The ACR1252U reader is a multiprotocol desktop NFC device which can work as
card reader/writer,
card emulator, and it supports
peer-to-peer communication, as well.
It operates on a frequency of 13.56 MHz and it supports the protocols ISO/IEC 14443 Type A and B cards, MIFARE®, FeliCa, and ISO 18092–compliant NFC chips. It also works on multiple platforms (Windows® CE, Windows®, Linux®, MAC OS®, Solaris, Android™).
The ACR1252U is made by the manufacturer, Advanced Card Systems Ltd., which is among the world's top 3 suppliers of PC-linked smart card readers. Their products are used in a variety of applications (access control, payments, user and asset identification, vending systems, etc.) in more than 100 countries worldwide.
There are three models of ACR1252 readers.
The
ACR1252U-M1 comes with a SAM (Secure Access Module) slot which can be used together with a SAM card for secure transactions.
The
ACR1252U-M2 is the version without the SAM slot, but other functionalities are the same.
The
ACR1252U-MF is same as ACR1252U-M1 but with USB-C connection.
When buying a ACR1252 reader there is no software included and you have to use third party NFC applications or write your own using the PCSC API for application programming usage.
Drivers and the technical documentation is available at the manufacturer website:
https://www.acs.com.hk/en/products/342/acr1252u-usb-nfc-reader-iii-nfc-forum-certified-reader/
To develop secure NFC or RFID applications, we recommend buying a
ACR1252U SDK kit which includes a ACR1252-M1 reader, a collection of PC/SC–compliant sample codes and sample transponders including Mifare® 1K Cards, ACOS3 Contactless Smart Cards, and ACOS6-SAM Secure Access Module Card.
Reader connection and housing
The ACR1252U has a fixed cable attached to its housing, and on the other side a USB-A connector. The cable is black, 1m long, and it has a shielding protection against electromagnetic interference. The fixed cable increases the reliability of the solution because it cannot be accidently pulled out.
You can use this device with a PC, laptop, tablets, and if you use a USB-A to USB-C converter, you can use it even mobile phones or tablets with USB-C connector. The converter is not included with a reader.
The housing is matte black, compact, and nicely made. It has a familiar white NFC and ACS logo. On the back of each reader, there’s a label with the name of the reader and a bar code. On the top right corner, there is a LED light which is red when the reader is on standby, and it turns green when it successfully reads the transponder.
The ACR1252U-M1 has a SAM slot which is available when you open the housing (four screws under the anti-slip rubber legs).
Transponders and supported chips
The ACR1252U is suitable for working with different kinds of passive RFID transponders which operate on a frequency 13.56 MHz – and it supports NFC standards as well.
The most common types of transponders are NFC and RFID Stickers, Labels, Tags, Cards, Key Fobs, Wristbands, etc.
It supports the following chips: MIFARE®, NTAG213, NTAG215, NTAG216, DESFire®, MIFARE®, Fudan F08, FeliCa, and other ISO/IEC 18092 NFC chips.
This reader even reads the transponders with small antennas well.
Reading test
The reading distance between the NFC tag and the reader is affected by many different factors:
- The quality of the reader and the tags.
- The interferences of metal and electromagnetic signals (desktop reader are not made for use on metallic tables and other basis)
- The distance defined by the chip manufacturers
- The size of the RFID tag antennas.
We tested the ACR1252U-M1 and measured the reading distances for different kind of NFC and RFID tags in our offer. This is not an official test, and it was made to inform you what reading distances you may expect with your application.
NFC tags with smaller antennas than 25 mm are usually harder to read, and the reading distance gets smaller and smaller. The ACR1252U-M1 performed much better than other similar readers, and it read even our smaller NFC tags. The reader successfully read the 13 mm NFC tag at a distance of 0.5 mm, where other readers were not able to read it at all. The best reading distance was achieved with RFID cards with an antenna size 76 x 45 mm.
Below are the distances we measured with our test:
Reader Applications
Some common uses for readers ACR1252U are:
• person identification for time attendance application
• person identification for tracking and billing processes
• person authentication for software applications
• person authentication for access management
• goods, asset, and equipment identification
• contactless payments.
The reader is not designed to work on a metallic surface. The reader’s magnetic fluxes will induce eddy currents within the conductor and will cause poor performance or the reader not to work at all.
To ensure that the reader will perform well, we recommend that you mount it on plastic, wood, or other non-conductive material with the thickness at least 1 cm or more or you may use a special shielding material.
Technical Specification
Manufacturer: Advanced Card Systems Ltd.
Product name: ACR1252U
Working frequency: 13.56 MHz
Reader type: desktop reader
Reading distance: up to 7 cm
RF protocol: ISO14443A, ISO14443B, FeliCa, DESFire, NTAG, other ISO/IEC 18092 NFC chips
Interface: USB
Software: not included (documentation and drivers available at
https://www.acs.com.hk/en/products/342/acr1252u-usb-nfc-reader-iii-nfc-forum-certified-reader/)
Built-in two colors LED and buzzer alert.
USB firmware upgrade function
Reader Dimensions: 98.0 mm (L) x 65.0 mm (W) x 12.8 mm (H)
Package Dimensions: 205 mm (L) x 93 mm (W) x 26 mm (H)
Reader Weight: 81 g
Package Weight: 106 g
Custom H.S. Code: 8471 90 00 00
Operating temperature: 0°C to 60°C 90% RH
Charge Power: Standard USB power (5V 500mA)
If you need larger quantities send an email to info@rfidspecialist.eu or call +38641 884 124 and we will be happy to help you.
If you are an integrator or reseller, we offer special discounts.
MIFARE®, MIFARE CLASSIC®, DESFire®, ICODE® are registered trademarks, owned by NXP B.V. There is no affiliation between NXP B.V. and Mave d.o.o.