MIFARE Ultralight EV1
The NXP MIFARE Ultralight EV1 is an HF 13.56 MHz RFID tag IC, with MF0UL11: 384 bits user memory (640 bits total), MF0UL21: 1024 bits user memory (1312 bits total), operating at 13.56 MHz, under ISO/IEC 14443 Type A NFC Forum Type 2.
Enhanced Ultralight with counters and originality check
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 | MF0UL11: 384 bits user memory (640 bits total), MF0UL21: 1024 bits user memory (1312 bits total) |
| Interface | RF contactless (17 pF or 50 pF variants) |
| Temperature Range | -25°C to +70°C operating, -55°C to +125°C storage |
| Form Factor | Bare die (wafer on FFC, 75 µm or 120 µm, Au bumps), MOA8 contactless module (SOT500-4) |
| Security | 32-bit password protection, ECC-based originality signature, 3× 24-bit one-way counters, 32-bit OTP area, field-programmable read-only locking per page, optional password attempt limiting |
Engineering Brief
The MIFARE Ultralight EV1 (MF0ULx1) is NXP's enhanced ISO/IEC 14443-A ticketing IC succeeding the original Ultralight with backward compatibility. It features two memory variants (MF0UL11 with 384 bits user memory, MF0UL21 with 1024 bits), three independent 24-bit one-way counters with anti-tearing support, and ECC-based originality signature for silicon authenticity verification. Security includes optional 32-bit password protection with configurable write or read/write access control and negative authentication attempt limiting. Fast transaction times (<35 ms typical, <10 ms for counter operations), 10-year data retention, and 100,000 write cycles (1,000,000 for counters) make it ideal for disposable or limited-use contactless ticketing in public transport, events, and loyalty programs.
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Typical Applications
Standards & Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MF0UL11 and MF0UL21?
MF0UL11 provides 384 bits of user memory (640 bits total), while MF0UL21 offers 1024 bits of user memory (1312 bits total). Both share the same security features including password protection, counters, and originality signature.
How does MIFARE Ultralight EV1 originality signature work?
The EV1 features an ECC-based originality signature that allows readers to cryptographically verify the chip's silicon authenticity, confirming it is a genuine NXP product and not a counterfeit.
What are the one-way counters in MIFARE Ultralight EV1 used for?
The chip includes three independent 24-bit one-way counters with anti-tearing support, ideal for tracking usage in ticketing applications (e.g., ride counts). Counters can only increment and support 1,000,000 write cycles with <10 ms operation time.
Is MIFARE Ultralight EV1 password protected?
Yes, it features optional 32-bit password protection with configurable access control for read/write or write-only operations. It also supports negative authentication attempt limiting to prevent brute-force attacks.
What is the read range of MIFARE Ultralight EV1?
Read range depends on antenna design and reader power, but as an ISO 14443-A Type 2 chip operating at 13.56 MHz, typical range is 2-10 cm with standard NFC readers and appropriate tag antenna matching (17 pF or 50 pF variants available).
How many write cycles does MIFARE Ultralight EV1 support?
Standard memory supports 100,000 write cycles with 10-year data retention. The three one-way counters are rated for 1,000,000 write cycles, making them suitable for high-usage ticketing applications.
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