RFID Guide
Learn more about Phidget RFID interfaces here.
Replaced by the 1024_0B - PhidgetRFID Read/Write. It is the exact same device, but it comes pre-assembled in a plastic shell enclosure and you can now choose which cables you want to have included.
The PhidgetRFID Read-Write reads RFID tags that are brought in close proximity to the reader and returns the tag identification number. Writing custom tag strings to writable tags is also supported. For a list of compatible RFID tags that we have available, see the Connection & Compatibility tab.
RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) systems use data strings stored inside RFID tags to uniquely identify people or objects when their tags are scanned by an RFID reader. These types of systems are found in many applications such as passport protection, animal identification, inventory control systems, and secure access control systems.
The PhidgetRFID Read-Write supports reading and writing in 3 protocols; EM4100, ISO11785 FDX-B, and PhidgetTag. The PhidgetTag protocol simply stores up to 24 ASCII characters to the tag, eliminating the necessity for a table of corresponding tag numbers and names in your program. Phidgets sells EM4100 read-only tags that can be read with either of our RFID readers, and writable tags which can be written with the 1024 using any protocol. Any 3rd-party EM4100 or ISO11785 tags can be read.
Because passive tags require a strong RF field to operate, their effective range is limited to an area in close proximity to the RFID reader. The distance over which the RFID tag is usable is affected by such things as the tag shape and size, materials being used in the area near the reader, and the orientation of the reader and tag in respect to each other and in their operating environment. The smaller a tag, the closer it must be to the reader to operate.
The 1024 has two digital outputs, labeled "+5V" and "LED". These work the same as any other Phidgets Inc. digital output, except that the "+5V" output has a higher current rating. You can use these outputs to have an LED or buzzer to indicate when a tag read has occured.
The PhidgetRFID Read-Write is compatible with tags that use either the EM4100 series, ISO11785 FDX-B, or plaintext ASCII protocols. It is compatible with both the read-only and read-write tags sold here. Here's a list of all available tags:
Product | Tag Properties | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Part Number | Price | Supported Protocols | Tag Characteristics | Typical Read/Write Distance (with 1024 - PhidgetRFID R-W) |
![]() RFID Tag - 50mm Metal Mount
|
$2.50 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 80 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - Credit Card Sized
|
$1.10 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 110 mm |
![]() Writable RFID Tag - Credit Card Sized
|
$1.50 | EM4100, ISO11785 FDX-B, HID 26-bit (H10301), HID Generic, PhidgetTAG | Passive, Read/Write | 120 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - Watch with Adjustable Strap
|
$2.75 | EM4100 | — | 80 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - Watch with Elastic Strap
|
$2.00 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 80 mm |
![]() Writable RFID Tag - Watch with Adjustable Strap
|
$3.00 | EM4100, ISO11785 FDX-B, HID 26-bit (H10301), HID Generic, PhidgetTAG | Passive, Read/Write | 100 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - Key Fob with Key Ring
|
$1.30 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 80 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - Key Fob
|
$1.30 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 80 mm |
![]() Writable RFID Tag - Key Fob with Key Ring
|
$1.20 | EM4100, ISO11785 FDX-B, HID 26-bit (H10301), HID Generic, PhidgetTAG | Passive, Read/Write | 100 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - 18mm Disc
|
$1.00 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 50 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - 22mm Clothing Button
|
$2.00 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 60 mm |
![]() Writable RFID Tag - 25mm Disc
|
$1.50 | EM4100, ISO11785 FDX-B, HID 26-bit (H10301), HID Generic, PhidgetTAG | Passive, Read/Write | 100 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - 30mm Disc
|
$1.00 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 80 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - 30mm Disc with Hole
|
$1.30 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 100 mm |
![]() Writable RFID Tag - 30mm Disc
|
$1.50 | EM4100, ISO11785 FDX-B, HID 26-bit (H10301), HID Generic, PhidgetTAG | Passive, Read/Write | 100 mm |
![]() Writable RFID Tag - 30mm Disc with Hole
|
$2.30 | EM4100, ISO11785 FDX-B, HID 26-bit (H10301), HID Generic, PhidgetTAG | Passive, Read/Write | 100 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - 30mm Threaded
|
$0.80 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 70 mm |
![]() RFID Tag - Bird Leg Ring
|
$0.80 | EM4100 | Passive, Read-Only | 50 mm |
Use a USB cable to connect this Phidget to your computer. We have a number of different lengths available, although the maximum length of a USB cable is 5 meters due to limitations in the timing protocol. For longer distances, we recommend that you use a Single Board Computer to control the Phidget remotely.
Product | Physical Properties | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Part Number | Price | Connector A | Connector B | Cable Length |
![]() USB-A to Mini-B Cable 28cm 24AWG
|
$3.00 | USB Type A | USB Mini-B | 280 mm |
![]() USB-A to Mini-B Cable 28cm Right Angle
|
$3.50 | USB Type A | USB Mini-B (90 degree) | 280 mm |
![]() USB-A to Mini-B Cable 60cm 24AWG
|
$3.50 | USB Type A | USB Mini-B | 600 mm |
![]() USB-A to Mini-B Cable 83cm Right Angle
|
$4.50 | USB Type A | USB Mini-B (90 degree) | 830 mm |
![]() USB-A to Mini-B Cable 120cm 24AWG
|
$4.00 | USB Type A | USB Mini-B | 1.2 m |
![]() USB-A to Mini-B Cable 180cm 24AWG
|
$4.00 | USB Type A | USB Mini-B | 1.8 m |
![]() USB-A to Mini-B Cable 450cm 20AWG
|
$12.00 | USB Type A | USB Mini-B | 4.5 m |
![]() USB-C to Mini-B Cable 60cm 24AWG
|
$5.00 | USB Type C | USB Mini-B | 600 mm |
![]() USB-C to Mini-B Cable 180cm 24AWG
|
$6.00 | USB Type C | USB Mini-B | 1.8 m |
Board Properties | |
---|---|
Controlled By | USB |
USB Stack | HID |
Driver Support | Phidget21, Phidget22 |
API Object Name | RFID |
USB Speed | Full Speed |
RFID Reader | |
API Object Name | RFID |
Antenna Resonant Frequency Min | 125 kHz |
Antenna Resonant Frequency Max | 150 kHz |
Supported Protocols | EM4100, ISO11785 FDX-B, PhidgetTag |
USB Speed | Full Speed |
Electrical Properties | |
Available External Voltage (+5V) | 5 V DC |
Available External Voltage (LED) | 5 V DC |
Available External Current (+5V) | 400 mA |
Available External Current (LED) | 16 mA |
Output Impedance (LED) | 250 Ω |
Current Consumption Min | 27 mA |
Current Consumption Max | 150 mA |
Physical Properties | |
Recommended Wire Size | 16 - 26 AWG |
Operating Temperature Min | 0 °C |
Operating Temperature Max | 70 °C |
Digital Outputs | |
Number of Digital Outputs | 2 |
Digital Output Voltage Min | 0 V DC |
Digital Output Voltage Max | 5 V DC |
Customs Information | |
Canadian HS Export Code | 8471.80.00 |
American HTS Import Code | 8471.80.40.00 |
Country of Origin | CN (China) |
Channel Name | API | Channel |
---|---|---|
RFID Reader/Writer | RFID | 0 |
Digital Output | DigitalOutput | 0 |
LED Driver | DigitalOutput | 1 |
Onboard LED | DigitalOutput | 2 |
API | Detail | Language | OS | |
---|---|---|---|---|
RFID | Visual Studio GUI | C# | Windows | Download |
RFID | Objective-C | macOS | Download | |
RFID | Swift | macOS | Download | |
RFID | Swift | iOS | Download | |
RFID | Visual Basic | Windows | Download | |
RFID | Max | Multiple | Download | |
DigitalOutput | Visual Studio GUI | C# | Windows | Download |
DigitalOutput | Objective-C | macOS | Download | |
DigitalOutput | Swift | macOS | Download | |
DigitalOutput | Swift | iOS | Download | |
DigitalOutput | Visual Basic | Windows | Download | |
DigitalOutput | Max | Multiple | Download |
Date | Board Revision | Device Version | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
February 2013 | 0 | 100 | Product Release |
October 2015 | 0 | 101 | OS X El Capitan USB bug fix |
Please choose the version of the PhidgetRFID that you have: