Smart Approach MQN18-NFC NFC Antenna Module User Manual
Smart Approach Co., Ltd. NFC Antenna Module
User manual

MQN18
NFC Antenna Module
Datasheet Version 1.2
Smart Approach Co., Ltd.
4F,No.669,Sec.4.Chung Hsing Rd.,
Chutung, Hsinchu 310,
Taiwan, R.O.C.
+886-3-5830303
www.smart-approach.com.tw

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Smart Approach Co., Ltd (“S.A.”) retains the right to make changes to its products or
specifications to improve performance, reliability or manufacturability. All information in this
document, including descriptions of features, functions, performance, technical specifications
and availability, is subject to change without notice at any time. While the information furnished
herein is held to be accurate and reliable, no responsibility will be assumed by Smart Approach
for its use. Furthermore, the information contained herein does not convey to the purchaser of
microelectronic devices any license under license under the patent right of any manufacturer.
Smart Approach Co., Ltd is a registered trademark. All other products or service names used in
this publication are for identification purposes only, and may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies. All other trademarks or registered trademarks
mentioned herein are the property of their respective holders.
Feedback on the use of any of the document is welcomed and encouraged by Smart
Approach.
Please contact service@smart-approach.com.tw for your feedback or any ordering
inquiry.
Please contact support@smart-approach.com.tw for any technical question.

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Information for the OEMs and Integrators
The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to install or
remove this RF module in the user manual of the end product. The user manual which is provided by OE
M integrators for end users must include the following information in a prominent location.
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the antenna used for this
transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from
all persons and must not be co- located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
If the end product integrating this module is going to be operated in 13.56MHz frequency range, the warni
ng statement in the user manual of the end product should include the restriction of operating this device
in indoor could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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End Product Labeling
Label for the final end product must include:
Contains FCC ID: 2AAYI-MQN18-NFC
A RF transmitter inside, FCC ID: 2AAYI-MQN18-NFC
Revision History
This section describes the changes that were implemented in this document. The changes are
listed by revision, starting with the most current publication.
Revision 1.0
Revision 1.0 of this datasheet was published in December 2014. This was the first publication
of the document.
Revision 1.1: Modified page header.
Revision 1.2: Added power consumption description.
Revision 1.3: Updated NFC module outline.

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Contents
REVISION HISTORY ............................................................................................................................. - 4 -
CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................................... - 5 -
FIGURE CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................ - 6 -
TABLE CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................. - 6 -
1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... - 7 -
2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ - 8 -
2.1 FEATURES .............................................................................................................................. - 8 -
2.2 APPLICATION .......................................................................................................................... - 8 -
3 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTIONS .................................................................................................. - 9 -
4 ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. - 10 -
4.1 PIN DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................. - 10 -
4.2 I2C ADDRESS ........................................................................................................................ - 11 -
4.3 TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM RATINGS ......................................................................................... - 11 -
4.4 DC ELECTRICAL PARAMETERS .............................................................................................. - 12 -
4.5 ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................... - 12 -
4.6 POWER CONSUMPTION ......................................................................................................... - 13 -
4.7 THERMAL PROTECTION ......................................................................................................... - 13 -
4.8 SYSTEM POWER MODES ........................................................................................................ - 13 -
4.9 RESET AND DOWNLOAD CONCEPT .......................................................................................... - 14 -
4.10 NFC CONNECTION RECOMMENDATION .................................................................................. - 15 -
4.11 MAIN BOARD DESIGN REFERENCE ........................................................................................ - 15 -
5 ORDERING INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... - 16 -
6 RELIABILITY VERIFICATION .................................................................................................... - 17 -
7 NFC MODULE OUTLINE ........................................................................................................... - 18 -

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Figure Contents
Figure 1 Typical Application ................................................................................................. - 8 -
Figure 2 Module Block Diagram .......................................................................................... - 9 -
Figure 3 Reset via VEN pin ................................................................................................. - 14 -
Figure 4 Connection Recommendation ............................................................................. - 15 -
Figure 5 Main Board Design W/O UICC Reference ........................................................... - 15 -
Figure 6 Module FPC Connection Foot Print ..................................................................... - 18 -
Figure 7 FPC Wire Dimension ........................................................................................... - 18 -
Figure 8 MQN18 NFC Module Drawing ............................................................................. - 19 -
Table Contents
Table 1 Module Pin Description ......................................................................................... - 10 -
Table 2 I2C Address ........................................................................................................... - 11 -
Table 3 Temperature Maximum Ratings ............................................................................ - 11 -
Table 4 DC Electrical Specification .................................................................................... - 12 -
Table 5 Antenna Specifications .......................................................................................... - 12 -
Table 6 Current Consumption ............................................................................................ - 13 -
Table 7 Thermal Protection ................................................................................................ - 13 -
Table 8 System Power Modes Description ........................................................................ - 13 -
Table 9 Power Mode Configuration .................................................................................... - 14 -
Table 10 Reset Timing ....................................................................................................... - 14 -
Table 11 Ordering Information Table .................................................................................. - 16 -
Table 12 Reliability Item Table ........................................................................................... - 17 -

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1 Introduction
This document consists of descriptions and specifications for both functional and physical
aspects of the MQN18 NFC reader / writer module.
In addition to the datasheet, Smart Approach maintains and extensive device-specific library of
support and collateral materials that you may find useful in your application. Depending upon
the Smart Approach device, this library may include:
Presentations highlighting the operational features and specifications of the device to
assist in developing your own product road map.
Application notes that provide detailed descriptions of the use of the particular Smart
Approach product to solve real-world problems.

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2 Product Overview
MQN18 is full featured NFC controllers designed for integration in portable equipment. It is
optimized for low power consumption with fully host controllable power states and for small
footprint for portable equipment applications.
The module’s compact, flexible design with and exposed pad is optimal for size-sensitive
applications, assures robust performance.
The following illustration shows a high-level, generic view of a MQN18 application.
Figure 1 Typical Application
2.1 Features
This section Tables key aspects of the MQN18 module functionality and design that
distinguish it from similar products:
NXP NPC100 NFC Controller
Compliant with ISO/IEC 14443 A/B
Compliant with ISO/IEC 15693/18092
Antenna pairing could be customized
I2C interface
2.2 Application
Suggested applications for the MQN18 module include:
NFC writer
NFC reader
NFC peer to peer controller
NFC payment
NFC identification

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3 Functional Descriptions
This section provides detailed information about how MQN18 module works, what
configurations and operational features are available.
The following illustration shows the primary functional blocks of MQN18 module.
Figure 2 Module Block Diagram
Loop Antenna is Smart Approach customize solution. Antenna matching is also a customize
solution. NFC controller includes NXP NPC100 chipset, and has an I2C control interface
through the connector to mother board.

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4 Electrical Specifications
This section provides the DC characteristics, AC characteristics, recommended operating
conditions. It includes information on the various timing functions of the module.
4.1 Pin Description
The following Table shows the pin description for MQN18 module.
The connection ground is internally connected and should be connected to GND on the main
board as well.
Table 1 Module Pin Description
PIN
No.
Name
Description
Power
Reference
P/I/O
1
VBAT
+3.3V power supply input
3.3V
P
2
MOD_GND
Module Ground
GND
P
3
SWP
SWP data line to UICC/SIM, Input / Output
PMUVCC
I/O
4
RFU
Unused pin could be floating
-
-
5
IRQ
Interrupt to host, High: Interrupt; Low: Normal
VDD_IO
O
6
PMUVCC
Power supply to UICC/SIM, input, + 1.8V
1.8V
P
7
I2C_SDA
I2C Data Line
VDD_IO
I/O
8
I2C_SCL
I2C Clock
VDD_IO
I
9
MOD_GND
Module Ground
GND
P
10
VEN
Wake up the module from standby mode or reset the
module
VBAT
I
11
DWL_REQ
Firmware download control: Active High
VDD_IO
I
12
SIMVCC
The power rail used to power UICC / SIM, input
PMUVCC
P(O)
13
VBAT
+3.3V Power Supply
3.3V
P
14
VDD_IO
+1.8V or +3.3V for host IO reference voltage
1.8V/3.3V
P
15
MOD_GND
Module Ground
GND
P

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4.2 I2C Address
MQN18 I2C 7bit address is defined to 0x28. To write data, MQN18 is addressed using 0x50, to
read data, MQN18 is addressed using 0x51.
Table 2 I2C Address
I2C address (R/W=0, write)
I2C address (R/W=1, read)
0x50
0x51
4.3 Temperature Maximum Ratings
Thermal specifications for this module have been modeled using a two-layer test board.
Table 3 Temperature Maximum Ratings
Symbol
Definition
Value
Units
Min
Max
T
Operating
Temperature
-20
80
℃
TS
Storage
Temperature
-40
100
℃

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4.4 DC Electrical Parameters
DC Electrical specifications for this module have been modeled using a two-layer test board.
Table 4 DC Electrical Specification
Symbol
Definition
Value
Units
Min
Typ
Max
VBAT
Power
Supply
3.1
3.3
3.5
Volts
IVBAT
DC Current
-
-
170
mA
PBAT
Power
Consumption
-
-
0.595
W
4.5 Antenna Specifications
Customized Antenna specifications for this module have been modeled using a two-layer test
board.
Table 5 Antenna Specifications
Item
Value
Unit
Note
Min
Typ
Max
DC
Resistance
0.5
1
2
Ω
AC
Impedance
50
Ω
Frequency
13.06
13.56
14.06
MHz
VSWR <2
Q factor
25
30
35
Antenna
Type
FPC Loop Coil
Add the Ferrite
sheet
Module
Material
FR4
Antenna
Size
(40 ±0.3) X (60±0.3)
mm

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4.6 Power Consumption
Table 6 Current Consumption
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
IHPD
Hard power down current
VBAT=3.6V,
VEN=0V
-
10.5
12
μA
ISTBY
Standby state current
VBAT=3.6V
-
-
20
μA
IACT
Active state current
VBAT=3.6V
-
6
-
mA
ITVDD
Transmitter supply current
VBAT=3.1V
-
30
100
mA
IPMUVCC
PMUVCC supply
Class B
-
1.5
3
μA
Class C
-
1
2
μA
4.7 Thermal Protection
Table 7 Thermal Protection
Symbol
Parameter
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
TOVERTEMP
Temperature
protection trigger
120
125
130
0C
4.8 System power modes
Table 8 System Power Modes Description
Mode
Description
Full power
mode
The battery supply (VBAT) as well as the pad supply (VDD_IO) is
available, all use cases can be executed
Low-power
mode
The pad supply (VDD_IO) is not available. Only the Card Emulation
mode use cases via SWP are allowed
Powered by the
Field
The battery supply (VBAT) and pad supply (VDD_IO) are not available.
The system is powered via PbF interface. Only Card Emulation use
cases via SWP are allowed.
Power Off mode
The system is not supplied from any source or the system is kept Hard
Power Down (HPD)

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Table 9 Power Mode Configuration
VBAT
VDD_IO
VEN
Power mode
Off
Off
X
Power Off mode
On
X
Off
Power Off mode
On
Off
On
Low Power Mode
On
On
On
Full power mode
Note: X: Don’t care
4.9 Reset and download concept
To enter reset there are 2 ways:
- Pulling VEN low (Hard Power Down state)
- If VBAT monitor is enabled: lowering VBAT below the monitor threshold (monitor mode, if VEN
is kept above 1.1 V)This reset mode can be left if PbF is enabled when the field is high
enough (RF field detected) to enter PbF mode.
To get out of reset, there are 2 ways:
- Pulling VEN high with VBAT above VBAT monitor threshold if enabled
- Entering a field strong enough to power the IC
Figure 3 Reset via VEN pin
Table 10 Reset Timing
Symbol
Parameter
Condition
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
tRESETVEN
VEN pulse
width to reset
3
μ s
tBOOT
Boot time
10
ms

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4.10 NFC Connection Recommendation
Figure 4 Connection Recommendation
4.11 Main Board Design Reference
Figure 5 Main Board Design W/O UICC Reference

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5 Ordering Information
Table 11 Ordering Information Table
Order Number
Descriptions
MQN18
NFC Controller Module (NXP NPC100) with Integrated Antenna
Dimension
Module: 12x26mm; Antenna Area Size: 60x40 mm

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6 Reliability Verification
Table 12 Reliability Item Table
No.
Item
Condition
Benchmark
Result
Qty
1
Low Temperature
Storage Test
-40oC
IEC60068-2-1
Pass
5
2
High Temperature
Storage Test
80oC, Humidity:
95%
IEC60068-2-78
Pass
5
3
Low Temperature
Operation Test
-20oC
IEC60068-2-1
Pass
5
4
High Temperature
Operation Test
80oC
IEC60068-2-2
Pass
5
5
High Temperature
Operation Test
65oC, Humidity:
95%
IEC60068-2-78
Pass
5
6
Salt Test
PH: 3.0 ~ 3.2
,50℃, 72 hrs,
Density: 5%±1%
ASTM B368
Pass
5
7
RoHS
Normal
Compliance
Pass
5
8
HF
Normal
Compliance
Pass
5

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7 NFC Module Outline
The following illustration shows the package drawing for MQN18 module. The drawing contains
the detail views, dimensions, tolerances, and notes.
Figure 6 Module FPC Connection Foot Print
Figure 7 FPC Wire Dimension
Pin 1

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Figure 8 MQN18 NFC Module Drawing
Pin 1