MIFARE cards, developed by NXP Semiconductors, are a popular type of contactless smart card technology. They operate at 13.56 MHz and adhere to the ISO/IEC 14443 standard. Here’s a breakdown of the primary MIFARE card families:
mifare card types
Key MIFARE Card Families:
- MIFARE Classic:
- This is the original MIFARE family, widely used but considered to have security vulnerabilities.
- It’s available in 1K and 4K memory versions.
- Commonly used in older transit systems and access control applications.
- MIFARE Ultralight:
- A low-cost, paper-based card designed for limited-use applications.
- Suitable for tickets, event passes, and loyalty programs.
- Offers basic functionality with limited security.
- MIFARE Plus:
- Designed as an upgrade path from MIFARE Classic, offering enhanced security.
- Supports AES encryption for stronger data protection.
- Aims to provide a smooth transition for systems moving away from MIFARE Classic.
- MIFARE DESFire:
- A high-security, high-performance card family.
- Ideal for applications requiring robust security and multi-application support.
- Used in advanced transit systems, access control, and payment applications.
- Evolves through versions like DESFire EV1, EV2, and EV3, with increasing security and features.
Key Differences:
- Security:
- DESFire offers the highest level of security, followed by MIFARE Plus, then MIFARE Classic, with Ultralight having minimal security.
- Memory:
- Memory capacity varies significantly between families, with DESFire typically offering the most storage.
- Applications:
- Ultralight is for limited-use, Classic for basic applications, Plus for enhanced security upgrades, and DESFire for high-security, complex applications.
In summary:
The MIFARE family provides a range of card types to suit diverse needs, from simple ticketing to highly secure access control and payment systems.
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