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HF-250 Dual-Frequency 125 kHz + 13.56 MHz RFID Module, UART TTL
30 × 16 × 8.9 mm module reading EM4100-family 125 kHz cards and ISO14443A/B MIFARE, DESFire and NTAG credentials through one 3.3 V UART, with external LF and HF antennas.
- Reads 125 kHz EM4100, EM4102, EM4200, EM4305 and EM4450 credentials
- Reads 13.56 MHz ISO/IEC 14443A/B and ISO/IEC 18092: MIFARE Classic, DESFire EV1/EV2, Ultralight, NTAG2xx
- One UART at 3.3 V TTL levels, 9600–115200 bps (default 115200)
- External antennas: 50 Ω for 13.56 MHz, 490 µH ±10 µH for 125 kHz
- Active auto-read mode or passive command-triggered mode
- Frequency
- 125 kHz + 13.56 MHz
- Credentials
- EM4xxx; ISO14443A/B (MIFARE, DESFire, NTAG)
- Interface
- UART, 3.3 V TTL
- Power
- 5 V DC, ≤ 120 mA
- Dimensions
- 30 × 16 × 8.9 mm (±1.0 mm)
- Antennas
- External LF and HF
Reply within 24 hours Tested before dispatch Worldwide shipping
Dual-Frequency 125 kHz + 13.56 MHz RFID Module, UART TTL: overview
The HF-250 is a dual-frequency RFID module that reads 125 kHz EM cards and 13.56 MHz MIFARE and NFC credentials through a single 3.3 V TTL UART. At 30 × 16 × 8.9 mm and about 2.0 g as a bare board, it fits OEM products whose users carry a mix of older proximity cards and newer smart cards: EV chargers, service terminals, kiosks, keyboards and fare-collection equipment.
On the high-frequency side it supports ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443B and ISO/IEC 18092, covering MIFARE Classic, MIFARE DESFire EV1/EV2, MIFARE Ultralight and Ultralight C, NTAG2xx, contactless CPU (microprocessor) cards and NFC Forum Type 1, 2 and 4 tags. On the low-frequency side it reads EM4100, EM4102, EM4200, EM4305 and EM4450. Both antennas are external: a 50 Ω coil for 13.56 MHz and a 490 µH ±10 µH coil for 125 kHz, so each can be shaped to your housing.
In active mode the module looks for cards and reports them on its own; in passive mode it reads only when the host sends a command. The baud rate is adjustable from 9600 to 115200 bps (default 115200). A configuration utility handles parameter changes, and firmware can be upgraded over the serial port.
Integration notes
The 6-pin, 2.0 mm pitch header carries +5 V DC, GND, TXD and RXD; pins 5 and 6 (SCL/D1, SDA/D0) have no function on this version. UART signals are 3.3 V TTL. Antenna connections are made on the 4-pin, 1.25 mm connector (ask for the per-pin assignment with your sample), and a 2-pin, 2.0 mm header is unused. Current draw is up to 120 mA reading and 100 mA standby. No certification is listed for the bare module. The HF-240 (13.56 MHz) and LF-150 (125 kHz) share the same outline and 6-pin header.
More features
- Configuration utility and firmware upgrades over the serial port
- 30 × 16 × 8.9 mm, about 2.0 g, 5 V DC supply
HF-250 specifications
RF & credentials
| Frequencies | 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz |
|---|---|
| HF standards | ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443B, ISO/IEC 18092 |
| HF cards and tags | MIFARE Classic, MIFARE DESFire EV1/EV2, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE Ultralight C, NTAG2xx, contactless CPU (microprocessor) cards, NFC Forum Type 1, 2 and 4 tags |
| LF cards and tags | EM4100, EM4102, EM4200, EM4305, EM4450 |
| HF antenna | External, 50 Ω (at 13.56 MHz) |
| LF antenna | External, 490 µH ±10 µH (at 125 kHz) |
| Reading modes | Active (automatic) or passive (on host read command) |
Interfaces
| Host interface | UART, TTL 3.3 V levels |
|---|---|
| Baud rate | 9600–115200 bps (default 115200) |
| Configuration | Parameters and firmware updated with the configuration utility |
| Firmware update | Via serial port |
| Connectors | 6-pin 2.0 mm pitch (power/UART); 4-pin 1.25 mm (antennas); 2-pin 2.0 mm (not used) |
Electrical
| Supply voltage | 5 V DC |
|---|---|
| Operating current | ≤ 120 mA |
| Standby current | ≤ 100 mA |
Mechanical & environment
| Dimensions | 30 × 16 × 8.9 mm ±1.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 2.0 g (bare board) |
| Operating temperature | –20 to +60 °C (–4 to +140 °F) |
| Operating humidity | 20–80% RH, non-condensing |
| Storage temperature | –40 to +80 °C (–40 to +176 °F) |
| Certification | None listed for the module |
Credential support by band
| Band | Standards | Credentials | Antenna |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125 kHz (LF) | EM4xxx family | EM4100, EM4102, EM4200, EM4305, EM4450 | External, 490 µH ±10 µH |
| 13.56 MHz (HF) | ISO/IEC 14443A/B, ISO/IEC 18092 | MIFARE Classic, DESFire EV1/EV2, Ultralight, Ultralight C, NTAG2xx, CPU cards, NFC Forum Type 1/2/4 | External, 50 Ω |
Both bands are read by the same module and reported over the same UART.
Connector pinout
| Pin | Signal | Function |
|---|---|---|
| P1-1 | 5V | Power supply, +5 V DC |
| P1-2 | GND | Ground |
| P1-3 | TXD | UART transmit (3.3 V TTL) |
| P1-4 | RXD | UART receive (3.3 V TTL) |
| P1-5 | SCL/D1 | No function |
| P1-6 | SDA/D0 | No function |
| P2 | ANT | External LF and HF antenna connections |
| P3-1 | NC | No function |
| P3-2 | NC | No function |
P1: 6-pin, 2.0 mm pitch. P2: 4-pin, 1.25 mm pitch antenna connector. P3: 2-pin, 2.0 mm pitch.
Specifications can change between production batches. Confirm the current revision with us before placing volume orders.
Ordering options
Quote the SKU that matches your frequency, interface and mounting. Not sure? Send us your controller model and we will pick the variant for you.
| SKU | Configuration | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| HF-250-D-T | Dual-frequency 125 kHz + 13.56 MHz module, 30 × 16 mm, UART (3.3 V TTL) interface, external LF and HF antenna connector |
Where the HF-250 is used
- EV chargers that must accept both legacy 125 kHz EM fobs and MIFARE or DESFire cards
- Fare-collection and turnstile equipment during a phased move from EM cards to smart cards
- Gym lockers and member kiosks where old prox fobs and new NFC wristbands coexist
- Service terminals and keyboards reading any staff badge over a 3.3 V microcontroller UART
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HF-250 FAQ
Which 125 kHz cards does it read?
EM4100, EM4102, EM4200, EM4305 and EM4450 credentials. HID Prox-format cards are not listed for this module.
Which 13.56 MHz cards does it read?
MIFARE Classic, MIFARE DESFire EV1/EV2, MIFARE Ultralight and Ultralight C, NTAG2xx, contactless CPU cards and NFC Forum Type 1, 2 and 4 tags under ISO/IEC 14443A/B and 18092. ISO 15693 tags are not supported.
What antennas are required?
Two external coils: a 13.56 MHz antenna matched to 50 Ω and a 125 kHz coil of 490 µH ±10 µH. Both connect through the 4-pin, 1.25 mm antenna connector.
How far does it read?
No read distance is specified, because it depends on the antennas you design in and on the card. Request a sample to measure range in your own housing.
Can it replace the HF-240 or LF-150 on an existing board?
Mechanically, yes: all three share the 30 × 16 mm outline and the same 6-pin power/UART header. Check the command set in your host firmware before switching.
Before you buy
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