MIFARE Ultralight C vs Tag-it HF-I Plus

MIFARE Ultralight C offers 144 bytes user memory with 3DES authentication on ISO 14443A. Tag-it HF-I Plus provides 256 bytes on ISO 15693 with block locking.

Side-by-side specs

Frequency

MIFARE Ultralight C: 13.56 MHz
Tag-it HF-I Plus: 13.56 MHz

Protocol

MIFARE Ultralight C: ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, NFC Forum Type 2
Tag-it HF-I Plus: ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3

Memory

MIFARE Ultralight C: 1536 bits total (192 bytes) / 1152 bits user memory (144 bytes) / 32-bit OTP / 16-bit one-way counter
Tag-it HF-I Plus: 2048 bits (256 bytes) user memory organized in 64 blocks of 32 bits each, EEPROM

Interface

MIFARE Ultralight C: RF (contactless)
Tag-it HF-I Plus: RF (contactless)

Temp Range

MIFARE Ultralight C: -25°C to +70°C ambient
Tag-it HF-I Plus: -40°C to +85°C

Form Factor

MIFARE Ultralight C: Bare die (75 µm / 120 µm), MOA8 contactless module (SOT500-4)
Tag-it HF-I Plus: Wafer (200mm / 8 inch), die size 1296 × 1116 μm (excluding scribe), available with grinding to 265 μm or 150 μm, NI/AU or AU bumps, sawn on foil frame

Security

MIFARE Ultralight C: 3DES authentication (2-key 3DES in CBC mode), 7-byte UID, 32-bit OTP, field-programmable read-only locking per page/block
Tag-it HF-I Plus: Individual block locking (user and factory lock bits), unique 64-bit UID factory-programmed and locked

Spec	MIFARE Ultralight C	Tag-it HF-I Plus
Frequency	13.56 MHz	13.56 MHz
Protocol	ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, NFC Forum Type 2	ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3
Memory	1536 bits total (192 bytes) / 1152 bits user memory (144 bytes) / 32-bit OTP / 16-bit one-way counter	2048 bits (256 bytes) user memory organized in 64 blocks of 32 bits each, EEPROM
Interface	RF (contactless)	RF (contactless)
Temp Range	-25°C to +70°C ambient	-40°C to +85°C
Form Factor	Bare die (75 µm / 120 µm), MOA8 contactless module (SOT500-4)	Wafer (200mm / 8 inch), die size 1296 × 1116 μm (excluding scribe), available with grinding to 265 μm or 150 μm, NI/AU or AU bumps, sawn on foil frame
Security	3DES authentication (2-key 3DES in CBC mode), 7-byte UID, 32-bit OTP, field-programmable read-only locking per page/block	Individual block locking (user and factory lock bits), unique 64-bit UID factory-programmed and locked

Verdict

Choose MIFARE Ultralight C if you need NFC Forum Type 2 compatibility and cryptographic authentication for access control or ticketing applications. This chip operates on ISO/IEC 14443 Type A at 13.56 MHz and provides 144 bytes of user memory (192 bytes total) with 3DES authentication using 2-key 3DES in CBC mode. The security architecture includes a 7-byte UID, a 32-bit one-time-programmable area, and a 16-bit one-way counter. Field-programmable read-only locking is available per page or block, allowing granular access control. The NFC Forum Type 2 compliance makes it compatible with most smartphones for tap-and-go applications, and the 3DES authentication provides strong cryptographic protection against cloning and unauthorized access, making it suitable for transit passes, event tickets, and secure identification. Choose Tag-it HF-I Plus if you require longer read ranges typical of ISO/IEC 15693 systems or need compatibility with existing ISO 18000-3 infrastructure commonly used in library management and inventory tracking. This chip provides 256 bytes of user memory organized in 64 blocks of 32 bits each, offering 112 more user bytes than MIFARE Ultralight C. Operating at 13.56 MHz on the ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 18000-3 protocols, it delivers read distances up to 1.5 meters depending on antenna design, significantly exceeding typical ISO 14443A range. Security relies on individual block locking with both user-programmable and factory lock bits, plus a unique factory-programmed and locked 64-bit UID. While it lacks cryptographic authentication, the block-level locking and longer UID provide adequate protection for item-level tracking, asset management, supply chain applications, and library book tagging where extended read range and higher memory capacity outweigh the need for mutual authentication.

FAQ

What is the main protocol difference between MIFARE Ultralight C and Tag-it HF-I Plus?

MIFARE Ultralight C uses ISO/IEC 14443 Type A protocol with NFC Forum Type 2 compatibility, while Tag-it HF-I Plus uses ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 18000-3 protocols. This means Ultralight C works with close-proximity NFC readers (typically under 10 cm), while Tag-it HF-I Plus supports longer read ranges up to 1.5 meters.

Does Tag-it HF-I Plus support cryptographic authentication like MIFARE Ultralight C?

No, Tag-it HF-I Plus does not support cryptographic authentication. MIFARE Ultralight C provides 3DES authentication (2-key 3DES in CBC mode), while Tag-it HF-I Plus relies on individual block locking with user and factory lock bits and a locked 64-bit UID for security.

Which chip has more user memory capacity?

Tag-it HF-I Plus has more user memory with 256 bytes (2048 bits) organized in 64 blocks, compared to MIFARE Ultralight C which provides 144 bytes (1152 bits) of user memory. Tag-it HF-I Plus offers 112 additional bytes of usable storage.

Sourcing MIFARE Ultralight C or Tag-it HF-I Plus in volume?

Roxtron builds custom RFID and NFC products around both MIFARE Ultralight C and Tag-it HF-I Plus. Tell us your project — quantities, form factor, timeline — and we'll come back within 24 hours with pricing and lead times.