1. Introduction
The SunFounder Mifare RC522 Reader Module is designed around the original Philips MFRC522 chip, offering an easy-to-use and cost-effective solution for RFID applications. This module is suitable for equipment development, advanced application development, and RF card terminal design/production. Operating at 3.3V and utilizing an SPI interface, it connects with minimal wiring directly to a CPU motherboard, ensuring stable and reliable performance as a proximity card reader.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- 1 x RC522 Module
- 1 x Key Fob
- 1 x Reader Module Card (S50 White Card)
Image: The complete SunFounder Mifare RC522 Reader Module Kit, showing the RC522 module, a white S50 card, and a blue key fob.
3. Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Current | 13-26mA / DC 3.3V |
| Idle Current | 10-13mA / DC 3.3V |
| Sleep Current | <80uA |
| Peak Current | <30mA |
| Operating Frequency | 13.56MHz |
| Read Range | 0 ~ 35mm (Mifare1 card) |
| Module Size | 40mm × 60mm |
| Operating Temperature | -20 to 80 degrees Celsius |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to 85 degrees Celsius |
| Relative Humidity | 5% - 95% |
| Module Interface | SPI |
| Data Transfer Rate | Maximum 10Mbit/s |
| Supported Card Types | Mifare1 S50, Mifare1 S70, MIFARE Ultralight, Mifare Pro, MIFARE DESFire |
4. Setup Guide
This section outlines the general steps for connecting your RC522 module to a microcontroller board like Arduino or Raspberry Pi. Specific wiring diagrams and code examples may vary depending on your chosen platform and project requirements.
4.1. Pin Connections
The RC522 module communicates via the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). Ensure proper connection of the following pins:
- SDA (Slave Select): Connect to a digital pin on your microcontroller (e.g., D10 for Arduino Uno).
- SCK (Serial Clock): Connect to the SPI clock pin on your microcontroller (e.g., D13 for Arduino Uno, GPIO11 for Raspberry Pi).
- MOSI (Master Out Slave In): Connect to the SPI MOSI pin on your microcontroller (e.g., D11 for Arduino Uno, GPIO10 for Raspberry Pi).
- MISO (Master In Slave Out): Connect to the SPI MISO pin on your microcontroller (e.g., D12 for Arduino Uno, GPIO9 for Raspberry Pi).
- IRQ (Interrupt Request): Optional, can be connected to a digital pin for interrupt-driven operations.
- GND (Ground): Connect to the ground pin of your microcontroller.
- RST (Reset): Connect to a digital pin on your microcontroller (e.g., D9 for Arduino Uno).
- 3.3V (Power Supply): Connect to the 3.3V power output of your microcontroller.
Image: Detailed view of the RC522 module's pinout, indicating connections for SPI communication.
Image: Top view of the RC522 module, showing the integrated antenna and main chip.
Image: Bottom view of the RC522 module, illustrating the circuit board layout.
4.2. Software Setup
After hardware connection, you will need to install the appropriate libraries for your microcontroller platform. For Arduino, search for
