Interesting project. about esp32-pn532

[RaveGun]

It looks like the PN5331B3HN is the next one in the list, that is still active and matches your requirements. It has no SPI nor I2C but it has USB2.0 as an interface. This is interesting as there are now also boards in internet that have the PN532 and an USB interface (something with GRID v2).

[revk]

The PN532 works with DESFire, that is what we are using it for.

I have generally kept the NFC on a separate board. I suspect it could be done on one board with care.

Antennas are voodoo, and this one works. Why do you need bigger than a credit card. It works well with the credit card size devices, from several cm away in fact.

[RaveGun]

It looks like the PN532 is EOL and there are other recommended ICs now, this is why I was asking.

I was thinking that, if it is bigger I will be easier to integrate all in one PCB and save on the board to board connections.
Also, to do it on one side and then just order the PCBs with assembly. I don't know, I am just thinking(writing) out loud :)
I am an embedded SW guy and know about HW and HW design just enough to be able to find where the micro-controller's pins are going :)

Thank you for your time.

[revk]

Yeh, I have not yet looked at alternative chips. Need to work out how much the interface changes as well. And designing an RF board is always, err, fun... So I may well make a new design soon. But PN532 work well for now.

[revk]

Also, the PN7150 does not have HSU or GPIO. For my applications the reader is on a short lead which is far better done as HSU where the pins are driven all the time, than I2C, and I use the GPIO for LEDs. Would be interesting to find a newer chip that does HSU and GPIO like the PN532. Suggestions welcome.