The ACR122U Contactless NFC Reader is a high-performance, PC-linked device designed for secure contactless transactions, identity verification, and data exchange. Operating at 13.56 megahertz and compliant with the ISO/IEC 18092 Near Field Communication standard, the ACR122U Smart Card NFC Reader supports ISO 14443 Type A and Type B cards, MIFARE®, FeliCa, and all four types of Near Field Communication tags. Its robust design and cross-platform support make it suitable for public transportation, enterprise security, self-service terminals, and Internet-of-Things integration worldwide.
Technical Features and Hardware Specifications
- Dimensions: 98.0 mm × 65.0 mm × 12.8 mm
- Weight: 70 grams
- Interface: Universal Serial Bus Full Speed, compliant with Chip Card Interface Device standards
- Reading Distance: Up to 50 millimeters (depending on card or tag type)
- Operating Frequency: 13.56 megahertz
- Supply Voltage: 5-volt regulated direct current from the Universal Serial Bus port
- Operating Temperature: 0–50 degrees Celsius
Supported Cards and Tags
- ISO 14443 Type A and Type B
- MIFARE contactless smart cards
- FeliCa cards
- All four types of Near Field Communication tags
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 18092, ISO 14443, Chip Card Interface Device standard, PC/SC, EN60950/ISO 60950, CE, FCC, MIC (Japan), KC (Korea), VCCI (Japan), RoHS 2, Universal Serial Bus Full Speed, Microsoft® Windows Hardware Quality Labs
Operating System Compatibility
- Microsoft Windows, Windows CE 5.0 and 6.0, Linux, macOS, Android 3.1 and above
Applications Across Global Markets
1. Public Transportation Ticketing and Contactless Fare Collection
The ACR122U NFC Reader is widely deployed in bus, metro, and light rail systems across Europe, North America, and South America. Its built-in antenna, stable read range, and anti-collision design make it ideal for:
- Fare validation and turnstile access
- Ticket vending and top-up kiosks
- Stored-value card inspection
Transit operators benefit from quick boarding times, reliable transactions, and multilingual support, reducing congestion during peak hours.
2. Enterprise Security and Identity Verification
In corporate and institutional environments, the ACR122U NFC Reader enhances employee authentication and access control by integrating into:
- Door entry systems
- Time-attendance tracking
- Workstation login authentication
Its support for Secure Access Module-style key management ensures sensitive credentials are protected while maintaining operational efficiency.
3. Internet-of-Things and Embedded Device Integration
The compact design of the ACR122U allows it to serve as a bridge between physical devices and digital identity or payment data:
- Self-service kiosks and automated terminals
- Industrial machine pairing and configuration
- Prototype testing for mobile payment solutions
- Smart retail devices and vending machines
Its Universal Serial Bus power and small form factor simplify deployment in embedded systems or portable devices.
4. Development and Prototyping
The ACR122U supports developers with open-source tools and software development kits, enabling:
- Reading and writing of MIFARE and NTAG-series tags
- Secure transaction simulation
- Application testing and validation
- Rapid prototyping for contactless solutions
This flexibility accelerates product development cycles and reduces time to market.
User Value and Benefits
- Cross-platform compatibility for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android
- High reliability for continuous operation in transit and corporate systems
- Certifications for global deployment
- Low power consumption suitable for embedded terminals
- Intuitive user feedback via bi-color LED and buzzer
These features translate into lower integration costs, faster deployment, and enhanced end-user experience across international markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: Which contactless smart cards and Near Field Communication tags are supported by the ACR122U?
The ACR122U supports ISO 14443 Type A and Type B smart cards, MIFARE® cards, FeliCa cards, and all four categories of Near Field Communication tags under the ISO/IEC 18092 standard.
2: Can the ACR122U be used for public transportation ticketing systems?
Yes. The device is suitable for bus, metro, and light rail fare collection, ticket kiosks, and stored-value card systems. Its stable reading distance and anti-collision design make it reliable for high-traffic passenger environments.
3: Which operating systems are compatible with the ACR122U?
The device is compatible with Microsoft Windows, Windows CE 5.0 and 6.0, Linux, macOS, and Android 3.1 and above.
4: What is the typical reading distance of the ACR122U?
The typical reading distance is up to 50 millimeters, depending on the type of card or tag and environmental conditions.
5: Can the ACR122U be embedded in self-service terminals or payment devices?
Yes. Its compact design and Universal Serial Bus power supply make it suitable for kiosks, vending machines, automated gates, and other embedded applications.
6: Does the ACR122U support secure authentication and key management?
Yes. When integrated with security frameworks, the device can manage secure credentials, protect sensitive data, and support enterprise identity verification and access control systems.
Conclusion
The ACR122U Contactless Smart Card NFC Reader offers a balanced combination of reliability, security, and ease of integration. Its international certifications, cross-platform support, and broad deployment in transportation, corporate security, and Internet-of-Things projects make it a trusted solution for global integrators and technology providers. By combining performance with user-centric design, the ACR122U ensures smooth operations, secure transactions, and improved end-user experiences.
