RFID Reader/Writer RC522 SPI S50 with RFID Card and Tag

Product Description

The RC522 RFID Module utilizes advanced modulation and demodulation concepts to provide a reliable RF connection for passive 13.56MHz tags. Its small form factor makes it ideal for portable handheld devices and smart meter development. The module typically interfaces with microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi via the SPI protocol, which minimizes the number of required pins. It features a built-in PCB antenna and supports high-speed CRYPTO1 encryption for secure data validation with MIFARE series products.

Key Features

• Dual Functionality: Acts as both a reader and a writer, allowing you to store custom data (like user names or balances) directly on the tag's memory.

• Compact SMD Design: The sleek 40x60mm PCB is easy to integrate into small enclosures or custom control panels.

• Low Power Consumption: Features a power-down mode (typically <80µA) making it suitable for battery-operated IoT devices.

• Broad Compatibility: Fully supports ISO 14443A frames and error detection, ensuring high compatibility with standard public transit or office access cards.

• Integrated Antenna: No external wiring is required for the antenna; the traces are etched directly onto the PCB for consistent performance.

Prototyping and Engineering Tips from Robogears

• Voltage Caution: The RC522 is NOT 5V compatible. While most Arduinos provide a 3.3V pin, ensure you use it to power the module. Connecting it to 5V will likely burn the MFRC522 chip. However, the logic pins (SPI) are often 5V tolerant on many clones, though using a level shifter is best practice for long-term stability.

• Wiring the SPI: For standard Arduino Uno setups, connect SDA to Pin 10, SCK to Pin 13, MOSI to Pin 11, and MISO to Pin 12. The RST pin usually goes to Pin 9.

• Metal Interference: Do not mount this module directly onto a metal surface or behind a metal plate. Metal will absorb the 13.56MHz magnetic field, reducing your read range to nearly zero. Use plastic, wood, or glass enclosures for the best signal.

• Card Memory Layout: The S50 tags included have 1KB of memory divided into 16 sectors. Sector 0 (Block 0) contains the Manufacturer Data (including the unique UID) and is typically read-only. Only attempt to write data to sectors 1 through 15 to avoid locking your card.

Package Includes

• 1 x RC522 RFID Reader/Writer Module

• 1 x Standard S50 Blank RFID Card (Credit card size)

• 1 x S50 Keychain RFID Tag

• 1 x Set of Header Pins (Straight and Right-angle)

Disclaimer

Ensure all power is disconnected before soldering the header pins. Using this module for cloning encrypted high-security cards (like government IDs) may require specialized software and is subject to local legal regulations.