NFCTexas Instruments

TRF7970A

The Texas Instruments TRF7970A is an reader IC, with N/A (reader/writer IC, not a tag), operating at 13.56 MHz, under ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443B, ISO/IEC 15693, FeliCa NFC Forum Tag Types 1-5.

Integrated NFC reader/writer IC supporting multiple protocols including ISO14443A/B, ISO15693, and FeliCa

Official Datasheet ↗
Frequency
13.56 MHz
Protocol
ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443B, ISO/IEC 15693, FeliCa, NFC Forum Tag Types 1-5
Memory
N/A (reader/writer IC, not a tag)
Interface
SPI, Parallel (8-bit/16-bit), I2C-like serial
Temp Range
-40°C to +85°C
Form Factor
VQFN-32 (RGE), HTQFP-32 (PAP)

Full Specifications

ManufacturerTexas Instruments
Frequency CategoryNFC
Frequency13.56 MHz
ProtocolISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443B, ISO/IEC 15693, FeliCa, NFC Forum Tag Types 1-5
MemoryN/A (reader/writer IC, not a tag)
InterfaceSPI, Parallel (8-bit/16-bit), I2C-like serial
Temperature Range-40°C to +85°C
Form FactorVQFN-32 (RGE), HTQFP-32 (PAP)
SecurityHardware support for CRC, parity checking, framing per ISO14443 and ISO15693

Engineering Brief

The TRF7970A is a fully integrated 13.56 MHz NFC/RFID reader/writer transceiver IC from Texas Instruments. It supports multiple air interface protocols including ISO14443A/B, ISO15693, FeliCa, and all five NFC Forum tag types, making it highly versatile for contactless applications. The device features a flexible digital interface (SPI, parallel, or serial) and includes integrated transmit drivers, receiver circuits, and protocol handling to minimize external component count. Operating across an industrial temperature range, it's designed for building complete NFC reader systems in payment, access control, and data exchange applications.

Typical Applications

Standards & Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What protocols does the TRF7970A NFC reader IC support?

The TRF7970A supports ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443B, ISO/IEC 15693, FeliCa, and all five NFC Forum Tag Types (1-5). This multi-protocol capability makes it versatile for reading various contactless cards and tags in a single design.

What communication interfaces does the TRF7970A support?

The TRF7970A offers three flexible digital interface options: SPI, parallel (8-bit or 16-bit), and I2C-like serial. This allows designers to choose the interface that best fits their microcontroller or system architecture.

Is the TRF7970A a reader or a tag chip?

The TRF7970A is a reader/writer transceiver IC, not a tag. It is used to build NFC reader devices that communicate with passive NFC tags, cards, and other contactless devices operating at 13.56 MHz.

Does the TRF7970A include integrated antenna drivers?

Yes, the TRF7970A features integrated transmit drivers and receiver circuits, minimizing the need for external components. Designers only need to add an antenna matching network and a few passive components to create a complete reader system.

What security features does the TRF7970A provide?

The TRF7970A includes hardware support for CRC calculation, parity checking, and framing per ISO14443 and ISO15693 standards. These features ensure data integrity but higher-level encryption must be implemented in the host application.

What are typical applications for the TRF7970A reader IC?

The TRF7970A is designed for contactless payment terminals, access control readers, data exchange applications, and industrial NFC systems. Its multi-protocol support makes it ideal for applications requiring compatibility with various card and tag types.

Explore

Sourcing Texas Instruments TRF7970A in volume?

Roxtron builds custom RFID and NFC products around the TRF7970A — smart cards, labels, wristbands, key fobs and industrial tags. Tell us your project and we'll come back within 24 hours with pricing and lead times.

Get a quote

Similar Chips