NXP HITAG Series Card

Union Smart manufactures high-reliability NXP HITAG Series RFID Cards for global B2B enterprises, industrial facilities, and agricultural integrators. Operating at the 125kHz Low Frequency (LF) range, these passive smart cards deliver exceptional performance in harsh environments, easily penetrating water, wood, and non-metallic materials. They are the standard for legacy access control, industrial automation, laundry management, and livestock traceability (ISO 11784/85 compliant). Take advantage of our factory-direct OEM/ODM pricing, custom printing, and bulk chip encoding with an MOQ starting at just 1,000 pcs.

NXP HITAG Series — Reliable 125kHz LF RFID Smart Cards

The NXP HITAG chip family is globally recognized for its robust performance in environments where high-frequency (HF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) signals fail. Because low-frequency 125kHz waves are less affected by liquids and metal proximity, HITAG cards are highly favored in industrial manufacturing, wet environments, and animal husbandry.

HITAG Chip Selection Guide

We supply and encode blank or custom-printed LF RFID cards utilizing authentic NXP HITAG silicon to match your specific tracking needs:

• NXP HITAG 1: The entry-level 125kHz chip featuring 64-bit memory without encryption. Ideal for basic ID card applications, simple proximity access control systems, and general industrial asset tracking.
• NXP HITAG 2: The industry standard for legacy security systems. Features 128-bit memory with basic encryption and anti-collision. Widely deployed for standard building access control, hotel key cards (legacy systems), and basic logistics tracking.
• NXP HITAG S (S256 / S2048): The advanced, high-performance models offering 256-bit or 2048-bit memory. They feature robust multi-tag anti-collision and advanced security. Crucially, the S-series supports the 134.2kHz frequency and complies with ISO 11784/85, 14223, and 18000-2 standards, making them the ultimate choice for premium animal identification, livestock traceability, and automated laundry management.

Top B2B Industry Applications

• Legacy Access Control: Proximity cards for older building security systems and legacy hotel locks that require 125kHz frequencies.
• Livestock & Animal Husbandry: Ear tags, boluses, and tracking cards complying with ISO 11784/85 standards for cattle, sheep, and pet traceability.
• Industrial & Laundry Management: Robust tracking tags that survive harsh, wet environments, including commercial uniform and linen tracking.
• Parking & Property Management: Basic vehicle proximity cards and residential gate access.

OEM Customization & Manufacturing Specifications

As a factory-direct OEM manufacturer, Union Smart provides full card personalization for your enterprise rollout:

• Standard Dimensions: ISO CR80 size (85.5 x 54 mm) — custom die-cut shapes, key fobs, and embedded tags available.
• Card Thickness: Standard 0.76 mm / 0.84 mm / 1.8mm (Clamshell proximity cards).
• RF Interface: Low Frequency (LF) 125kHz. (HITAG S supports 134.2kHz).
• Card Materials: Standard PVC, Recycled PVC (RPVC), Biodegradable PLA, PETG, PC, Teslin, Bamboo wood RFID cards, and Paper.
• Premium Surface Finishes: Glossy, Matte, Frosted, and Spot UV.
• Variable Data Printing (VDP): Laser engraved UID numbers, DOD inkjet serial numbering, barcodes, QR codes, and magnetic stripes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the difference between 125kHz LF RFID and 13.56MHz HF/NFC?

Low Frequency (LF) 125kHz, like the HITAG series, has a shorter read range and slower data transfer, but its longer wavelength allows it to penetrate water, animal tissue, and dirt far better than higher frequencies. HF/NFC 13.56MHz (like MIFARE) is faster and more secure, but struggles in wet or metallic environments.

Q2. Can I use a smartphone to read HITAG 125kHz cards?

No. Smartphones only have NFC readers built-in, which operate strictly at 13.56MHz. To read a HITAG card, you must use a dedicated 125kHz or 134.2kHz LF RFID reader or scanner.

Q3. Which HITAG chip do I need for livestock or pet tracking?

You need the HITAG S series (S256 or S2048). These are the only chips in the family that support the 134.2kHz frequency required to comply with the ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 international standards for animal identification.

Q4. Are these cards compatible with old HID or EM proximity readers?

While HITAG operates on the same 125kHz frequency as older EM4100 or HID Prox cards, the internal protocols are different. However, many modern multi-frequency or multi-protocol readers support HITAG, EM, and HID simultaneously. Please verify your reader's compatibility sheet.

Q5. Do you offer wholesale pricing and custom encoding?

Yes. As a B2B manufacturer, we offer highly competitive wholesale pricing scaling with volume. We can encode the chips with sequential data and laser-engrave matching serial numbers on the card surface. Our standard MOQ is 1,000 pieces.