MIFARE Ultralight C
The NXP MIFARE Ultralight C is an HF 13.56 MHz RFID tag IC, with 1536 bits total (192 bytes) / 1152 bits user memory (144 bytes) / 32-bit OTP / 16-bit one-way counter, operating at 13.56 MHz, under ISO/IEC 14443 Type A NFC Forum Type 2.
192-byte ticketing with 3DES authentication
Full Specifications
| Manufacturer | NXP |
|---|---|
| Frequency Category | HF 13.56 MHz |
| Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Protocol | ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, NFC Forum Type 2 |
| Memory | 1536 bits total (192 bytes) / 1152 bits user memory (144 bytes) / 32-bit OTP / 16-bit one-way counter |
| Interface | RF (contactless) |
| Temperature Range | -25°C to +70°C ambient |
| Form Factor | Bare die (75 µm / 120 µm), MOA8 contactless module (SOT500-4) |
| Security | 3DES authentication (2-key 3DES in CBC mode), 7-byte UID, 32-bit OTP, field-programmable read-only locking per page/block |
Engineering Brief
The MF0ICU2 (MIFARE Ultralight C) is a 192-byte HF contactless ticket IC communicating at 13.56 MHz via ISO/IEC 14443-A with 106 kbit/s data rate. It features 3DES mutual authentication for enhanced security, 144 bytes of user-writable memory with per-page locking, a 7-byte UID for anti-cloning, a 16-bit one-way counter, and 32 bits of OTP memory. Optimized for public transport and event ticketing, it delivers 100,000 write cycles, 10-year data retention, and fits TFC.0/TFC.1 ticket formats with on-chip resonance capacitors of 16 pF or 50 pF.
Typical Applications
Standards & Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
How much user memory does the MIFARE Ultralight C have?
The MIFARE Ultralight C provides 144 bytes of user-writable memory out of 192 bytes total capacity. It also includes 32 bits of one-time programmable (OTP) memory and a 16-bit one-way counter.
What security features does the MIFARE Ultralight C offer?
The MIFARE Ultralight C features 3DES mutual authentication using 2-key 3DES in CBC mode, a 7-byte unique identifier (UID) for anti-cloning, field-programmable read-only locking per page, and 32-bit OTP memory for tamper detection.
Is MIFARE Ultralight C compatible with NFC phones?
Yes, the MIFARE Ultralight C is NFC Forum Type 2 compliant and operates on ISO/IEC 14443 Type A at 13.56 MHz, making it readable by NFC-enabled smartphones and standard contactless readers.
What is the data retention and write endurance of MIFARE Ultralight C?
The MIFARE Ultralight C supports 100,000 write cycles and guarantees 10-year data retention, making it suitable for reusable ticketing applications in public transport and events.
What are the main applications for MIFARE Ultralight C?
The MIFARE Ultralight C is optimized for public transport ticketing, event ticketing, and loyalty programs where moderate security with 3DES authentication is required. It complies with TFC.0 and TFC.1 ticket format standards.
What is the communication speed of MIFARE Ultralight C?
The MIFARE Ultralight C communicates at 106 kbit/s over the 13.56 MHz ISO/IEC 14443 Type A interface, using standard contactless RF communication protocols.
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Cross-manufacturer alternatives
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