PN532 NFC/RFID V3 Reader-Writer Module Kit

13.56MHz NFC/RFID reader-writer with I2C/SPI/UART interfaces and card+tag; reads/writes Mifare cards and talks to NFC phones.

₹430 + 18% GST

SKU: BOTBIT-IOT-13 · Best for: NFC/RFID access control and door locks

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Overview

About PN532 NFC/RFID V3 Reader-Writer Module Kit.

The PN532 NFC/RFID V3 module is a 13.56MHz reader-writer built on NXP's PN532 controller, one of the most capable and widely used NFC chips available to makers. It reads and writes Mifare Classic and Ultralight cards, works with ISO14443 Type A/B tags, supports NFC peer-to-peer, and can even emulate a card, all controllable over three selectable host interfaces: I2C, SPI or HSU (UART).

This V3 board is popular in India for access control, attendance, payment simulation and phone-to-device NFC projects because it is flexible and well supported by Arduino/ESP libraries. A DIP switch on the board selects the interface mode, and it typically ships as a kit with a Mifare card and a keyfob tag so you can start experimenting immediately.

Compared to cheap 125kHz EM4100 or the RC522 reader, the PN532 works at the modern 13.56MHz NFC frequency, can talk to NFC-enabled smartphones, and offers more protocol coverage. It runs at 3.3V logic and is the go-to choice when you need real NFC rather than just basic Mifare tag reading.

Key features

Why it stands out.

NXP PN532 13.56MHz NFC/RFID reader-writer controller

Three selectable host interfaces: I2C, SPI and HSU/UART (DIP-switch selectable)

Reads and writes Mifare Classic 1K/4K and Ultralight cards (ISO14443A/B)

NFC peer-to-peer and card emulation modes supported

Communicates with NFC-enabled smartphones

Usually supplied as a kit with a Mifare card and keyfob tag

Specifications

Selection facts.

Controller	NXP PN532 (V3 board)
Operating frequency	13.56 MHz
Standards	ISO14443 Type A/B, Mifare, FeliCa, NFC (ISO/IEC 18092)
Host interfaces	I2C, SPI, HSU/UART (DIP-switch selectable)
Read/write range	Typically up to ~5-7 cm
Supply voltage	3.3 V (VCC 3.3-5 V input on most boards)
Logic level	3.3 V
Modes	Reader/writer, peer-to-peer, card emulation
Supported cards	Mifare Classic 1K/4K, Ultralight, NTAG

Applications

Where it is used.

NFC/RFID access control and door locks
Attendance and time-tracking systems with Mifare cards
Contactless payment and ticketing prototypes
Phone-to-device NFC data exchange and tap-to-pair
Writing and cloning Mifare/NTAG tags for automation
Smart posters, inventory tags and asset identification

Buying guide

How to choose.

Choose the PN532 over an RC522 or 125kHz reader when you need genuine 13.56MHz NFC: talking to smartphones, peer-to-peer, card emulation, or broad ISO14443 support. If you only ever read basic Mifare UIDs on a budget, an RC522 may suffice, but the PN532 is far more versatile.

Set the on-board DIP switch for the interface you want: I2C is simplest for wiring, SPI is fastest, and HSU/UART is handy on boards short of pins. It uses 3.3V logic, so pair it with a 3.3V MCU (ESP32, STM32) directly, or level-shift on a 5V Arduino. Confirm which mode your chosen library expects.

Use Adafruit's PN532 library (or Seeed's) for Arduino/ESP32; both cover I2C, SPI and UART. The kit's bundled card and keyfob let you test reading and writing immediately, so it is a strong all-round starter for NFC projects.

FAQ

Common questions.

Which interface should I choose: I2C, SPI or UART?

Set the DIP switch to match. I2C needs only two data lines and is easiest to wire; SPI is the fastest; HSU/UART is useful when I2C/SPI pins are scarce. Pick the one your chosen library and available MCU pins favour.

Is it 3.3V or 5V, and can I use it with an Arduino Uno?

The PN532 logic is 3.3V. Many boards accept 3.3-5V on VCC, but the data lines are 3.3V, so on a 5V Arduino you should level-shift (or use a 3.3V board like ESP32/STM32). Always share a common ground.

Can it read and write my phone or Mifare cards?

Yes. It reads/writes Mifare Classic and Ultralight/NTAG tags and can communicate with NFC-enabled smartphones, including peer-to-peer and card-emulation modes, depending on your firmware and library support.

Which library works with Arduino or ESP32?

The Adafruit PN532 library is the standard choice and supports I2C, SPI and UART; Seeed Studio also provides a library. Both include examples for reading UIDs and writing Mifare blocks.

What is the read range?

Typically up to about 5-7 cm with the on-board antenna, depending on the card/tag type and orientation. NFC is intentionally short range for security.

What comes in the kit?

The PN532 V3 module, and usually a Mifare Classic card plus a keyfob tag so you can start reading and writing right away. Jumper wires may or may not be included depending on the seller.