ST25R3916: What register settings can be used to maximize read range

[RLee.4]

We're using a ST25R3916 on several projects, one of which is space constrained for the antenna. The circuit for the given antenna has been tuned up and electrically, is as good as it gets for the size.

I was wondering what register settings a person can play with to maximize read range of smallish NFC-V tags for any given antenna configuration?

[Ulysses HERNIOSUS · Accepted solution]

Hi RLee.4,

there is no easy answer to your question. Naming a few points you need to consider:

1. Our demos are typically built in a way to make the optimum out of the hardware. So I don't expect major improvement to be possible by changing a few registers, e.g. enabling boost, etc. The most important step is to check that you are using good configs - e.g. coming from RFAL. Only in rare cases you want to play with gains, filters, boosts, demodulators.
2. Read range can be limited by the power received by the tag - actually this case is pretty often happening. In software you cannot do anything about. The only chance you have is to change antenna impedance/geometry.
3. Read range can also be limited by receiver sensitivity. In most of these cases you first need to look at the whole system to find noise sources, optimize the layout and matching.

Regards, Ulysses

[RLee.4]

Thanx for the suggestions.