SparkFun RFID Qwiic Kit (125KHz)

The SparkFun RFID Qwiic Kit is a complete plug-and-play solution for adding 125kHz RFID reading capability to any electronics project. Designed around SparkFun's popular Qwiic Connect System, this kit dramatically simplifies the wiring and integration of RFID readers — no soldering, no complex SPI or UART configurations, just a single 4-pin Qwiic cable to connect to your microcontroller.

At the heart of the kit is the SparkFun RFID Qwiic Reader board, which uses an onboard ATtiny84A microcontroller to handle communication between the RFID module and your main board over I2C. When a 125kHz tag is scanned, the reader captures the 6-byte unique ID, attaches a timestamp, and pushes it onto an internal 20-deep stack, allowing your microcontroller to retrieve scan data at its own pace — ideal for systems that may not be ready to read every scan instantly.

The kit includes the ID-12LA RFID reader module, which provides an excellent balance of size and read range (approximately 5–6 inches / 12–15 cm). The board also supports the smaller ID-3LA and the longer-range ID-20LA modules, giving you flexibility to upgrade depending on your application. Visual and audible feedback is provided through an onboard blue scan LED and buzzer, both of which can be disabled via solder jumpers if needed.

This kit pairs beautifully with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi (via Qwiic adapter), and any Qwiic-enabled development board. With SparkFun's extensive Arduino library, getting your first RFID-based project up and running can take less than 5 minutes.

Typical Use Cases:

• Door access control systems
• Employee attendance and time tracking
• Inventory and asset management
• Interactive museum exhibits and educational kits
• Smart locker and toolbox systems

Specifications

• Kit Name: SparkFun RFID Qwiic Kit
• Read Frequency: 125 kHz
• Communication Interface: I2C (via Qwiic Connect System)
• Onboard Controller: Microchip ATtiny84A
• Compatible RFID Modules:
  • ID-3LA (compact)
  • ID-12LA (included in kit — balanced size and range)
  • ID-20LA (extended range)
• Read Range: Approximately 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) with ID-12LA
• Scan Buffer: Stores up to 20 unique tag scans with timestamps
• Output ID Length: 6-byte unique tag ID
• Visual Indicator: Blue LED on successful scan
• Audible Indicator: Onboard buzzer
• Configurable Jumpers:
  • Address Jumper (for changing I2C address)
  • Buzzer Disconnect Jumper
  • Interrupt Disconnect Jumper
• Connector Type: Qwiic — 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST (polarized, plug-and-play)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V (via Qwiic bus)

Applications

• Access control systems — door locks, gates, restricted areas
• Attendance and time-tracking for offices, schools, gyms
• Asset and inventory management in workshops and warehouses
• Smart lockers and tool checkout systems
• Interactive museum and exhibit displays
• Educational STEM and IoT projects
• Library book check-in / check-out systems
• Maker and hobbyist RFID experiments
• Event check-in and ticketing systems
• Industrial automation and equipment authorization
• Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi RFID projects
• Smart home and home automation triggers