NFC RFID Card Reader Writer USB 13.56MHz ACR122U Copier
NFC RFID Card Reader Writer USB 13.56MHz ACR122U Copier
NFC RFID Smart Card Reader & Writer – 13.56MHz USB Copier/Duplicator (ACR122U)
Meet the ACR122U NFC RFID Smart Card Reader Writer — a compact, plug-and-play USB device that lets you read, write, copy, and duplicate 13.56MHz contactless smart cards with ease. Whether you're managing access control systems, testing NFC applications, or encoding MIFARE cards, this versatile reader delivers fast, reliable performance in a lightweight form factor. Made in Mainland China.
Key Features
- USB Full Speed Interface – Simple plug-and-play connectivity; no external power supply needed.
- CCID-Compliant – Works seamlessly with standard smart card middleware and drivers.
- Fast Read/Write Speeds – Transfers data at up to 424 Kbps for efficient card operations.
- Built-In Contactless Antenna – Card reading distance of up to 50 mm (varies by card/tag type).
- Broad Card Compatibility – Supports ISO 14443 Part 4 Type A & B cards, MIFARE Classic®, MIFARE DESFire, FeliCa, and all four NFC tag types (ISO/IEC 18092).
- Anti-Collision Technology – Ensures only one card/tag is accessed at a time, preventing read errors.
- User-Controllable LED & Buzzer – Bi-color LED indicator and audible buzzer for real-time feedback.
- PC/SC & CT-API Support – Compatible with PC/SC and CT-API (via PC/SC wrapper) for flexible software integration.
Technical Specifications
- Model: ACR122U
- Frequency: 13.56 MHz
- Interface: USB Full Speed
- Read/Write Speed: Up to 424 Kbps
- Card Reading Distance: Up to 50 mm
- Supported Protocols: ISO 14443 Type A & B, MIFARE Classic®, MIFARE DESFire, FeliCa, NFC (ISO/IEC 18092)
- API Support: PC/SC, CCID, CT-API
- Dimensions: 98 × 65 × 12.8 mm
- Weight: 70 g
- Color: White
- Country of Origin: Made in Mainland China
Who Is This For?
The ACR122U is ideal for IT professionals, access control installers, NFC developers, and hobbyists who need a reliable, standards-compliant tool for reading and writing 13.56MHz contactless cards. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, and its broad protocol support means one device covers a wide range of card types.
For more information on NFC and contactless smart card standards, visit the NIST Identity & Access Management resource page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of cards and tags does the ACR122U NFC RFID Card Reader Writer support?
A: The ACR122U supports a wide range of 13.56MHz contactless cards and tags, including ISO 14443 Part 4 Type A and Type B cards, MIFARE Classic®, MIFARE DESFire, FeliCa, and all four NFC tag types as defined by ISO/IEC 18092. This makes it compatible with most common access cards, transit cards, and NFC-enabled tags.
Q: Does the ACR122U RFID reader work on Mac and Linux, or only Windows?
A: Yes. Because the ACR122U is CCID-compliant and supports the PC/SC standard, it is compatible with Windows, macOS, and most Linux distributions. Drivers are widely available, and many open-source NFC libraries (such as libnfc and nfcpy) are designed to work with this model.
Q: What is the maximum read/write distance of this NFC smart card reader?
A: The built-in contactless antenna can detect and communicate with supported cards and tags at a distance of up to 50 mm (approximately 2 inches), though the actual range may vary depending on the specific card or tag type being used.
Q: Is the ACR122U plug-and-play, or does it require special software to operate?
A: The device connects via a standard USB Full Speed interface and is largely plug-and-play on modern operating systems. For advanced read/write and duplication tasks, compatible software such as MIFARE-compatible card management tools or NFC developer libraries can be used alongside the device.