MIFARE Ultralight vs Tag-it HF-I Standard
MIFARE Ultralight (64 bytes, ISO 14443-A, NFC Type 2) vs Tag-it HF-I (256 bytes, ISO 15693). Compare memory, read range, and compatibility for your application.
Side-by-side specs
Frequency
- MIFARE Ultralight
- 13.56 MHz
- Tag-it HF-I Standard
- 13.56 MHz
Protocol
- MIFARE Ultralight
- ISO/IEC 14443-A, cascade level 2, NFC Forum Type 2 compatible
- Tag-it HF-I Standard
- ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3
Memory
- MIFARE Ultralight
- 512 bits total (64 bytes): 80 bits manufacturer data, 16 bits lock bytes, 32 bits OTP, 384 bits (48 bytes) user R/W memory
- Tag-it HF-I Standard
- 2048 bits (256 bytes) user memory organized in 64 blocks of 32 bits (4 bytes) each, plus 64-bit UID, DSFID, AFI
Interface
- MIFARE Ultralight
- RF contactless (antenna coil connection LA/LB)
- Tag-it HF-I Standard
- RF (contactless)
Temp Range
- MIFARE Ultralight
- -25°C to +70°C operating
- Tag-it HF-I Standard
- -40°C to +85°C operating, -40°C to +125°C storage
Form Factor
- MIFARE Ultralight
- Bare die (wafer): 75 µm or 120 µm thickness, Au bumps; MOA4 module (SOT500-2)
- Tag-it HF-I Standard
- Wafer (200 mm / 8 inch diameter, 265 µm thick after grinding), die size 1296 µm × 1116 µm, bumped (Ni/Au chemical bumps, 25 µm height)
Security
- MIFARE Ultralight
- 7-byte UID per ISO/IEC 14443-3, 32-bit OTP area, field-programmable read-only lock per page (no encryption)
- Tag-it HF-I Standard
- Individual block locking (user lock and factory lock per block), irreversible write protection
| Spec | MIFARE Ultralight | Tag-it HF-I Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 13.56 MHz | 13.56 MHz |
| Protocol | ISO/IEC 14443-A, cascade level 2, NFC Forum Type 2 compatible | ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 18000-3 |
| 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 | 2048 bits (256 bytes) user memory organized in 64 blocks of 32 bits (4 bytes) each, plus 64-bit UID, DSFID, AFI |
| Interface | RF contactless (antenna coil connection LA/LB) | RF (contactless) |
| Temp Range | -25°C to +70°C operating | -40°C to +85°C operating, -40°C to +125°C storage |
| Form Factor | Bare die (wafer): 75 µm or 120 µm thickness, Au bumps; MOA4 module (SOT500-2) | Wafer (200 mm / 8 inch diameter, 265 µm thick after grinding), die size 1296 µm × 1116 µm, bumped (Ni/Au chemical bumps, 25 µm height) |
| Security | 7-byte UID per ISO/IEC 14443-3, 32-bit OTP area, field-programmable read-only lock per page (no encryption) | Individual block locking (user lock and factory lock per block), irreversible write protection |
Verdict
Choose MIFARE Ultralight if you need NFC smartphone compatibility, minimal cost per tag, and have a single-use or limited-rewrite application. With 48 bytes of user-writable memory and 13.56 MHz operation on ISO/IEC 14443-A protocol, it works natively with NFC Forum Type 2 readers and virtually all NFC-enabled smartphones. The 7-byte UID provides basic identification, while the 32-bit one-time programmable area and per-page field-programmable locks allow simple data permanence for tickets, vouchers, or disposable access cards. Its cascade level 2 structure and short read range (typically 2-10 cm) suit applications like public transit ticketing, event access, or product authentication where users tap phones or dedicated readers at close proximity. The lack of encryption means it's unsuitable for secure transactions but perfect for high-volume, low-value applications where cost per tag is the primary constraint.
Choose Tag-it HF-I Standard if you need larger memory capacity, longer read range, or compatibility with ISO 15693/ISO 18000-3 inventory and library systems. With 256 bytes of user memory organized in 64 blocks of 4 bytes each, it provides four times the storage of MIFARE Ultralight, supporting more complex data structures or larger datasets for item-level tracking, library books, or industrial asset management. The ISO 15693 protocol typically enables read ranges up to 1 meter compared to the Ultralight's centimeter-range operation, making it suitable for applications requiring standoff distance like warehouse inventory scanning or conveyor sorting. Individual block locking with both user and factory lock options provides granular write protection, allowing partial updates while permanently securing critical data. The 64-bit UID, Data Storage Format Identifier (DSFID), and Application Family Identifier (AFI) support sophisticated filtering in multi-tag environments. Note that it lacks native NFC smartphone support, requiring dedicated ISO 15693 readers rather than consumer mobile devices.
FAQ
Can MIFARE Ultralight work with iPhones and Android phones?
Yes, MIFARE Ultralight is NFC Forum Type 2 compatible and works with NFC-enabled smartphones. Tag-it HF-I uses ISO 15693 protocol and requires dedicated readers, not standard smartphone NFC.
What is the memory difference between MIFARE Ultralight and Tag-it HF-I?
MIFARE Ultralight has 48 bytes of user-writable memory (64 bytes total). Tag-it HF-I Standard has 256 bytes of user memory organized in 64 blocks, providing over 5 times more storage capacity.
Which chip has better read range for warehouse scanning?
Tag-it HF-I Standard supports ISO 15693 with typical read ranges up to 1 meter. MIFARE Ultralight uses ISO 14443-A with 2-10 cm range, designed for close proximity tapping rather than distance reading.
Sourcing MIFARE Ultralight or Tag-it HF-I Standard in volume?
Roxtron builds custom RFID and NFC products around both MIFARE Ultralight and Tag-it HF-I Standard. Tell us your project — quantities, form factor, timeline — and we'll come back within 24 hours with pricing and lead times.