RFID reader documentation
Parallax, Inc. • RFID Reader Module (#28140) •Updated 09/2005 v1.1 Page 2 
The Parallax RFID Reader Module works exclusively with the EM Microelectronics-Marin SA EM4100-family 
of passive read-only transponder tags. A variety of different tag types and styles exist with the most 
popular made available from Parallax. Each transponder tag contains a unique identifier (one of 2
40
, or 
1,099,511,627,776, possible combinations) that is read by the RFID Reader Module and transmitted to 
the host via a simple serial interface. 
Electronic Connections 
The Parallax RFID Reader Module can be integrated into any design using only four connections (VCC, 
/ENABLE, SOUT, GND). Use the following circuit for connecting the Parallax RFID Reader Module to the 
BASIC Stamp microcontroller: 
Pin  Pin Name  Type  Function 
1  VCC  P  System power, +5V DC input. 
2  /ENABLE  I  Module enable pin. Active LOW digital input. Bring this pin LOW to 
enable the RFID reader and activate the antenna. 
3  SOUT  O  Serial Out. TTL-level interface, 2400bps, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit. 
4  GND  G  System ground. Connect to power supply’s ground (GND) terminal. 
Note: Type: I = Input, O = Output, P = Power, G = Ground 










