RFID Card Reader Module Kit - RC522 (Android NFC supported)

RFID Card Reader Module Kit - RC522 (Android NFC Supported) is a highly versatile, low-cost 13.56 MHz contactless radio frequency identification (RFID) reader/writer system based on NXP's MFRC522 IC. Designed for non-contact communication, this module reads and writes data to RFID tags, ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE cards, key fobs, and Android NFC-enabled smartphones. Utilizing standard SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication, it connects effortlessly to microcontrollers such as Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and Raspberry Pi, making it the premier choice for smart door locks, automated attendance counters, security access control, and inventory tracking systems.

Features

• Built around the high-integration NXP MFRC522 IC for fast and reliable 13.56 MHz RFID/NFC signal processing
• Complete kit includes the RC522 reader board, a S50 white IC card, and a portable key fob tag
• Compatible with Android NFC smartphones, enabling mobile device access control and smartphone trigger integration
• SPI interface protocol for high-speed, noise-resistant data transfer using minimal microcontroller GPIO pins
• Ultra-low power consumption with power-down modes, ideal for battery-operated smart locks and wireless access terminals
• Onboard PCB antenna providing a reliable reading distance of up to 50 mm
• Operates on 3.3V logic level, natively supporting modern microcontrollers (ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32) and Arduino (with 3.3V power supply)
• Fully supported by popular open-source libraries (MFRC522.h) with ready-to-use sketch examples for reading, writing, and UID matching

Applications

• Smart home door access control systems, electronic locks, and RFID security turnstiles
• Automated student and employee attendance logging platforms
• Android NFC smartphone interaction, cashless payment simulation, and membership validation
• Asset tracking, library book management, and automated inventory systems
• Polytechnic diploma, university engineering thesis, and Arduino/ESP32 IoT security projects

Important Notes:

• Operating Voltage Warning: The RC522 module operates strictly on 3.3V DC. Connecting the VCC pin to a 5V power supply will permanently damage the MFRC522 IC.
• SPI Bus Wiring: Wire the SPI pins correctly according to your microcontroller pinout: VCC to 3.3V, GND to Ground, RST to Reset GPIO, MISO to MISO, MOSI to MOSI, SCK to SCK, and SDA/SS to Chip Select GPIO.
• Logic Level Shift (Arduino Uno): When interfacing with a 5V logic board like the Arduino Uno, using resistor dividers or a 4-channel bidirectional logic level converter on data lines (SCK, MOSI, SDA, RST) ensures maximum long-term stability.
• Metal Interference: Avoid mounting the reader module antenna directly on large metal surfaces, as metal shielding drastically reduces the RF electromagnetic field and reading range.

Package includes

• 1 x RC522 RFID Reader Module Board
• 1 x Standard S50 White RFID Card (13.56 MHz)
• 1 x Portable RFID Key Fob Tag (13.56 MHz)
• 1 x Straight 8-Pin Male Header
• 1 x Right-Angle 8-Pin Male Header