HF 13.56 MHzNXP

MIFARE Ultralight

Name: NXP MIFARE Ultralight
Brand: NXP

The NXP MIFARE Ultralight is an HF 13.56 MHz RFID tag IC, with 512 bits total (64 bytes): 80 bits manufacturer data, 16 bits lock bytes, 32 bits OTP, 384 bits (48 bytes) user R/W memory, operating at 13.56 MHz, under ISO/IEC 14443-A, cascade level 2 NFC Forum Type 2 compatible.

Ultra-low-cost 64-byte single-use ticketing

Official Datasheet ↗

Frequency

13.56 MHz

Protocol

ISO/IEC 14443-A, cascade level 2, NFC Forum Type 2 compatible

Memory

512 bits total (64 bytes): 80 bits manufacturer data, 16 bits lock bytes, 32 bits OTP, 384 bits (48 bytes) user R/W memory

Interface

RF contactless (antenna coil connection LA/LB)

Temp Range

-25°C to +70°C operating

Form Factor

Bare die (wafer): 75 µm or 120 µm thickness, Au bumps; MOA4 module (SOT500-2)

Full Specifications

Manufacturer	NXP
Frequency Category	HF 13.56 MHz
Frequency	13.56 MHz
Protocol	ISO/IEC 14443-A, cascade level 2, NFC Forum Type 2 compatible
Memory	512 bits total (64 bytes): 80 bits manufacturer data, 16 bits lock bytes, 32 bits OTP, 384 bits (48 bytes) user R/W memory
Interface	RF contactless (antenna coil connection LA/LB)
Temperature Range	-25°C to +70°C operating
Form Factor	Bare die (wafer): 75 µm or 120 µm thickness, Au bumps; MOA4 module (SOT500-2)
Security	7-byte UID per ISO/IEC 14443-3, 32-bit OTP area, field-programmable read-only lock per page (no encryption)

Engineering Brief

The MF0ICU1 (MIFARE Ultralight) is an ultra-low-cost contactless IC for single-use or limited-use ticketing in public transport, events, and loyalty schemes. It offers 512 bits of EEPROM (48 bytes user writable) with a 7-byte UID, anticollision support, and page-level write-locking (no cryptography). Typical transaction time is <35 ms; data retention 5 years, 10k write cycles. Designed for direct coil attachment (17 pF or 50 pF versions) and integration into paper tickets or low-cost cards.

Typical Applications

Standards & Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

How much user memory does the MIFARE Ultralight have?

The MIFARE Ultralight offers 48 bytes of user read/write memory out of 64 total bytes. The remaining capacity includes 10 bytes manufacturer data, 2 bytes lock bits, and 4 bytes OTP (one-time programmable) area.

Does MIFARE Ultralight support encryption or authentication?

No, the MIFARE Ultralight has no encryption or cryptographic authentication. Security is limited to a 7-byte UID, 32-bit OTP area, and field-programmable read-only locking per memory page.

What is the typical transaction time for MIFARE Ultralight?

The MIFARE Ultralight completes a typical read/write transaction in less than 35 milliseconds, making it suitable for fast ticketing and tap-and-go applications.

How many write cycles can MIFARE Ultralight endure?

The MIFARE Ultralight EEPROM supports approximately 10,000 write cycles with a data retention of 5 years, making it suitable for limited-use or single-use applications like event tickets and disposable transit cards.

Is MIFARE Ultralight compatible with NFC smartphones?

Yes, MIFARE Ultralight is NFC Forum Type 2 compliant and operates on ISO/IEC 14443-A at 13.56 MHz, making it readable by most NFC-enabled smartphones and standard contactless readers.

What is the difference between MIFARE Ultralight 17 pF and 50 pF versions?

The 17 pF and 50 pF versions differ in input capacitance to match different antenna designs. The 50 pF version is optimized for smaller antennas commonly used in paper tickets and labels, while 17 pF suits larger coil antennas.

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