HITAG µ vs T5577 / ATA5577C

NXP HITAG µ offers 128-1760 bits ISO animal ID compliance vs T5577's 363-bit multi-protocol emulation. Compare memory, security, and application fit.

Side-by-side specs

Frequency
HITAG µ
100-150 kHz (LF)
T5577 / ATA5577C
100 kHz to 150 kHz (LF RFID, typically 125 kHz or 134 kHz)
Protocol
HITAG µ
ISO 11784, ISO 11785 (Animal ID); designed for ISO/IEC 14223; Reader Talks First (RTF) with anti-collision, Transponder Talks First (TTF)
T5577 / ATA5577C
Configurable for ISO/IEC 11784/785 compatibility, compatible with T5557/ATA5567, replacement for e5551/T5551
Memory
HITAG µ
HITAG µ: 128 bits total (4 blocks); HITAG µ Advanced: 512 bits (16 blocks); HITAG µ Advanced+: 1760 bits (55 blocks). Up to 10,000 erase/write cycles, 10 years data retention
T5577 / ATA5577C
363 bits EEPROM (11 blocks × 33 bits: 7 blocks user memory + password, 2 blocks unique ID, 1 configuration block, 1 option block)
Interface
HITAG µ
RF contactless (inductive coupling); integrated resonance capacitor 210 pF ±3% or 280 pF ±5%
T5577 / ATA5577C
RF (contactless), dual coil terminals (Coil 1/Coil 2) for power supply and bidirectional communication
Temp Range
HITAG µ
-40°C to +85°C (junction), -55°C to +125°C (storage)
T5577 / ATA5577C
-40°C to +85°C (operating ambient temperature)
Form Factor
HITAG µ
Sawn gold-bumped 8" wafer (550×550 µm die), HVSON2 (SOT899-1, 3×2×0.85 mm), SOT-1122 (XSON3, 1×1.45×0.5 mm)
T5577 / ATA5577C
Bare die (Type 1: 100 μm × 100 μm pads for wire bonding/flip chip; Type 2: 200 μm × 400 μm mega pads for direct coil bonding); also available as sawn wafer on foil, NOA3…
Security
HITAG µ
48-bit Unique Identification Number (UID); 32-bit password with memory lock functionality and password-protected read/write regions
T5577 / ATA5577C
32-bit password mode, blockwise write protection (lock bits), One-Time-Programmable (OTP) functionality, Answer-On-Request (AOR) mode for anti-collision

Verdict

Choose HITAG µ if you need ISO 11784/11785 compliance for animal identification applications or require flexible memory configurations ranging from 128 bits (4 blocks) in the base version to 1760 bits (55 blocks) in the Advanced+ variant. This chip provides integrated resonance capacitors (210 pF ±3% or 280 pF ±5%) that simplify antenna design and reduce external component count. The HITAG µ supports both Reader Talks First (RTF) with anti-collision and Transponder Talks First (TTF) modes, making it suitable for standardized livestock tracking, pet identification, and wildlife monitoring systems where ISO 14223 compatibility matters. Its 48-bit UID offers slightly better identification space than competitors, and the 32-bit password with memory lock and password-protected read/write regions provides adequate security for access control. With 10,000 erase/write cycles and 10-year data retention, it suits applications requiring moderate rewriting frequency. Choose T5577 / ATA5577C if you need a versatile multi-protocol emulator capable of mimicking EM4100, HID, and other legacy LF formats within a single 363-bit EEPROM structure (7 blocks user memory plus password). The T5577 excels in retrofit scenarios where existing infrastructure uses multiple incompatible LF systems, as its configurable nature allows field reprogramming to match different protocol requirements. Its blockwise write protection with lock bits and One-Time-Programmable (OTP) functionality enables permanent credential storage for high-security applications. The Answer-On-Request (AOR) mode provides anti-collision capability when needed. While offering less total memory than HITAG µ Advanced variants, the T5577's 363 bits across 11 blocks (33 bits each) suffice for most access control and identification tasks. The dual coil terminal design provides standard inductive coupling at 100-150 kHz, and its compatibility with T5557/ATA5567 ensures drop-in replacement capability for legacy systems using e5551/T5551 tags.

FAQ

What is the memory difference between HITAG µ and T5577?

HITAG µ offers 128 bits (base), 512 bits (Advanced), or 1760 bits (Advanced+) depending on variant, while T5577 provides fixed 363 bits across 11 blocks. HITAG µ Advanced+ provides nearly 5 times more memory than T5577.

Can T5577 replace HITAG µ in animal identification systems?

T5577 can be configured for ISO 11784/785 compatibility, making it usable in animal ID applications, but HITAG µ is purpose-designed for ISO 11784/11785/14223 with native protocol support and integrated capacitors optimized for these standards.

Which chip is better for emulating multiple LF RFID formats?

T5577 / ATA5577C is specifically designed as a multi-protocol emulator supporting EM4100, HID, and other formats through field reconfiguration, while HITAG µ focuses on ISO animal ID protocols with RTF and TTF modes but lacks broad format emulation.

Sourcing HITAG µ or T5577 / ATA5577C in volume?

Roxtron builds custom RFID and NFC products around both HITAG µ and T5577 / ATA5577C. Tell us your project — quantities, form factor, timeline — and we'll come back within 24 hours with pricing and lead times.