RFID Card Tag - 13.56MHz White

Specifications

• Operating Frequency: 13.56MHz (High Frequency - HF)
• Identification: 16-bit Unique ID (Pre-programmed, Read-only)
• Data Stream: 106-bit (Header + ID + Data + Parity)
• Encoding Type: Manchester encoding
• Effective Read Range: 5 cm to 10 cm (depending on reader antenna design)
• Material: Flexible, High-Quality PVC (Blank White)
• Power Source: Passive (Powered by the reader's RF field)
• Dimensions: Standard CR80 Credit Card Size (approx. 85.6mm x 54mm x 0.8mm)

Applications

• Access Control Systems: Build smart door locks for offices, labs, or server rooms.
• Attendance Management: Create swipe-in/swipe-out kiosks for employees or students.
• Inventory Tracking: Tag large physical assets for localized scanning and checkout systems.
• Interactive Kiosks: Trigger specific multimedia presentations or lighting effects when the card is placed on a hidden reader.

Unlock New Capabilities

• Past Projects: If you have mastered basic keypad password locks or simple push-button access controls, you are ready for the next step.
• The Upgrade: This RFID card unlocks the world of "Contactless Authentication." Moving from mechanical keypads to RF-based tap systems eliminates mechanical wear and tear and allows you to log user-specific data (who entered and when).
• Effort Level: Beginner to Intermediate. You will need an Arduino or ESP32 and a 13.56MHz reader module (like the RC522). The communication relies on SPI or I2C, making it highly accessible with standard libraries.

Virtual Technician & Wiring Guide

• Safety Warning: This is a passive tag, so there is no wiring required for the card itself. However, do not place this card directly against metal surfaces (like a steel phone case or metal door frame) as the metal will absorb the RF energy and drastically reduce the read range to zero.
• Reader Compatibility: Ensure your reader operates at 13.56MHz. This card will NOT work with 125kHz readers (like the EM4100).
• Physical Modification Warning: Do not punch holes in the card to attach it to a lanyard unless you know exactly where the internal antenna loop is located. Piercing the copper coil will permanently destroy the tag.

Package Including:

• 1 X RFID Card Tag - 13.56MHz White

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What frequency does this RFID card operate on?
  This card operates on the High Frequency (HF) 13.56MHz band.
• Is this card compatible with standard 125kHz readers?
  No, it operates at 13.56MHz and is completely invisible to 125kHz Low Frequency (LF) readers.
• Can I rewrite or change the 16-bit ID on this card?
  No, the 16-bit Unique ID is hardcoded at the factory and cannot be overwritten or altered.
• Does this tag have user-programmable EEPROM memory blocks?
  This specific basic tag is designed for ID reading only. For reading/writing large amounts of data, you would need a Mifare Classic 1K or 4K card.
• What is the maximum read range I can expect?
  Under optimal conditions with a standard reader (like the RC522), you can expect a reliable read range between 5 cm and 10 cm.
• Can I print my company logo directly on this card?
  Yes, the smooth white PVC surface is perfectly suited for standard ID card printers (dye-sublimation or thermal transfer).
• Is this RFID card waterproof?
  Yes, the internal chip and antenna are fully encased in PVC, making the card naturally water-resistant and suitable for outdoor use.
• Will this card work with NFC-enabled smartphones?
  Because it operates on 13.56MHz, some NFC smartphones may detect the UID, but compatibility depends strictly on the phone's NFC chipset and the app you are using.
• Can I use this card with an RC522 module and Arduino?
  Absolutely. The RC522 is the most popular 13.56MHz reader and is perfectly compatible with this tag.
• How do metal surfaces affect this RFID card?
  Metal surfaces interfere with the magnetic field required to power the passive chip. Placing the card flat against metal will severely reduce or completely block the signal.
• Does this tag require a battery to operate?
  No, it is a passive RFID tag. It harvests the microscopic amount of power it needs directly from the radio waves emitted by the reader module.
• What encoding method does the data stream use?
  The data transmitted by this card uses standard Manchester encoding.
• Can these cards be cloned easily?
  While the ID cannot be changed on this card, a malicious actor could read your ID and program it onto a specialized "UID changeable" blank card.
• What is the structure of the 106-bit data stream?
  The 106-bit data stream includes the Header, the 16-bit ID, the Data payload, and a Parity check bit for error correction.