SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Reader - M7E Hecto

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is the backbone of modern inventory tracking, timing systems, and access control. However, not all RFID is created equal. While standard low-frequency readers require you to tap a single card against a sensor, Ultra High Frequency (UHF) technology opens a new world of possibilities. UHF RFID allows you to scan hundreds of tags simultaneously from meters away, making it the industry standard for everything from business logistics to race timing.

The SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Reader makes this powerful UHF technology accessible and affordable for everyone. Built around the high-performance M7E Hecto module from JADAK©, this board allows you to read and write to standard EPCglobal Gen 2 tags (the most common passive UHF tags in the world) easily.

Blazing Fast Performance

The "Simultaneous" in the name isn't just for show. This reader can scan multiple tags simultaneously, achieving an impressive read rate of up to 300 tags per second. Whether you are scanning a pallet of goods or timing a marathon, the M7E Hecto handles the traffic with ease. It also features fast writing capabilities, with a typical write time of just 80 milliseconds for standard 96-bit EPC tags.

Incredible Range and Flexibility

The reader features an adjustable power output from 0dBm to 27dBm, allowing you to fine-tune the range for your specific environment.

• Onboard Antenna: For immediate use right out of the box, the built-in PCB trace antenna provides a read range of roughly one to two feet, perfect for desktop testing and near-field applications.
• External Antenna: Need more reach? By attaching an external antenna (sold separately) to the U.FL connector, you can achieve read distances of up to 16 feet (4.9 meters).

USB-C or Serial: You Choose

We've designed this board to be the most user-friendly RFID reader on the market.

• Plug-and-Play USB: A built-in USB-C connector (via a CH340C converter) allows you to plug it directly into a computer and start reading tags immediately—no soldering required.
• Embedded Serial: For embedded projects, we've broken out the serial lines to a standard 0.1" header.
• Easy Switching: A convenient 2-way switch on the board lets you effortlessly toggle between the USB interface and the hardware serial pins, making it easy to move from prototyping on a PC to deploying with a microcontroller.

Regardless of your project, the M7E Hecto delivers professional-grade UHF performance in an easy-to-integrate package. It’s the perfect bridge between complex industrial hardware and your custom embedded application.

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Board Dimensions
• Hookup Guide
• M7E Hecto User Guide
• Using RFID Tags an Readers
• SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Tag Reader Arduino Library
• GitHub Hardware Repo