Getting started with RFID doesn't have to involve hunting down compatible modules and wiring up complex circuits. The SparkFun RFID Qwiic Kit is a complete, I2C-based bundle that provides everything required to start reading 125kHz tags immediately without any soldering or external antennas. Inside your kit box, you'll find a SparkFun RFID Qwiic Reader, an ID-12LA RFID reader module, two 125kHz RFID cards, and a 100mm Qwiic cable.

Simply plug the ID-12LA reader module into the breakout board, attach the Qwiic cable to your favorite Qwiic-enabled development board, and you are ready to scan!

An RFID Reader connected to a SparkFun RedBoard Artemis Nano via Qwiic.

Smart Data Handling

Rather than forcing your microcontroller to constantly monitor for incoming serial data, the included RFID Qwiic Reader handles the decoding and data storage for you. When a 125kHz RFID card is scanned, the board captures the six-byte ID tag, attaches a precise timestamp, and places it on an internal stack that safely holds up to 20 unique scans at once. This stored information is then easily accessible via simple I2C commands, freeing your main microcontroller to focus on other tasks.

I2C RFID Scanning

Thanks to the Qwiic connect system, you can supply 3.3V power and communicate with the board without soldering. While the I2C data flows cleanly through the Qwiic cable, you'll still need to solder or connect the interrupt pin if you decide to use that to indicate when an RFID card has been read.

Audio and Visual Alerts: The board includes a red LED and a magnetic buzzer for immediate scan confirmation. If your project needs to be silent, a simple jumper cut disables the buzzer.
Breadboard Friendly: Standard 0.1-inch spaced pins are broken out alongside the Qwiic connectors for users who prefer traditional soldering or breadboard prototyping.
Address Configuration: The default I2C address is 0x13, with a jumper available to switch to 0x14, and it is fully software-configurable for ultimate flexibility.

Despite its small footprint, the included ID-12LA module is highly adaptable and supports multiple communication standards, including ASCII, Wiegand26, and Magnetic ABA Track2 data formats. This lets the module easily interface with a wide range of microcontrollers and existing security systems, and makes it a perfect choice for this kit!

Be aware that a multiplexer (Mux) is required to communicate with multiple RFID Readers on a single bus. If you need to use more than one RFID Reader sensor, consider using the Qwiic Mux Breakout.

By combining all the necessary hardware into a single package and streamlining data handling via I2C, this kit allows you to seamlessly add reliable RFID scanning to your existing hardware ecosystem.

Features and Specifications: