Sony Group RCS640IC Contactless IC Card Reader/Writer User Manual RC S640 IC Product Specifications
Sony Corporation Contactless IC Card Reader/Writer RC S640 IC Product Specifications
Users manual

Reader/Writer  Module 
RC-S640/IC   
Product Specifications 
Note: This document is subject to change without notice. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
Introduction 
This document describes the major features and specifications of Sony’s Reader/Writer module, RC-S640/IC. 
For the purpose of this document, the terms below denote the products or equipment described to the right. 
Card  :  A contactless IC card. 
Reader/Writer  :  A device used to read and write contactless IC cards, tags and devices. 
Controller  :  An external computer or an equivalent device that is directly connected to a 
Reader/Writer via a specific cable. 
RC-S640/IC satisfies the specifications mentioned with this document only when it connects with the specified 
antenna.     
Please confirm the specified antenna for RC-S640/IC. (Refer to Appendix A) 
  FeliCa is a contactless IC card technology developed by Sony Corporation. 
  FeliCa is a trademark of Sony Corporation. 
  All names of companies and products contained herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of the 
respective companies. 
  No part of this document may be copied, or reproduced in any form, without the prior consent of Sony 
Corporation. 
  Information in this document is subject to change without notice. 
  Sony Corporation assumes no liability for damages arising from, or in connection with, the use of this 
document. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
  Safety Information and Caution 
WARNING 
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. 
To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only. 
For the customers in USA 
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) 
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, 
including interference that may cause undesired operation. 
WARNING 
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your 
authority to operate this equipment. 
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, 
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against 
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio 
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful 
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a 
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which 
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the 
interference by one or more of the following measures: 
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. 
-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. 
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. 
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
For the customers in Canada 
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. 
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the 
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any 
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. 
The term “IC:” before the radio certification number only signifies that Industry Canada technical specifications 
were met. 
Pour les clients au Canada 
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. 
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de 
licence. L’utilisation doit répondre aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) ce matériel ne doit pas provoquer de 
brouillage et (2) il doit accepter tout brouillage, même celui qui est susceptible d’affecter son fonctionnement. 
La mention « IC: » devant le numéro de certification/ homologation signifie uniquement que les spécifications 
techniques d’Industrie Canada sont remplies. 
For the customers in Europe 
Hereby, Sony Corporation, declares that this RC-S640/IC is in compliance with the essential requirements 
and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. 
For details, please access the following URL: 
http://www.compliance.sony.de/ 
For use in following areas: residential, commercial and light industrial. 
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using 
connection cables not longer than 3 meters (9.8 feet). 
Emissions from this inductive device could cause interference to nearby receivers of other radio services. 
The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 
1-7-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 
The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, 
Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
Contents 
1 Key functions and features ....................................................................................................... 8 
2 Hardware specifications ............................................................................................................ 9 
2.1 Major specifications ............................................................................................................................... 9 
2.1.1 FeliCa or ISO/IEC 18092 (212 / 424 kbps) communication ........................................................ 9 
2.1.2 ISO/IEC 14443 or ISO/IEC 18092 (106 kbps) communication .................................................... 9 
2.1.3 Compatible cards, tags and devices*1,*2..................................................................................... 10 
2.1.4 RF communication performance ............................................................................................... 10 
2.2 Interface .............................................................................................................................................. 11 
2.2.1 Connector .................................................................................................................................. 11 
2.2.2 Pin assignment .......................................................................................................................... 11 
2.3 Electrical specifications ....................................................................................................................... 12 
2.3.1 Absolute maximum rating .......................................................................................................... 12 
2.3.2 Electrical characteristics ............................................................................................................ 12 
2.3.3 Others ........................................................................................................................................ 13 
2.4 Reliability specifications ...................................................................................................................... 13 
2.5 External dimensions ............................................................................................................................ 14 
2.5.1 Module ....................................................................................................................................... 14 
3 Precautions .............................................................................................................................. 16 
3.1 Handling precautions .......................................................................................................................... 16 
3.2 Notes on external appearance ............................................................................................................ 17 
Appendix A About specified antenna ........................................................................................ 18 
A.1 RC-S640/ICA ...................................................................................................................................... 18 
Appendix B About installation ................................................................................................... 20 
B.1 Installation requirements for RC-S640/ICA ........................................................................................ 20 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
1   Key functions and features 
RC-S640/IC (hereinafter called the module) is a Reader/Writer module certified by NFC Forum Certification 
Program. The module can communicate with any devices that conform to the NFC Forum specification as well 
as Sony’s FeliCa technology and other broadly adopted technologies supporting ISO/IEC 14443 Type A/B 
contactless smart card standard including the T=CL transmission protocol. 
Key functions and features of the module are detailed below. For more information, please contact our 
distributors or sales representative. 
  Higher interoperability provided by the compliance with NFC Forum 1st Wave Certification with NFC 
Forum 1 through 4 tags and other NFC-Forum-certified devices. 
  Compatible with a wide variety of ISO/IEC 14443 Type A/B contactless smart card including the T=CL 
transmission protocol   
 Compatible with Sony’s FeliCa contactless smart card such as FeliCa Standard, FeliCa Plug, FeliCa Lite, 
and mobile phones incorporating a Mobile FeliCa IC chip.   
  Based on an inductive read/write system type-certified by the Radio Law of Japan. It is also compliant 
with the relevant standards in the United States, Canada, and Europe. 
  High versatility for installation by a really thin antenna. 
NOTE  Only at the time of combination with the specified antenna, RC-S640/IC acquires the safety 
standard of each country. Please keep in mind that the combination of other antenna has a possibility of 
becoming regulation infringement.   

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
2   Hardware specifications 
This chapter focuses on major hardware specifications. 
2.1   Major specifications 
The following describes the module’s major specifications. 
2.1.1   FeliCa or ISO/IEC 18092 (212 / 424 kbps) communication 
  Carrier frequency (fc)  :  13.56 MHz 
  Data transfer rate*1  :  fc / 64 (212 kbps, approximately), fc / 32 (424 kbps, approximately) 
  Modulation system  :  Transmission – ASK, Reception – ASK 
  Bit coding  :  Transmission – Manchester coding, Reception – Manchester coding 
  Communication system  :  Half-duplex communication 
*1 Available only when the card or the device to be used is also compatible with fc / 32. 
2.1.2   ISO/IEC 14443 or ISO/IEC 18092 (106 kbps) communication 
  Carrier frequency (fc)  :  13.56 MHz 
  Data transfer rate*2  :  fc / 128 (106 kbps, approximately), fc / 64 (212 kbps, approximately), 
      fc / 32 (424 kbps, approximately) 
  Modulation system 
o  Type A (fc / 128)  :  Transmission – ASK, Reception – ASK 
o  Type A (fc / 64, fc / 32) :  Transmission – ASK, Reception – BPSK 
o  Type B  :  Transmission – ASK, Reception – BPSK 
  Bit coding 
o  Type A (fc / 128)  :  Transmission – Modified Miller 
     Reception – Manchester coding with subcarrier 
o  Type A (fc / 64, fc / 32) :  Transmission – Modified Miller,  Reception – NRZ with subcarrier 
o  Type B  :  Transmission – NRZ, Reception – NRZ with subcarrier 
  Communication system  :  Half-duplex communication 
*2 Available only when the card or the device to be used is also compatible with fc / 64 or fc / 32. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
2.1.3   Compatible cards, tags and devices*1,*2 
  Card based on FeliCa 
  NFC Forum Tag 
  NFC-Forum-certified device 
*1 Usable number of cards: One at a time. 
*2 Operation is not necessarily guaranteed. Please consult us in advance when using a card or a device other than the 
ones listed above.   
2.1.4   RF communication performance 
 15 mm or more    (No dead zones of 1 mm or more wide within the above range) 
<Measurement conditions> 
In a necessary condition (temperature: 25 ºC, humidity: 50 %RH) that is potentially unaffected by nearby radio 
waves and magnetic sources, a single RC-S888 card (operating at its center frequency) is polled by a 
standard module.    (Refer to Appendix B.1) 
NOTE          The communication performance may be different with the kind of the card, direction of the card 
and data transfer rate, making it necessary to verify its performance. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
2.2   Interface 
Interfacing between the module and the controller utilizes the connector described below. 
2.2.1   Connector 
  Model number: IMSA-9681S-15A-GF/Y901 made by IRISO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. 
Low-profile, 0.5mm pitch FFC/FPC connector 
(Au plated / Bottom side terminal / SMT / Right angle / ZIF / 15 poles) 
NOTE          For applicable cable, refer to C.1 “Terminal requirements of FFC/FPC”. 
2.2.2   Pin assignment 
Table 2-1: Pin assignment 
No. 
Designation 
Function 
Remarks 
1 
MOD_VDD 
Power supply 
DC 3.3V 
2 
MOD_GND 
Ground 
3 
SWP 
Single wire protocol line to UICC/SIM 
4 
MOD_GND 
Ground 
5 
IRQ 
Interrupt request from module to platform 
6 
VDD_SIM 
Power rail used to UICC/SIM 
7 
I2C_SDA 
I2C Data 
8 
I2C_SCL 
I2C Clock 
9 
MOD_GND 
Ground 
10 
Reset/ 
Wake UP 
Reset pin input from the host to wake up 
the device from standby and also to reset 
the device 
11 
NC/Float 
Floating / Not connected 
12 
SWP_PWR 
Power supply to UICC/SIM or power 
supply request to PMIC 
13 
MOD_VDD 
Power supply 
DC 3.3V 
14 
VDD_IO 
Host IO reference voltage 
DC 3.3V 
15 
MOD_GND 
Ground 
NOTE          Please confirm the position of 1pin in external dimensions. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
2.3   Electrical specifications 
2.3.1   Absolute maximum rating 
Observe the following ranges of operation in order to avoid irreparable damage to the module. 
Table 2-2: Absolute maximum rating 
Item 
Rating 
Unit 
Power supply voltage 
-0.3 ~ +4.0 
V 
Input voltage 
-0.3 ~ VDD+0.3 
V 
2.3.2   Electrical characteristics 
Table 2-3: Electrical characteristics 
(Conditions) Temperature: 25 ºC, Humidity: 50 %RH 
Pin 
Item 
Min 
Max 
Unit 
Remarks 
MOD_VDD 
VDD IO 
Power supply voltage*1 
3.135 
3.465 
V 
MOD_VDD 
Current consumption(RF On)*2 
150 
mA 
Current cunsumption(Standby) 
120 
A 
I2C_SDA 
I2C_SCL 
H-level input voltage 
0.75 x VDD 
VDD 
V 
L-level input voltage 
0 
0.25 x VDD 
V 
L-level output voltage 
0 
0.25 x VDD 
V 
IOL=3mA 
IRQ 
H-level output voltage 
0.8 x VDD 
VDD 
V 
IOH=-2mA 
L-level output voltage 
0 
0.2 x VDD 
V 
IOL=2mA 
Reset / Wake UP 
H-level input voltage 
1.2 
VDD 
V 
L-level input voltage 
0 
0.3 
V 
*1Fully verify to noise from power supply, other modules and cables, since noise exerts deleterious effects on 
communication performance. 
*2Current consumption changes by power supply voltage, the existence of cards, installation. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
2.3.3   Others 
  Operating environment (no condensation or frost) 
o  Performance assurance temperature/humidity*1 
o  Function assurance temperature/humidity*2 
*1 Guarantees section 2.1.4 “RF communication performance”. 
*2 Guarantees normal operation of the RF communication processor, although the communication performance described 
above cannot be assured in temperature extremes. 
NOTE          The module temperature inevitably rises if module is continually transmitting card access 
commands (such as when polling a card). Make sure to design the enclosure so that the internal temperature 
and humidity can be held within the specified ranges. 
  Storage environment (no condensation or frost)   
  Mass      :  T.B.D. 
2.4   Reliability specifications 
  Shock      :  IEC60068-2-27 Test Ea 
  Vibration    :  IEC60068-2-64 Test Fh 
0 ºC 
70 ºC 
60 %RH or less 
-20 ºC 
0 ºC 
60 ºC 
20~90 %RH 
-10 ºC 
50 %RH or less 
40 ºC 
0 ºC 
50 ºC 
20~90 %RH 
50 %RH or less 
40 ºC 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
2.5   External dimensions 
External dimensions are shown in the following figures. 
2.5.1   Module 
Tolerance:±0.2 
Unit: mm 
NOTE  Perforations are not included in board size. 
Figure 2-1 External dimensions of module 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
3   Precautions 
3.1   Handling precautions 
The module must be handled with special care, keeping the following precautions in mind. 
  The module is an inductive-type read/write communication device that is type-certified in compliance with 
the Radio Law of Japan. The operating frequency is 13.56 MHz. Disassembly or modification of the 
module, removal of the type number or similar acts are subject to penalties according to applicable laws. 
  Be sure to use a stable power supply so that the module can be protected from the effect of noise and 
excessive voltage peaks, such as lightning, transmitted through the power supply connector. 
  Do not cause any chemical or physical damage to the module. 
  Do not subject the module surface to contaminated air or materials. 
  Tightly ground not only module after installation but all jigs, machines, workbenches and workers’ bodies 
to prevent static electricity from affecting the module. 
 For safety’s sake, be sure to wear gloves when handling the module, although its surfaces are carefully 
finished. 
  Protect the module from interference from other wireless machines. 
  Do not install the module in an environment where a strong electromagnetic field may exert deleterious 
effects on communication performance. Take special note of the installation location so that interference 
between the module and other equipment can be adequately controlled. 
  Communication performance may be affected by the harmonics of the 13.56 MHz carrier frequency 
generated on the signal line. 
  Check in advance the compatibility between the module and your system. The module cannot handle part 
of the processing sequences*1 provided by mobile phones and other portable devices incorporating 
mobile FeliCa IC chips. 
  The interface cable (FFC / FPC) is not supplied, making it necessary to prepare the one appropriate for 
your system. When selecting the cable, make sure to connect a cable in the right direction because the 
connector has a double terminal. 
  Be sure to shut the cover of an antenna connector tightly. And the cover opens only to the angle of 
approximately 90 degrees above when unlocked. 
  Measures for static noise and power line noise must be designed and incorporated on your own. 
Especially, if the module is connected to two or more system ground ports which have a difference in 
electric potential, it may depreciate communication performance and cause unexpected noise. 
  Treat an antenna carefully. Damage of an antenna or change of antenna characteristics may occur by 
bending, pulling, twisting, press or brandishing it strongly. For the same reason, do not tear off the 
antenna once stuck on adhesive tape or a cabinet. 
*1 Among the processing sequences unique to mobile FeliCa compatible portable devices, the module cannot handle the 
sequence which allows wireless communication from the Reader/Writer after the mobile FeliCa IC chip was activated by 
the portable device via a wired interface. For more information, refer to the “Mobile FeliCa Technical Information” 
(Japanese only) that explains Reader/Writer operation in mobile applications. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
3.2   Notes on external appearance 
Since the module is designed for embedded applications, please realize that flaws on the order described 
below may occur. 
  Scratch or stain on the product surface, which has no effect on performance. 
  Change in the board color. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
Appendix A  About specified antenna 
A.1  RC-S640/ICA         
The following describes the specified antenna for RC-S640/IC.     
Tolerance:±0.3 
Unit: mm 
Figure A-1 External dimensions of antenna. 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
NOTE1      Only at the time of combination with the specified antenna RC-S640/ICA, RC-S640/IC acquire the 
safety standard of each country. 
NOTE2    Please connect antenna (1pin) to antenna connector (1pin), as shown in below figure. 
Communication performance is not confirmed with reverse connection. 
Terminal
Support tape
Figure A-2 Connection of a module and an antenna 
FPC(Antenn 
4 
1 
Module 
Antenna 

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RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
Appendix B  About installation 
B.1  Installation requirements for RC-S640/ICA 
The following describes the points to remember when installing the antenna. 
1.  Do not use any metal or carbon compound as the material for the cabinet above antenna.   
2.  Be sure to place metal under antenna. (necessary condition) 
For example, “Ground pattern on board” is recommended. “Cu”, “Al”, “Fe”, “Stainless steels” are not 
recommended. 
3.  The distance between the edge of antenna and the surface of PC or tablet shall be less than 4 mm. 
4.  Stick antenna to a plane (modification of the antenna is subject to penalties according to applicable laws 
or regulations). Do not place any metal in the forbidden area (dotted square area in Figure B-1) around 
the antenna. Particularly, communication performance undoubtedly deteriorates if a plate-like metal is 
put near the antenna. And to avoid damage to an antenna, do not place projections or movable parts. 
Moreover, fix the positional relationship between a module and an antenna. 
Figure B-1: Installation requirements   

Reader/Writer Module 
RC-S640/IC Product Specifications 
Sony Corporation 
© 2013Sony Corporation 
Printed in Japan