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PN532 USB

The PN532 is a popular NFC chip used in many readers. This USB version is the recommended ready-to-use reader for Zaparoo - it's affordable, plug-and-play, and works on all platforms.

A PN532 USB-C module

Features​

  • Plug and play - No drivers or setup required
  • Great price - Starting at around $5 USD
  • Universal compatibility - Works on all platforms
  • USB Type-C - Modern connector standard
  • Compact size - Very small footprint
  • Full NFC support - Same functionality as all PN532 readers
  • Community cases - Fits in available 3D-printed cases

Driver Configuration​

Driver Details​

  • Driver IDs: pn532, pn532_uart
  • Transport: USB Serial (UART)
  • Platforms: All platforms
  • Enabled by default: Yes
  • Auto-detect: Yes
Auto-Detection

These readers are automatically detected on all platforms. You typically don't need any configuration - just plug it in and it works!

Manual Configuration​

In rare cases where auto-detection doesn't work, you can manually specify the reader in your config.toml:

Linux/MiSTer:

[[readers.connect]]
driver = 'pn532_uart'
path = '/dev/ttyUSB0'

Windows:

[[readers.connect]]
driver = 'pn532_uart'
path = 'COM3'

macOS:

[[readers.connect]]
driver = 'pn532_uart'
path = '/dev/cu.usbserial-1234'

Finding the Serial Port​

If you need to find the device path:

Linux/MiSTer:

ls /dev/ttyUSB*
# or
dmesg | grep tty

Windows: Open Device Manager and look under "Ports (COM & LPT)"

macOS:

ls /dev/cu.*

Platform-Specific Notes​

MiSTer​

The PN532 USB reader is fully supported and auto-detected on MiSTer. It typically appears as /dev/ttyUSB0.

Windows​

Windows may require a USB serial driver for some PN532 modules:

  • Most use CH340 chips
  • Drivers are usually installed automatically via Windows Update
CH340 Driver Installation

Windows normally comes with a driver for this reader by default, but if it's not working, you may want to try reinstalling it. You can download the CH340 driver (ZIP) or CH340 driver (EXE) and see this SparkFun installation guide if you need help installing it.

Linux​

You may need to add your user to the dialout group for serial port access:

sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER

Log out and back in for the change to take effect.

macOS​

The PN532 USB reader works out of the box on macOS. No additional drivers needed.

Troubleshooting​

Reader Not Detected​

  1. Check USB connection - Try a different USB port or cable
  2. Verify auto-detect is enabled - Check auto_detect = true in config.toml
  3. Check for device - Verify the device appears in system (see "Finding the Serial Port" above)
  4. Permissions - On Linux, ensure dialout group membership
  5. Enable debug logging - Set debug_logging = true in config.toml to see detection attempts
  6. Windows Driver - Try (re)installing the CH340 driver and rebooting.

Slow or Inconsistent Scanning​

  • Check power - Some USB hubs don't provide enough power
  • Reduce interference - Keep away from metal surfaces and other electronics

USB Cable Issues​

warning

Some USB cables are power-only and don't support data transfer. If your reader isn't detected, try a different cable.

Where To Buy​

Official Support

Buying from the Zaparoo Shop directly supports the project and includes a quality case!

Original Hardware:

Clones (Search for "PN532 Type C" or "PCR532"):

See Also​