReg register.  
Remark:
If the RxModeReg register’s RxMultiple bit is set to logic 1, the Transceive  
command never leaves the receive state because this state cannot be cancelled  
automatically.  
10.3.1.9 MFAuthent
 
command  
This command manages MIFARE authentication to enable a secure communication to  
any MIFARE card. The following data is written to the FIFO buffer before the command  
can be activated:  
•
Authentication command code (60h, 61h)  
•
Block address  
•
Sector key byte 0  
•
Sector key byte 1  
•
Sector key byte 2  
•
Sector key byte 3  
•
Sector key byte 4  
•
Sector key byte 5  
•
Card serial number byte 0  
•
Card serial number byte 1  
•
Card serial number byte 2  
•
Card serial number byte 3  
12 bytes in total are written to the FIFO.  
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Remark:
When the MFAuthent command is active all access to the FIFO buffer is  
blocked. However, if there is access to the FIFO buffer, the ErrorReg register’s WrErr bit is  
set.  
This command automatically terminates when the MIFARE card is authenticated and the  
Status2Reg register’s MFCrypto1On bit is set to logic 1.  
This command does not terminate automatically if the card does not answer, so the timer  
must be initialized to automatic mode. In this case, in addition to the IdleIRq bit, the  
TimerIRq bit can be used as the termination criteria. During authentication processing, the  
RxIRq bit and TxIRq bit are blocked. The Crypto1On bit is only valid after termination of  
the MFAuthent command, either after processing the protocol or writing Idle to the  
CommandReg register.  
If an error occurs during authentication, the ErrorReg register’s ProtocolErr bit is set to  
logic 1 and the Status2Reg register’s Crypto1On bit is set to logic 0.  
10.3.1.10 SoftReset
 
command  
This command performs a reset of the device. The configuration data of the internal buffer  
remains unchanged. All registers are set to the reset values. This command automatically  
terminates when finished.  
Remark:
The SerialSpeedReg register is reset and therefore the serial data rate is set to  
9.6 kBd.  
11. Errata
 
sheet  
This chapter lists all differences from version 1.0 to version 2.0:  
The value of the version in
Section 9.2.4.8 on page 65
is set to B1h.  
The answer to the Selftest (see
Section 17.1 on page 82
) for version 1.0 (VersionReg  
equal to B1h):  
00h, C6h, 37h, D5h, 32h, B7h, 57h, 5Ch  
C2h, D8h, 7Ch, 4Dh, D9h, 70h, C7h, 73h  
10h, E6h, D2h, AAh, 5Eh, A1h, 3Eh, 5Ah  
14h, AFh, 30h, 61h, C9h, 70h, DBh, 2Eh  
64h, 22h, 72h, B5h, BDh, 65h, F4h, ECh  
22h, BCh, D3h, 72h, 35h, CDh, AAh, 41h  
1Fh, A7h, F3h, 53h, 14h, DEh, 7Eh, 02h  
D9h, 0Fh, B5h, 5Eh, 25h, 1Dh, 29h, 79h  
Only the default setting for the prescaler (see
Section 8.7 “Timer unit” on page 29
): t =  
((TPreScaler*2+1)*TReload+1)/13,56 MHz is supported. As such only the formula f

Timer  

13,56 MHz/(2*PreScaler+1) is applicable for the TPrescalerHigh in
T
a
ble 108  
“TPrescalerReg register (address 2Bh); reset value: 00h bit allocation” on page 60
and  
=
TPrescalerLo in
T
a
ble 109 “TPrescalerReg register bit descriptions” on page 61
. As there  
is no option for the prescaler, also the TPrescalEven (see
T
a
ble 73 “DemodReg register  
bit descriptions”
) shall be set to 0, see also
Section 9.2.3.10 “TModeReg and  
TPrescalerReg registers” on page 59
.  
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Especially when using time slot protocols, it is needed that the error flag is copied into the  
status information of the frame. When using the RxMultiple feature (see
Section 9.2.2.4  
on page 48
) within version 1.0 the protocol error flag is not included in the status  
information for the frame. In addition the CRCOk is copied instead of the CRCErr. This  
can be a problem in frames without length information e.g. ISO/IEC 14443-B.  
The version 1.0 does not accept a Type B EOF if there is no 1 bit after the series of 0 bits,  
as such the configuration within
Section 9.2.2.15 “TypeBReg register” on page 54
bit 4 for  
RxEOFReq does not exist. In addition the IC only has the possibility to select the  
minimum or maximum timings for SOF/EOF generation defined in ISO/IEC14443B. As  
such the configuration possible in version 2.0 through the EOFSOFAdjust bit (see
Section  
9.2.4.7 “Auto
T
e
stReg register” on page 64
) does not exist and the configuration is limited  
to only setting minimum and maximum length according ISO/IEC 14443-B, see
Section  
9.2.2.15 “TypeBReg register” on page 54
, bit 4.  
The available NXP NFC library is only tested with version 2.0.  
12. Limiting values  
Table 151.
 
Limiting values  
In accordance with the Absolute Maximum Rating System (IEC 60134).  
Symbol Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
Max  
+4.0  
+4.0  
+4.0  
+4.0  
+4.0  
Unit  
V
V

DDA  

V

DDD  

analog supply voltage  
digital supply voltage  
0.5  
0.5  
0.5  
0.5  
0.5  
V
V

DD(PVDD)

PVDD supply voltage  
V

DD(TVDD)

TVDD supply voltage  
V

DD(SVDD)

SVDD supply voltage  
V
V
V
V

I  

input voltage  
all input pins except pins MFIN and  
RX  
V

SS(PVSS)

0.5 V

DD(PVDD)

+ 0.5
 
V  
pin MFIN  
V

SS(PVSS)

0.5 V

DD(SVDD)

+ 0.5
 
V  
P

tot  

total power dissipation  
junction temperature  
per package; V

DDD

in shortcut  
mode  
–
200  
mW  
T

j  

–
–
100  
C  
V

ESD  

electrostatic discharge voltage
 
HBM; 1500
, 100 pF;  
2000  
V
JESD22-A114-B  
MM; 0.75
H, 200 pF;  
–
200  
V
JESD22-A114-A  
Charged device model;  
JESD22-C101-A  
on all pins  
–
–
200  
500  
V
V
on all pins except SVDD in  
TFBGA64 package  
MFRC523  
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13. Recommended operating conditions  
Table 152.
 
Operating conditions  
Symbol  
Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
Typ  
Max Unit  
[1][2]  
[1][2]  
[1][2]  
[3]  
V

DDA  

analog supply voltage  
V

DD(PVDD)

V

DDA

= V

DDD

= V

DD(TVDD)  

;
2.5  
3.3  
3.6  
3.6  
3.6  
3.6  
V
V
V
V
V

SSA

= V

SSD

= V

SS(PVSS)

= V

SS(TVSS)

= 0 V  
V

DDD  

digital supply voltage  
V

DD(PVDD)

V

DDA

= V

DDD

= V

DD(TVDD)  

;
2.5  
2.5  
1.6  
3.3  
3.3  
1.8  
V

SSA

= V

SSD

= V

SS(PVSS)

= V

SS(TVSS)

= 0 V  
V

DD(PVDD)

V

DDA

= V

DDD

= V

DD(TVDD)  

V

SSA

= V

SSD

= V

SS(PVSS)

= V

SS(TVSS)

= 0 V  
V

DD(PVDD)

V

DDA

= V

DDD

= V

DD(TVDD)  

SSA

= V

SSD

= V

SS(PVSS)

= V

SS(TVSS)

= 0 V  
V

DD(TVDD)

TVDD supply voltage  
V

DD(PVDD)

PVDD supply voltage  
V

DD(SVDD)

SVDD supply voltage  
;
;
V
V

SSA

= V

SSD

= V

SS(PVSS)

= V

SS(TVSS)

= 0 V  
HVQFN32  
1.6  
–
–
3.6  
V
T

amb  

ambient temperature  
25  
+85  
C  
[1] Supply
 
voltages below 3 V reduce the performance in, for example, the achievable operating distance.  
[2]

DDA

, V

DDD

and V

DD(TVDD)

must always be the same voltage.  
V
[3] V

DD(PVDD)

must always be the same or lower voltage than V

DDD  

14. Thermal characteristics  
Table 153.
 
Thermal characteristics  
.
Symbol Parameter  
R

th(j-a)

thermal resistance from junction to  
ambient  
Conditions  
Package  
Typ Unit  
in still air with exposed pin soldered on a  
4 layer JEDEC PCB  
HVQFN32 40  
K/W  
15. Characteristics  
Table 154.
 
Characteristics  
Symbol Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
Input characteristics  
Pins EA, I2C and NRSTPD  
I

LI  

input leakage  
current  
1  
–
–
–
+1  
A  
V
V

IH  

V

IL  

HIGH-level input  
voltage  
0.7V

DD(PVDD)  

–
–
LOW-level input  
voltage  
0.3V

DD(PVDD)  

V
Pin MFIN  
I

LI  

input leakage  
current  
1  
–
–
–
+1  
A  
V
V

IH  

V

IL  

HIGH-level input  
voltage  
0.7V

DD(SVDD)  

–
–
LOW-level input  
voltage  
0.3V

DD(SVDD)  

V
MFRC523  
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© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
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MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 154.
 
Characteristics
…continued  
Symbol Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
Pin SDA  
I

LI  

input leakage  
current  
1  
–
–
–
+1  
A  
V
V

IH  

V

IL  

HIGH-level input  
voltage  
0.7V

DD(PVDD)  

–
–
LOW-level input  
voltage  
0.3V

DD(PVDD)  

V
Pin RX

[1]  

V

i  

C

i  

input voltage  
1  
–
V

DDA

+1  
–
V
input capacitance  
V

DDA

= 3 V; receiver active;  
V

RX(p-p)

= 1 V; 1.5 V (DC)  
offset  
–
10  
pF  
R

i  

input resistance  
V

DDA

= 3 V; receiver active;  
–
350  
–
V

RX(p-p)

= 1 V; 1.5 V (DC)  
offset  
Input voltage range; see
Figure 24  
V

i(p-p)(min)

minimum Manchester
 
encoded;  
peak-to-peak input
 
V

DDA

= 3 V  
–
–
100  
4
–
–
mV  
V
voltage  
V

i(p-p)(max)

maximum  
Manchester encoded;  
peak-to-peak input
 
V

DDA

= 3 V  
voltage  
Input sensitivity; see
Figure 24  
V

mod  

modulation voltage
 
minimum Manchester  
encoded; V

DDA

= 3 V;  
–
5
–
mV  
RxGain[2:0] = 111b (48 dB)  
Pin OSCIN  
I

LI  

input leakage  
current  
1  
–
+1  
A  
V
V

IH  

V

IL  

C

i  

HIGH-level input  
voltage  
0.7V

DDA  

–
–
LOW-level input  
voltage  
–
–
–
0.3V

DDA  

–
V
input capacitance  
V

DDA

= 2.8 V; DC = 0.65 V;  
AC = 1 V (p-p)  
2
pF  
Input/output characteristics  
pins D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 and D7  
I

LI  

input leakage  
current  
1  
–
–
–
–
–
+1  
A  
V
V

IH  

V

IL  

V

OH  

V

OL  

HIGH-level input  
voltage  
0.7V

DD(PVDD)  

–
V

DD(PVDD)

0.4  
V

SS(PVSS)  

–
LOW-level input  
voltage  
0.3V

DD(PVDD)  

V

DD(PVDD)  

V

SS(PVSS)

+ 0.4  
V
HIGH-level output  
voltage  
V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V; I

O

= 4 mA  
V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V; I

O

= 4 mA  
V
LOW-level output  
voltage  
V
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
75 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 154.
 
Characteristics
…continued  
Symbol Parameter  
I

OH

HIGH-level output  
Conditions  
V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
–
–
4
mA  
current  
I

OL  

LOW-level output  
current  
V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V  
–
–
4
mA  
Output characteristics  
Pin MFOUT  
V

OH  

V

OL  

I

OL  

HIGH-level output  
voltage  
V

DD(SVDD)

= 3 V; I

O

= 4 mA  
V

DD(SVDD)

= 3 V; I

O

= 4 mA  
V

DD(SVDD)

= 3 V  
V

DD(SVDD)

0.4  
–
–
–
–
V

DD(SVDD)  

V
LOW-level output  
voltage  
V

SS(PVSS)  

V

SS(PVSS)

+ 0.4  
V
LOW-level output  
current  
–
–
4
4
mA  
mA  
I

OH  

HIGH-level output  
current  
V

DD(SVDD)

= 3 V  
Pin IRQ  
V

OH  

HIGH-level output  
voltage  
V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V; I

O

= 4 mA  
V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V; I

O

= 4 mA  
V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V  
V

DD(PVDD)

0.4  
–
–
–
–
V

DD(PVDD)  

V
V

OL  

I

OL  

LOW-level output  
voltage  
V

SS(PVSS)  

V

SS(PVSS)

+ 0.4  
V
LOW-level output  
current  
–
–
4
4
mA  
mA  
I

OH  

HIGH-level output  
current  
V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V  
Pins AUX1 and AUX2  
V

OH  

V

OL  

I

OL  

HIGH-level output  
voltage  
V

DDD

= 3 V; I

O

= 4 mA  
V

DDD

= 3 V; I

O

= 4 mA  
V

DDD

= 3 V  
V

DDD

0.4  
–
–
–
–
V

DDD  

V
LOW-level output  
voltage  
V

SS(PVSS)  

V

SS(PVSS)

+ 0.4  
V
LOW-level output  
current  
–
–
4
4
mA  
mA  
I

OH  

HIGH-level output  
current  
V

DDD

= 3 V  
Pins TX1 and TX2  
V

OH  

HIGH-level output  
voltage  
V

DD(TVDD)

= 3 V;  
I

DD(TVDD)

= 32 mA;  
CWGsP[5:0] = 3Fh  
V

DD(TVDD)

0.15  
V

DD(TVDD)

0.4  
V

DD(TVDD)

0.24  
V

DD(TVDD)

0.64  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
V
V
V
V
V

DD(TVDD)

= 3 V;  

DD(TVDD)

= 80 mA;  
CWGsP[5:0] = 3Fh  
I
V

DD(TVDD)

= 2.5 V;  
I

DD(TVDD)

= 32 mA;  
CWGsP[5:0] = 3Fh  
V

DD(TVDD)

= 2.5 V;  
I

DD(TVDD)

= 80 mA;  
CWGsP[5:0] = 3Fh  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
76 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 154.
 
Characteristics
…continued  
Symbol Parameter  
V

OL

LOW-level output  
voltage  
Conditions  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
V

DD(TVDD)

= 3 V;  
I

DD(TVDD)

= 32 mA;  
CWGsP[5:0] = 0Fh  
–
–
0.15  
V
V
I

DD(TVDD)

= 3 V;  

DD(TVDD)

= 80 mA;  
CWGsP[5:0] = 0Fh  
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.4  
V
V
V
V

DD(TVDD)

= 2.5 V;  
0.24  
0.64  
I

DD(TVDD)

= 32 mA;  
CWGsP[5:0] = 0Fh  
V

DD(TVDD)

= 2.5 V;  
I

DD(TVDD)

= 80 mA;  
CWGsP[5:0] = 0Fh  
Current consumption  
I

pd  

power-down current
 
V

DDA

= V

DDD

= V

DD(TVDD)

=  
V

DD(PVDD)

= 3 V  
[2]  
[2]  
hard power-down; pin  
NRSTPD set LOW  
–
–
–
–
–
5
A  
A  
mA  
mA  
soft power-down; RF  
level detector on  
–
10  
9
I

DDD  

I

DDA  

digital supply  
current  
pin DVDD; V

DDD

= 3 V  
6.5  
7
analog supply  
current  
pin AVDD; V

DDA

= 3 V;  
CommandReg register’s  
bit RcvOff = 0  
10  
pin AVDD; receiver  
switched off; V

DDA

= 3 V;  
CommandReg register’s  
bit RcvOff = 1  
–
3
5
mA  
[3]  
[4][5][6]  
[7]  
I

DD(PVDD)

PVDD supply  
current  
pin PVDD  
–
–
–
–
40  
100  
4
mA  
mA  
mA  
I

DD(TVDD)

TVDD supply  
current  
pin TVDD; continuous wave  
pin SVDD  
60  
–
I

DD(SVDD)

SVDD supply  
current  
Clock frequency  
f

clk  

clk  

t

jit  

clock frequency  
clock duty cycle  
jitter time  
–
27.12  
–
MHz  
%
40  
–
50  
–
60  
10  
RMS  
ps  
Crystal oscillator  
V

OH  

V

OL  

C

i  

HIGH-level output  
voltage  
pin OSCOUT  
pin OSCOUT  
–
–
1.1  
0.2  
–
–
V
V
LOW-level output  
voltage  
input capacitance  
pin OSCOUT  
pin OSCIN  
–
–
2
2
–
–
pF  
pF  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
77 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 154.
 
Characteristics
…continued  
Symbol Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
Typical input requirements  
f

xtal  

crystal frequency  
–
–
27.12  
–
–
MHz  
ESR  
equivalent series  
resistance  
100  
C

L  

load capacitance  
–
–
10  
50  
–
pF  
P

xtal  

crystal power  
dissipation  
100  
W  
[1] The
 
voltage on pin RX is clamped by internal diodes to pins AVSS and AVDD.  
[2] I

pd

is the total current for all supplies.  
[3]  
I

DD(PVDD)

depends on the overall load at the digital pins.  
[4] I

DD(TVDD)

depends on V

DD(TVDD)

and the external circuit connected to pins TX1 and TX2.  
[5] During
 
typical circuit operation, the overall current is below 100 mA.  
[6] Typical
 
value using a complementary driver configuration and an antenna matched to 40
between pins TX1 and TX2 at 13.56 MHz.  
[7]  
I

DD(SVDD)

depends on the load at pin MFOU
T
.  
V
mod  
V
V
i(p-p)(min)  
i(p-p)(max)  
VMID  
13.56 MHz  
carrier  
0 V  
001aak012  
Fig 24.
 
Pin RX input voltage range  
15.1 Timing
 
characteristics  
Table 155.
 
SPI timing characteristics  
Symbol  
t

WL  

Parameter  
Conditions  
line SCK  
Min  
50  
Typ  
Max Unit  
pulse width LOW  
pulse width HIGH  
–
–
–
–
–
–
ns  
ns  
ns  
t

WH  

line SCK  
50  
t

h(SCKH-D)  

SCK HIGH to data input
 
SCK to changing MOSI  
hold time  
25  
t

su(D-SCKH)

data input to SCK HIGH
 
changing MOSI to SCK  
set-up time  
25  
–
–
ns  
MFRC523  
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© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
78 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 155.
 
SPI timing characteristics
…continued  
Symbol Parameter
 
Conditions  
t

h(SCKL-Q)  

Min  
Typ  
Max Unit  
SCK LOW to data output
 
SCK to changing MISO  
hold time  
–
–
25  
ns  
ns  
ns  
t

(SCKL-NSSH)

SCK LOW to NSS HIGH  
time  
0
–
–
–
t

NSSH  

NSS HIGH time  
before communication  
50  
–
Table 156.
 
I

2

C-bus timing in Fast mode  
Symbol Parameter  
Conditions  
Fast mode
 
High-speed Unit  
mode  
Min Max
 
Min Max  
f

SCL  

SCL clock frequency  
0
400  
–
0
3400 kHz  
t

HD;STA  

hold time (repeated) START  
condition  
after this period,  
the first clock pulse  
is generated  
600  
160  
–
ns  
t

SU;STA  

set-up time for a repeated  
START condition  
600  
–
160  
–
ns  
t

SU;STO

set-up time for STOP condition  
600  
1300  
600  
0
–
160  
160  
60  
0
–
ns  
ns  
ns  
ns  
ns  
ns  
ns  
ns  
t

LOW  

t

HIGH  

LOW period of the SCL clock  
HIGH period of the SCL clock  
–
–
–
–
t

HD;DAT

data hold time  
900  
–
70  
–
t

SU;DAT  

data set-up time  
rise time  
100  
20  
10  
t

r  

t

f  

t

r  

SCL signal  
SCL signal  
300 10  
300 10  
300 10  
40  
40  
80  
fall time  
20  
rise time  
SDA and SCL  
signals  
20  
t

f  

fall time  
SDA and SCL  
signals  
20  
300 10  
80  
–
ns  
t

BUF  

bus free time between a STOP  
and START condition  
1.3  
–
1.3  
s  
MFRC523  
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© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
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MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
t
t
t
t
SCKL  
SCKL  
SCKH  
SHDX  
SCK  
t
SLDX  
t
t
DXSH  
DXSH  
MOSI  
MISO  
NSS  
MSB  
MSB  
LSB  
LSB  
t
SLNH  
001aaj634  
Remark:
The signal NSS must be LOW to be able to send several bytes in one data stream.  
To
s
end more than one data stream NSS must be set HIGH between the data streams.  
Fig 25.
 
Timing diagram for SPI  
SDA  
t
t
t
t
r
f
SU;D
A
T  
SP  
t
t
t
t
BUF  
LOW  
f
HD;S
T
A  
SCL  
t
t
t
SU;STO  
r
HIGH  
t
t
SU;S
T
A  
HD;S
T
A  
t
HD;D
A
T  
S
Sr  
P
S
001aaj635  
Fig 26.
 
Timing for Fast and Standard mode devices on the I

2

C-bus  
MFRC523  
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© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
80 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
16. Application information  
A typical application diagram using a complementary antenna connection to the  
MFRC523 is shown in
Figure 27
.  
The antenna tuning and RF part matching is described in the application note
Ref. 1
and  
Ref. 2
.  
supply  
DVDD  
AVDD  
TVDD  
12  
3
15  
CRx  
PVDD  
SVDD  
PVSS  
RX  
2
9
5
17  
16  
R1  
Cvmid  
VMID  
TX1  
R2  
C1  
C1  
L0  
Ra  
C2  
NRSTPD  
6
11  
antenna  
Lant  
host  
interface  
C0  
C0  
MFRC523  
TVSS  
TX2  
MICRO-  
PROCESSOR  
10, 14  
13  
C2  
Ra  
L0  
IRQ  
23  
18  
AVSS  
DVSS  
4
21  
22  
OSCOUT  
OSCIN  
27.12 MHz  
001aal163  
Fig 27.
 
Typical application diagram  
MFRC523  
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© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
81 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
17. Test information  
17.1 Test
 
signals  
17.1.1 Self-test  
The MFRC523 has the capability to perform a digital self-test. The self-test is started by  
using the following procedure:  
1. Perform
 
a soft reset.  
2. Clear
 
the internal buffer by writing 25 bytes of 00h and implement the Config  
command.  
3. Enable
 
the self-test by writing 09h to the Auto
T
e
stReg register.  
4. Write
 
00h to the FIFO buffer.  
5. Start
 
the self-test with the CalcCRC command.  
6. The
 
self-test is initiated.  
7. When
 
the self-test has completed, the FIFO buffer contains the following 64 bytes:  
FIFO buffer byte values for version B2h:  
00h, EBh, 66h, BAh, 57h, BFh, 23h, 95h, D0h, E3h, 0Dh, 3Dh, 27h, 89h, 5Ch, DEh, 9Dh,  
3Bh, A7h, 00h, 21h, 5Bh, 89h, 82h, 51h, 3Ah, EBh, 02h, 0Ch, A5h, 00h, 49h, 7Ch,  
84h, 4Dh, B3h, CCh, D2h, 1Bh, 81h, 5Dh, 48h, 76h, D5h, 71h, 61h, 21h, A9h, 86h,  
96h, 83h, 38h, CFh, 9Dh, 5Bh, 6Dh, DCh, 15h, BAh, 3Eh, 7Dh, 95h, 3Bh, 2Fh  
The FIFO buffer byte values for version B1h are available at
Section 11
.  
17.1.2 Test
 
bus  
The test bus is used for production tests. The following configuration can be used to  
improve the design of a system using the MFRC523. The test bus allows internal signals  
to be routed to the digital interface. The test bus comprises two sets of test signals which  
are selected using their subaddress specified in the
T
e
stSel2Reg register’s  
T
e
stBusSel[4:0] bits. The test signals and their related digital output pins are described in  
T
a
ble 157
and
T
a
ble 158
.  
Table 157.
 
Test bus signals: TestBusSel[4:0] = 07h  
Pins  
Internal  
Description  
signal name  
D6  
D5  
D4  
D3  
D2  
D1  
s_data  
s_coll  
received data stream  
bit-collision detected (106 kBd only)  
s_data and s_coll signals are valid  
receiver has detected a stop condition  
receiver is reset  
s_valid  
s_over  
RCV_reset  
–
reserved  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 158.
 
Test bus signals: TestBusSel[4:0] = 0Dh  
Pins  
Internal test  
signal name  
Description  
D6  
clkstable  
oscillator output signal  
oscillator output signal divided by 8  
reserved  
D5  
clk27/8  
D4 to D3  
D2  
–
clk27  
–
oscillator output signal  
reserved  
D1  
17.1.3 Test
 
signals on pins AUX1 or AUX2  
The MFRC523 allows the user to select internal signals for measurement on pins AUX1 or  
AUX2. These measurements can be helpful during the design-in phase to optimize the  
design or used for test purposes.  
T
a
ble 159
shows the signals that can be switched to pin AUX1 or AUX2 by setting  
AnalogSelAux1[3:0] or AnalogSelAux2[3:0] in the Analog
T
e
stReg register.  
Remark:
The DAC has a current output, therefore it is recommended that a 1 k
  
pull-down resistor is connected to pin AUX1 or pin AUX2.  
Table 159.
 
Test signal descriptions  
AnalogSelAuxn[3:0] Signal
 
on pin AUXn  
0000  
0001  
0010  
0011  
3-state  
DAC: register
T
e
stDAC1 or
T
e
stDAC2  
DAC: test signal Corr1  
reserved  
0100  
0101  
0110  
DAC: test signal MinLevel  
DAC: test signal ADC_I  
DAC: test signal ADC_Q  
reserved  
0111 to 1001  
1010  
1011  
HIGH  
LOW  
1100  
TxActive  
1101  
RxActive  
1110  
subcarrier detected  
T
s
tBusBit  
1111  
17.1.3.1 Example:
 
Output test signals TestDAC1 and TestDAC2  
The Analog
T
e
stReg register is set to 11h. The output on pin AUX1 has the test signal  
T
e
stDAC1 and the output on pin AUX2 has the test signal
T
e
stDAC2. The signal values of  
T
e
stDAC1 and
T
e
stDAC2 are controlled by the
T
e
stDAC1Reg and
T
e
stDAC2Reg  
registers.  
Figure 28
shows test signal
T
e
stDAC1 on pin AUX1 and
T
e
stDAC2 on pin AUX2 when the  
T
e
stDAC1Reg register is programmed with a slope defined by values 00h to 3Fh and the  
T
e
stDAC2Reg register is programmed with a rectangular signal defined by values 00h  
and 3Fh.  
MFRC523  
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001aak597  
(1)  
(2)  
100 ms/div  
(1)
T
e
stDAC1
 
(500 mV/div) on pin AUX1.  
(2)
T
e
stDAC2
 
(500 mV/div) on pin AUX2.  
Fig 28.
 
Output test signals TestDAC1 on pin AUX1 and TestDAC2 on pin AUX2  
17.1.3.2 Example:
 
Output test signals Corr1 and MinLevel  
Figure 29
shows test signals Corr1 and MinLevel on pins AUX1 and AUX2, respectively.  
The Analog
T
e
stReg register is set to 24h.  
001aak598  
(1)  
(2)  
(3)  
10
μ
s/div  
(1) MinLevel
 
(1 V/div) on pin AUX2.  
(2) Corr1
 
(1 V/div) on pin AUX1.  
(3) RF
 
field.  
Fig 29.
 
Output test signals Corr1 on pin AUX1 and MinLevel on pin AUX2  
MFRC523  
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17.1.3.3 Example:
 
Output test signals ADC I-channel and ADC Q-channel  
Figure 30
shows the channel behavior test signals ADC_I and ADC_Q on pins AUX1 and  
AUX2, respectively. The Analog
T
e
stReg register is set to 56h.  
001aak599  
(1)  
(2)  
(3)  
5
μ
s/div  
(1) ADC_I
 
(1 V/div) on pin AUX1.  
(2) ADC_Q
 
(500 mV/div) on pin AUX2.  
(3) RF
 
field.  
Fig 30.
 
Output ADC I-channel on pin AUX1 and ADC Q-channel on pin AUX2  
17.1.3.4 Example:
 
Output test signals RxActive and TxActive  
Figure 31
shows the RxActive and TxActive test signals relating to RF communication.  
The Analog
T
e
stReg register is set to CDh.  
•
At 106 kBd, RxActive is HIGH during data bits, parity and CRC reception. Start bits  
are not included  
•
At 106 kBd, TxActive is HIGH during start bits, data bits, parity and CRC transmission  
•
At 212 kBd, 424 kBd and 848 kBd, RxActive is HIGH during data bits and CRC  
reception. Start bits are not included  
•
At 212 kBd, 424 kBd and 848 kBd, TxActive is HIGH during data bits and CRC  
transmission  
MFRC523  
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001aak600  
(1)  
(2)  
(3)  
10
μ
s/div  
(1) RxActive
 
(2 V/div) on pin AUX1.  
(2) TxActive
 
(2 V/div) on pin AUX2.  
(3) RF
 
field.  
Fig 31.
 
Output RxActive on pin AUX1 and TxActive on pin AUX2  
17.1.3.5 Example:
 
Output test signal RX data stream  
Figure 32
shows the data stream that is currently being received. The
T
e
stSel2Reg  
register’s
T
e
stBusSel[4:0] bits are set to 07h to enable test bus signals on pins D1 to D6;  
see
Section 17.1.2 “
T
e
st bus” on page 82
. The
T
e
stSel1Reg register’s
T
s
tBusBitSel[2:0]  
bits are set 06h (pin D6 = s_data) and Analog
T
e
stReg register is set to FFh (
T
s
tBusBit)  
which outputs the received data stream on pins AUX1 and AUX2.  
001aak601  
(1)  
(2)  
20
μ
s/div  
(1) s_data
 
(received data stream) (2 V/div).  
(2) RF
 
field.  
Fig 32.
 
Received data stream on pins AUX1 and AUX2  
MFRC523  
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17.1.3.6 Pseudo-Random
 
Binary Sequences (PRBS)  
The pseudo-random binary sequences PRBS9 and PRBS15 are based on ITU-TO150  
and are defined with the
T
e
stSel2Reg register. Transmission of either data stream is  
started by the Transmit command. The preamble/sync byte/start bit/parity bit are  
automatically generated depending on the mode selected.  
Remark:
All relevant registers for transmitting data must be configured in accordance with  
ITU-TO150 before selecting PRBS transmission.  
MFRC523  
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18. Package outline  
HVQFN32: plastic thermal enhanced very thin quad flat package; no leads;  
32 terminals; body 5 x 5 x 0.85 mm  
SOT617-1  
B
A
D
terminal 1  
index area  
A
A
1
E
c
detail X  
C
e
1
y
y
e
1/2
e  
v
M
b
C
C
A B  
C
1
w
M  
9
16  
L
17  
8
e
e
2
E
h
1/2
e  
1
24  
terminal 1  
index area  
32  
25  
X
D
h
0
2.5  
5 mm  
scale  
DIMENSIONS (mm are the original dimensions)  
(1)  
A
(1)  
(1)  
UNIT  
A
b
c
E
e
e
e
2
y
D
D
E
L
v
w
y
1
1
h
1
h
max.  
0.05 0.30  
0.00 0.18  
5.1  
4.9  
3.25  
2.95  
5.1  
4.9  
3.25  
2.95  
0.5  
0.3  
mm  
0.05 0.1  
1
0.2  
0.5  
3.5  
3.5  
0.1  
0.05  
Note  
1. Plastic or metal protrusions of 0.075 mm maximum per side are not included.  
REFERENCES  
OUTLINE  
EUROPEAN  
PROJECTION  
ISSUE DATE  
VERSION  
IEC  
JEDEC  
JEITA  
01-08-08  
02-10-18  
SOT617-1  
– – –  
MO-220  
– – –  
Fig 33.
 
Package outline SOT617-1 (HVQFN32)  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Detailed package information can be found at:

19. Handling information  
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) evaluation has been performed according to  
SNW-FQ-225B rev.04/07/07 (JEDEC J-STD-020C)
. MSL for this package is level 1 which  
means 260
C convection reflow temperature.  
Dry pack is not required.  
Unlimited out-of-pack floor life at maximum ambient 30
C/85 % RH.  
20. Packing information  
strap 46 mm from corner  
The straps around the package of  
stacked trays inside the plano-box  
have sufficient pre-tension to avoid  
loosening of the trays.  
tray  
ESD warning preprinted  
barcode label (permanent)  
barcode label (peel-off)  
chamfer  
PIN 1  
chamfer  
PIN 1  
QA seal  
Hyatt patent preprinted  
In the traystack (2 trays)  
only ONE tray type* allowed  
printed plano box  
*one supplier and one revision number.  
001aaj740  
Fig 34.
 
Packing information 1 tray  
MFRC523  
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MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
strap 46 mm from corner  
The straps around the package of  
stacked trays inside the plano-box  
have sufficient pre-tension to avoid  
loosening of the trays.  
tray  
ESD warning preprinted  
barcode label (permanent)  
barcode label (peel-off)  
chamfer  
PIN 1  
chamfer  
PIN 1  
QA seal  
Hyatt patent preprinted  
In the traystack (2 trays)  
only ONE tray type* allowed  
*one supplier and one revision number.  
printed plano box  
001aal164  
Fig 35.
 
Packing information 5 trays  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
21. Abbreviations  
Table 160.
 
Abbreviations  
Acronym  
ADC  
ASK  
BPSK  
CRC  
CW  
Description  
Analog-to-Digital Converter  
Amplitude Shift Keying  
Binary Phase Shift Keying  
Cyclic Redundancy Check  
Continuous Wave  
DAC  
EOF  
ETU  
HBM  
I

2

C  
Digital-to-Analog Converter  
End Of Frame  
Elementary Time Unit  
Human Body Model  
Inter-integrated Circuit  
Least Significant Bit  
Master In Slave Out  
Machine Model  
LSB  
MISO  
MM  
MOSI  
MSB  
NRZ  
NSS  
PCB  
PLL  
Master Out Slave In  
Most Significant Bit  
Not Return to Zero  
Not Slave Select  
Printed-Circuit Board  
Phase-Locked Loop  
Pseudo-Random Bit Sequence  
Receiver  
PRBS  
RX  
SOF  
SPI  
Start Of Frame  
Serial Peripheral Interface  
Transmitter  
TX  
UART  
Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter  
22. Glossary  
Modulation index —
Defined as the voltage ratio (V

max

V

min

) / (V

max

+ V

min

).  
Load modulation index —
Defined as the voltage ratio for the card  
(V

max

V

min

) / (V

max

+ V

min

) measured at the card’s coil.  
23. References  
[1] Application
 
note —
 
MFRC52x Reader IC Family Directly Matched Antenna  
Design  
[2] Application
 
note —
 
MIFARE (ISO/IEC 14443 A) 13.56 MHz RFID Proximity  
Antennas  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
24. Revision history  
Table 161.
 
Revision history  
Document ID  
MFRC523 v. 4.1
 
20150506  
Modifications:  
MFRC523 v. 4.0
 
20141202  
Modifications:
•
Section 8.2 “ISO/IEC 14443 B functionality”
: Remark removed  
MFRC523 v. 3.9
 
20140917  
Modifications:
•
T
a
ble 151 “Limiting values”
: updated  
MFRC523 v. 3.8
 
20140312 Product
 
data sheet  
Modifications:  
Release date  
Data sheet status  
Change notice  
Supersedes  
Product data sheet  
–
MFRC523 v. 4.0  
•
Figure 27 “Typical application diagram”
: SVDD symbol corrected  
Product data sheet  
–
MFRC523 v. 3.9  
MFRC523 v. 3.8  
MFRC523 v. 3.7  
Product data sheet  
–
–
•
Section 2 “General description”
: updated  
•
Section 11 “Errata sheet”
: section added  
•
Descriptive title changed  
MFRC523 v. 3.7
 
20111108  
Product data sheet  
–
MFRC523 v. 3.6  
Modifications:  
•
T
a
ble 2 “Ordering information”
: updated  
•
T
a
ble 154 “Characteristics”
: unit of P

xtal

corrected  
MFRC523 v. 3.6
 
20110628  
Product data sheet  
•
Section 9.2.1.7 “ErrorReg register” on page 40 added  
20100924 Product
 
data sheet  
–
–
MFRC523_35  
MFRC523_34  
MFRC523_33  
Modifications:  
MFRC523_35  
Modifications:  
MFRC523_34  
Modifications:  
•
T
a
ble 131 “VersionReg register bit descripitons” on page 63 changed  
20100715 Product
 
data sheet  
–
•
Section 9.2.2.10 “DemodReg register”: register updated.  
•
Section 9.2.2.15 “TypeBReg register”: register updated.  
•
Section 9.2.3.10 “TModeReg and TPrescalerReg registers”: register updated.  
•
Section 9.2.4.7 “Auto
T
e
stReg register”: register updated.  
•
Section 8.7 “Timer unit”: timer calculation updated.  
•
Section 9.2.4.8 “VersionReg register”: version: B2h updated.  
•
Section 16.1 “
T
e
st signals”: selftest result updated.  
MFRC523_33  
Modifications:  
20100305  
Product data sheet  
–
MFRC523_32  
•
T
a
ble 106 “TModeReg register bit descriptions” and
T
a
ble 108  
“TPrescalerReg register bit descriptions”: text updated.  
•
Section 8.7 “Timer unit”: input clock frequency changed to 13.56 MHz and  
text updated.  
•
T
a
ble 154 “SPI timing characteristics”: NSS HIGH time, t

NSSH

added.  
MFRC523_32  
20100112  
Product data sheet  
–
115231  
MFRC523  
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Product data sheet  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Table 161.
 
Revision history
…continued  
Document ID  
Release date  
Data sheet status  
Change notice  
Supersedes  
Modifications:  
•
The format of this data sheet has been redesigned to comply with the new identity guidelines of NXP  
Semiconductors.  
•
Legal texts have been adapted to the new company name where appropriate.  
•
General re-wording of MIFARE designation and commercial conditions.  
•
T
a
ble 106 “TModeReg register bit descriptions” and
T
a
ble 108 “TPrescalerReg register bit  
descriptions”: changed value “f

Timer

= 13.56 MHz / (TPreScaler + 1)”.  
•
Graphics: updated to latest standard.  
•
Descriptive text: updated.  
•
Register and bit names: updated.  
•
Register tables: presentation updated.  
•
Parameter symbols: updated.  
•
Section 9 “MFRC523 registers” now follows Section 8 “Functional description”.  
•
Section 16 “
T
e
st information” added, incorporating Section 16.1 “
T
e
st signals”.  
115231  
115230  
115220  
May 2007  
Product data sheet  
Product data sheet  
Preliminary data sheet  
–
–
–
115230  
115220  
–
September 2006  
August 2006  
MFRC523  
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Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
25. Legal information  
25.1 Data
 
sheet status  
Document status

[1][2]  

Product status

[3]  

Development  
Definition  
Objective [short] data sheet  
This document contains data from the objective specification for product development.  
This document contains data from the preliminary specification.  
This document contains the product specification.  
Preliminary [short] data sheet
 
Qualification  
Product [short] data sheet
 
Production  
[1]  
[2]  
[3]  
Please consult the most recently issued document before initiating or completing a design.  
The term ‘short data sheet’ is explained in section “Definitions”.  
The product status of device(s) described in this document may have changed since this document was published and may differ in case of multiple devices. The latest product status  
information is available on the Internet at URL

.  
Suitability for use —
NXP Semiconductors products are not designed,  
25.2 Definitions  
authorized or warranted to be suitable for use in life support, life-critical or  
safety-critical systems or equipment, nor in applications where failure or  
malfunction of an NXP Semiconductors product can reasonably be expected  
to result in personal injury, death or severe property or environmental  
damage. NXP Semiconductors and its suppliers accept no liability for  
inclusion and/or use of NXP Semiconductors products in such equipment or  
applications and therefore such inclusion and/or use is at the customer’s own  
risk.  
Draft —
The document is a draft version only. The content is still under  
internal review and subject to formal approval, which may result in  
modifications or additions. NXP Semiconductors does not give any  
representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of  
information included herein and shall have no liability for the consequences of  
use of such information.  
Short data sheet —
A short data sheet is an extract from a full data sheet  
with the same product type number(s) and title. A short data sheet is intended  
for quick reference only and should not be relied upon to contain detailed and  
full information. For detailed and full information see the relevant full data  
sheet, which is available on request via the local NXP Semiconductors sales  
office. In case of any inconsistency or conflict with the short data sheet, the  
full data sheet shall prevail.  
Applications —
Applications that are described herein for any of these  
products are for illustrative purposes only. NXP Semiconductors makes no  
representation or warranty that such applications will be suitable for the  
specified use without further testing or modification.  
Customers are responsible for the design and operation of their applications  
and products using NXP Semiconductors products, and NXP Semiconductors  
accepts no liability for any assistance with applications or customer product  
design. It is customer’s sole responsibility to determine whether the NXP  
Semiconductors product is suitable and fit for the customer’s applications and  
products planned, as well as for the planned application and use of  
customer’s third party customer(s). Customers should provide appropriate  
design and operating safeguards to minimize the risks associated with their  
applications and products.  
Product specification —
The information and data provided in a Product  
data sheet shall define the specification of the product as agreed between  
NXP Semiconductors and its customer, unless NXP Semiconductors and  
customer have explicitly agreed otherwise in writing. In no event however,  
shall an agreement be valid in which the NXP Semiconductors product is  
deemed to offer functions and qualities beyond those described in the  
Product data sheet.  
NXP Semiconductors does not accept any liability related to any default,  
damage, costs or problem which is based on any weakness or default in the  
customer’s applications or products, or the application or use by customer’s  
third party customer(s). Customer is responsible for doing all necessary  
testing for the customer’s applications and products using NXP  
Semiconductors products in order to avoid a default of the applications and  
the products or of the application or use by customer’s third party  
customer(s). NXP does not accept any liability in this respect.  
25.3 Disclaimers  
Limited warranty and liability —
Information in this document is believed to  
be accurate and reliable. However, NXP Semiconductors does not give any  
representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or  
completeness of such information and shall have no liability for the  
consequences of use of such information. NXP Semiconductors takes no  
responsibility for the content in this document if provided by an information  
source outside of NXP Semiconductors.  
Limiting values —
Stress above one or more limiting values (as defined in  
the Absolute Maximum Ratings System of IEC 60134) will cause permanent  
damage to the device. Limiting values are stress ratings only and (proper)  
operation of the device at these or any other conditions above those given in  
the Recommended operating conditions section (if present) or the  
Characteristics sections of this document is not warranted. Constant or  
repeated exposure to limiting values will permanently and irreversibly affect  
the quality and reliability of the device.  
In no event shall NXP Semiconductors be liable for any indirect, incidental,  
punitive, special or consequential damages (including – without limitation – lost  
profits, lost savings, business interruption, costs related to the removal or  
replacement of any products or rework charges) whether or not such  
damages are based on tort (including negligence), warranty, breach of  
contract or any other legal theory.  
Terms and conditions of commercial sale —
NXP Semiconductors  
products are sold subject to the general terms and conditions of commercial  
sale, as published at

, unless otherwise  
agreed in a valid written individual agreement. In case an individual  
agreement is concluded only the terms and conditions of the respective  
agreement shall apply. NXP Semiconductors hereby expressly objects to  
applying the customer’s general terms and conditions with regard to the  
purchase of NXP Semiconductors products by customer.  
Notwithstanding any damages that customer might incur for any reason  
whatsoever, NXP Semiconductors’ aggregate and cumulative liability towards  
customer for the products described herein shall be limited in accordance  
with the
T
e
rms and conditions of commercial sale
of NXP Semiconductors.  
Right to make changes —
NXP Semiconductors reserves the right to make  
changes to information published in this document, including without  
limitation specifications and product descriptions, at any time and without  
notice. This document supersedes and replaces all information supplied prior  
to the publication hereof.  
No offer to sell or license —
Nothing in this document may be interpreted or  
construed as an offer to sell products that is open for acceptance or the grant,  
conveyance or implication of any license under any copyrights, patents or  
other industrial or intellectual property rights.  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
94 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
Export control —
This document as well as the item(s) described herein  
may be subject to export control regulations. Export might require a prior  
authorization from competent authorities.  
Translations —
A non-English (translated) version of a document is for  
reference only. The English version shall prevail in case of any discrepancy  
between the translated and English versions.  
Quick reference data —
The Quick reference data is an extract of the  
product data given in the Limiting values and Characteristics sections of this  
document, and as such is not complete, exhaustive or legally binding.  
25.4 Licenses  
Non-automotive qualified products —
Unless this data sheet expressly  
states that this specific NXP Semiconductors product is automotive qualified,  
the product is not suitable for automotive use. It is neither qualified nor tested  
in accordance with automotive testing or application requirements. NXP  
Semiconductors accepts no liability for inclusion and/or use of  
Purchase of NXP ICs with ISO/IEC 14443 type B functionality  
This NXP Semiconductors IC is ISO/IEC 14443 Type B  
software enabled and is licensed under Innovatron’s  
Contactless Card patents license for ISO/IEC 14443 B.  
non-automotive qualified products in automotive equipment or applications.  
The license includes the right to use the IC in systems  
and/or end-user equipment.  
In the event that customer uses the product for design-in and use in  
automotive applications to automotive specifications and standards, customer  
(a) shall use the product without NXP Semiconductors’ warranty of the  
product for such automotive applications, use and specifications, and (b)  
whenever customer uses the product for automotive applications beyond  
NXP Semiconductors’ specifications such use shall be solely at customer’s  
own risk, and (c) customer fully indemnifies NXP Semiconductors for any  
liability, damages or failed product claims resulting from customer design and  
use of the product for automotive applications beyond NXP Semiconductors’  
standard warranty and NXP Semiconductors’ product specifications.  
RATP/Innovatron  
Technology  
25.5 Trademarks  
Notice: All referenced brands, product names, service names and trademarks  
are the property of their respective owners.  
I

2

C-bus —
 
logo is a trademark of NXP Semiconductors N.
V
.  

MIFARE —
 

is a trademark of NXP Semiconductors N.V.  
26. Contact information  
For more information, please visit:

For sales office addresses, please send an email to:

MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
95 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
27. Tables  
T
a
ble 1.
 
Quick reference data
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2  
T
a
ble 2.
 
Ordering information
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3  
T
a
ble 3.
 
Pin description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6  
T
a
ble 4.
 
Communication overview for ISO/IEC 14443 A  
reader/writer .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8  
T
a
ble 37.
 
Status1Reg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . 42  
T
a
ble 38.
 
Status2Reg register (address 08h); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
T
a
ble 39.
 
Status2Reg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . 42  
T
a
ble 40.
 
FIFODataReg register (address 09h); reset  
value: xxh bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43  
T
a
ble 41.
 
FIFODataReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . 43  
T
a
ble 42.
 
FIFOLevelReg register (address 0Ah); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43  
T
a
ble 43.
 
FIFOLevelReg register bit descriptions . . . . . . 44  
T
a
ble 44.
 
WaterLevelReg register (address 0Bh); reset  
value: 08h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44  
T
a
ble 45.
 
WaterLevelReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . 44  
T
a
ble 46.
 
ControlReg register (address 0Ch); reset  
value: 10h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44  
T
a
ble 5.
 
Connection protocol for detecting different  
interface types
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10  
T
a
ble 6.
 
MOSI and MISO byte order . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
1
1  
T
a
ble 7.
 
MOSI and MISO byte order . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
1
1  
T
a
ble 8.
 
SPI read address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
1
1  
T
a
ble 9.
 
SPI write address
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12  
T
a
ble 10.
 
BR_T0 and BR_T1 settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12  
T
a
ble 11.
 
Selectable UART transfer speeds
 
. . . . . . . . . .13  
T
a
ble 12.
 
UART framing
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13  
T
a
ble 13.
 
Read data byte order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14  
T
a
ble 14.
 
Write data byte order
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14  
T
a
ble 15.
 
Address byte 0 register; address MOSI . . . . . .16  
T
a
ble 16.
 
Register and bit settings controlling the signal  
on pin TX1
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23  
T
a
ble 47.
 
ControlReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . 44  
T
a
ble 48.
 
BitFramingReg register (address 0Dh); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45  
T
a
ble 49.
 
BitFramingReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . 45  
T
a
ble 50.
 
CollReg register (address 0Eh); reset value:  
xxh bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45  
T
a
ble 51.
 
CollReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . . . 45  
T
a
ble 52.
 
Reserved register (address 0Fh); reset value:  
00h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46  
T
a
ble 53.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . . . 46  
T
a
ble 54.
 
Reserved register (address 10h); reset value:  
00h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46  
T
a
ble 55.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . . . 46  
T
a
ble 56.
 
ModeReg register (address 11h); reset value:  
3Fh bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47  
T
a
ble 57.
 
ModeReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . 47  
T
a
ble 58.
 
TxModeReg register (address 12h); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
T
a
ble 17.
 
Register and bit settings controlling the signal  
on pin TX2
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24  
T
a
ble 18.
 
CRC coprocessor parameters
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . .27  
T
a
ble 19.
 
Interrupt sources
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29  
T
a
ble 20.
 
Behavior of register bits and their designation .32  
T
a
ble 21.
 
MFRC523 register overview
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .34  
T
a
ble 22.
 
Reserved register (address 00h); reset value:  
00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37  
T
a
ble 23.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .37  
T
a
ble 24.
 
CommandReg register (address 01h); reset  
value: 20h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37  
T
a
ble 25.
 
CommandReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . .37  
T
a
ble 26.
 
ComIEnReg register (address 02h); reset  
value: 80h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38  
T
a
ble 27.
 
ComIEnReg register bit descriptions . . . . . . . .38  
T
a
ble 28.
 
DivIEnReg register (address 03h); reset  
T
a
ble 59.
 
TxModeReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . 48  
T
a
ble 60.
 
RxModeReg register (address 13h); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
value: 00h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38  
T
a
ble 29.
 
DivIEnReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . .38  
T
a
ble 30.
 
ComIrqReg register (address 04h); reset  
value: 14h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39  
T
a
ble 61.
 
RxModeReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . 48  
T
a
ble 62.
 
TxControlReg register (address 14h); reset  
value: 80h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49  
T
a
ble 31.
 
ComIrqReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . .39  
T
a
ble 32.
 
DivIrqReg register (address 05h); reset value:  
x0h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40  
T
a
ble 63.
 
TxControlReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . 49  
T
a
ble 64.
 
TxASKReg register (address 15h); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50  
T
a
ble 33.
 
DivIrqReg register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . . .40  
T
a
ble 34.
 
ErrorReg register (address 06h); reset value:  
00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41  
T
a
ble 65.
 
TxASKReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . 50  
T
a
ble 66.
 
TxSelReg register (address 16h); reset  
value: 10h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50  
T
a
ble 35.
 
ErrorReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .41  
T
a
ble 36.
 
Status1Reg register (address 07h); reset  
value: 21h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41  
T
a
ble 67.
 
TxSelReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . 50  
T
a
ble 68.
 
RxSelReg register (address 17h); reset value:  
84h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
continued >>  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
96 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
T
a
ble 69.
 
RxSelReg register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . . .51  
T
a
ble 70.
 
RxThresholdReg register (address 18h); reset  
value: 84h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52  
T
a
ble 71.
 
RxThresholdReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . .52  
T
a
ble 72.
 
DemodReg register (address 19h); reset  
value: 4Dh bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52  
T
a
ble 73.
 
DemodReg register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . .52  
T
a
ble 74.
 
Reserved register (address 1Ah); reset value:  
00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
T
a
ble 75.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .53  
T
a
ble 76.
 
Reserved register (address 1Bh); reset value:  
00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
T
a
ble 77.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .53  
T
a
ble 78.
 
MfTxReg register (address 1Ch); reset value:  
62h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53  
T
a
ble 79.
 
MfTxReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .54  
T
a
ble 80.
 
MfRxReg register (address 1Dh); reset value:  
00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
T
a
ble 81.
 
MfRxReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .54  
T
a
ble 82.
 
TypeBReg register (address 1Eh); reset value:  
00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54  
T
a
ble 83.
 
TypeBReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . .54  
T
a
ble 84.
 
SerialSpeedReg register (address 1Fh); reset  
value: EBh bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55  
T
a
ble 103. CWGsPReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . 59  
T
a
ble 104. ModGsPReg register (address 29h); reset  
value: 20h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  
T
a
ble 105. ModGsPReg register bit descriptions . . . . . . . 59  
T
a
ble 106. TModeReg register (address 2Ah); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  
T
a
ble 107. TModeReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . 60  
T
a
ble 108. TPrescalerReg register (address 2Bh); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60  
T
a
ble 109. TPrescalerReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . 61  
T
a
ble 110. TReloadReg (higher bits) register (address  
2Ch); reset value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . 61  
T
a
ble 111. TReloadReg register higher bit descriptions . . 61  
T
a
ble 112. TReloadReg (lower bits) register (address  
2Dh); reset value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . 61  
T
a
ble 113. TReloadReg register lower bit descriptions
 
. . 61  
T
a
ble 114. TCounterValReg (higher bits) register  
(address 2Eh); reset value: xxh bit allocation
 
. 61  
T
a
ble 115. TCounterValReg register higher bit  
descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
T
a
ble 116. TCounterValReg (lower bits) register (address  
2Fh); reset value: xxh bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . 62  
T
a
ble 117. TCounterValReg register lower bit  
descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
T
a
ble 118. Reserved register (address 30h); reset value:  
00h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
T
a
ble 119. Reserved register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . 62  
T
a
ble 120.
T
e
stSel1Reg register (address 31h); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62  
T
a
ble 121.
T
e
stSel1Reg register bit descriptions . . . . . . . 62  
T
a
ble 122.
T
e
stSel2Reg register (address 32h); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
T
a
ble 123.
T
e
stSel2Reg register bit descriptions . . . . . . . 63  
T
a
ble 124.
T
e
stPinEnReg register (address 33h); reset  
value: 80h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
T
a
ble 125.
T
e
stPinEnReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . 63  
T
a
ble 126.
T
e
stPinValueReg register (address 34h);  
reset value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 64  
T
a
ble 127.
T
e
stPinValueReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . 64  
T
a
ble 128.
T
e
stBusReg register (address 35h); reset  
value: xxh bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64  
T
a
ble 129.
T
e
stBusReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . 64  
T
a
ble 130. Auto
T
e
stReg register (address 36h); reset  
value: 40h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64  
T
a
ble 131. Auto
T
e
stReg register bit descriptions . . . . . . . 65  
T
a
ble 132. VersionReg register (address 37h); reset  
value: xxh bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65  
T
a
ble 133. VersionReg register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . 65  
T
a
ble 134. Analog
T
e
stReg register (address 38h);  
reset value: 00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 65  
T
a
ble 135. Analog
T
e
stReg register bit descriptions . . . . . 66  
T
a
ble 85.
 
SerialSpeedReg register bit descriptions . . . . .55  
T
a
ble 86.
 
Reserved register (address 20h); reset value:  
00h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56  
T
a
ble 87.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .56  
T
a
ble 88.
 
CRCResultReg (higher bits) register (address  
21h); reset value: FFh bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . .56  
T
a
ble 89.
 
CRCResultReg register higher bit descriptions 56  
T
a
ble 90.
 
CRCResultReg (lower bits) register (address  
22h); reset value: FFh bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . .56  
T
a
ble 91.
 
CRCResultReg register lower bit descriptions .56  
T
a
ble 92.
 
Reserved register (address 23h); reset value:  
88h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57  
T
a
ble 93.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .57  
T
a
ble 94.
 
ModWidthReg register (address 24h); reset  
value: 26h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57  
T
a
ble 95.
 
ModWidthReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . .57  
T
a
ble 96.
 
Reserved register (address 25h); reset value:  
87h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57  
T
a
ble 97.
 
Reserved register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .57  
T
a
ble 98.
 
RFCfgReg register (address 26h); reset value:  
48h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
T
a
ble 99.
 
RFCfgReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . .58  
T
a
ble 100. GsNReg register (address 27h); reset value:  
88h bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58  
T
a
ble 101. GsNReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . . .58  
T
a
ble 102. CWGsPReg register (address 28h); reset  
value: 20h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59  
continued >>  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
97 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
T
a
ble 136.
T
e
stDAC1Reg register (address 39h); reset  
value: xxh bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67  
T
a
ble 137.
T
e
stDAC1Reg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . .67  
T
a
ble 138.
T
e
stDAC2Reg register (address 3Ah); reset  
value: xxh bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67  
T
a
ble 139.
T
e
stDAC2Reg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . .67  
T
a
ble 140.
T
e
stADCReg register (address 3Bh); reset  
value: xxh bit allocation
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67  
T
a
ble 141.
T
e
stADCReg register bit descriptions
 
. . . . . . .67  
T
a
ble 142. Reserved register (address 3Ch); reset  
value: FFh bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68  
T
a
ble 143. Reserved register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . . .68  
T
a
ble 144. Reserved register (address 3Dh); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68  
T
a
ble 145. Reserved register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . . .68  
T
a
ble 146. Reserved register (address 3Eh); reset  
value: 03h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68  
T
a
ble 147. Reserved register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . . .68  
T
a
ble 148. Reserved register (address 3Fh); reset  
value: 00h bit allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68  
T
a
ble 149. Reserved register bit descriptions . . . . . . . . . .68  
T
a
ble 150. Command overview
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69  
T
a
ble 151. Limiting values
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73  
T
a
ble 152. Operating conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74  
T
a
ble 153. Thermal characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74  
T
a
ble 154. Characteristics
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74  
T
a
ble 155. SPI timing characteristics
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78  
T
a
ble 156. I

2

C-bus timing in Fast mode
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .79  
T
a
ble 157.
T
e
st bus signals:
T
e
stBusSel[4:0] = 07h
 
. . . . .82  
T
a
ble 158.
T
e
st bus signals:
T
e
stBusSel[4:0] = 0Dh . . . . .83  
T
a
ble 159.
T
e
st signal descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83  
T
a
ble 160. Abbreviations
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91  
T
a
ble 161. Revision history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
98 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
28. Figures  
Fig 1.
 
Simplified block diagram of the MFRC523. . . . . . .4  
Fig 2.
 
Detailed block diagram of the MFRC52
3
. . . . . . . .5  
Fig 3.
 
Pinning configuration HVQFN32 (SOT617-1) . . . .6  
Fig 4.
 
MFRC523 Read/Write mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8  
Fig 5.
 
ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE Read/Write mode  
communication diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8  
Fig 6.
 
Data coding and framing according to  
ISO/IEC 14443 A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9  
Fig 7.
 
SPI connection to hos
t
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10  
Fig 8.
 
UART connection to microcontrollers
 
. . . . . . . . .12  
Fig 9.
 
UART read data timing diagram
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . .14  
Fig 10.
 
UART write data timing diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . .15  
Fig 11.
 
I

2

C-bus interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16  
Fig 12.
 
Bit transfer on the I

2

C-bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17  
Fig 13.
 
START and STOP conditions
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17  
Fig 14.
 
Acknowledge on the I

2

C-bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18  
Fig 15.
 
Data transfer on the I

2

C-bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18  
Fig 16.
 
First byte following the START procedure . . . . . .19  
Fig 17.
 
Register read and write access . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20  
Fig 18.
 
I

2

C-bus HS mode protocol switch . . . . . . . . . . . .21  
Fig 19.
 
I

2

C-bus HS mode protocol frame. . . . . . . . . . . . .22  
Fig 20.
 
Serial data switch for TX1 and TX2 . . . . . . . . . . .25  
Fig 21.
 
Overview of MFIN and MFOUT signal routin
g
. . .26  
Fig 22.
 
Quartz crystal connection
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31  
Fig 23.
 
Oscillator start-up tim
e
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
2  
Fig 24.
 
Pin RX input voltage range
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78  
Fig 25.
 
Timing diagram for SPI
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80  
Fig 26.
 
Timing for Fast and Standard mode devices  
on the I

2

C-bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80  
Fig 27.
 
Typical application diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81  
Fig 28.
 
Output test signals
T
e
stDAC1 on pin AUX1 and  
T
e
stDAC2 on pin AUX2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84  
Fig 29.
 
Output test signals Corr1 on pin AUX1 and  
MinLevel on pin AUX2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84  
Fig 30.
 
Output ADC I-channel on pin AUX1 and ADC  
Q-channel on pin AUX
2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
85  
Fig 31.
 
Output RxActive on pin AUX1 and TxActive  
on pin AUX2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86  
Fig 32.
 
Received data stream on pins AUX1 and AUX2 .86  
Fig 33.
 
Package outline SOT617-1 (HVQFN32) . . . . . . .88  
Fig 34.
 
Packing information 1 tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89  
Fig 35.
 
Packing information 5 trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
99 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
29. Contents  
1
1.1  
2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
1  
8.6.1  
8.7  
8.8  
8.8.1  
8.8.2  
8.8.3  
8.9  
8.10  
8.10.1  
8.10.2  
Interrupt sources overvie
w
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
28  
Timer unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
29  
Power reduction modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
30  
Hard power-down. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
30  
Soft power-down mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
30  
Transmitter Power-down mode . . . . . . . . . . .
 
31  
Oscillator circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
31  
Reset and oscillator start-up time
 
. . . . . . . . .
 
31  
Reset timing requirement
s
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
3
1  
Oscillator start-up tim
e
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
3
1  
Different available versions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
1  
General descriptio
n
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
1  
Features and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
2  
Quick reference data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
2  
Ordering informatio
n
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
3  
Block diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
4  
Pinning informatio
n
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
6  
Pin description
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
6  
3
4
5
6
7
7.1  
9
9.1  
9.1.1  
9.2  
MFRC523 registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
32  
Register bit behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
32  
MFRC523 register overview
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
34  
Register descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
37  
Page 0: Command and status . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
37  
Reserved register 00h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
37  
CommandReg registe
r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
3
7  
ComIEnReg register
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
38  
DivIEnReg registe
r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
3
8  
ComIrqReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
39  
DivIrqReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
40  
ErrorReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
41  
Status1Reg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
41  
Status2Reg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
42  
8
8.1  
8.2  
8.3  
8.3.1  
8.3.2  
Functional description
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
8  
ISO/IEC 14443 A functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
8  
ISO/IEC 14443 B functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
9  
Digital interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
9  
Automatic microcontroller interface detection. .
 
9  
Serial Peripheral Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
10  
SPI read data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
10  
SPI write data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
11  
SPI Read and Write address byte
 
. . . . . . . . .
 
11  
UART interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
12  
Connection to a host. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
12  
Selectable UART transfer speeds
 
. . . . . . . . .
 
12  
UART framin
g
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
1
3  
I

2

C Bus Interface
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
16  
Data validity
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
17  
START and STOP conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
17  
Byte format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
17  
Acknowledge .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
18  
7-Bit addressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
19  
Register write access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
19  
Register read access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
20  
High-speed mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
21  
High-speed transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
21  
9.2.1  
9.2.1.1  
9.2.1.2  
9.2.1.3  
9.2.1.4  
9.2.1.5  
9.2.1.6  
9.2.1.7  
9.2.1.8  
9.2.1.9  
8.3.2.1  
8.3.2.2  
8.3.2.3  
8.3.3  
8.3.3.1  
8.3.3.2  
8.3.3.3  
8.3.4  
8.3.4.1  
8.3.4.2  
8.3.4.3  
8.3.4.4  
8.3.4.5  
8.3.4.6  
8.3.4.7  
8.3.4.8  
8.3.4.9  
9.2.1.10 FIFODataReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
43  
9.2.1.11 FIFOLevelReg
 
register. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
43  
9.2.1.12 WaterLevelReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
44  
9.2.1.13 ControlReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
44  
9.2.1.14 BitFramingReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
45  
9.2.1.15 CollReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
45  
9.2.1.16 Reserved
 
register 0Fh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
46  
9.2.2  
Page 1: Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
46  
Reserved register 10h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
46  
ModeReg register
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
47  
TxModeReg register
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
48  
RxModeReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
48  
TxControlReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
49  
TxASKReg register
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
50  
TxSelReg register
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
50  
RxSelReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
51  
RxThresholdReg registe
r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
5
2  
9.2.2.1  
9.2.2.2  
9.2.2.3  
9.2.2.4  
9.2.2.5  
9.2.2.6  
9.2.2.7  
9.2.2.8  
9.2.2.9  
8.3.4.10 Serial
 
data transfer format in HS mode
 
. . . . .
 
21  
8.3.4.11 Switching
 
between F/S mode and HS mode .
 
22  
8.3.4.12 MFRC523
 
in lower speed modes . . . . . . . . . .
 
22  
8.4  
Analog interface and contactless UAR
T
. . . . .
 
2
3  
Genera
l
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
2
3  
TX p-driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
23  
Serial data switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
25  
MFIN and MFOUT interface support
 
. . . . . . .
 
25  
CRC coprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
27  
FIFO buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
27  
Accessing the FIFO buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
27  
Controlling the FIFO buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
27  
FIFO buffer status information . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
27  
Interrupt request syste
m
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
2
8  
8.4.1  
8.4.2  
8.4.3  
8.4.4  
8.4.5  
8.5  
8.5.1  
8.5.2  
8.5.3  
8.6  
9.2.2.10 DemodReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
52  
9.2.2.11 Reserved
 
register 1Ah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
53  
9.2.2.12 Reserved
 
register 1Bh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
53  
9.2.2.13 MfTxReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
53  
9.2.2.14 MfRxReg
 
registe
r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
5
4  
9.2.2.15 TypeBReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
54  
9.2.2.16 SerialSpeedReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
55  
continued >>  
MFRC523  
All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V. 2015. All rights reserved.  
Product data sheet  
COMPANY PUBLIC  
Rev. 4.1 — 6 May 2015  
115241  
100 of 101  

MFRC523  
NXP Semiconductors  
Standard 3V ISO/IEC 14443 A/B reader solution  
9.2.3  
Page 2: Configuratio
n
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
5
6  
17  
Test information
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
82  
9.2.3.1  
9.2.3.2  
9.2.3.3  
9.2.3.4  
9.2.3.5  
9.2.3.6  
9.2.3.7  
9.2.3.8  
9.2.3.9  
Reserved register 20h
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
56  
CRCResultReg registers
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
56  
Reserved register 23h
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
57  
ModWidthReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
57  
Reserved register 25h
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
57  
RFCfgReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
58  
GsNReg registe
r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
5
8  
CWGsPReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
59  
ModGsPReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
59  
17.1  
T
e
st signals
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
82  
Self-test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
82  
T
e
st bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
82  
T
e
st signals on pins AUX1 or AUX2. . . . . . . .
 
83  
17.1.1  
17.1.2  
17.1.3  
17.1.3.1 Example:
 
Output test signals
T
e
stDAC1 and  
T
e
stDAC2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
83  
17.1.3.2 Example:
 
Output test signals Corr1 and  
MinLevel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
84  
17.1.3.3 Example:
 
Output test signals ADC I-channel  
and ADC Q-channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
85  
17.1.3.4 Example:
 
Output test signals RxActive and  
TxActive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
85  
17.1.3.5 Example:
 
Output test signal RX data stream .
 
86  
17.1.3.6 Pseudo-Random
 
Binary Sequences (PRBS).
 
87  
9.2.3.10 TModeReg
 
and TPrescalerReg registers . . . .
 
59  
9.2.3.11 TReloadReg
 
register .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
61  
9.2.3.12 TCounterValReg
 
register .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
61  
9.2.4  
Page 3:
T
e
st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
62  
Reserved register 30h
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
62  
T
e
stSel1Reg register
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
62  
T
e
stSel2Reg register
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
63  
T
e
stPinEnReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
63  
T
e
stPinValueReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
64  
T
e
stBusReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
64  
Auto
T
e
stReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
64  
VersionReg register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
65  
Analog
T
e
stReg register
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
65  
9.2.4.1  
9.2.4.2  
9.2.4.3  
9.2.4.4  
9.2.4.5  
9.2.4.6  
9.2.4.7  
9.2.4.8  
9.2.4.9  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
Package outline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
88  
Handling information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
89  
Packing information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
89  
Abbreviations .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
91  
Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
91  
References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
91  
Revision history
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
92  
9.2.4.10
T
e
stDAC1Reg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
67  
9.2.4.11
T
e
stDAC2Reg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
67  
9.2.4.12
T
e
stADCReg
 
register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
67  
9.2.4.13 Reserved
 
register 3Ch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
68  
25  
Legal information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
94  
Data sheet status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
94  
Definitions .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
94  
Disclaimers .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
94  
Licenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
95  
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
95  
25.1  
25.2  
25.3  
25.4  
25.5  
10  
MFRC523 command set
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
69  
General description
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
69  
General behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
69  
MFRC523 command overview . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
69  
MFRC523 command descriptions
 
. . . . . . . . .
 
70  
10.1  
10.2  
10.3  
10.3.1  
26  
27  
28  
29  
Contact information
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
95  
Table
s
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
9
6  
Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
99  
Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
100  
10.3.1.1 Idle
 
mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
70  
10.3.1.2 Mem
 
comman
d
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
7
0  
10.3.1.3 Generate
 
RandomID .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
70  
10.3.1.4 CalcCRC
 
command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
70  
10.3.1.5 Transmit
 
comman
d
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
7
0  
10.3.1.6 NoCmdChange
 
command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
71  
10.3.1.7 Receive
 
command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
71  
10.3.1.8 Transceive
 
command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
71  
10.3.1.9 MFAuthent
 
command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
71  
10.3.1.10 SoftReset
 
command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
72  
11  
Errata sheet
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
72  
Limiting values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
73  
Recommended operating conditions. . . . . . .
 
74  
Thermal characteristics
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
74  
Characteristic
s
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
7
4  
Timing characteristic
s
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
7
8  
Application information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
81  
12  
13  
14  
15  
15.1  
16  
Please be aware that important notices concerning this document and the product(s)  
described herein, have been included in section ‘Legal information’.  
© NXP Semiconductors N.V.
 
2015.  
All rights reserved.  
For sales office addresses, please send an email to: salesaddresses@nxp.com  
Date of release: 6 May 2015  
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