Many products need to recognise a card, a badge or a smartphone held close to the device: access control, a machine that only unlocks for an authorised operator, a vending machine, an item to track through production.
In this project we combined an STM32 microcontroller from STMicroelectronics with NXP's PN7150, a complete NFC controller with built-in firmware. The STM32 runs the application logic and the PN7150 handles all of the radio-frequency side: the result is a compact, low-power NFC reader that is easy to integrate into the customer's board.
In short: we deliver the STM32 firmware that drives the PN7150 and hands your application simple data (card UID, NDEF content, card-present events), already tested on the real hardware.
The PN7150 is an NXP NFC controller that integrates the RF front end and internal firmware compliant with the NFC Forum NCI (NFC Controller Interface) standard. The microcontroller does not have to generate the 13.56 MHz signal: it sends commands and receives responses and notifications over an I²C bus.
The hardware is simple: a few connections between the STM32 and the PN7150, plus the antenna and its matching network. The firmware is layered, so your application does not need to know the details of the NCI protocol.
The same firmware base fits very different products: what changes is the application logic and the type of card to read.
Opening doors, cabinets and gates with a badge or smartphone, with a list of authorised users.
A machine or tool only starts with the operator's card, and every use is logged.
NFC tags on products, batches or tools to follow them through production and the warehouse.
The device receives settings or shows its status when you hold a phone near it, with no display or buttons.
Reading contactless cards and tickets for vending machines, gates and pay-per-use services.
Quick pairing of new devices and proximity commands at home and in buildings.
Whether you start from an idea or from an existing board, the path is the same: a few clear phases, each with a start and an end.
Organise your ideas in a simple, complete outline: which cards to read, what should happen, what the priorities are.
Even if you plan future developments, break the project into small pieces: for example UID reading first, then NDEF and card emulation.
Once your ideas are clear, write to us: we review the board, pick the right STM32 and propose times and costs for each phase.
Already have hardware? We can develop the firmware on your board with STM32 and PN7150, or design the electronics and antenna ourselves. See also STM32 firmware developers and Examples and applications.
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