SparkFun
RFID Qwiic Reader for ID Innovations Modules
· MPN: SEN-15191
This Qwiic RFID reader breakout makes it much easier to add low-frequency 125kHz RFID scanning to a project. It is designed for ID Innovations ID-3LA, ID-12L...
This Qwiic RFID reader breakout makes it much easier to add low-frequency 125kHz RFID scanning to a project. It is designed for ID Innovations ID-3LA, ID-12LA and ID-20LA reader modules, converting the module output into simple I2C commands so your main microcontroller does not need to handle serial parsing.
An onboard ATtiny84A captures each scanned six-byte ID tag, adds a timestamp and stores up to 20 unique scans in an internal stack. Power and I2C communication are handled through the Qwiic connector at 3.3V, while the INT pin can be connected if you want an interrupt signal when a card is read.
The board includes a red read LED and magnetic buzzer for scan feedback, plus a jumper to disable the buzzer for quiet installations. Standard 0.1-inch pins are also broken out for breadboard prototyping or traditional soldered connections.
Arduino and Python / MicroPython / CircuitPython libraries are available, along with hardware files, hookup guidance and RFID tutorials. Note that most ID Innovations modules have an internal antenna, but ID-3XX modules will likely require an external antenna; check the module datasheet before choosing your reader.
Features:
- Smart data handling: Captures the six-byte ID tag, attaches a timestamp and stores scan data for I2C retrieval.
- Internal scan stack: Safely holds up to 20 unique scans at once.
- Qwiic I2C connection: Supplies 3.3V power and I2C communication without soldering.
- Interrupt option: INT pin can indicate when an RFID card has been read.
- Audio and visual alerts: Red LED and magnetic buzzer provide immediate scan confirmation.
- Silent operation option: Jumper cut disables the buzzer.
- Breadboard friendly: Standard 0.1-inch spaced pins are broken out alongside the Qwiic connectors.
- Address configuration: Default I2C address is 0x13, with a jumper available to switch to 0x14, and is software-configurable.
Specifications:
- Voltage In: 3.3V via Qwiic
- Qwiic Connector: 2x Qwiic Connector
- RFID module footprint: ID-Innovations RFID Read Module Footprint
- Default I2C Address: 0x13 to 0x14
- LED: Power
- LED: Read
- Buzzer: Magnetic Buzzer
- Jumper: Interrupt: INT
- Jumper: Buzzer: BUZZER
- Jumper: Connects the I2C Pull-Up: I2C
- Jumper: Change Default I2C Address: ADR
- Board Dimensions: 1.00" x 1.24" (25.4mm x 31.5mm)
- Weight: 0.23oz (6.6g)
A multiplexer is required to communicate with multiple RFID readers on a single I2C bus, such as when building multi-reader access control, tracking or interactive display projects.
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- CircuitPython
- A beginner-friendly version of Python designed to run directly on microcontroller boards. If a product supports CircuitPython, you can often program it by copying code files onto the board rather than setting up a more complex toolchain.
- I2C
- I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.
- I2C address
- An I2C address is the number a device uses so a microcontroller can tell it apart from other devices on the same I2C bus. It matters because two devices with the same fixed address may conflict if used together.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode is a small electronic component that lights up when current flows through it in the correct direction. In this kit, LEDs create the flashing effect, so polarity and correct soldering matter for the project to work.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a chip that runs your program and controls connected inputs and outputs. For this product, it is the part that reads buttons and sensors, drives the display and speaker, and communicates over Bluetooth.
- MicroPython
- A version of the Python programming language made to run on microcontrollers. It matters because it lets beginners write readable code to control LEDs, sensors, motors and displays without needing to start with lower-level languages.
- multiplexer
- A multiplexer is a chip or board that lets one controller switch between several devices that would otherwise conflict on the same bus. It matters here because multiple modules with the same I2C address cannot normally share one I2C bus without extra hardware.
- Qwiic
- Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.
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RFID Qwiic Reader Schematic
Schematic · 185.3 KB · Click any page to view full size
ID Innovations RFID Module Datasheet
Datasheet · 895.4 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 758.2 KB · Click any page to view full size
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