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Hardware Overview

Design Files

  • Design Files

  • Design updates
    Major changes between the original USB RFID Reader (left) and new USB-C RFID Reader (right).

    • USB Connector
      We have updated the USB mini-B connector to the more prevalent USB-C connector.
    • USB-to-Serial Converter
      We have transitioned to a most cost-effective the USB-to-serial converter, the CH340C from WCH.
    • PTH Breakout Pins
      The PTH pins have been relocated and now feature silkscreen labels.

    Download the *.step File

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    Board Dimensions
    Dimensions of the USB-C RFID Reader.

    Need more measurements?

    For more information about the board's dimensions, users can download the KiCad files for this board. These files can be opened in KiCad and additional measurements can be made with the measuring tool.

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    📏 Measuring Tool

    This video demonstrates how to utilize the dimensions tool in KiCad, to include additional measurements:

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Board Layout

The USB-C RFID Reader has the following features:

Layout

Layout of the major components on the USB-C RFID Reader.

  1. USB-C Connector
    The primary interface for the USB-C RFID Reader. It provides power to the RFID module and reads any serial data output, through a CH340C converter.
  2. PTH Breakout Pins
    Two sets of 0.1" pitch PTH pins that breakout the primary connections to the RFID module.
  3. Female Headers
    Two sets of 2mm pitch, female headers that are compatible with the ID-Innovations Tiny, non-write, RFID modules (excluding the Mifare readers, marked with an MF).
  4. Buzzer
    An audio indicator for card reads.
  5. READ LED
    A green status indication LED for card reads.
  6. CH340C USB-to-Serial Converter
    The CH340C converts the serial output from the RFID module for the USB interface.

Breakout Pins

The primary function of the USB-C RFID Reader is to flip the pin connections between its headers, on the top and bottom of the board.

Flipped pins

Pin connections between the top and bottom of the USB-C RFID Reader.

  • IN_RANGE
    This pin is toggled when an RFID tag is in range.
  • PRESENT
    This output is only used when the output data format is set to Magnetic Emulation.
  • GND
    The common ground or the 0V reference for the voltage supplies.
  • VUSB
    The voltage from the USB-C connector, usually 5V.
  • TX
    Connected to the TX pin of the CH340C
  • RST
    Connected to the RES (reset) pin of the RFID module. By default, this is pin is pulled high by the VUSB pin.
  • LED
    This pin is activated when a tag is read and triggers the READ LED and buzzer on the board.
  • DATA0/DATA1
    The behavior of these pins vary, depending on the output data format that is chosen.
  • ANT2/ANT1
    These pins are utilized for an external antennal. This is likely to be necessary for any of the ID-3XX modules. Users should consult with their module's datasheet.

Jumpers

There are five jumpers on the back of the board that can be used to easily modify the hardware connections on the board.

Jumpers

The jumpers on the top of the USB-C RFID Reader.

Never modified a jumper before?

Check out our Jumper Pads and PCB Traces tutorial for a quick introduction!

SHLD
This jumper can be cut to disconnect the shielding of the USB-C connector from the GND plane of the board
BUZZ
This jumper can be cut to remove power from the buzzer.
READ
This jumper can be cut to remove power from the green READ LED.
MD1/MD2

These jumpers can be modified to control the format of the RFID module's data output between ASCII, Magnet Emulation, or Wiegand26. By default, the jumpers are set for the ASCII data format.

Data Format MD1 MD2
ASCII Open Open
Magnet Emulation Open Closed
Wiegand26 Closed Open

Info

The CH340C can only interpret data in the ASCII format. An external microcontroller or device should be utilized when another data format is chosen.