MIFARE - Variants

Variants

The technology is embodied in both cards and readers (also referred to as a Proximity Coupling Device which is suitable to use).

The MIFARE name (derived from the term MIkron FARE Collection System) covers seven different kinds of contactless cards:

MIFARE Classic

employ a proprietary protocol compliant to parts (but not all) of ISO/IEC 14443-3 Type A, with an NXP proprietary security protocol for authentication and ciphering.

MIFARE Ultralight

low-cost ICs that employ the same protocol as MIFARE Classic, but without the security part and slightly different commands

MIFARE Ultralight C

the first low-cost ICs for limited-use applications that offer the benefits of an open Triple DES cryptography

MIFARE DESFire

are smart cards that comply to ISO/IEC 14443-4 Type A with a mask-ROM operating system from NXP.

MIFARE DESFire EV1

includes AES encryption.

MIFARE Plus

drop-in replacement for MIFARE Classic with certified security level (AES 128 based)

MIFARE SAM AV2

secure access module that provides the secure storage of cryptographic keys and cryptographic functions