HF 13.56 MHzTexas Instruments

TRF7960A

The Texas Instruments TRF7960A is an reader IC, with 12-byte FIFO register (transceiver IC, not tag memory), operating at 13.56 MHz, under ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3, ISO/IEC 14443-A, ISO/IEC 14443-B, FeliCa NFC Forum Tag Types 1-5.

Multi-standard HF RFID reader IC supporting ISO/IEC 14443 A/B, 15693 and Tag-it for low-power readers.

Official Datasheet ↗
Frequency
13.56 MHz
Protocol
ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3, ISO/IEC 14443-A, ISO/IEC 14443-B, FeliCa, NFC Forum Tag Types 1-5
Memory
12-byte FIFO register (transceiver IC, not tag memory)
Interface
SPI (3-wire/4-wire with SS), Parallel (8-bit), RF analog front-end (13.56 MHz)
Temp Range
-40°C to +110°C
Form Factor
32-pin VQFN (RHB), 5 mm × 5 mm

Full Specifications

ManufacturerTexas Instruments
Frequency CategoryHF 13.56 MHz
Frequency13.56 MHz
ProtocolISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3, ISO/IEC 14443-A, ISO/IEC 14443-B, FeliCa, NFC Forum Tag Types 1-5
Memory12-byte FIFO register (transceiver IC, not tag memory)
InterfaceSPI (3-wire/4-wire with SS), Parallel (8-bit), RF analog front-end (13.56 MHz)
Temperature Range-40°C to +110°C
Form Factor32-pin VQFN (RHB), 5 mm × 5 mm
SecurityNot applicable (reader IC, not tag; security features depend on tag implementation)

Engineering Brief

The TRF7960A is a fully integrated 13.56 MHz RFID reader/writer IC supporting multiple protocols including ISO/IEC 14443 A/B, ISO/IEC 15693, FeliCa, and NFC Forum tag types 1-5. It features programmable output power (+20 dBm or +23 dBm at 5 V), dual receiver architecture with RSSI for robust communication, and operates from 2.7 to 5.5 V. The chip includes built-in protocol handling, on-board encoders/decoders, configurable modulation depth (7%-30% ASK or OOK), and supports both SPI and parallel MCU interfaces with programmable I/O levels (1.8-5.5 V). Ultra-low power modes (<0.5 µA in power-down) make it suitable for battery-powered applications.

Typical Applications

Standards & Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What protocols does the TRF7960A support?

The TRF7960A supports ISO/IEC 14443 Type A and B, ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3, FeliCa, and all NFC Forum tag types 1 through 5. It is a multi-standard 13.56 MHz reader IC designed for broad RFID and NFC compatibility.

What is the output power range of the TRF7960A?

The TRF7960A provides programmable output power of either +20 dBm or +23 dBm when operating at 5V supply voltage. This adjustable power enables optimization for read range and power consumption based on application requirements.

What interfaces does the TRF7960A use to connect to a microcontroller?

The TRF7960A offers both SPI (3-wire or 4-wire with slave select) and 8-bit parallel interfaces for microcontroller communication. It features programmable I/O voltage levels from 1.8V to 5.5V for flexible integration with different MCU families.

What is the operating voltage range of the TRF7960A?

The TRF7960A operates from 2.7V to 5.5V, making it suitable for both 3.3V and 5V systems. It also features ultra-low power consumption with less than 0.5 µA in power-down mode for battery-powered applications.

Does the TRF7960A include built-in protocol handling?

Yes, the TRF7960A includes on-board encoders, decoders, and built-in protocol handling for supported standards. It features a dual receiver architecture with RSSI and configurable modulation depth (7%-30% ASK or OOK) for robust communication.

Can the TRF7960A be used for NFC peer-to-peer communication?

The TRF7960A is primarily a reader/writer IC supporting NFC Forum tag types 1-5 in reader mode. While it supports the underlying protocols, it is optimized for tag reading and writing operations rather than NFC peer-to-peer or card emulation modes.

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