Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is a T5577 Card?
Is T5577 an IC Card?
T5577 Specifications (Parameters).
Is T5577 Rewritable?
T5577 Card Features.
Advantage of T5577 Cards.
T5577 Card Data Structure.
Applications of T5577 Card.
What can Not T5577 Do?
Can T5577 be Cloned?
Is T5577 Compatible with EM4100?
What is the Difference Between T5577 and EM4100?
Difference Between T5577 and ID Card
T5577 Card Type.
Conclusion.
Introduction
In today’s business landscape, access control systems have become essential across nearly every industry. From employee time tracking and activity monitoring to secure access for VIP members, RFID technology is quietly transforming the way we manage entry and security.
When it comes to choosing the right RFID card, security and scalability remain top priorities for most organizations. That’s exactly where the T5577 chip stands out—offering unique advantages that go beyond what traditional contactless chips can deliver.
Keep reading to discover what makes the T5577 chip a smart, flexible solution—and why it could be the right fit for your business.
What is a T5577 Card?
T5577 Card – High-Performance 125KHz RFID Read/Write Contactless Card
The T5577 card is a contactless, read/write proximity card based on low-frequency 125KHz RFID technology. Its core component is the ATA5577 integrated chip, developed by Atmel (now part of Microchip Technology). Renowned for its outstanding compatibility and flexibility, the T5577 card is widely used in access control systems, attendance tracking, identity authentication, membership management, and more.
Operating without a battery, the T5577 card powers itself through induction when paired with a coil antenna, enabling stable operation and bidirectional data communication. It enhances system response efficiency and security while supporting customizable data formats, making it a versatile and high-performance RFID solution. Whether you're building a smart campus, upgrading traditional access control, or seeking a cost-effective, stable, and highly customizable RFID solution, the T5577 card is a trusted and ideal choice.
Technical Highlights
Operating Frequency: 125–134 kHz, a globally accepted low-frequency range that does not require a radio license
Communication Method: Wireless bidirectional communication via a coil antenna and reader
Power Supply: Passive (battery-free), powered via induction from the reader
High Compatibility: Capable of emulating multiple ID card formats
Rewritable Memory: Fully readable/writable with multiple reprogramming cycles
Chip Versions
The T5577 is an upgraded version of the T5557 and T5567 chips, offering greater reliability and flexibility. T5577 has largely replaced these earlier models in the market. It is available in three optimized variants—M1, M2, and M3—designed to meet different application requirements.
| Features | ATA5577 | Datasheet Reference | |||
| M1 (Card Type) | M2 (Keyfob Type) | M3 (Mini Tag Type) | M1/M2 | M3 | |
| Pad size | 90×90 μm | 200×400 μm | 200×400 μm | 11 | 10 |
| Pad bumps | none | 25 μm Au | 25 μm Au | ||
| Chip size | 1.15×1.15 mm | 1.36×1.36 mm | 1.36×1.36 mm | 11 | 10 |
| Input Input Capacitance | trimmed ±3% | trimmed ±3% | ±12% over production ±3% on wafer basic | 9.11 | 7.11 |
| Delivery configuration | Manchester. RF/32 | Manchester. RF/32 | Manchester. RF/64 | 10.2 | 9 |
| Styles of configuration register | Basic, extended | Basic, extended | Basic, extended. Q5 | 5.1 | 3.2 |
| Start-up time(FC²) | 192 | 192 | 128 | ||
| Frequency | 125~134 kHz | 125~134 kHz | 125~134 kHz | ||
| Packing | PVC/ABS Card Body Encapsulation | ABS Keychain Shell Encapsulation | Epoxy/Resin/PVC Mini Tag Encapsulation | ||
| Antenna Size | ≈ 70×40 mm | ≈ 25~30 mm | ≈ 20 mm | ||
| Distance | 8~10cm | 3~5cm | 1~3cm | ||
| Read/Write Cycles | ≥100,000 times | ||||
| Data Retention | ≥10 years | ||||
| Default Configuration | Generally preset to EM4100 format | Can be preset to HID or ID format | Usually blank, customizable | ||
| Data content at delivery | |||||
| Tracedata | Atmel Format | Atmel Format | Unique Format | 4.13 | 2.1 |
| Page 0, Block 1-2 | 0 | 0 | Fix tracedata in unique format | 10.2 | 9 |
| Page 0, Block 6 | 0 | 0 | Lot and wafer number. BCD coded | 10.2 | 9 |
| AFE register | 0 | 0 | 10.2 | 9 | |
| Misc | 2.1 | ||||
Is T5577 an IC Card?
The T5577 card is a type of low-frequency read-write card. Technically, it is a kind of radio-frequency identification (RFID) card, rather than a traditional IC card (integrated circuit card, which usually refers to smart cards with chips and operating systems).
T5577 card: It is based on RFID technology, operating typically at a frequency of 125kHz. The card contains a programmable chip that can be written to and read from. It is commonly used in systems like access control, parking, and attendance. It is similar to the classic low-frequency passive RFID card EM4100, but the special feature of the T5577 is that it can be rewritten using specific devices to modify the card number and data, giving it a certain emulation capability.
IC card (Integrated Circuit Card): This refers to cards that contain a microprocessor (CPU) or memory chips capable of performing complex calculations and security authentication, such as MIFARE cards, CPU cards, bank cards, ID cards, etc. IC cards typically operate at high frequency (13.56 MHz) or higher and have stronger data processing and security features.
Why do people often think of the T5577 as an IC card?
Concept confusion: Many people call any card with a chip an IC card, but in fact, the T5577 chip is relatively simple and lacks complex computing ability; it is just a low-frequency chip capable of storing and reading/writing data.
Similar application scenarios: The T5577 card is often used as access cards, attendance cards, and so on, which are similar to the usage of real smart IC cards, leading to confusion.
Marketing reasons: Some manufacturers or sellers call the T5577 an IC card for easier understanding or marketing purposes, to emphasize that it contains a chip.
T5577 Specifications (Parameters).
The 5577 chip card is most commonly used in door lock systems and offers high security after encryption.
| Card Size: | 85.5 × 54 mm |
| Chip Type: | Atmel T5577 |
| Memory Capacity: | 363 bits, 11 sectors, 8-bit password |
| Operating Frequency: | 125 KHz |
| Communication Rate: | 9600 baud |
| Read/Write Distance: | 3–10 cm |
| Read/Write Time: | 67 ms |
| Operating Temperature: | -20℃ to 55℃ |
| Rewrite Cycles: | > 100,000 times |
| Data Retention: | 10 years |
| Card Form Factor: | ISO standard thin card / thick card / irregular-shaped card |
| Encapsulation Material: | PVC, PET, ABS |
| Encapsulation Process: | PVC lamination |
| Features: | Durable |
| Typical Applications: | Access control systems |
Is T5577 Rewritable?
The T5577 card is rewritable. This type of card is commonly used in access control, elevators, parking cards, and similar applications, and requires a compatible duplicator for writing operations.
The T5577 chip is a programmable magneto-inductive chip. It supports multiple encoding formats such as EM4100, EM4102, Hitag, etc. Through specific readers or programming devices, the card can be repeatedly written and erased. Since it is not a one-time write card, as long as you have a device that supports writing to T5577 cards (such as some universal RFID duplicators or professional writers), you can modify and rewrite the card data multiple times.
T5577 Card Features.
1. Rewritable
The T5577 is a rewritable RFID card that supports multiple write and erase cycles, unlike read-only cards such as the EM4100.
2. Compatible with Multiple Protocols
It can emulate various 125kHz low-frequency card formats, such as EM4100, EM4102, TK4100, HID, Hitag1, Hitag2, etc., making it widely used for cloning and duplicating different types of access control cards.
3. Highly Configurable
The card supports configuration of various parameters, such as data bits, baud rate, and modulation methods (e.g., Manchester, Bi-phase, PSK), to meet the needs of different systems.
4. Fixed Frequency: 125kHz
As a low-frequency RFID card, it offers strong signal penetration and good resistance to interference, making it suitable for short-range, contactless identification applications.
5. Data Storage Capacity: 330-bit EEPROM
It comes with 330 bits of EEPROM memory, which can be used to store user data and configuration settings.
6. Wide Application
Commonly used in access control systems, elevator control, attendance tracking, parking management, membership systems, and more.
7. Clone-Friendly
Widely supported by various RFID duplicators on the market, making it ideal for copying read-only cards to rewritable ones.
8. Durability
Offers strong resistance to magnetic fields, static electricity, and physical damage. It is highly durable, provides good anti-counterfeiting capabilities, and ensures data security (with encryption support). It features large storage capacity, low system and device cost, and complies with ISO7816 standards.
9. Advantage of T5577 Cards.
The T5577 chip is an emulation-capable RFID chip with high programmability, allowing it to be configured to emulate a wide range of popular ID card formats. It can simulate cards using the standard 26-bit Wiegand format, which is especially common in H10301 cards. In addition, the T5577 can emulate various other 26-bit formats, including but not limited to:
HID 1326
ProxCard II
Indala
EM Cards
Kantech XSF
AWID (26-bit, 34-bit, 37-bit, and 50-bit)
Keri MS
Doorking DK Prox
H10302
DSX D10202
Farpointe Pyramid
Keyscan C15001 (36-bit)
Companies using the T5577 chip can rewrite it as needed to match any of the above card formats based on the 26-bit Wiegand standard. This allows the chip to adjust how it communicates with card readers, effectively emulating a variety of ID card types.
The greatest advantage of the T5577 chip lies in its high compatibility and flexibility, eliminating the need to commit to a single card format. For example, if a company requires two types of access cards for different brands of reader systems, the T5577 chip can be programmed to emulate both types, enabling unified hardware usage.
However, it's important to note that the T5577 chip can only hold one serial number and operate in one mode at a time. If there's a need to change the card type or ID number, the chip must be reprogrammed each time.
T5577 RFID Card Data Structure.
The data structure of the T5577 RFID card mainly includes information such as storage capacity, memory partitioning, and read/write characteristics.
The T5577 card operates at a frequency of 125KHz and has a storage capacity of 363 bits. It is divided into eleven 32-bit blocks and one lock bit. Among these, 7 blocks (32 bits each) are used for user data storage, 2 blocks are reserved for a unique ID, and 1 block serves as an option register for configuration settings.
Applications of T5577 Card.
The T5577 chip can be used in RFID identification cards. Due to its excellent encryption capabilities and stable performance, it is widely applied across various industries such as education, transportation, healthcare, and hotel management. As a contactless RFID chip, the T5577 communicates with readers through proximity, enabling identity verification or data exchange simply by being near a reader.
For example, the T5577 chip can be used in the following types of ID cards:
School access cards for teachers and staff
IC fuel cards at gas stations
Campus ID cards or student cards
Health insurance identification cards
Hotel Key Card T5577
Employee attendance cards
Club or gym membership cards
Access control cards for restricted areas
Supermarket loyalty or membership cards
The T5577 chip can also be implanted under the skin for more convenient personal identification and access control. For instance, an implanted chip in the hand can be used to unlock doors, start vehicles, or gain entry to workplaces. This technology dates back to 1998 when the first RFID microchip was successfully implanted in a human, and its use cases have been continuously expanding ever since.
What can Not T5577 Chip Do?
The T5577 chip is a practical, cost-effective, and flexible RFID solution, but it does have certain limitations. When designing systems, it's essential to understand these constraints and select appropriate use cases accordingly. For example:
1. Incompatible with NFC Devices
T5577 operates at a low frequency of 125kHz, while NFC technology functions at 13.56MHz (high frequency). These two operate on entirely different frequency bands and are physically incompatible. As a result, the T5577 chip cannot communicate with NFC-enabled devices such as smartphones or NFC readers. You won’t be able to use it for tap-to-unlock or mobile phone-based access.
2. Cannot Be Used for Payments
Although it can emulate ID cards, the T5577 does not support secure payment protocols like EMV, which is required for credit and debit card transactions (used by Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Therefore, it cannot be used to simulate a payment card or function within formal payment networks.
3. No GPS Tracking Capability
The T5577 is a passive chip, meaning it has no internal power source or signal transmission ability, and it lacks a GPS module. While some may assume RFID chips can be used for real-time tracking, in reality, chips like the T5577 are not capable of GPS positioning or long-range tracking.
4. Limited Read Range
Due to its low-frequency nature, the T5577 typically supports only short-range reading—just a few centimeters to tens of centimeters—depending on the reader’s strength. It cannot achieve the long-range scanning capabilities of high-frequency (HF) or ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID systems.
5. Cannot Support Multiple Formats Simultaneously
While T5577 can emulate a variety of card types (such as EM4100, HID, etc.), it can only operate in one format at a time. If you want to switch formats to match different access control systems, you’ll need to reprogram the chip each time.
6. No Active Data Transmission
The T5577 is a passive RFID chip with no built-in battery, so it cannot transmit data on its own. It only responds when in close proximity to an RFID reader. Unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it cannot continuously broadcast or establish direct communication channels.
7. No Real-Time Data Sync
Once data is written to a T5577 chip, updates must be done manually using a writing device. It has no capability for network connectivity or real-time cloud synchronization, making it unsuitable for environments requiring dynamic access control.
8. No Biometric or Multi-Factor Authentication Support
The T5577 is purely an electronic ID card and does not support advanced security features like fingerprint or facial recognition. If your security system requires dual authentication (e.g., card + biometric scan), T5577 cannot fulfill that requirement alone.
9. Cannot Handle Complex Logic
The chip offers limited storage—only 330 bits of EEPROM—which is sufficient for basic ID storage but not for complex data processing or logic execution. It’s not suitable for use cases involving image recognition, AI models, or smart contracts that require significant computational capacity.
Can T5577 be Cloned?
Yes, the T5577 card can be cloned, and that is one of its main advantages. If the original card uses an ID chip, it can be duplicated onto a T5577 chip card, making the cloned card functionally identical to the original.
T5577 is a read/write RFID emulator chip operating at the 125kHz low-frequency range. It is designed to simulate various common ID card formats (such as EM4100, HID, TK4100, etc.) and supports multiple rewrites. In other words, any 125kHz format compatible with T5577 can be cloned.
This means that as long as you have an RFID reader/writer that supports T5577 cards (such as a typical Bluetooth cloner or RFID duplicator), you can easily write the data from a read-only ID card onto the T5577 card—even accessing any sector of the original card.
Is T5577 Compatible with EM4100?
The T5577 is compatible with the EM4100. The Atmel T5577 chip is also compatible with the Atmel T5557/ATA5567.
Both T5577 cards and EM4100 cards can be used in access control systems, and the T5577 card can replicate the ID of an EM4100 card using a read/write module. Specifically, both T5577 and EM4100 are ID cards, and the T5577 can copy the ID number of an EM4100 card through a read/write module, enabling access control card cloning functionality.
The T5577 has a total of 11 blocks, with 363 bits of integrated EEPROM memory:
7 x 32-bit user memory blocks
2 x 32-bit blocks for the unique ID
1 x 32-bit option register block
1 x 32-bit configuration register
1 lock bit
What is the Difference Between T5577 and EM4100?
1. Type and Function
EM4100 is a read-only RFID chip with a fixed ID written at the factory that cannot be modified.
T5577 is a read/write RFID chip that supports writing and modifying data and can emulate multiple ID formats (such as EM4100, T5557, etc.).
2. Memory Structure
EM4100: Contains only a single 64-bit read-only ID and has no user memory area.
T5577: Has 11 memory blocks with a total of 363 bits of EEPROM, including user data blocks, ID blocks, configuration registers, and lock bits. It supports data writing and custom settings.
3. Copyability and Security
EM4100: Cannot be written to, only read; it can be copied but cannot itself copy other cards.
T5577: Can write IDs from other cards (such as EM4100), enabling card copying and emulation; it also supports lock bits to enhance security.
4. Protocol and Compatibility
EM4100: Uses a fixed EM4100 protocol.
T5577: Can be configured to support multiple protocols, including EM4100, T5557, ATA5567, and others.
5. Applications and Uses
EM4100: custom t5577 access card, attendance, pet chips, and other fixed ID recognition scenarios.
T5577: Suitable for copying access cards, testing compatibility, and emulating multiple card types.
6. Writable or Not
EM4100: Not writable (read-only).
T5577: Read/write capable (requires a card writer).
7. Choice
If you need a simple, unchangeable ID card, choose EM4100.
If you need a multifunctional card that can copy, emulate other cards, and be written to, choose T5577.
Difference Between T5577 and ID Card.
1. T5577 Card:
The storage capacity is 363 bits, divided into 11 sectors, and supports 8-bit password encryption. Due to its unique and stable chip performance and good encryption features (multi-level authorization), the T5577 card is suitable for applications requiring high security, such as contactless smart locks, access control systems, attendance systems, and more.
2. ID Card:
Typically refers to read-only low-frequency cards containing EM chips or other chips, operating at 125 kHz. Common ID cards include EM4100 or EM4102, characterized by an unchangeable ID number and no encryption capabilities. ID cards are mainly used for user identification in access control or parking systems. However, due to the lack of a key-based security authentication mechanism, they are not suitable for use in unified access or payment systems.
3. T5577 Card Type.
The T5577 card is a multifunctional radio frequency chip card manufactured by Atmel in the United States, specifically designed for the 125kHz frequency. It integrates an IC chip and an induction antenna, and is made into an internationally standard-sized card through a high-temperature lamination process. The T5577 chip is an emulator chip that can be programmed into the most commonly used ID card formats and supports emulation of cards using the standard 26-bit Wiegand format, which is commonly found in H10301 cards.
The T5577 card is a highly flexible multifunctional RFID chip card. T5577 Card Supplier（CBT） can be adapted to various applications according to different needs, such as access control cards, attendance cards, and payment cards.
Conclusion.
The above content introduces the T5577 chip card. The T5577 has become a highly competitive solution in the 125kHz low-frequency RFID field. It not only supports emulation of multiple card formats but also meets various application needs such as access control, attendance, and payment, making it widely applicable to various security and management systems.
If you are looking for a stable, reliable, and customizable T5577 Blank Card solution, please feel free to consult CBT. We will provide you with professional product support and customized services to help your project succeed.
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