Texas Instruments TRF7960A User manual

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An IMPORTANT NOTICE at the end of this data sheet addresses availability, warranty, changes, use in safety-critical applications,
intellectual property matters and other important disclaimers. PRODUCTION DATA.
TRF7960A
SLOS732G –JUNE 2011–REVISED MARCH 2020
TRF7960A Multiprotocol Fully Integrated 13.56-MHz RFID Reader/Writer IC
1 Device Overview
1
1.1 Features
1
• Completely Integrated Protocol Handling for
ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3,
ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443B, NFC Forum
Device Types 2 to 5, and FeliCa™
• Input Voltage Range: 2.7 VDC to 5.5 VDC
• Programmable Output Power:
+20 dBm (100 mW) or +23 dBm (200 mW)
• Programmable I/O Voltage Levels:
1.8 VDC to 5.5 VDC
• Programmable System Clock Frequency Output
(RF, RF/2, RF/4)
• Programmable Modulation Depth
• Dual Receiver Architecture With RSSI for
Elimination of "Read Holes" and Adjacent Reader
System or Ambient In-Band Noise Detection
• Programmable Power Modes for Ultra-Low-Power
System Design (Power Down <0.5 µA)
• Parallel or SPI Interface
• Integrated Voltage Regulator for Microcontroller
Supply
• Temperature Range: –40°C to 110°C
• 32-Pin QFN Package (5 mm × 5 mm) (RHB)
1.2 Applications
• Secure Access Control
• Product Authentication
• Digital Door Locks
• Public Transport or Event Ticketing
• Medical Systems
• Remote Sensor Applications
1.3 Description
The TRF7960A device is an integrated analog front-end (AFE) and multiprotocol data-framing device for a
13.56-MHz RFID reader/writer system that supports ISO/IEC 14443 A and B, Sony FeliCa, and
ISO/IEC 15693. Built-in programming options make it suitable for a wide range of applications for
proximity and vicinity identification systems.
The reader is configured by selecting the desired protocol in the control registers. Direct access to all
control registers allows fine tuning of various reader parameters as needed.
The TRF7960A device supports data rates up to 848 kbps with all framing and synchronization tasks for
the ISO protocols onboard. The device also supports reader/writer mode for NFC Forum tag types 1, 2, 3,
4, and 5. NFC Forum tag types 2, 3, 4, and 5 are supported with the built-in protocol decoders used in
Direct Mode 2. NFC Forum tag type 1 requires the use of Direct Mode 0. Other standards and custom
protocols can also be implemented by using Direct Mode 0. Direct Mode 0 lets the user fully control the
AFE and also gain access to the raw subcarrier data or the unframed, but already ISO-formatted, data and
the associated (extracted) clock signal.
The receiver system has a dual-input receiver architecture to maximize communication robustness. The
receivers also include various automatic and manual gain control options. The received signal strength
from transponders, ambient sources, or internal levels is available in the RSSI register.
A SPI or parallel interface can be used for the communication between the MCU and the TRF7960A
reader. When the built-in hardware encoders and decoders are used, transmit and receive functions use a
12-byte FIFO register. For direct transmit or receive functions, the encoders or decoders can be bypassed
so the MCU can process the data in real time.
The TRF7960A device supports a wide supply voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V and data communication
levels from 1.8 V to 5.5 V for the MCU I/O interface.
The transmitter has selectable output power levels of 100 mW (+20 dBm) or 200 mW (+23 dBm)
equivalent into a 50-Ωload when using a 5-V supply and supports OOK and ASK modulation with
selectable modulation depth.

TRF796xA MCU
(MSP430 or ARM)
Matching
VDD_X VDD_I/O
TX_OUT
RX_IN 1
RX_IN 2
VSS VIN
Parallel
or SPI
Supply
2.7 V to 5.5 V
VDD
VDD
Crystal
13.56 MHz
XIN
Copyright © 2017, Texas Instruments Incorporated
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Device Overview Copyright © 2011–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
The built-in programmable auxiliary voltage regulator delivers up to 20 mA to supply an MCU and
additional external circuits within the reader system.
To evaluate the latest products in the TRF79xx product family – TRF7970A and TRF7964A – see the NFC
Transceiver Booster Pack.
Documentation,Tools, Reference Designs, and Software,Samples
(1) For more information, see Section 9,Mechanical Packaging and Orderable Information.
Device Information(1)
PART NUMBER PACKAGE BODY SIZE
TRF7960ARHB VQFN (32) 5 mm × 5 mm
1.4 Application Block Diagram
Figure 1-1 shows a typical application block diagram.
Figure 1-1. Application Block Diagram

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Table of ContentsCopyright © 2011–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Table of Contents
1 Device Overview ......................................... 1
1.1 Features .............................................. 1
1.2 Applications........................................... 1
1.3 Description............................................ 1
1.4 Application Block Diagram ........................... 2
2 Revision History ......................................... 4
3 Device Characteristics.................................. 5
3.1 Related Products ..................................... 5
4 Terminal Configuration and Functions.............. 6
4.1 Pin Diagrams ......................................... 6
4.2 Signal Descriptions................................... 6
5 Specifications ............................................ 8
5.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings .......................... 8
5.2 ESD Ratings.......................................... 8
5.3 Recommended Operating Conditions................ 8
5.4 Electrical Characteristics ............................. 9
5.5 Thermal Resistance Characteristics ................ 10
5.6 Switching Characteristics ........................... 10
6 Detailed Description ................................... 11
6.1 Functional Block Diagram........................... 11
6.2 Power Supplies ..................................... 11
6.3 Supply Arrangements ............................... 12
6.4 Supply Regulator Settings .......................... 13
6.5 Power Modes ....................................... 14
6.6 Receiver – Analog Section.......................... 17
6.7 Receiver – Digital Section........................... 18
6.8 Oscillator Section ................................... 21
6.9 Transmitter - Analog Section........................ 22
6.10 Transmitter - Digital Section ........................ 22
6.11 Transmitter – External Power Amplifier or
Subcarrier Detector ................................. 23
6.12 Communication Interface............................ 23
6.13 Direct Commands from MCU to Reader ............ 42
6.14 Register Description................................. 45
7 Applications, Implementation, and Layout........ 62
7.1 TRF7960A Reader System Using SPI With SS
Mode ................................................ 62
7.2 System Design ...................................... 63
8 Device and Documentation Support ............... 65
8.1 Getting Started and Next Steps..................... 65
8.2 Device Nomenclature ............................... 65
8.3 Tools and Software ................................. 66
8.4 Documentation Support............................. 66
8.5 Support Resources.................................. 66
8.6 Trademarks.......................................... 66
8.7 Electrostatic Discharge Caution..................... 67
8.8 Export Control Notice ............................... 67
8.9 Glossary............................................. 67
9 Mechanical, Packaging, and Orderable
Information .............................................. 68

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Revision History Copyright © 2011–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
2 Revision History
NOTE: Page numbers for previous revisions may differ from page numbers in the current version.
Changes from May 18, 2017 to March 11, 2020 Page
• Removed references to obsolete EVMs .......................................................................................... 2
• Corrected typo (changed "...and 3.4 V for VDD_A and VDD_A" to "...and 3.4 V for VDD_A and VDD_X") in
Section 6.3,Supply Arrangements................................................................................................ 13

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Device CharacteristicsCopyright © 2011–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
3 Device Characteristics
Table 3-1 lists the supported protocols.
Table 3-1. Supported Protocols
DEVICE ISO/IEC 14443 A AND B ISO/IEC 15693 ISO/IEC 18000-3
MODE 1 NFC Forum TYPES 1 TO 5
106 kbps 212 kbps 424 kbps 848 kbps
TRF7960A ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
3.1 Related Products
For information about other devices in this family of products or related products, see the following links.
Products for TI Wireless Connectivity Connect more with the industry’s broadest wireless connectivity
portfolio.
Products for NFC / RFID TI provides one of the industry’s most differentiated NFC and RFID product
portfolios and is your solution to meet a broad range of NFC connectivity and RFID
identification needs.
Companion Products for TRF7960A Review products that are frequently purchased or used with this
product.
Reference Designs for TRF7960A The TI Designs Reference Design Library is a robust reference
design library that spans analog, embedded processor, and connectivity. Created by TI
experts to help you jump start your system design, all TI Designs include schematic or block
diagrams, BOMs, and design files to speed your time to market. Search and download
designs at ti.com/tidesigns.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I/O_6
I/O_5
I/O_4
I/O_3
I/O_2
I/O_1
I/O_0
I/O_7
VIN
VDD_RF
VDD_PA
TX_OUT
VSS_PA
VSS_RX
RX_IN1
VDD_A
OSC_IN
OSC_OUT
VSS_D
EN
SYS_CLK
DATA_CLK
EN2
VDD_X
VSS
BG
ASK/OOK
IRQ
MOD
VSS_A
VDD_I/O
RX_IN2
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
9 10 11 13 1412 15 16
32 31 30 28 2729 26 25
Thermal Pad
(connect to ground)
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Terminal Configuration and Functions Copyright © 2011–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
(1) SUP = Supply, INP = Input, BID = Bidirectional, OUT = Output
4 Terminal Configuration and Functions
4.1 Pin Diagrams
Figure 4-1 shows the pinout for the 32-pin RHB package.
Figure 4-1. 32-Pin RHB Package (Top View)
4.2 Signal Descriptions
Table 4-1 describes the signals.
Table 4-1. Signal Descriptions
TERMINAL TYPE (1) DESCRIPTION
NO. NAME
1 VDD_A OUT Internal regulated supply (2.7 V to 3.4 V) for analog circuitry
2 VIN SUP External supply input to chip (2.7 V to 5.5 V)
3 VDD_RF OUT Internal regulated supply (2.7 V to 5 V); normally connected to VDD_PA (pin 4)
4 VDD_PA INP Supply for PA; normally connected externally to VDD_RF (pin 3)
5 TX_OUT OUT RF output (selectable output power: 100 mW or 200 mW, with VDD = 5 V)
6 VSS_PA SUP Negative supply for PA; normally connected to circuit ground
7 VSS_RX SUP Negative supply for receive inputs; normally connected to circuit ground
8 RX_IN1 INP Main receive input
9 RX_IN2 INP Auxiliary receive input
10 VSS SUP Chip substrate ground
11 BAND_GAP OUT Bandgap voltage (VBG = 1.6 V); internal analog voltage reference
12 ASK/OOK BID Selection between ASK and OOK modulation (0 = ASK, 1 = OOK) for direct mode 0 and 1.
It can be configured as an output to provide the received analog signal output.
13 IRQ OUT Interrupt request
14 MOD INP External data modulation input for direct mode 0 or 1
OUT Subcarrier digital data output (see register 0x1A and 0x1B definitions)
15 VSS_A SUP Negative supply for internal analog circuits. Connected to GND.
16 VDD_I/O INP Supply for I/O communications (1.8 V to VIN) level shifter. VIN should be never exceeded.
17 I/O_0 BID I/O pin for parallel communication
18 I/O_1 BID I/O pin for parallel communication
19 I/O_2 BID I/O pin for parallel communication

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Terminal Configuration and FunctionsCopyright © 2011–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Table 4-1. Signal Descriptions (continued)
TERMINAL TYPE (1) DESCRIPTION
NO. NAME
20 I/O_3 BID I/O pin for parallel communication
21 I/O_4 BID I/O pin for parallel communication
Slave select signal in SPI mode
22 I/O_5 BID I/O pin for parallel communication
Data clock output in direct mode 1
23 I/O_6 BID
I/O pin for parallel communication
MISO for serial communication (SPI)
Serial bit data output in direct mode 1 or subcarrier signal in direct mode 0
24 I/O_7 BID I/O pin for parallel communication.
MOSI for serial communication (SPI)
25 EN2 INP Selection of power down mode. If EN2 is connected to VIN, then VDD_X is active during power
down mode 2 (for example, to supply the MCU).
26 DATA_CLK INP Data clock input for MCU communication (parallel and serial)
27 SYS_CLK OUT If EN = 1 (EN2 = don't care) the system clock for the MCU is configured with register 0x09 (off,
3.39 MHz, 6.78 MHz, or 13.56 MHz).
If EN = 0 and EN2 = 1, the system clock is set to 60 kHz.
28 EN INP Chip enable input (if EN = 0, then the chip is in sleep or power-down mode)
29 VSS_D SUP Negative supply for internal digital circuits
30 OSC_OUT OUT Crystal or oscillator output
31 OSC_IN INP Crystal or oscillator input
32 VDD_X OUT Internally regulated supply (2.7 V to 3.4 V) for digital circuit and external devices (for example, an
MCU)
PAD PAD SUP Chip substrate ground

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Specifications Copyright © 2011–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
(1) Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings
only and functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated under Recommended Operating
Conditions are not implied. Exposure to absolute-maximum-rated conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
(2) All voltage values are with respect to substrate ground terminal VSS.
(3) The maximum junction temperature for continuous operation is limited by package constraints. Operation above this temperature may
result in reduced reliability or lifetime of the device.
5 Specifications
5.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings (1)
over operating free-air temperature range (unless otherwise noted) (2)
MIN MAX UNIT
Input voltage range, VIN –0.3 6 V
Maximum current, IIN 150 mA
Maximum operating virtual junction temperature, TJ(3) Any condition 140 °C
Continuous operation, long-term reliability 125
Storage temperature, TSTG –55 150 °C
(1) JEDEC document JEP155 states that 500-V HBM allows safe manufacturing with a standard ESD control process.
(2) JEDEC document JEP157 states that 250-V CDM allows safe manufacturing with a standard ESD control process.
5.2 ESD Ratings
VALUE UNIT
V(ESD) Electrostatic discharge Human-body model (HBM), per ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001(1) ±2000 VCharged-device model (CDM), per JEDEC specification JESD22‑C101(2) ±500
Machine model (MM) ±200
5.3 Recommended Operating Conditions
over operating free-air temperature range (unless otherwise noted) MIN NOM MAX UNIT
VIN Operating input voltage 2.7 5 5.5 V
TAOperating ambient temperature –40 25 110 °C
TJOperating virtual junction temperature –40 25 125 °C

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SpecificationsCopyright © 2011–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
(1) Antenna driver output resistance
(2) Measured with subcarrier signal at RX_IN1 or RX_IN2 and measured the digital output at MOD pin with register 0x1A bit 6 = 1
(3) Depending on the crystal parameters and components
(4) Recommended DATA_CLK speed is 2 MHz; higher data clock depends on the capacitive load. Maximum SPI clock speed should not
exceed 10 MHz. This clock speed is acceptable only when external capacitive load is less than 30 pF. MISO driver has a typical output
resistance of 400 Ω(12-ns time constant when 30-pF load is used).
5.4 Electrical Characteristics
TYP operating conditions are TA= 25°C, VIN = 5 V, full-power mode (unless otherwise noted)
MIN and MAX operating conditions are over recommended ranges of supply voltage and operating free-air temperature
(unless otherwise noted)
PARAMETER TEST CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNIT
IPD1 Supply current in power down mode 1 All building blocks disabled, including supply- voltage regulators; measured after 500-ms
settling time (EN = 0, EN2 = 0) <0.5 5 µA
IPD2 Supply current in power down mode 2
(sleep mode) The SYS_CLK generator and VDD_X remain
active to support external circuitry, measured
after 100-ms settling time (EN = 0, EN2 = 1) 120 200 µA
ISTBY Supply current in standby mode Oscillator running, supply-voltage regulators in
low-consumption mode (EN = 1, EN2 = x) 1.9 3.5 mA
ION1 Supply current without antenna driver
current Oscillator, regulators, RX, and AGC are active, TX is off 10.5 14 mA
ION2 Supply current in TX (half power) Oscillator, regulators, RX, AGC, and TX
active, POUT = 100 mW 70 78 mA
ION3 Supply current in TX (full power) Oscillator, regulators, RX, AGC, and TX
active, POUT = 200 mW 130 170 mA
VPOR Power-on reset voltage Input voltage at VIN 1.4 2 2.6 V
VBG Bandgap voltage (pin 11) Internal analog reference voltage 1.5 1.6 1.7 V
VDD_A Regulated output voltage for analog
circuitry (pin 1) VIN = 5 V 3.1 3.5 3.8 V
VDD_X Regulated supply for external circuitry Output voltage pin 32, VIN = 5 V 3.1 3.4 3.8 V
IVDD_Xmax Maximum output current of VDD_X Output current pin 32, VIN = 5 V 20 mA
RRFOUT Antenna driver output resistance(1) Half-power mode, VIN = 2.7 V to 5.5 V 8 12 Ω
Full-power mode, VIN = 2.7 V to 5.5 V 4 6
RRFIN RX_IN1 and RX_IN2 input resistance 4 10 20 kΩ
VRF_INmax Maximum RF input voltage at RX_IN1
or RX_IN2 VRF_INmax should not exceed VIN 3.5 Vpp
VRF_INmin Minimum RF input voltage at RX_IN1
or RX_IN2 (input sensitivity)(2) fSUBCARRIER = 424 kHz 1.4 2.5 mVpp
fSUBCARRIER = 848 kHz 2.1 3
fSYS_CLK SYS_CLK frequency In power mode 2, EN = 0, EN2 = 1 25 60 120 kHz
fCCarrier frequency Defined by external crystal 13.56 MHz
tCRYSTAL Crystal run-in time Time until oscillator stable bit is set (register
0x0F) (3) 5 ms
fD_CLKmax Maximum DATA_CLK frequency(4) Depends on capacitive load on the I/O lines,
recommendation is 2 MHz(4) 2 4 10 MHz
VIL Input voltage, logic low I/O lines, IRQ, SYS_CLK, DATA_CLK, EN,
EN2 0.2 × VDD_I/O V
VIH Input voltage threshold, logic high I/O lines, IRQ, SYS_CLK, DATA_CLK, EN,
EN2 0.8 × VDD_I/O V
ROUT Output resistance, I/O_0 to I/O_7 500 800 Ω
RSYS_CLK Output resistance RSYS_CLK 200 400 Ω

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Specifications Copyright © 2011–2020, Texas Instruments Incorporated
(1) This data was taken using the JEDEC standard high-K test PCB.
(2) Power rating is determined with a junction temperature of 125°C. This is the point where distortion starts to increase substantially.
Thermal management of the final PCB should strive to keep the junction temperature at or below 125°C for best performance and long-
term reliability.
5.5 Thermal Resistance Characteristics
PACKAGE RθJC RθJA(1) POWER RATING(2)
TA≤25°C TA≤85°C
RHB (32) 31°C/W 36.4°C/W 2.7 W 1.1 W
(1) Recommended DATA_CLK speed is 2 MHz; higher data clock depends on the capacitive load. Maximum SPI clock speed should not
exceed 10 MHz. This clock speed is acceptable only when external capacitive load is less than 30 pF. MISO driver has a typical output
resistance of 400 Ω(12-ns time constant when 30-pF load is used).
5.6 Switching Characteristics
over operating free-air temperature range (unless otherwise noted)
PARAMETER TEST CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNIT
tLO/HI DATA_CLK time, high or low (one half
of DATA_CLK at 50% duty cycle) Depends on capacitive load on the I/O lines (1) 50 62.5 250 ns
tSTE,LEAD Slave select lead time, slave select
low to clock 200 ns
tSTE,LAG Slave select lag time, last clock to
slave select high 200 ns
tSU,SI MOSI input data setup time 15 ns
tHD,SI MOSI input data hold time 15 ns
tSU,SO MISO input data setup time 15 ns
tHD,SO MISO input data hold time 15 ns
tVALID,SO MISO output data valid time DATA_CLK edge to MISO valid, CL= <30 pF 30 50 75 ns