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Read Many UHF RFID Tags with an Arduino-Friendly Reader Board

The Simultaneous RFID Reader M6E Nano SparkFun is an Arduino-friendly UHF RFID board built around the M6E Nano for multi-tag reads, asset tracking, and access-style projects.

It gives you a practical way to start with EPCglobal Gen 2 UHF RFID on a shield-style board that can work with Arduino-compatible hardware or a serial connection to a computer.

Important: SparkFun notes that FTDI Cable products are known to be incompatible with this board. Use a supported serial interface or microcontroller connection instead.

Why you'll love it

  • Based on the M6E Nano reader: Built for UHF RFID projects
  • Reads EPCglobal Gen 2 tags: Widely used tag standard
  • Up to 150 tags per second: Designed for fast tag read workflows
  • Adjustable output power: Lets you balance range and power use
  • Arduino-friendly footprint: Easy to prototype with common dev boards

What you can build

Use it for inventory tracking, access control prototypes, asset tagging, race timing experiments, toolbox tracking, and UHF RFID learning projects.

Starter bundles

Pair it with tags, a supported serial interface or controller board, stable power, and an external antenna if you want more range.

Recommended add-ons

Helpful add-ons include EPC Gen 2 tags, supported serial adapters, external antennas, cables, and heatsinking care for longer sessions.

Technical specifications

Product SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Reader - M6E Nano
SKU SEN-14066
RFID Standard EPCglobal Gen 2
Read Speed Up to 150 tags per second
Write Speed About 80ms standard write
Adjustable Power Output 0dBm to 27dBm
Typical Range Up to 16ft with the right antenna; about 1–2ft with onboard antenna
Board Style Arduino-compatible footprint

Pinout & usage notes

The board uses an Arduino-friendly footprint and can also be connected through the FTDI-style header to a computer or other serial host.

Resources & support

Official SparkFun product page | SparkFun hookup guide

What’s in the box

1 × SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Reader - M6E Nano

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tags can it read? SparkFun lists up to 150 tags per second.
Can it work with the onboard antenna? Yes, but range is shorter than with a proper external antenna.
Can I use an FTDI Cable? SparkFun says FTDI Cable products are known to be incompatible with this reader.

Build with this board

// from learn.circuit.rocks

Notes from the bench

// from blog.circuit.rocks

Ask the community

// from forum.circuit.rocks