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ACR1552U — USB NFC Reader IV (4th Generation) Complete Guide

Quick Summary: The ACR1552U is ACS's 4th-generation multi-protocol USB reader. Delivering up to 848 kbps data rates, extended ISO 15693 vicinity tag support, built-in Keyboard Emulation mode, and a hardware SAM slot, it is suited to e-Government, e-Healthcare, transportation, and access control applications.

Compared with the ACR122U and ACR1252U, the ACR1552U adds ISO 15693 support, up to 848 kbps, and Keyboard Emulation mode.

Unboxing & Hardware Overview​

  • Dimensions & Weight: 98.0 × 65.0 × 12.8 mm, white casing, 89 g (±5 g).
  • Antenna: 50 × 40 mm antenna with an operating range of up to 70 mm (depending on tag type).
  • Interface Variants: Available in USB Type-A (ACR1552U-M1) and USB Type-C (ACR1552U-MF).
  • SAM Security Slot: 1 × ISO 7816 Class A (5V) SIM-sized slot supporting up to 1,250 kbps.
  • Programmable Indicators: Blue/Green bi-color LED and programmable audio buzzer.

Specifications Overview​

ItemSpecification
Generation4th Generation (USB NFC Reader IV)
Supported Protocols & TagsISO 14443 Types A & B (Parts 1–4), ISO 15693, ISO/IEC 18092 NFC, MIFARE®, FeliCa, SRI/SRIX, CTS, Innovatron, Picopass, Topaz
Operating Frequency13.56 MHz
Baud Rates106 / 212 / 424 / 848 kbps (ISO 14443); 26 / 53 kbps (ISO 15693)
Operating DistanceUp to 70 mm (depending on tag type)
NFC Operating ModesSmart Card Reader/Writer, Keyboard Emulation, Card Emulation
SAM Slot1 × ISO 7816 Class A (5V) SIM slot (T=0, T=1 protocols, 13.4–1,250 kbps)
Extended APDU✅ Extended contactless APDU commands
Host InterfaceUSB 2.0 Full Speed (12 Mbps), CCID compliant
Dimensions / Weight98.0 × 65.0 × 12.8 mm / 89 g (±5 g)
CertificationsISO 14443, ISO 15693, PC/SC, CCID, CE, FCC, RoHS, REACH, Microsoft WHQL
OS CompatibilityWindows, Linux, macOS, Android
Official DocumentationACR1552U Product Page, API Reference (PDF)

Comparison: ACR122U vs ACR1252U vs ACR1552U​

FeatureACR122UACR1252UACR1552U
Max ISO 14443 Speed424 kbps424 kbps848 kbps
Max Read Distance50 mm50 mm70 mm
ISO 15693 Vicinity Support❌❌✅ Supported
Keyboard Emulation Mode❌❌✅ Supported
SAM Security Slot❌✅✅ High-speed SAM
Extended APDU——✅ Supported

Application Architectures​

Installation & Setup (Linux + macOS)​

The ACR1552U communicates over standard USB CCID PC/SC protocols.

Step 1: Install PC/SC Packages (Linux)​

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y pcscd pcsc-tools libpcsclite-dev libccid

Step 2: Verify USB Enumeration​

lsusb | grep -i "Advanced Card Systems"

The reader should appear as an Advanced Card Systems device.

Step 3: Run pcsc_scan​

pcsc_scan

Presenting an ISO 15693 tag or ISO 14443 badge will display the ATR and protocol type in real time.

Quickstart: Python pyscard Script​

from smartcard.System import readers
from smartcard.util import toHexString

r = readers()
if not r:
    print("No PC/SC readers found.")
    exit(1)

reader = r[0]
print(f"Using Reader: {reader}")

conn = reader.createConnection()
conn.connect()

# Query ISO 14443 UID
GET_UID = [0xFF, 0xCA, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00]
data, sw1, sw2 = conn.transmit(GET_UID)

if sw1 == 0x90 and sw2 == 0x00:
    print(f"Card Serial / UID: {toHexString(data)}")
else:
    print(f"Status: {sw1:02X} {sw2:02X}")

Troubleshooting​

1. ISO 15693 tags not responding to standard APDU​

  • Cause: ISO 15693 tags utilize distinct command structures from ISO 14443 Type A cards.
  • Fix: Consult the ACS ACR1552U Reference Manual for specific ISO 15693 transparent command wrapper formats.

2. Keyboard Emulation not outputting keystrokes​

  • Cause: Reader is configured in standard PC/SC mode rather than HID Keyboard Emulation mode.
  • Fix: Refer to the ACS ACR1552U Reference Manual for how to enable Keyboard Emulation mode and configure its output.

3. SAM communication errors​

  • Cause: SAM card mismatch or improper seating.
  • Fix: Ensure standard ISO 7816 Class A (5V) SIM form-factor SAM is properly inserted.