MIFARE DESFire EV3
NXP MIFARE DESFire EV3 is an RFID tag IC, operating at 13.56 MHz, supporting ISO/IEC 14443-2/3/4 Type A, ISO/IEC 7816-4 APDU, NFC Forum Type 4 Tag, with 2 kB, 4 kB, 8 kB, or 16 kB EEPROM (data retention 25 years, 1,000,000 write cycles typical).
Highest-security DESFire, SUN messaging, transport
Full Specifications
| Manufacturer | NXP |
|---|---|
| Frequency Category | HF 13.56 MHz |
| Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Protocol | ISO/IEC 14443-2/3/4 Type A, ISO/IEC 7816-4 APDU, NFC Forum Type 4 Tag |
| Memory | 2 kB, 4 kB, 8 kB, or 16 kB EEPROM (data retention 25 years, 1,000,000 write cycles typical) |
| Interface | RF contactless (106–848 kbit/s) |
| Temperature Range | -25°C to +85°C (operating), -55°C to +125°C (storage) |
| Form Factor | FFC wafer (120 µm), MOA4 (SOT500-2), MOA8 (SOT500-4); 17 pF or 70 pF antenna capacitance variants |
| Security | AES-128, 3DES (56/112/168-bit), CMAC, originality signature (ECC), Common Criteria EAL5+ certified, proximity check, transaction MAC, secure dynamic messaging (SDM), random UID |
Engineering Brief
The MIFARE DESFire EV3 (MF3D(H)x3) is NXP's fourth-generation multi-application contactless IC with Common Criteria EAL5+ security certification. It supports flexible memory (2–16 kB EEPROM), hardware AES-128 and 3DES encryption, multiple key sets, transaction MAC, and advanced features such as secure dynamic messaging (SUN/NDEF mirroring), proximity check (relay attack protection), and ECC originality signature. Backward compatible with DESFire EV2/EV1/D40, it offers up to 32 files per application (no application limit), configurable communication buffer (up to 256 bytes), and ISO/IEC 7816-4 APDU support, making it ideal for high-security transport, access, and smart city ecosystems.
Typical Applications
Standards & Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What memory sizes are available for the MIFARE DESFire EV3?
The MIFARE DESFire EV3 is available in four EEPROM variants: 2 kB, 4 kB, 8 kB, and 16 kB. All versions offer 25-year data retention and typically support 1,000,000 write cycles.
Is MIFARE DESFire EV3 backward compatible with DESFire EV2?
Yes, the DESFire EV3 is fully backward compatible with DESFire EV2, EV1, and D40, allowing seamless integration into existing systems while offering enhanced security and new features like secure dynamic messaging.
What encryption does MIFARE DESFire EV3 support?
The DESFire EV3 supports hardware-based AES-128 encryption and 3DES with 56, 112, or 168-bit keys. It also features CMAC for authentication, transaction MAC, and ECC-based originality signatures for anti-counterfeiting.
What is secure dynamic messaging in DESFire EV3?
Secure Dynamic Messaging (SUN/SDM) enables encrypted NDEF mirroring, allowing authentication data and unique chip identifiers to be embedded in NFC URLs. This is used for brand protection, anti-counterfeiting, and tap-to-authenticate applications.
What is the Common Criteria EAL5+ certification for DESFire EV3?
EAL5+ is one of the highest security certifications under the Common Criteria standard, indicating the DESFire EV3 has undergone rigorous independent evaluation and is suitable for government, banking, and high-security transport applications.
What data transfer speeds does the MIFARE DESFire EV3 support?
The DESFire EV3 operates at 13.56 MHz and supports ISO/IEC 14443A communication at speeds from 106 kbit/s up to 848 kbit/s, enabling fast transaction times for transit and access control applications.
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Cross-manufacturer alternatives
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