Customize Your HITAG 1/2/S RFID Cards with XIUCHENG RFID

In industrial access control, vehicle identification, asset management, and legacy RFID infrastructure projects, HITAG technology remains one of the most widely used low-frequency RFID solutions. Developed by NXP Semiconductors, HITAG chips are known for their stable performance, strong anti-collision capability, and reliable operation in harsh environments.

For companies sourcing custom LF RFID cards, choosing the correct HITAG chip version is critical. Many procurement managers encounter compatibility issues because HITAG 1, HITAG 2, and HITAG S are often confused during purchasing.

At XIUCHENG RFID, we manufacture fully customized HITAG RFID cards, keyfobs, and tags for OEM projects worldwide. This guide explains the differences between HITAG 1, HITAG 2, and HITAG S, their typical applications, and how to choose the right solution for your business.

What Is HITAG RFID Technology?

HITAG is a 125 kHz low-frequency RFID technology family primarily used in:

• Access control systems
• Vehicle immobilizers
• Parking management
• Industrial identification
• Attendance systems
• Logistics tracking
• Animal identification

Compared with HF or UHF RFID systems, LF HITAG technology offers:

• Stable reading near metal and water
• Reliable short-range communication
• Strong durability in industrial environments
• Low power passive operation
• Long service life

HITAG systems typically operate at:

$f = 125\ \text{kHz}$f=125 kHz

This low operating frequency makes HITAG ideal for environments where HF and UHF systems may experience interference.

Understanding the Difference Between HITAG 1, HITAG 2, and HITAG S

HITAG 1

Overview

HITAG 1 is an older read/write LF RFID technology designed mainly for simple identification systems.

Main Features

• 125 kHz LF RFID
• Read/write memory
• Basic anti-collision support
• Short read range
• Moderate security level

Typical Applications

• Legacy access control
• Factory attendance systems
• Industrial ID cards
• Basic parking systems

Procurement Notes

Many old European access systems still use HITAG 1 cards. Buyers replacing existing cards must ensure full protocol compatibility before purchasing alternatives.

HITAG 2

Overview

HITAG 2 was developed primarily for automotive security and immobilizer systems. It introduced stronger authentication and encryption capabilities.

Main Features

• Enhanced security authentication
• Mutual authentication support
• Encrypted communication
• Improved anti-cloning protection
• Automotive-grade reliability

Common Applications

• Vehicle immobilizers
• Car key transponders
• Fleet management
• Secure access control

Important Buyer Considerations

HITAG 2 compatibility is extremely important in automotive projects. Different reader firmware versions may require:

• Original NXP chips
• Pre-programmed transponders
• Specific encryption configurations

For automotive OEM projects, procurement teams should always confirm:

• Reader compatibility
• Encryption requirements
• UID formatting
• Programming method

HITAG S

Overview

HITAG S is the most flexible and modern member of the HITAG family. It offers larger memory options, configurable security, and better system integration capabilities.

Main Features

• Advanced security options
• Multiple memory capacities
• Read/write protection
• Crypto authentication
• Better anti-collision performance

Available Memory Options

Common HITAG S versions include:

• HITAG S 256
• HITAG S 2048

Common Applications

• Secure access cards
• Industrial automation
• Asset tracking
• Public transportation
• Multi-user identification systems

Why Many Integrators Prefer HITAG S

Compared with HITAG 1 and HITAG 2, HITAG S offers:

• More flexible configuration
• Better scalability
• Improved data handling
• Higher security levels
• Easier integration into modern systems

For new RFID deployments, HITAG S is often the preferred choice.

HITAG RFID Frequency and Read Distance

HITAG systems operate using low-frequency RFID technology:

$\lambda = \frac{c}{f}$λ=fc​

Because LF RFID uses long wavelengths, HITAG tags are less sensitive to environmental interference.

Typical reading distance:

• 2 cm to 15 cm
• Depends on:
  • Reader antenna size
  • Chip type
  • Card material
  • Reader power
  • Environmental conditions

Custom HITAG RFID Card Options at XIUCHENG RFID

At XIUCHENG RFID, we provide OEM and wholesale HITAG RFID card manufacturing services for global distributors, system integrators, and industrial projects.

Available Product Types

We can manufacture:

• PVC RFID cards
• ABS keyfobs
• Epoxy tags
• Silicone wristbands
• Industrial RFID tags
• Custom-shaped RFID tokens

Available Customization Services

Printing Options

• Full-color CMYK printing
• UV printing
• Silk-screen printing
• Laser engraving
• UID printing
• QR codes
• Barcodes
• Variable serial numbers

Surface Finishes

• Glossy
• Matte
• Frosted
• Transparent
• Metallic effect

Encoding Services

We support:

• UID encoding
• Data pre-programming
• Encryption configuration
• Sector locking
• Batch serialization

HITAG RFID Card Material Options

PVC Cards

Most common and cost-effective option for access control projects.

PET Cards

Better chemical and heat resistance for industrial use.

ABS Tags

Suitable for keyfobs and rugged environments.

Silicone Wristbands

Popular for gyms, employee access, and events.

How to Choose the Correct HITAG Chip

Choose HITAG 1 If:

• You maintain an old access control system
• You need basic read/write capability
• Security requirements are low

Choose HITAG 2 If:

• Automotive compatibility is required
• Encryption is necessary
• Anti-cloning protection is important

Choose HITAG S If:

• You are building a new RFID system
• Flexible memory configuration is needed
• Higher security is required
• Long-term scalability matters

Important Procurement Questions Before Ordering

Before sourcing HITAG RFID cards, procurement teams should confirm:

1. Which exact chip version is required?
2. Is encryption needed?
3. Does the reader support third-party chips?
4. Is UID programming required?
5. What card material fits the environment?
6. Are custom printing and branding needed?
7. Is data pre-encoding required before shipment?

Failing to verify compatibility can result in:

• Reader communication failure
• Authentication errors
• Shortened product lifespan
• Security vulnerabilities

Why Work with XIUCHENG RFID?

Manufacturing Experience

XIUCHENG RFID specializes in RFID product manufacturing, including:

• RFID cards
• RFID wristbands
• RFID keyfobs
• RFID laundry tags
• NFC products
• Industrial RFID tags

OEM & Wholesale Support

We support:

• Custom logo printing
• Chip encoding
• Small MOQ production
• Bulk wholesale orders
• International shipping

Strict Quality Control

Every production batch undergoes:

• Frequency testing
• Read/write testing
• Surface inspection
• Encoding verification
• Packaging inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Can HITAG cards be cloned?

Some low-security HITAG systems may be vulnerable to cloning if encryption is not enabled. HITAG 2 and HITAG S provide better security protection than older HITAG 1 systems.

Are HITAG cards compatible with EM4100 readers?

No. HITAG and EM4100 use different communication protocols even though both operate at 125 kHz.

Can XIUCHENG RFID pre-program the cards?

Yes. We support UID programming, encryption setup, and batch data encoding before shipment.

What is the minimum order quantity?

MOQ depends on:

• Card type
• Printing requirements
• Encoding requirements
• Chip availability

OEM projects usually receive better pricing at higher volumes.

Conclusion

HITAG RFID technology remains highly relevant in access control, industrial automation, and automotive identification systems. However, choosing between HITAG 1, HITAG 2, and HITAG S requires careful evaluation of compatibility, security, and future scalability.

For businesses looking for reliable custom RFID manufacturing, XIUCHENG RFID provides professional OEM production services for custom HITAG RFID cards, tags, and wristbands tailored to industrial and commercial applications worldwide.