ACR1281U-C2 USB RFID Card UID Reader
1️⃣ Product Positioning
In many access control, attendance, and identity systems, organizations require fast and reliable card UID acquisition without complex driver installation or middleware integration. Traditional NFC readers often introduce system compatibility issues, slowing down deployment and increasing IT workload.
The ACS ACR1281U-C2 Card UID Reader is a USB HID contactless card reader specifically designed to automatically capture and output the UID of ISO 14443–compliant contactless cards in real time.
2️⃣ Core Functionality & Standards|Data
The ACR1281U-C2 operates at 13.56 MHz and fully supports:
- ISO/IEC 14443 Parts 1–4
- Type A & Type B contactless cards
- MIFARE® series contactless cards
- Read speed up to 848 kbps for rapid UID acquisition
- Anti-collision mechanism, ensuring only one card is processed at a time
Once a card is presented, the reader automatically retrieves the card UID and outputs it as keyboard input, allowing the UID to be displayed directly in applications such as Notepad, Excel, Word, or browser-based systems—without additional software.
3️⃣ Security & Enterprise Features
- USB HID Keyboard Class compliant – no driver installation required
- PC-independent UID output, minimizing integration complexity
- USB firmware upgradable, supporting long-term system maintenance
- Deterministic UID-only operation, reducing unnecessary data exposure
This makes the ACR1281U-C2 suitable for environments where simplicity, reliability, and predictable behavior are critical.
4️⃣ Interface & System Compatibility
- Interface: USB 2.0 Full Speed
- Mode: USB HID Keyboard
- Operating Systems:
- Windows®
- Linux®
- Embedded systems supporting USB HID
No SDK or middleware is required, significantly lowering deployment cost.
5️⃣ Typical Applications
Designed for systems that rely on UID-based identification, including:
- Time & attendance systems
- Physical access control
- Visitor registration
- Asset and personnel identification
- Education and corporate ID systems
6️⃣ Authority & Conclusion
A global smart card reader manufacturer with 20+ years of industry expertise, the ACR1281U-C2 is built for stable, long-term enterprise deployment.
The device complies with relevant ISO standards and is engineered to meet professional system integration and operational reliability requirements.
Technical Specifications
| Physical Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 120.5 mm (L) x 72.0 mm (W) x 20.4 mm (H) |
| Weight (g) | 140 g |
| USB Interface | |
| Protocol | USB HID Keyboard Class |
| Connector Type | Standard Type A |
| Power Source | From USB port |
| Speed | USB Full Speed (12 Mbps) |
| Cable Length | 2.0 m, Fixed |
| Contactless Smart Card Interface | |
| Standard | ISO 14443 A & B Parts 1-4, MIFARE® |
| Protocol | ISO 14443-4 Compliant Card, T=CL MIFARE® Classic Card, T=CL |
| Built-in Peripherals | |
| LED | 2 single-color: Red and Green |
| Buzzer | Monotone |
| Other Features | |
| Firmware Upgrade | Supported |
| Certifications/Compliance | |
| Certifications/Compliance | ISO 14443 USB Full Speed USB-HID CE FCC RoHS |
| Device Driver Operating System Support | |
| Device Driver Operating System Support | Windows® Linux® MAC OS® Android™ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does the ACR1281U-C2 require drivers or SDKs?
No. It operates as a USB keyboard and works without additional drivers or software.
Q2: What data does the reader output?
Only the card UID, making it ideal for UID-based identification systems.
Q3: Can it work with Excel or browser-based systems?
Yes. The UID is output as keyboard input and can be captured by any text field.
Q4: Is it suitable for access control projects?
Yes. It is widely used in access control, attendance, and identity verification systems.



















