The µFR Nano Online wireless NFC RFID reader/writer is a cross-platform network device based on Digital Logic’s proprietary API and communication protocol, combined with an ESP32 system-on-chip microcontroller.
µFR Nano Online hardware consists of two main parts, one Nano NFC Reader Writer with USB, RS232 (UART TTL), Ethernet, WiFi, and one ESP32 board responsible for the device network communication.
ESP32 add-on hardware marks the µFR Nano Online as a unique new product in the Digital Logic portfolio. Thus, the device supports wireless connectivity protocols, a user-controllable beeper, RGB LEDs, and 4-pin IO Port (two input/output pins and two input-only pins). It also has one port for connecting the additional uFR Nano RS232 NFC Reader.
All this fits in a compact housing of only 86 x 27 x 9 mm.
The device is also provided with an optional RTC (Real Time Clock) and external EEPROM upgrade.
Docs & Software Download
Who is it for?
µFR Nano Online Wireless NFC RFID Reader/Writer is primarily intended for development companies and individuals (professionals and hobbyists) for further applications and turnkey solutions development. It is mainly implemented in projects that require Ethernet, WiFi, and other 2.4GHz wireless communication. GPIO pins allow interaction with other electronic devices. Besides, the reader supports running custom firmware (ESP-IDF or Arduino), convenient for clients who intend to build stand-alone NFC solutions. For this reason, it comes with a fully-featured Software Development Kit, including firmware, libraries, source code examples, and documentation for various platforms, operating systems, and development environments. We launch upgrades frequently (including firmware, libraries, and API), all available to download at our official website for FREE.
In addition to all mentioned above, our free, extensive, and fast-responsive support brings Wireless NFC Reader/ Writer µFR Nano Online to a great position in this industry sector.
Hardware
µFR Nano Online is a wireless NFC reader based on ISO14443 A/B and ISO18092 standards.
The device hardware is comprised of two main boards, each providing its own set of features and functionality:
- µFR Nano NFC Reader
- ESP32 add-on board.
Since the µFR Nano hardware is one of the integrated parts of this device, µFR Nano Online also uses the entire SDK package like all other devices of the µFR series.
NFC RFID SDK includes:
- SDK in multiple programming languages
- Cross-platform libraries
- NFC tag emulation
- Digital Signing support
- Working with MIFARE cards (Classic, Ultralight, Ultralight C, DESFire, DESFire Lite, Plus), NTAG2xx, NTAG DNA, JCOP (Java Cards)
- Firmware, library, and software SDK upgrades
- Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, and Opera)
- Etc.
ESP32 add-on board provides:
- Additional communication types such as Wi-Fi (UDP, TCP, HTTP, Web Socket), Ethernet (UDP, TCP, HTTP, Web Socket), Ethernet, and other 2,4GHz wireless connectivity protocols (Low Energy, Serial & HID)
- External device communication ports such as configurable GPIO (4 pins) and UART TTL
- EEPROM, RTC (Real Time Clock), and battery for RTC – optional add-ons
- 2 RGB LEDs
- Enabled storing software code inside the device
- IDF and Arduino code support
With outstanding modulation and demodulation concepts, and many integrated 13.56 MHz contactless communication protocols, this device implementation becomes reliable and simple for every RFID NFC solution developer.
NFC RFID Card/Tag Support
Both hardware and software, are fully developed, tested, and successfully implemented with the following card/tag types:
- MIFARE Mini®,
- MIFARE Classic® (1K, 4K, EV1),
- MIFARE Ultralight®,
- MIFARE Ultralight C®,
- MIFARE Plus® (2K, 4K),
- MIFARE DESFire® (Light, 2K, 4K, 8K, EV1, EV2),
- NXP NTAG® 21x (210, 213, 215, 216, Tag Tamper),
- NXP NTAG® 4xx DNA (413, 424),
- NXP JCOP® Java Card (J3A040, J3A081, J3H145, JC30M48CR).
Additionally, this tool supports all other tags compatible with the listed above.
Furthermore, the configurable GPIO (4 pins) and UART of the µFR Nano Online device enable the additional NFC Readers to connect. The device may also contain an external EEPROM and optional RTC (Real Time Clock).
Even though the supported technologies list is already wide, our development team constantly works on product improvements and upgrades, staying in line with this technology’s global trends.
Hardware Compatibility
µFR Nano Online is fully compatible with other µFR Series devices. This allows a quick and easy upgrade of all ongoing projects based on other µFR Series devices. Therefore, developers do not need to modify previously written code to integrate it with new hardware. Likewise, the new API set for network connectivity is extremely intuitive and easy to implement.
The introduction of ESP32 support allows users to write their ESP32 code in an Arduino-like IDE, and to create a completely stand-alone working device capable to operate autonomously.
Get the best NFC RFID Reader Writer Tools right away!
Firmware
Digital Logic proprietary interoperable firmware runs on all MCU platform-based µFR Series hardware. The reader and the host establish communication through the high-speed FTDI chip direct access.
At the core, on the communication level, the device uses a Digital Logic unique proprietary communication protocol.
µFR Series firmware contains many complex built-in functions that can be called via libraries explained in API docs.
Most of the functions are developed to make „ life easier” for developers and integrators by decreasing their development time, such as:
- Support for multiple RFID NFC readers on a single host
- The entire set of commands for MIFARE Classic® manipulation (according to the manufacturer specification)
- Various addressing schemes (Block, BlockInSector)
- The key storage handling (on-way, write-only, no reading of Key stored )
- Various applying Key modes (by index, or by the scheme)
- Value block manipulation
- Using the entire memory structure as linear space ( convenient for most card types)
- NFC tags handling, NDEF format parsing in the firmware
- AES128 “on the fly” built-in hardware encryption, which is extremely important for working with complex DESFire security keys
- AES128 encryption of files and keys in DESFire cards
- MIFARE Plus support
- MIFARE Ultralight C support
- APDU command structure support, where applicable (ISO 14443-4 layer)
- Asynchronous UID sending from reader to host COM port when a card is present – the feature is user-programmable.
µFR Nano Online supports the following operation modes:
- Transparent mode – The device acts like a regular NFC reader and communicates with a host (PC, mobile…) via a USB cable
- Slave mode – The device acts as a regular NFC reader but communicates with a host (PC, mobile…) via Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Master mode – Standalone mode. The device sends all scanned card information to a predefined server address via the HTTP POST method. It doesn’t require a host (PC, mobile…). It requires a stable network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
- 2.4GHz Serial – The device acts as a regular NFC reader but, communicates with the host (PC, mobile, etc.) via the 2.4GHz low-power wireless protocol supported by ESP32
- 2.4GHz Low Energy- The device acts as a regular NFC reader, but communicates with the host (PC, mobile, etc.) via the 2.4GHz low-power wireless protocol supported by ESP32
- 2.4GHz Low Energy HID – The device acts as a keyboard emulation device (for example a barcode reader). It sends card UID to a paired device’s text input field.
The μFR Firmware key feature is the ability to call all its functions using our communication protocol.
Therefore, the μFR device implementation is possible on almost any platform with a serial interface by using the communication protocol.
Supported platforms include:
- PC
- Tablet
- Smartphone
- Embedded systems
- Raspberry Pi and other compatible Single Board Computers
- Beagleboard
- MIPS boards
- PLCs
- Arduino.
Frequent firmware updates include new features, improvements, and bug fixes while preserving backward compatibility with the previous versions.
Accordingly, the project code and developed software are safe, so there is no need for any changes after a firmware upgrade.
All firmware updates and upgrades are FREE and available at the Digital Logic official GitLab repository.
IMPORTANT: Unlike other µFR series devices, µFR Nano Online also supports custom-developed firmware enrollment for the ESP32 microcontroller. This feature is enabled by the OEM Unlock option of the online flasher. It replaces the reader µFR Firmware and allows the developer to run custom firmware for ESP32. ESP32 can run Arduino and ESP-IDF code.
Software Development Kit
This RFID NFC reader comes with a fully-featured Software Development Kit with external libraries, examples with source codes, documentation about API reference, communication protocol, and many useful software tools.
Libraries are cross-compiled for various platforms and so far support:
- Windows x86/x64
- Windows ARM/UWP
- Linux x86/x64
- Linux ARM/ARM64/ARMHF
- macOS x64
- iOS x64
- Android
- Arduino
- ESP32.
Our team is ready to develop additional libraries on client request. The request realization speed depends on our current project plans and eventual partnership agreement.
All examples are written for all major developing platforms and languages, such as:
- Java
- Java Applet
- JavaScript (egg. NFC Reader Browser Extension)
- Node JS
- PHP
- Lazarus
- Borland Delphi
- C
- C++ Borland Builder
- C++ WxWidgets
- Microsoft® Visual .NET family: C++.NET, C#.NET,VB.NET
- Python
- Arduino IDE examples.
Our team is ready to develop additional SDK examples in other programming languages on client requests. The request realization speed depends on our current project plans and eventual partnership agreement.
Package includes a set of very useful SDK source code software and executable apps. Some of these are:
- MIFARE Classic® (1k, 4k, EV1) cards and tags programming software
- MIFARE® DESFire® (Light, 2k, 4k, 8k, EV1, EV2) cards and tags programming software
- MIFARE PLUS® (2k, 4k) cards and tags programming software
- MIFARE Ultralight® (EV1) cards and tags programming software
- MIFARE Ultralight® C cards and tags programming software
- NTAG® (2xx, DNA, Tag Tamper) cards and tags programming software
- Application for common NDEF messages creating and writing into NFC tags
- Credit cards reding app (public data only)
- Formatter – software tool for card/tag formatting and programming
- uFR2FileSystem and uFR2File Lite – Keyboard simulation app, with a data reading, data parsing into several formats, and sending data to MySQL database via HTTP
- uFR Shell – Shell-like environment for easy testing and automation
- Browser extensions (add-ons) for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
- Application for reading ePassports (Machine Readable Travel Documents)
- Digital Signing app
- APDU commands sending software
- JCOP cards programming software.
Get the best NFC RFID Reader Writer Tools right away!
Log and Access Control Mode
– Premium Upgrade –
The Access Control Mode of the µFR Online devices provides features for communication with other various access control hardware. Upgrading the µFR Online reader with Access Control Module makes it possible to connect it with electromechanical locks, strikes, actuators, magnetic door sensors, etc.
Log and Access Control Mode Activation License
µFR Nano Online Firmware Upgrade
This license activates the Log and Access Control mode of the µFR Nano Online devices.
Log mode adds the Event Log for storing card events when the device loses an internet connection. The event Log is automatically transmitted to the server once the connection is established again. Users can configure whitelists and blacklists in the device memory.
The Access Control section adds relay configuration options such as:
- Relay pulse time: The duration of time in milliseconds that the relay emits a square wave pulse
- Relay pulse frequency: The square wave output frequency in Hz
- Relay pulse power: The square wave output power (duty cycle)
- Relay active time: The time in milliseconds that the output remains high after the square wave pulse.
NOTE: This firmware upgrade is not compatible with the first µFR Nano Online hardware version with the ESP32-WROOM-32 microchip!
Learn more about activating the µFR Nano Online Log and Access Control Mode.
Get the best NFC RFID Reader Writer Tools right away!
µFR Online Access Control Module
– µFR Online Hardware Upgrade –
The µFR Online Access Control module is a powerful and reliable solution for expanding the capabilities of µFR Nano Online devices.
This specially designed relay module is perfect for connecting your µFR Nano Online to electromechanical locks, strikes, actuators, magnetic door sensors, and more.
Unlike traditional off-the-shelf relay modules, this module is equipped with Solid State relays, which provide superior reliability, faster switching, higher voltage and current ratings, improved noise immunity, and low power consumption – making it ideal for industrial or commercial applications where longevity and efficiency are key factors.
In addition to its robust relay capabilities, the µFR Online Access Control module also features a built-in buzzer and RGB LED output for audible and visual signaling.
The module also includes a DC/DC converter with a voltage range of 5V – 24V.
Upgrade your access control system with the µFR Online Access Control module today.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
- Electronic payment systems
- Identification systems
- Access control systems
- Subscription services
- Banking systems
- Digital content system
- Customer loyalty systems
- Vending machines
- Time & attendance
- Machine work attendance
- NFC card and tag programming
- NFC NDEF records management
- Network access control
- Inventory management
- Software login management
- Automatic fare collection
- Public transport terminals
- Cashless payment
- Parking systems
- Reception desk services
- Event visitors attendance
- Authentication and authorization
- Libraries, museums, stadium events
FEATURES
- Identity verification, data exchange & contactless transaction
- Useful for the binding device to software license
- Supporting multiple OS (Win, Linux, Android)
- USB compliant interface
- Operating Frequency: 13.56MHz
- Proximity read/write speed up to 424 kbps
- Built-in antenna for contactless tag access, with a reading distance of up to 60 mm
- Supports MIFARE® and other ISO 14443 Type A/B
- Supports ISO18092 NFC tags
- Built-in anti-collision feature
- RFID Reader locking by passwords and keys
- Application Programming Interface:
- Virtual COM through FTDI
- User controllable LEDs
- Upgradable (3-year or 5-year) warranty
SOFTWARE FEATURES
- NFC cards and tags reading/writing (programming)
- NFC NDEF Record writing: MIME types, URI types, vCard, SMS, Phone, URL
- Card formatting
- Card linear space emulation
- Card block direct access
- Card sectors and blocks indirect access
- Card Keys and Access Bits management
- Block values management (increment/decrement)
- Asynchronously sending of Card UID to COM port (feature programmable)
- DES and 3DES Software Encryption
- Optional APDU structure (application protocol data unit) with examples of the Credit Card use in public data reading
- Shell-like environment for easy testing and automation
- Web browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
- Digital Signing source code examples: contactless signing of digital documents with PKI (public key infrastructure) certificates
µFR Nano Online Specification
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Operating frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Read range | The operating distance is 0-60mm (0”-2.36”), depending on the antenna geometry and reader configuration |
| Read/Write speed | Up to 424 kbps |
| Supply current | 180mA – 500mA (depends on the operation mode |
| Supply voltage | 5V |
| Supported cards and tags |
MIFARE® family: MIFARE Mini®, MIFARE Classic® (1K, 4K, EV1), MIFARE Ultralight®, MIFARE Ultralight C®, MIFARE PLUS® (2K, 4K, S, X, EV1), MIFARE DESFire® (Light, 2K, 4K, 8K, EV1, EV2) NTAG® family: NXP NTAG® 2xx Type 2 (210, 213, 215, 216 Tag Tamper), NXP NTAG® 4xx DNA Type 4 (413, 424) SmartMX® family: NXP JCOP® Java Card (J3A040, J3A081, J3H145, JC30M48CR) |
| Connection and power supply | USB, UART, Ethernet, and other 2.4GHz wireless communication protocols supported by the ESP32 module |
| Software | Library and SDK for Java, Java Applet, JavaScript, Node JS extensions, Lazarus, Borland Delphi, C, C + + Builder, C++ WxWidgets, Microsoft® Visual C++ .NET, Microsoft® Visual C #, Microsoft® Visual Basic .NET, PHP, Python, and Arduino IDE examples |
| Supported Operating Systems | Microsoft® Windows™, Linux®, macOS, Android |
| Supported platforms | Windows x86/x64, Windows ARM/UWP, Linux x86/x64, Linux ARM/ARM64/ARMHF, macOS x64, iOS x64, Android, Arduino, ESP32 |
| Smart Card Interface | ISO14443 Type A & B, ISO18092 |
| Related Equipment | USB cable, Free software download |
| Certification | CE, RoHS |
| Accessories | Cards, key-fobs, labels, wristbands, tags |
Size & Weight
| Model | Dimensions (mm) | Device weight | Commercial Set |
| µFR Nano Online | 86 x 27 x 9 | 28 g | 119 g |
| µFR Nano Online Ethernet | 86 x 27 x 11 | 30 g | 147 g |
WARRANTY: 24 MONTHS
An extended warranty is available on request. Contact us for more details.
Device setup and testing instructions
1) Device setup
To set the device, follow the video instruction with the device functionality and connectivity options overview. This video explains how to connect to the device and set the configuration for one of the operation modes listed above.
2) Operating modes demonstration
- Wi-Fi Master Mode >>> Watch Video Tutorial
- Wi-Fi Slave Mode >>> Watch Video Tutorial
- 2.4GHz Low Energy HID >>> Watch Video Tutorial
3) Testing on a PC(Wi-Fi)
Follow the device setup and configuration steps:
- Install the latest firmware release for the ESP32 board by using the Flashing tool
- Follow the video demonstration >>> Watch Video Tutorial
- Install the latest firmware release for the µFR Nano board by using the Flashing tool
- Follow the video instruction to connect the µFR Nano Online to the Wi-Fi network >>> Watch Video Tutorial
NOTICE: Make sure you remember the newly designated IP address, as you will need it to connect your device once it restarts. In case you forget the IP address, use the following tool to scan your network for µFR Nano Online readers >>> Download uFR Online Finder
- Follow the previous video instruction to set up “slave mode” and TCP protocol. Click Save and reboot
- For use with MIFARE Classic cards, download and launch the source code example software >>> Download Software Example
- Check the “Use Advanced options” checkbox option to open the additional options for device port opening
- Enter the following parameters to connect to your device:
Reader type: 0
Port name: YOUR_DEVICE_IP_ADDRESS
Port interface: T
Arg: 0
- Click Reader Open option to connect the reader. The beeper will signalize when the device is connected.
If the connection is established, the status bar will display the UFR_OK status message.
Now you can scan, read, or write the data into the card.
4) Testing on a PC(USB)
- Download and run the source code software example for working with MIFARE Classic cards >>> Download Software Example
- Click Reader Open option to connect the reader. The beeper will signalize when the device is connected. If the connection is established, the status bar will display the UFR_OK status message
- Scan, read, or write the data into the card
Downloads: API Documentation, µFR COM Protocol, Software source code examples with SDK
The documentation contains a detailed explanation of API and communication protocol references with actual byte-level examples for communication protocol implementation. Our API provides a very comfortable way of implementation, and we highly recommend it. When API implementation is not possible, a communication protocol is a very good alternative. We provide regular updates for all libraries, firmware, examples, tools, and documents. Updates are FREE and are available for download from the official Digital Logic GitLab repository.
Our tech support team is available to assist with all inquiries you may have. After submitting a free technical support ticket, you should receive a response within two to fifteen days, depending on the intricacy of your inquiry. Please refer to our premium technical support plans for swift assistance.
In addition, we are open to custom development requirements based on specific customer needs. Feel free to contact us for any questions or further assistance regarding your projects and implementation.
