A220-C USB-C animal tag reader for Android, black housing with USB-C plug

A220-C USB-C 134.2kHz FDX-B Animal Tag Reader for Android Phones

Q: Why can't my phone read a pet microchip without the A220-C?

Phone NFC works at 13.56 MHz, while ISO pet microchips and animal ear tags work at 134.2 kHz. No app can change the phone's NFC frequency. The A220-C adds a 134.2 kHz / 125 kHz reader through the USB-C port.

Q: Does the A220-C need an app?

No. It types the tag number at the cursor in any Android app, just like a keyboard. Your own app only needs a text field.

Q: Does the A220-C work with an iPhone?

iOS is not listed as a supported host. The A220-C is specified for Android phones and tablets with USB OTG, and for Windows XP, 7 and 10 PCs through an OTG adapter.

Q: What read distance should I expect?

0–30 mm, depending on the tag. Touch the reader to the ear tag or pass it slowly over the implant site. For readings at more than 8 cm, use the A520-M handheld.

Q: Can the A220-C output the full 15-digit ISO number?

The default output is a 10-digit decimal number (4 bytes). Custom output formats are available on request; tell us the string your app stores and it is confirmed in your quotation.

The A220-C plugs into the USB-C port of an Android phone or tablet and reads FDX-B (134.2 kHz) and EMID (125 kHz) animal tags at 0–30 mm. It types the tag number into whatever app has focus, as a 10-digit decimal by default, so field staff need no extra app. It weighs about 20 g.

Frequency: 134.2 kHz (FDX-B) / 125 kHz (EMID)
Cards / tags: FDX-B tags, EMID tags
Interface: USB Type-C plug (OTG)
Output: Tag number typed at the cursor; 10-digit decimal (4 bytes) by default; custom formats on request
Read range: 0–30 mm (tag dependent)

Request a quote for A220-C Order a sample Datasheet (PDF)

✓ Sample units for evaluation
✓ Output format confirmed for your software
✓ Private label & OEM options
✓ Reply within 1 business day

Why integrators choose the A220-C

Adds 134.2 kHz to a phone — phone NFC works at 13.56 MHz and cannot read animal microchips; the A220-C reads FDX-B and EMID tags.
No app required — the tag number is typed at the cursor in any Android app, form or spreadsheet.
Powered by the phone — draws 5 V at 100 mA from the USB-C port; there is no battery to charge.
35 × 35 × 7 mm, about 20 g — small enough to stay plugged in; black or white housing.
10-digit decimal by default — custom output formats on request to match your app.
Two-color status LED — blue shows power, green shows status.

Why a plug-in reader instead of phone NFC

Phone NFC works at 13.56 MHz. Animal microchips and ear tags built to ISO 11784/11785 work at 134.2 kHz, so a phone cannot read them on its own, whatever app is installed. The A220-C adds a 134.2 kHz / 125 kHz reader through the USB-C port and reads FDX-B and EMID tags. Background: can a phone read a pet microchip?

It suits people who already carry Android phones or tablets: livestock officers checking ear tags, vets on farm visits, shelter volunteers, and software vendors whose mobile app needs a tag input without a separate handheld.

Output and app integration

The A220-C types the tag number into whichever field has focus, as if it came from a keyboard. Any Android app with a text field works, whether a form, a spreadsheet or your own app, and no SDK or companion app is required.

The default output is a 10-digit decimal number (4 bytes). An ISO FDX-B ID has 15 digits, so if your app stores the full ISO number, request a custom output format; the exact string is confirmed in your quotation. See how the 15-digit animal ID is built.

Read distance and handling

Read range is 0–30 mm, tag dependent. Bring the phone to the tag: touch the reader to the ear tag, or pass it slowly over the implant site of an animal that is held still. For scanning at a distance, use a handheld; the A520-M reads 2–12 mm glass microchips at more than 8 cm.

The phone must support USB OTG (host mode). The reader can also be used on a Windows PC through an OTG adapter. Check your devices against our USB-C OTG checklist before ordering.

A220-C specifications

General
Model	A220-C
Product type	USB-C plug-in animal tag reader for phones and tablets
Frequency	134.2 kHz (FDX-B) / 125 kHz (EMID)
Form factor	Plug-in module with USB Type-C connector

Cards & reading
Standards	ISO 11784, ISO 11785 (FDX-B), EM4100 (EMID)
Supported tags	FDX-B tags, EMID tags
Read range	0–30 mm (tag dependent)
Read time	< 100 ms
Read interval	0.5 s
Read/write	Read-only

Interface & output
Interface	USB Type-C plug (OTG)
Output	Tag number typed at the cursor; 10-digit decimal (4 bytes) by default; custom formats on request
Host devices	Android phones and tablets with USB OTG; Windows XP / 7 / 10 through an OTG adapter
App	Not required
Indicators	Two-color LED (blue power, green status)

Physical & environment
Power	5 V from host, 100 mA
Dimensions	35 × 35 × 7 mm (without connector)
Weight	approx. 20 g
Package	71 × 71 × 19 mm, approx. 50 g packed
Color	Black or white
Operating temperature	-20 °C to +70 °C

Specifications of A220-C as supplied for the standard version. Read range depends on the card or tag, mounting surface and environment — we can test your own cards before you order.

Download the A220-C datasheet (PDF, A4)

Card, tag and system compatibility

Works with

✓ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B animal tags at 134.2 kHz
✓EMID (EM4100-format) animal tags at 125 kHz
✓Android phones and tablets with a USB-C port and OTG support
✓Windows XP, 7 and 10 PCs through an OTG adapter

Not designed for

✕Writing, programming or copying tags (read-only reader)
✕HDX and FDX-A animal tags
✕iPhone and iPad (not listed as supported hosts)
✕Phones without USB OTG support
✕13.56 MHz NFC cards — use the H220-C

Card not listed? Send us the card type or a photo and we will confirm compatibility before you buy.

Integration in 4 steps

1
Check that the phone or tablet supports USB OTG. On some Android devices OTG must be switched on in the settings.
2
Plug the A220-C into the USB-C port. The blue LED shows that it has power.
3
Open your app, tap the field that stores the tag number, and hold the reader within 0–30 mm of the tag.
4
The number is typed at the cursor, as a 10-digit decimal by default. If your app expects another format, request a custom output format with your order.

OEM / ODM options for A220-C

◆Output format matched to your app (default 10-digit decimal) on request
◆Black or white housing
◆Your logo and retail packaging for private-label supply on request

How OEM/ODM projects work →

Typical applications

Livestock & animal ID

A220-C FAQ

Why can't my phone read a pet microchip without the A220-C?

Phone NFC works at 13.56 MHz, while ISO pet microchips and animal ear tags work at 134.2 kHz. No app can change the phone's NFC frequency. The A220-C adds a 134.2 kHz / 125 kHz reader through the USB-C port.

Does the A220-C need an app?