EM4200 - 128-bit 125kHz Read-Only RFID IC | EM Microelectronic
Référence : EM4200 ✓ Actif| Qté | Prix unitaire | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.45 | $0,45 |
| 10 | $0.38 | $3,80 |
| 100 | $0.3 | $30,00 |
| 500 | $0.25 | $125,00 |
| 1 000 | $0.21 | $210,00 |
| 5 000 | $0.17 | $850,00 |
EM4200 Présentation
An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transponder IC is a passive silicon device that harvests energy from an incident electromagnetic field, stores a unique identification code in non-volatile memory, and transmits that code back to an interrogator via load modulation. Within the RFID taxonomy, the EM4200 is a low-frequency (LF, 30-300 kHz) passive read-only tag IC; within the LF tier it belongs to the 125 kHz proximity-ID family used for contactless cards, animal tagging, and access control. LF read-only tags sit below HF (13.56 MHz) and UHF (860-960 MHz) passive ICs in the RFID hierarchy, but offer superior performance near metal and water.
Key features include: 128 bits of factory-locked memory (vs. 64 bits in EM4100/4102), supporting up to 100 billion unique identification codes; direct drop-in compatibility with EM4100/4102 and EM4005/4105 readers because the RF protocol, modulation, and 32-bit unique-ID framing are preserved; ISO 11785 animal-ID compliance; an operating frequency range of 100 kHz to 150 kHz; and typical read ranges of a few centimeters at 5 V antenna drive. The on-chip resonance capacitor eliminates the need for an external tuning capacitor in standard transponder layouts.
Architecturally, the EM4200 uses a CMOS rectifier front-end, a bandgap-derived voltage reference, and a clock-recovery block synchronized to the 125 kHz carrier. The data path is hard-wired to the laser-programmed ROM array; there is no EEPROM, no write channel, and no anti-collision logic. This single-purpose silicon floor plan gives the EM4200 a cost advantage over the rewritable T5577/EM4305 family but limits it to read-only applications.
Typical applications include 125 kHz proximity access cards, animal identification ear tags, industrial key fobs, parking transponders, and time-attendance badges. The EM4200 is the modern replacement for the discontinued EM4100/EM4102; an existing EM4100 reader decodes an EM4200-programmed credential identically. Designers should confirm antenna inductance (typically 1.0-7.5 mH) matches the on-chip resonance capacitor for the target reader field strength.
When selecting an RFID transponder IC, decide whether read-only is sufficient - if credential reprogramming is needed, choose a writable chip such as T5577 or EM4305 instead. For pure read-only credentials where EM4100 protocol compliance is required, the EM4200 (original EM Microelectronic die) and TK4100 (Chinese second-source) are the dominant choices.
This page synthesizes the EM Microelectronic datasheet, distributor stock data, protocol-level cross-reference information, and direct drop-in alternatives (TK4100, EM4100, EM4102) into a single engineering reference not available from any single distributor page.
Alternatives de remplacement direct pour EM4200 — même boîtier, compatible broche à broche. Les références à boîtier différent nécessitant une retouche du PCB sont exclues.
Outil de comparaison rapide — sélectionnez des références alternatives pour une comparaison côte à côte :
TK4100
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
EM4100
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
EM4102
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
EM4005
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
EM4105
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
EM4200 Spécifications
| Product Type | Read-Only RFID Transponder IC (LF) |
| Carrier Frequency | 125 kHz (range 100 kHz to 150 kHz) |
| Type de mémoire | Laser-programmed ROM (read-only) |
| Taille de mémoire | 128 bits (10 groups of 4 data bits + 9-bit header + 10 row parity bits + 4 column parity bits) |
| Number of Unique Codes | >100 billion combinations |
| Modulation / Encoding | ASK, Manchester encoding |
| Protocol Compatibility | EM4100 / EM4102 / EM4005 / EM4105 (drop-in compatible at reader) |
| Standard Compliance | ISO 11785 (animal ID) |
| On-chip Resonance Capacitor | Yes (integrated, eliminates external cap in standard layouts) |
| Read Range | Up to ~10 cm (typical, depends on antenna and reader field) |
| Operating Supply | Harvested from RF field (no external supply) |
| Température de fonctionnement | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package / Form Factor | Bare die (wafer) for inlay embedding; 2-VDFN variant EM4200A6DF2C-001+ |
| RoHS Compliance | Compliant |
| Process Technology | CMOS |
Configuration des broches de EM4200
| Broche 1 | LA — Antenna coil terminal A (connects to one end of transponder coil) |
| Broche 2 | LB — Antenna coil terminal B (connects to other end of transponder coil) |
Applications typiques
EM4200 convient pour 7 applications: 125 kHz Proximity Access Cards, Animal Identification Ear Tags, Time and Attendance Badges, Industrial Key Fobs and Token Credentials, Parking and Toll Transponders, Asset Tracking and Inventory Labels, Wearable Identification and Membership Cards.
125 kHz Proximity Access Cards
The EM4200 is the dominant silicon for read-only 125 kHz proximity access cards used in office buildings, hotel rooms, gated communities, and parking garages. Its 128-bit laser-programmed ROM provides more than 100 billion unique IDs, eliminating ID collisions across very large credential populations, and its Manchester-encoded ASK modulation at 125 kHz is decoded natively by virtually every EM4100-compatible reader on the market. Per the EM Microelectronic datasheet, the integrated resonance capacitor lets card manufacturers use a simple two-pad antenna coil with no external tuning components, reducing BOM cost and improving manufacturing yield. The EM4200 transmits a 32-bit unique ID with every reader activation, giving access-control systems a stable identifier that cannot be cloned or rewritten at the credential side.
Recommandé
Animal Identification Ear Tags
The EM4200 supports ISO 11785 animal-ID compliance, making it suitable for livestock ear tags, pet microchip transponders (in ISO 11784/11785 glass capsule form), and wildlife tracking applications. Per the EM Microelectronic datasheet, the bare-die form factor lets tag manufacturers embed the EM4200 directly into a glass-encapsulated transponder capsule (typically 12 mm x 2 mm) using a small ferrite-core antenna coil. The 100 kHz to 150 kHz operating range matches all standard ISO 11785 readers, and the EM4200's read range of up to ~10 cm at 5 V antenna drive is sufficient for handheld livestock scanners. The read-only nature is a security feature here - animal IDs cannot be tampered with or rewritten in the field.
Recommandé
Time and Attendance Badges
Time and attendance systems in factories, hospitals, and corporate offices use 125 kHz EM4200 credentials because the read-only architecture prevents employees from cloning or modifying their own badge IDs. The EM4200 transmits a fixed 32-bit ID with every reader activation; a backend database maps that ID to the employee record and timestamps clock-in/clock-out events. Per the EM Microelectronic datasheet, the part's Manchester-encoded modulation ensures reliable decoding even in electrically noisy industrial environments with motors, VFDs, and fluorescent lighting. The same credential can also be used for cafeteria payment, building access, and printer release - all without the security risk of a rewritable chip.
Recommandé
Industrial Key Fobs and Token Credentials
The EM4200 in 2-VDFN surface-mount package variant (EM4200A6DF2C-001+) is used in industrial key fobs, equipment-authentication tokens, and machinery lockout keys. Per the DigiKey listing, the 2-VDFN package exposes only two antenna pads, which connect to a small PCB-trace coil or an external inductor, eliminating the need for a wound wire coil in space-constrained enclosures. The EM4200's CMOS process gives it excellent ESD robustness for handheld tokens, and the read-only memory guarantees that the fob's identity cannot be tampered with during its service life. Common uses include CNC machine operator authentication, forklift driver ID, and tool-control crib logging.
Recommandé
Parking and Toll Transponders
The EM4200 is deployed in long-range 125 kHz parking transponders and gated-community vehicle tags where read range of up to ~10 cm (active reader antennas deliver several meters) is sufficient for drive-up identification. Per RFID industry sources, the 128-bit ID space is large enough to assign a unique code to every vehicle in metropolitan areas without collision risk, and the read-only architecture prevents drivers from cloning or modifying their transponders. The EM4200's integrated resonance capacitor simplifies the inlay design for windshield-mounted tags, allowing a single adhesive strip antenna coil to be bonded directly to the die pads. Many legacy parking systems deployed in the 1990s and 2000s were built on EM4100 readers and decode EM4200 transparently.
Recommandé
Asset Tracking and Inventory Labels
The EM4200 is used in passive RFID asset tags for IT equipment, library books, medical devices, and warehouse inventory where a permanent, non-rewritable identifier is required for chain-of-custody tracking. Per the EM Microelectronic datasheet, the bare-die form factor lets label converters embed the EM4200 into paper-thin adhesive labels using a printed antenna coil, enabling low-cost per-tag economics. The read-only memory prevents tag tampering and ensures that asset IDs remain stable across the asset's service life. Unlike barcodes, EM4200-tagged assets can be inventoried without line-of-sight scanning, and unlike writable RFID chips, the EM4200's identity cannot be fraudulently altered.
Recommandé
Wearable Identification and Membership Cards
The EM4200 enables membership and loyalty cards for gyms, resorts, and recreational facilities where a passive 125 kHz credential is preferred for cost and battery-free operation. The EM4200 transmits its 32-bit unique ID whenever the card enters a reader field, allowing the facility's backend system to verify membership status and grant access. Per the EM Microelectronic datasheet, the bare-die form factor lets card manufacturers produce thin ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 cards (CR80 format, 85.6 mm x 54 mm) with the chip embedded in a laminated layer. Membership cards do not require encryption or rewritability, so the EM4200's read-only architecture is well-matched to the use case and provides a 20-30% cost advantage over writable chips.
Recommandé
Récapitulatif des produits recommandés
Données de référence d'ingénierie pour EM4200 — comparaison, recommandations de conception et informations de conformité.
Guide de sélection
Comparaison avec les alternatives
| Paramètre | Ce produit | TK4100 | EM4100 | EM4102 | EM4005 | EM4105 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | EM Microelectronic | EM Microelectronic | EM Microelectronic | EM Microelectronic | EM Microelectronic | EM Microelectronic |
| Package | Bare die (coil-pad inlay) | Bare die (coil-pad inlay) - same | Bare die (coil-pad inlay) - same | Bare die (coil-pad inlay) - same | Bare die (coil-pad inlay) - same | Bare die (coil-pad inlay) - same |
| Carrier Frequency | 125 kHz (100-150 kHz) | 125 kHz - same | 125 kHz - same | 125 kHz - same | 125 kHz - same | 125 kHz - same |
| Memory Size | 128 bits | 64 bits (-50%) | 64 bits (-50%) | 64 bits (-50%) | 64 bits (-50%) | 64 bits (-50%) |
| Memory Type | Laser-programmed ROM (read-only) | Laser-programmed ROM (read-only) - same | Laser-programmed ROM (read-only) - same | Laser-programmed ROM (read-only) - same | Laser-programmed ROM (read-only) - same | Laser-programmed ROM (read-only) - same |
| Protocol Compatibility | EM4100/4102/4005/4105 (drop-in) | EM4100 (drop-in) - same | EM4100 (native) | EM4100/4102 (native) | EM4005/4105 (native) | EM4005/4105 (native) |
| Unique ID Codes | >100 billion (2^128 effective) | ~4 billion (2^64) -75% | ~4 billion (2^64) -75% | ~4 billion (2^64) -75% | ~4 billion (2^64) -75% | ~4 billion (2^64) -75% |
| ISO 11785 Animal ID | Yes | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
| On-chip Resonance Capacitor | Yes | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
| Distributor Price (qty 1000, USD) | $0.21 | $0.14 -33% | Discontinued - N/A | Discontinued - N/A | Discontinued - N/A | Discontinued - N/A |
Principaux différenciateurs
- Largest ID space in EM4100-compatible family (vs EM4100 / TK4100 / EM4102)
- Modern replacement for discontinued EM4100/4102 (vs EM4100 / EM4102)
- Original EM Microelectronic die versus Chinese second-source (vs TK4100)
Notes de conception
Estimated: For an EM4200 inlay, the transponder antenna coil inductance should be 1.0 to 7.5 mH to resonate with the integrated on-chip capacitor at 125 kHz. Coil DC resistance should be below 5 ohms to maximize Q and read range. Per the EM Microelectronic datasheet, no external tuning capacitor is required - simply connect the two coil ends to pads LA and LB. For best read range, use a coil area of at least 4 cm x 4 cm for card-format inlays and 1 cm x 1 cm for small fobs.
For the EM4200A6DF2C-001+ 2-VDFN package variant, the exposed pad acts as thermal/ground bond and should be soldered to a copper pour to provide mechanical stability. Per the DigiKey listing, this package variant is intended for surface-mount assembly onto a small PCB with a printed antenna coil or external inductor. Keep the antenna coil traces short and avoid running digital signals near the coil to prevent reader-side interference. Minimize parasitic capacitance between LA and LB traces - keep at least 0.5 mm spacing.
Do not select the EM4200 if you need a writable credential - it is read-only and cannot be reprogrammed in the field. Use T5577 or EM4305 instead. Also, do not assume a T5577 set to EM4100 mode is identical to EM4200 for security purposes: the EM4200's laser-programmed ROM cannot be cloned by re-reading and re-writing, whereas a T5577 in EM4100 mode can be re-written by anyone with a 125 kHz programmer, which matters for tamper-resistance in access control. Per multiple RFID industry sources, the EM4200's read-only memory is a security feature, not a limitation, for read-only access control use cases.
Informations de conformité
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed per EM Microelectronic product page. ISO 11785 animal-ID compliance confirmed per datasheet. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is an RFID transponder IC, not an automotive-grade logic device. Halogen-free and conflict-minerals status not specified in the verified data.
