RFID Module 13.56 MHz Card Reader MFRC522 Reader/Writer Board Only

This RC522 RFID Card Reader Module 13.56MHz is a low-cost MFRC522-based RFID Reader Module that is easy to use and can be used in a wide range of applications.

The MFRC522 is a highly integrated reader/writer IC for contactless communication at 13.56 MHz.

RC522 is the highly integrated RFID card reader that works on non-contact 13.56mhz communication, is designed by NXP a low power consumption, low cost, and compact size read and write chip, is the best choice in the development of smart meters and portable hand-held devices.

MF RC522 uses the advanced modulation system, fully integrated at 13.56MHz with all kinds of positive non-contact communication protocols. Support 14443A compatible answer signal. DSP deals with ISO14443A frames and error correction. Furthermore, it also supports rapid CRYPTO1 encryption to validate Mifare series products. MFRC522 supports Mifare series higher speed non-contact communication, duplex communication speed up to 424 kb/s. As a new family member in the 13.56MHz RFID family, MF RC522 has many similarities to MF RC5200 and MF RC530 and also has more new features.

This module can fit directly in handheld devices for mass production. The module uses a 3.3V power supply and can communicate directly with any CPU board by connecting through SPI protocol, which ensures reliable work, a high reading distance.

Features:

1. Integrated MF RC522
2. 13.56MHz contactless communication card chip.
3. The low-voltage, low-cost, small size of the non-contact card chip to read and write.
4. Working current：13 – 26mA / DC 3.3V
5. Standby current：10 – 13mA / DC 3.3V
6. Sleep current：<80uA
7. Peak current：<30mA
8. Working frequency：13.56MHz
9. Card reading distance：0～60mm

RC522 Pin Configuration

Where to use the RC522 RFID Module

The RC522 is an RF Module that consists of an RFID reader, an RFID card, and a key chain. The module operates 13.56MHz which is an industrial (ISM) band and hence can be used without any license problem. The module operates at 3.3V typically and hence commonly used in 3.3V designs.  It is normally used in applications where a certain person/object has to be identified with a unique ID.

The keychain has 1kB memory in it which can be used to store unique data. The RC522 reader module can both read and write data into these memory elements. The reader can read data only from passive tags that operate on 13.56MHz.

How to use the RC522 RFID Module

The RC522 has an operating voltage between 2.5V to 3.3V and hence is normally powered by 3.3V and should be used with 3.3V communication lines. However, the communication pins of this module are 5V tolerant and hence it can be used with 5V microcontrollers also like Arduino without any additional hardware. The module supports SPI, IIC, and UART communication but out of these SPI is often used since it is fasted with a maximum data rate of 10Mbps.

Since in application, most of the time reader module will be waiting for the tag to come into proximity. The Reader can be put into power-down mode to save power in battery-operated applications. This can be achieved by using the IRQ pin on the module. The minimum current consumed by the module during power-down mode will be 10uA only. The module can be easily used with Arduino because of its readily available RC522 RFID Arduino library from Miguel Balboa. You can visit his GitHub page for more details on how to use it with Arduino.

Applications

• Automatic billing systems
• Attendance systems
• Verification/Identification system
• Access control systems

Package includes:

• RFID Module only.