# RFID RC522 Kit

> NXP MFRC522-based 13.56MHz RFID reader/writer kit with SPI interface, including reader module, MIFARE 1K card, and key fob. Ideal for access control and identification projects.

## Quick Facts

- **Brand:** OpenELAB
- **Board Type:** module
- **Price:** ~$4.99
- **Product Readiness:** developer
- **CPU:** MFRC522 embedded contactless front-end processor (no user-programmable CPU)
- **CPU Architecture:** Proprietary (NXP contactless)
- **RAM:** N/A (peripheral module)
- **Flash:** N/A (peripheral module)
- **Power:** 3.3V DC
- **Operating Voltage:** 3.3V

## Open Source

- **Firmware:** No
- **Schematics:** No
- **PCB Layout:** No

## Use Cases

- access-control
- iot
- asset-tracking

## Components

- **MFRC522** (rfid-reader): NXP MFRC522 contactless reader/writer IC supporting MIFARE and ISO/IEC 14443A cards at 13.56MHz with SPI, I2C, and UART interfaces. — [Datasheet](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nxp.com%2Fdocs%2Fen%2Fdata-sheet%2FMFRC522.pdf&ref=openhardware.directory&product=rfid-rc522-kit&source=md-export)

## Protocols

- **SPI**
- **I2C**
- **UART**

## Description

## Overview

The RFID RC522 Kit is a complete 13.56MHz contactless reader/writer solution based on the NXP MFRC522 chip. The kit includes the reader module, a MIFARE 1K card, and a key fob, providing everything needed to start building RFID-based projects like access control systems, attendance tracking, inventory management, and IoT identification.

The MFRC522 communicates with microcontrollers via SPI (up to 10Mbps), I2C, or UART interfaces. It supports ISO/IEC 14443A/MIFARE cards with a typical read distance of 0–60mm depending on antenna configuration. The module operates at 3.3V logic with a 3.3V power supply, making it directly compatible with most microcontroller platforms.

Widely supported Arduino and Raspberry Pi libraries (MFRC522 library) make integration straightforward, with functions for reading card UIDs, authenticating sectors, and reading/writing data blocks.

## What's in the Box

- 1x MFRC522 RFID reader module
- 1x MIFARE 1K white card (ISO 14443A)
- 1x MIFARE 1K key fob

## Pinout

| Pin | Function |
|-----|----------|
| VCC | 3.3V power supply |
| GND | Ground |
| RST | Reset |
| SDA | SPI Chip Select (SS) |
| SCK | SPI Clock |
| MOSI | SPI Master Out |
| MISO | SPI Master In |
| IRQ | Interrupt (optional) |

## Where to Buy

- [OpenELAB](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fopenelab.io%2Fproducts%2Frfid-kit-rc522&ref=openhardware.directory&product=rfid-rc522-kit&source=md-export) — $4.99

## Resources

- [product](https://openhardware.directory/r?to=https%3A%2F%2Fopenelab.io%2Fproducts%2Frfid-kit-rc522&ref=openhardware.directory&product=rfid-rc522-kit&source=md-export)

## Tags

`rfid`, `rc522`, `mfrc522`, `13.56mhz`, `nfc`, `spi`, `access-control`, `mifare`, `arduino`, `raspberry-pi`

## Images

![RFID RC522 Kit](https://nbg1.your-objectstorage.com/openhardware-directory/entities/rfid-rc522-kit/789fe63e1d08.jpg)

---
[View full device page](https://openhardware.directory/devices/rfid-rc522-kit)