How to Choose RFID MIFARE Chip

RFID technology has remained a powerful tool in managing, tracking, and securing assets. That is not all, we can see the technology being used in emerging technologies in different fields. This versatility is only possible with the right chip. Yes, a chip is part of the RFID tag construction. It is vital for processing the requests as given by the RFID reader.

One such option is to buy the RFID tags or bracelets with the MIFARE chip. This is a common chip right now in the industry because of its variety. You can get a low-cost option for basic RFID operations or spend more on a secure and better MIFARE chip.

This guide introduces you to the different options in the market and which ones you should choose to cater to your needs.

Types of MIFARE Chips

As a technology, MIFARE chips encompass different chips designed to meet specific user needs and applications. If you can understand the differences, getting the right MIFARE chip should be easy. Below are the top options for MIFARE chips.

1. MIFARE Classic

This is the earliest version of the MIFARE family of chips, and it is still widely used right now for many types of RFID technologies. Because of its simplicity, expect it to be easy to use and still affordable.

The memory for these chips is 1KB or 4KB, depending on the type. It still supports encryption even with a small memory, making it a secure chip for different uses.

As for use cases, it works great for access control, loyalty cards, and simple authentication systems.

2. MIFARE Plus

This builds onto the MIFARE classic design. As a result, it has improved security and a better migration path in case you need to upgrade the existing Classic installations.

The memory is improved, with the minimum being 2KB. You can also get a 4KB option. The chip also supports AES encryption, which makes it more secure. Because of this, you can use it for a wide range of options.

The chip is recommended for security-sensitive applications, transportation, and access control.

3. MIFARE DESFire

The DESFire chips are better in every way possible. This includes having a high level of security. The chip allows encryption algorithms such as DES/3DES/AES and multi-application support. It is easy to find it used for many applications because of such capabilities.

How about the use cases? DESFire chips are recommended for payment systems thanks to their encryption options. You can also use them for smart cards, secure access control, government IDs, and more.

4. MIFARE Ultralight

The MIFARE Ultralight chip was designed with cost-effectiveness in mind. That is why it is cheaper but still does work for the various applications you may have in mind.

This chip is best suited for low-memory applications where security is not a big concern. Examples are ticketing for event entry, disposable RFID cards, or short-term access to buildings or homes.

In addition to MIFARE Ultralight, there is also the MIFARE Ultralight C. It is a slight variation of the Ultralight chip with improved security features while at the same time maintaining an affordable design.

The Ultralight C chip features more memory of 1536 bits than the 512 bits commonly offered by the Ultralight chip. It also supports 3DES encryption, which is vital for more security. The Ultralight C chip suits event ticketing, transportation, and disposable contactless cards.

5. MIFARE EV1

The EV1 chip is built upon the success of the Classic family of chips mentioned above. It was introduced to add more security features and performance to the Classic chips. One such way of improving security was the use of the 7-byte UID. it also includes anti-cloning features and is easily compatible with the MIFARE Classic systems.

They are mostly used for access control, loyalty programs, and public transportation.

6. MIFARE SAM (Secure Access Modules)

This is the latest addition to the MIFARE chips, and it is designed to offer flexible performance in the IoT field. The modules come with stronger protection by using highly sensitive keys. This ensures the applications are well-secured from potential attacks.

Also, the models are designed to allow for higher application performance. This is thanks to the X-mode built into them. The best part is how it also works for other MIFARE products, such as the ICs, NTAG, ICODE, and more. As such, it is quite a versatile option to consider.

Because of its computing power, the module can be suited for POS terminals, door locks, and toll gates.

 

Key Benefits of MIFARE Chips

The key advantages of MIFARE chips make them quite useful in various industries. It is because of this that many people are open to trying them. Here are the most common benefits you will experience with the chips.

1. Security is a big deal for many people looking for MIFARE chips. Currently, MIFARE chips have many options for security, including encryption, such as DES, 3DES, and AES. They also feature anti-cloning measures and data protection.
2. The MIFARE chips are also highly versatile because of the many families under them. Each family is designed to meet specific needs. That is why if you want a higher security option, go for MIFARE DESFire, but if you need disposable RFID cards, use MIFARE Ultralight.
3. Compatibility is also a big reason people would consider using the MIFARE chips today. A huge ecosystem of devices and readers would work easily with these chips. With backward compatibility, it is easier for you to upgrade the chips and leave the infrastructure intact easily.
4. Multi-application support is another benefit of using the MIFARE chips. This is because you can find them being used for various applications. This includes event ticketing, key cards for hotels, and many others. As such, finding a solution for your needs should be easy.
5. These chips are also cost-effective. Even if you have a high-volume application such as public transportation, they are still an affordable option for you to consider.

Conclusion

We can easily see how using MIFARE chips can make running and securing your business easier if needed. The best part is that there are many chips for you to consider based on your needs. Just make sure you also work with a reliable supplier such as JLTcard to help you know more differences and find the right chips based on your needs.