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Home > Products > RF and Wireless > RFID Reader Modules

Texas Instruments RI-RFM-003B-00

Name: RI-RFM-003B-00
Brand: Texas Instruments
SKU: RI-RFM-003B-00
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: RI-RFM-003B-00

Manufacturer:: Texas Instruments

Category:: RFID Reader Modules

Package:: Module

Datasheet:: RI-RFM-003B-00.pdf

Description:: RFID READER R/W 134.2KHZ MODULE

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Product details

Overview

RI-RFM-003B from Texas Instruments is a TIRIS™ Mini-Radio Frequency Module designed for 134.2 kHz RFID reader systems. It functions as the RF interface between TIRIS transponders and host control units, performing transponder energization (50 ms charge pulse), FSK demodulation of returned ID data, and write capability. It delivers NRZ data (RXDT), synchronized clock (RXCK), and inverted RSSI output (RXSS-) for portable or stationary identification systems with medium read/write range.

For engineers reviewing the RI-RFM-003B datasheet, RI-RFM-003B pinout, RI-RFM-003B application, or RI-RFM-003B equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-supply architecture (VSP up to 6 V / VSRL at 5 V), antenna tuning via binary-weighted capacitors (C_AT1–C_AT6), transmitter control via active-low TXCT-, and compatibility with HCMOS logic levels.

Technical Context

The RI-RFM-003B implements a crystal-controlled 134.2 kHz transmitter (f_TX = 134.1–134.3 kHz) with push-pull power stage driving antenna terminal A1, and a selective receiver tuned to 128.2 kHz center frequency (±11 kHz bandwidth) for FSK demodulation. Transmitter activation is edge-triggered by low-going TXCT-, while TPC adjusts duty cycle to regulate RF field strength.

Its antenna circuit integrates six binary-weighted tuning capacitors (C_AT1–C_AT6, 1–32 normalized steps) accessible via ST2 connector, enabling precise resonance compensation for external coils like RI-ANT-P02A. The module separates logic (GNDL/VSRL) and power-stage (GNDP/VSP) grounds with internal decoupling (R_GND = 9–33 Ω), supporting stable operation under high-current transmit pulses.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Operating Frequency	134.2 kHz transmitter (134.1–134.3 kHz); 128.2 kHz receiver center frequency - enables interoperability with TIRIS transponders requiring precise magnetic coupling at this ISM band.
Supply Voltages	VSP = 4.5–6 V (transmitter power stage); VSRL = 4.75–5.25 V (logic/receiver) - supports direct NiCd battery input while maintaining regulated logic supply.
Transmit Pulse	50 ms energizing burst per read cycle; t_off ≥ 310 ms between writes - defines minimum cycle time and thermal limits for continuous operation.
Output Signals	RXDT (NRZ data stream), RXCK (bit-center-aligned clock), RXSS- (inverted analog RSSI) - provides fully decoded transponder ID with timing reference and signal-strength feedback for synchronization.
Antenna Tuning Range	C_AT1–C_AT6 total capacitance: 0–63 × step value (e.g., C_AT1 = 50–64 pF, C_AT6 = 1425–1575 pF) - allows fine-tuning of LC resonance to compensate for coil tolerance and environmental drift.
Logic Compatibility	HCMOS-level I/O (VIH = 4–5 V, VIL = 0–1 V; VOH = 2–4 V, VOL = 0.5 V) - ensures direct interfacing with standard microcontrollers without level-shifting.
Thermal Limits	Operating temperature: 0–50°C free-air; storage: –25–85°C - constrains deployment in uncontrolled industrial or outdoor enclosures without forced cooling.

Pinout & Package

RI-RFM-003B is housed in a compact PCB-mounted module measuring 60.2 × 55.1 × 10.4 mm (body height), with metal shielding on both sides and captive nut antenna terminals (A1, A2, A3). Connectors ST1 (20-pin) and ST2 (12-pin) provide access to all signals and tuning elements.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
ST1 Pin 1–4	VSP	+ supply for transmitter power stage; four parallel pins reduce impedance and thermal stress during 1.2 A peak current.
ST1 Pin 5–8	GNDP	– return for transmitter power stage; isolated from logic ground to prevent noise coupling into sensitive receiver paths.
ST1 Pin 9	GNDL	– return for logic and receiver; must be externally tied to GNDP via low-inductance path to maintain <0.5 V potential difference.
ST1 Pin 10	VSRL	+5 V regulated supply for receiver and logic circuits; decoupled internally to reject ripple from VSP switching.
ST1 Pin 14	TXCT-	Active-low transmitter enable; internal 22 kΩ pull-up ensures safe default OFF state during MCU reset or initialization.
ST1 Pin 15	TPC	Transmitter power control; low level reduces RF field intensity by modulating duty cycle - used for range adjustment or EMI compliance.
ST1 Pin 16	RXCK	Receiver clock output; transitions mid-bit for reliable NRZ data sampling; 1 µs rise/fall time compatible with 5 MHz MCU inputs.
ST1 Pin 18	RXDT	Demodulated NRZ data output; contains transponder ID, protection bits, and framing - requires synchronous capture using RXCK.
ST1 Pin 20	RXSS-	Inverted analog RSSI voltage; decreases with stronger received signal - used for automatic gain control or proximity detection.
ST2 Pin 1,3,5,7,9,11	C_AT6–C_AT1	Binary-weighted tuning capacitors (32,16,8,4,2,1 steps); shorting any pin to adjacent GNDP selects that capacitance value.
A1, A2, A3	Antenna Terminals	A1 = transmitter output; A2 = damping node; A3 = antenna ground (GNDP) - strict wiring rules prevent damage (e.g., no A1–A3 connection).

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Dual-Supply Architecture	Separate VSP/GNDP (high-current) and VSRL/GNDL (low-noise) rails minimize supply coupling and enable battery-powered portables with stable logic operation.
Binary Capacitor Tuning	Six ST2-accessible weighted capacitors (C_AT1–C_AT6) provide 64 discrete resonance settings - eliminates need for variable capacitors or iterative soldering during antenna calibration.
Integrated Receiver Demodulation	On-chip FSK demodulator outputs clean digital RXDT and synchronized RXCK - removes requirement for external decoder ICs or FPGA-based signal processing.
Transmitter Power Control	TPC input adjusts RF field strength via duty-cycle modulation - supports regulatory compliance (e.g., FCC Part 15), multi-antenna systems, and reduced power consumption.
HCMOS Logic Compatibility	All digital I/O meet HCMOS voltage thresholds (VIH ≥ 4 V, VIL ≤ 1 V) - allows direct connection to common MCUs (e.g., TI MSP430, STM32) without external buffers or level shifters.

Applications

Animal Identification	Access Control
Use Scenario: Implantable glass transponders in livestock or pets are read at point-of-care scanners or handheld readers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RI-RFM-003B generates the 134.2 kHz magnetic field to energize passive transponders and demodulates their backscattered FSK response within 50 ms + 310 ms cycle. Use Value: Enables reliable read range up to 10 cm with standard stick antennas (e.g., RI-ANT-P02A), meeting ISO 11784/11785 requirements for animal ID.	Use Scenario: Door-mounted RFID readers authenticate personnel badges or vehicle tags in secure facilities. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RI-RFM-003B interfaces with microcontroller-based access controllers to energize and decode TIRIS transponders, delivering ID data via RXDT/RXCK for real-time validation. Use Value: Provides deterministic 4 Hz read repetition rate and RSSI-based presence detection (via RXSS-) to prevent false triggers from nearby tags.
Industrial Asset Tracking	Manufacturing WIP Management
Use Scenario: Metal-enclosed tools or pallets carry TIRIS transponders scanned at docking stations or conveyor checkpoints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RI-RFM-003B drives custom-tuned loop antennas mounted inside machinery housings, compensating for detuning effects using C_AT1–C_AT6. Use Value: Binary capacitor tuning maintains resonance despite temperature shifts or metallic interference, ensuring >99% read reliability in factory environments.	Use Scenario: Assembly line workstations verify component IDs on PCBs or subassemblies before soldering or testing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RI-RFM-003B operates in write mode (t_wrt = 310 ms) to program unique serial numbers into reusable TIRIS transponders attached to fixtures or carriers. Use Value: Integrated write capability eliminates need for separate programming hardware, reducing station footprint and integration complexity.

Animal Identification

Access Control

Use Scenario: Implantable glass transponders in livestock or pets are read at point-of-care scanners or handheld readers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RI-RFM-003B generates the 134.2 kHz magnetic field to energize passive transponders and demodulates their backscattered FSK response within 50 ms + 310 ms cycle.

Use Value: Enables reliable read range up to 10 cm with standard stick antennas (e.g., RI-ANT-P02A), meeting ISO 11784/11785 requirements for animal ID.

Use Scenario: Door-mounted RFID readers authenticate personnel badges or vehicle tags in secure facilities.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RI-RFM-003B interfaces with microcontroller-based access controllers to energize and decode TIRIS transponders, delivering ID data via RXDT/RXCK for real-time validation.

Use Value: Provides deterministic 4 Hz read repetition rate and RSSI-based presence detection (via RXSS-) to prevent false triggers from nearby tags.

Industrial Asset Tracking

Manufacturing WIP Management

Use Scenario: Metal-enclosed tools or pallets carry TIRIS transponders scanned at docking stations or conveyor checkpoints.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RI-RFM-003B drives custom-tuned loop antennas mounted inside machinery housings, compensating for detuning effects using C_AT1–C_AT6.

Use Value: Binary capacitor tuning maintains resonance despite temperature shifts or metallic interference, ensuring >99% read reliability in factory environments.

Use Scenario: Assembly line workstations verify component IDs on PCBs or subassemblies before soldering or testing.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: RI-RFM-003B operates in write mode (t_wrt = 310 ms) to program unique serial numbers into reusable TIRIS transponders attached to fixtures or carriers.

Use Value: Integrated write capability eliminates need for separate programming hardware, reducing station footprint and integration complexity.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RFID reader front-end applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
RI-RFM-002B	Same 134.2 kHz architecture but lacks TPC input and RXSS- output; fixed-power transmitter only.	Not suitable for RSSI-based proximity sensing or adaptive field strength control in multi-antenna systems.	Select RI-RFM-002B only when cost sensitivity outweighs need for programmable output power or signal-strength feedback.
TRF7960ARHBT	Multi-frequency (125/134/13.56 MHz) NFC/RFID analog front-end with integrated digital controller; requires external MCU firmware.	Supports ISO 14443/15693 but not TIRIS protocol natively; demands significant software development vs. RI-RFM-003B's plug-and-play interface.	Choose TRF7960ARHBT when future-proofing for multiple standards or migrating from legacy TIRIS to modern contactless protocols.

Compared with RI-RFM-002B, the RI-RFM-003B adds critical flexibility via TPC and RXSS- for adaptive reading; versus TRF7960ARHBT, it delivers immediate TIRIS compliance with zero firmware overhead but lacks multi-standard support.

Availability

RI-RFM-003B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for animal identification systems, access control readers, and industrial asset tracking solutions requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for RI-RFM-003B includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of leadership in RFID and wireless identification solutions.

The RI-RFM-003B belongs to TI's TIRIS™ Mini-RFM series, engineered specifically for low-cost, high-reliability 134.2 kHz RFID reader designs targeting animal ID, access control, and industrial tagging applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the RI-RFM-003B in a TIRIS RFID system?

The RI-RFM-003B serves as the RF front-end interface between TIRIS transponders and host controllers. It generates the 134.2 kHz magnetic field to energize passive transponders, demodulates their FSK-encoded ID data into digital RXDT and synchronized RXCK signals, and supports write operations. Its design enables complete RFID read/write functionality without requiring additional RF signal processing components.

How does the antenna tuning mechanism work on the RI-RFM-003B?

The RI-RFM-003B uses six binary-weighted capacitors (C_AT1–C_AT6) accessible via ST2 connector pins to tune the external antenna's LC resonance. Each capacitor corresponds to a normalized value (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32), and shorting a pin to its adjacent GNDP selects that capacitance. This 64-step array compensates for manufacturing tolerances in antenna coils like RI-ANT-P02A, ensuring optimal power transfer and read range.

Why does the RI-RFM-003B use separate power and logic grounds (GNDP and GNDL)?

The RI-RFM-003B separates GNDP (power stage return) and GNDL (logic/receiver return) to prevent high-current transmitter switching noise from corrupting sensitive analog receiver paths. Internal decoupling (R_GND = 9–33 Ω) allows controlled potential difference (<0.5 V), and external connection of GNDP/GNDL near the power source minimizes ground loops - essential for stable FSK demodulation in noisy industrial environments.

What is the role of the TPC signal on the RI-RFM-003B?

The TPC (Transmitter Power Control) input on the RI-RFM-003B modulates the duty cycle of the transmitter power stage to adjust RF field strength. When TPC is low, output power is reduced - enabling compliance with regional EMI regulations, extending battery life in portable readers, and optimizing read range in multi-antenna installations where field overlap must be avoided.

Can the RI-RFM-003B be used with antennas other than the RI-ANT-P02A?

Yes, the RI-RFM-003B supports custom antennas beyond RI-ANT-P02A, provided they are tuned to 134.2 kHz using the C_AT1–C_AT6 array. Mechanical data (e.g., inductance, Q-factor) must match the module's drive capability (1.2 A max VSP current), and antenna terminals must connect strictly to A1 and A2 - never A1–A3 or A2–A3 - to avoid damaging the power stage.

RI-RFM-003B-00 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Texas Instruments

Series:: 2000

Package/Case:: Module

Packaging:: Bulk

Product Status:: Obsolete

Type:: Read/Write

Frequency:: 134.2kHz

Interface:: -

Standards:: ISO 11785

Supplier Device Package:: -

RI-RFM-003B-00 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for RI-RFM-003B-00 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for RI-RFM-003B-00 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for RI-RFM-003B-00 reliable?

The price and inventory of RI-RFM-003B-00 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for RI-RFM-003B-00 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for RI-RFM-003B-00?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for RI-RFM-003B-00 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for RI-RFM-003B-00?

RI-RFM-003B-00 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your RI-RFM-003B-00 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for RI-RFM-003B-00?

For technical support, including RI-RFM-003B-00 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your RI-RFM-003B-00 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that RI-RFM-003B-00 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All RI-RFM-003B-00 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that RI-RFM-003B-00 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of RI-RFM-003B-00?

All RI-RFM-003B-00 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with RI-RFM-003B-00, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The RI-RFM-003B-00 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for RI-RFM-003B-00:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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