EM18 125 kHz RFID Card Tag Reader Module

The EM18 125 kHz RFID Card Tag Reader Module is a compact and reliable solution for contactless identification and access control. Using low-frequency RFID technology, it reads EM4100/EM4102 compatible 125 kHz passive tags and outputs the unique ID via UART (serial TTL) for direct use with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and other microcontrollers.

Its plug-and-play design and low power consumption make it perfect for attendance systems, security door locks, vending machines, and IoT authentication devices.

🔹 Key Features

• 125 kHz RFID Technology: Reads EM4100/EM4102 and compatible passive tags and cards.

• UART TTL Interface: Simple serial output for direct microcontroller communication.

• Fast Detection: Typical read distance of up to 8 cm for standard cards.

• Low Power Consumption: Operates efficiently from a 5 V DC supply.

• Onboard Antenna: No external antenna required for standard applications.

• Compact & Lightweight: Easy to embed in custom enclosures.

🔹 Technical Specifications

• Operating Frequency: 125 kHz

• Supported Tags: EM4100/EM4102 or compatible

• Interface: UART (TTL level, 9600 bps default)

• Operating Voltage: 5 V DC

• Current Consumption: ~50 mA typical

• Read Range: 5–8 cm (depends on tag type & environment)

• Output Format: 12-byte ASCII string with tag ID

• Dimensions: ~32 mm × 32 mm × 8 mm

• Operating Temperature: –20 °C to +70 °C

🔹 Applications & Use Cases

• Access Control Systems: Integrate with door locks or turnstiles for secure entry.

• Attendance Management: Build custom employee/student attendance systems.

• IoT Authentication: Add contactless identification to Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects.

• Vending Machines & Kiosks: Enable RFID card payments or user identification.

• Robotics & Automation: Trigger events or log data when specific tags are detected.

🔹 Advantages for Makers & Developers

• Direct UART output eliminates the need for complex libraries.

• Compatible with popular platforms like Arduino and Accessories and ESP modules.

• Wide availability of RFID cards, key fobs, and tags simplifies deployment.

🔹 Safety & Precautions

• Use regulated 5 V supply to avoid damage.

• Keep module away from strong electromagnetic interference for reliable reads.

• Avoid bending or damaging the onboard antenna.

🔗 Helpful Internal Links

• Explore Electronics Components for integration.

• Browse Tools and Accessories for installation and testing gear.

🎥 Video Tutorial

[YouTube tutorial link here]

📝 Product Summary

The EM18 125 kHz RFID Reader Module offers quick, reliable tag detection with simple UART output, making it ideal for access control, attendance, and IoT security applications with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other microcontrollers.