MFRC522 RC522 RFID Card Reader Writer Module
MFRC522 overview
The MFRC522 is an RC522 RFID Card Reader Writer Module made by Philips Electronics - NXP. Main ratings: Voltage DC 3.3V (Do not use 5V supply); Operating Current 13-26mA; Idle Current 10-13mA; Sleep current <80uA. This page brings together the MFRC522 pinout and key specifications, with the full datasheet PDF to preview below or download.
RC522 is the highly integrated RFID card reader which works on non-contact 13.56mhz communication, is designed by NXP as low power consumption, low cost, and compact size read and write chip, and is the best choice in the development of smart meters and portable hand-held devices.
MF RC522 uses the advanced modulation system, fully integrated at 13.56MHz with all kinds of positive non-contact communication protocols. Support 14443A compatible answer signal. DSP deal with ISO14443A frames and error correction. Furthermore, it also supports rapid CRYPTO1 encryption to validate Mifare series products. MFRC522 support Mifare series higher speed non-contact communication, duplex communication speed up to 424 kb/s. As a new family member in the 13.56MHz RFID family, MF RC522 has many similarities to MF RC5200 and MF RC530 and also has more new features.
This module can fit directly into handheld devices for mass production. The module uses the 3.3V power supply and can communicate directly with any CPU board by connecting through SPI protocol, which ensures reliable work, good reading distance

Key specifications
Datasheet
MFRC522 features
- Highly integrated analog circuitry to demodulate and decode responses
- Buffered output drivers for connecting an antenna with the minimum number of external components
- Supports ISO/IEC 14443 A/MIFARE and NTAG
- Typical operating distance in reading/Write mode up to 50 mm depending on the antenna size and tuning
- Supports MF1xxS20, MF1xxS70 and MF1xxS50 encryption in Read/Write mode
- Supports ISO/IEC 14443 A higher transfer speed communication up to 848 kBd
- Supports MFIN/MFOUT
MFRC522 pinout

| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Vcc | Used to Power the module, typically 3.3V is used |
| RST | Reset pin – used to reset or power down the module |
| Ground | Connected to the Ground of the system |
| IRQ | Interrupt pin – used to wake up the module when a device comes into range |
| MISO/SCL/Tx | MISO pin when used for SPI communication, acts as SCL for I2c and Tx for UART. |
| MOSI | Master out slave in pin for SPI communication |
| SCK | Serial Clock pin – used to provide a clock source |
| SS/SDA/Rx | Acts as Serial input (SS) for SPI communication, SDA for IIC and Rx during UART |
MFRC522 specifications
| Operating Current | 13-26mA |
|---|---|
| Idle Current | 10-13mA |
| Sleep current | <80uA |
| Peak current | <30mA |
| Operating Frequency | 13.56MHz |
| Supported card types | mifare1 S50, mifare1 S70, Mifare Ultra Light, Mifare Pro, Mifare Desfire |
| Dimensions | 40mm × 60mm |
| Module Interface SPI Data Transfer Rate | Max. 10Mbit/s |
| Card reading distance | 0~30mm (Mifare1 card) |
MFRC522 applications
- Automated toll collection systems for highways or parking lots.
- Attendance systems for schools, offices, or events.
- Smart lock systems for keyless entry and security.
- Access control systems for secure entry and exit management.
- Ticketing systems for transportation, events, or attractions.
- Supply chain and logistics systems for tracking and tracing shipments.
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