MFRC-522 RFID Wireless Module RC522 SPI Reader/Writer for Arduino S50 IC Cards

MFRC-522 RC522 RFID Wireless Module — SPI Reader / Writer, Arduino, S50 IC Cards

The MFRC-522 (RC522) is a 13.56MHz RFID reader/writer module based on the NXP MFRC522 IC, communicating with the host microcontroller via SPI interface. It reads and writes Mifare Classic 1K (S50), Mifare Classic 4K (S70), Mifare Ultralight, and NTAG series RFID cards and key fobs at a range of up to 5cm. Widely used in Arduino-based access control, attendance tracking, inventory management, and contactless payment prototype projects.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value
IC	NXP MFRC522
Operating Frequency	13.56MHz (ISO 14443A)
Interface	SPI (up to 10Mbps), I²C, UART
Supply Voltage	3.3V DC (do NOT connect to 5V directly)
Current Consumption	13–26mA (operating)
Read Range	Up to 5cm (card dependent)
Supported Cards	Mifare Classic 1K/4K, Mifare Ultralight, NTAG203/213/215/216
Operating Temperature	−20°C to +80°C
PCB Size	40 × 60mm
Included Accessories	S50 Mifare card + key fob (check variant)
Certification	CE, RoHS

SPI Pin Mapping (Arduino Uno)

RC522 Pin	Arduino Uno Pin	Function
SDA (SS)	D10	SPI Slave Select
SCK	D13	SPI Clock
MOSI	D11	SPI Master Out
MISO	D12	SPI Master In
IRQ	(optional) D9	Interrupt (optional)
GND	GND	Ground
RST	D9	Reset
3.3V	3.3V	Power (3.3V only)

Typical Applications

• Access Control: RFID card reader for door lock access control systems — read card UID and compare against an authorised list stored in EEPROM or SD card
• Attendance Tracking: RFID-based attendance system for schools, offices, and events using Mifare cards as student/employee ID cards
• Inventory Management: RFID tag reader for tracking inventory items, tools, and assets in warehouses and workshops
• Smart Locker: RFID-controlled locker system using Mifare cards as keys for gym lockers, parcel lockers, and secure storage
• Contactless Payment Prototype: Prototype contactless payment and loyalty card systems using Mifare Classic cards and the MFRC522 reader

FAQ

Q: Can I power the RC522 from the Arduino 5V pin?
A: No. The MFRC522 operates at 3.3V. Connecting VCC to 5V will damage the IC. Use the Arduino 3.3V pin (sufficient for the RC522’s 26mA current draw) or a dedicated 3.3V regulator.

Q: What Arduino library should I use?
A: Install the MFRC522 library by GithubCommunity via Arduino Library Manager. Use the DumpInfo example sketch to verify the module is working and read card UIDs.

Package Contents

• 1 × MFRC-522 RC522 RFID reader/writer module
• 1 × S50 Mifare Classic 1K card
• 1 × S50 Mifare key fob (check variant)

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