Choosing MIFARE card reader IC

[barmagan]

For a battery-powered prepaid metering application using contactless cards, I need to select a reader IC compatible with MIFARE 1K or 4K cards. I came across the widely used MFRC522, but I noticed it is not recommended for new designs.

The CLRC663 Plus is recommended instead, but I also found the MFRC63103 and MFRC63003HN while researching.

Although the CLRC663 Plus supports more protocols, my only requirement is to read and write MIFARE cards. Considering battery life, would one of the MFRC chips mentioned above be a better choice? I would appreciate your suggestions.

Additionally, I noticed that the CLRC663 evaluation board features a much larger PCB antenna compared to the commonly available RC522 evaluation modules. Why is that? Is it possible to reduce the PCB antenna footprint?

[barmagan]

Thank you for your response @jimmychan.  Plain logic says MFRC63103 or MFRC63003HN could be better for battery life. Can you please explain your reasoning? Please give a little detail. 

[jimmychan]

MFRC63103 or MFRC63003HN are fit your basic requirements. My suggestion is just for your reference because CLRC663plus support more protocols, it has BGA package, and it is in Product Longevity Program.  

[barmagan]

Thanks @jimmychan .. Since the family members are pin compatible I can later upgrade my hardware from MFRC631 plus to CLRC633 plus  without changing the PCB layout.

Is that right? Or do I need to consider other than PCB footprints?

[jimmychan]

Yes, right. They are fully pin compatible.

[jimmychan]

I would suggest CLRC663 plus.

For the antenna, please read AN11019