Understanding MIFARE Classic 1K 14443A 13.56 MHz Cards and Key Fobs

Understanding MIFARE Classic 1K 14443A 13.56 MHz Cards and Key Fobs

by Mike Boehm on March 24, 2023

MIFARE Classic EV1 1K cards and key fobs are a type of contactless smart card that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. They are developed and manufactured by NXP, one of the leading companies in the RFID industry. 

These cards and key fobs are commonly used for access control, time and attendance tracking, and other applications where secure identification is needed, such as: 

  • Public transportation
  • Electronic toll collection
  • Facilities for vehicle parking
  • School and campus cards
  • Employee cards
  • Computer access points for public use like Internet cafés
  • Loyalty programs/ Customer reward schemes

Basic Features

The EV1 1K smart card operates at 13.56 MHz frequency and can be read up to 100mm away. The MIFARE Classic includes anticollision technology so that multiple contactless smart cards can work in the same field at the same time. Transaction times are quick for the best user experience, executing in less than 100 ms. 

Let’s take an in-depth look at the memory capacity, durability, security features, and compatibility of the MIFARE 1K Classic cards:

 

Memory Capacity

The MIFARE 1K Classic card has a memory capacity of 1,024 bytes, which is divided into 16 sectors, each with 4 blocks of data. Each block can store up to 16 bytes of data, and each sector has a unique key for securing the data. 

The data encoded on a MIFARE Classic card can be retained for up to 10 years.

 

Durability

The MIFARE Classic EV1 1K cards and key fobs have a write endurance of 200,000 cycles, which means that they can be written to and reprogrammed up to 200,000 times before the card is no longer functional. 

The MIFARE Classic EV1 1K cards and key fobs have also been designed to be more robust against Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). This feature makes them more resistant to damage caused by static electricity and allows them to be used in a wider range of environments, including industrial and manufacturing settings.

 

Security

The MIFARE Classic EV1 1K contactless smart card has several security features that are designed to prevent unauthorized access, cloning, and counterfeiting: 

  • True Random Number Generator – The MIFARE Classic EV1 1K contactless smart card includes a True Random Number Generator (TRNG), which is a hardware-based generator that produces truly random numbers. This feature ensures that the card's unique identification number (UID) is truly random, making it harder to duplicate or counterfeit the card. 
  • Unique Identification Number (UID) – One of the leading security features of MIFARE Classic EV1 1K cards and key fobs is the use of a unique 7-byte identifier, called a UID, that is embedded in the card during manufacturing. This UID cannot be changed and serves as a unique identifier for the card, making it difficult to duplicate or counterfeit. 
  • NXP Originality Check support – The card also supports NXP Originality Check, which is a security feature that allows the card issuer to check that the card is genuine and has not been tampered with. This provides an additional layer of security to prevent counterfeiting and cloning. 
  • Encryption –The card uses a proprietary encryption algorithm called Crypto-1 to protect the data stored on the card. This makes it difficult for attackers to read or modify the data on the card. 
  • Access control –The MIFARE Classic card uses a combination of keys and access conditions to control access to the different sectors of the card. This allows the card issuer to control who can read or write data on the card.

Compatibility

In terms of compatibility, MIFARE 1K Classic cards and key fobs are compatible with a wide range of RFID readers and systems and can be integrated into existing access control or identification systems. The MIFARE Classic EV1 1K cards and key fobs operate on the 14443A standard, which is a widely adopted standard for contactless smart cards. The IC inside the cards are the MIFARE MF1 IC S50, which are NXP's proprietary chips. They also comply with international standards such as ISO/IEC 15693.

 

Choosing MIFARE Classic EV1 1K

MIFARE Classic EV1 1K cards and key fobs are the ultimate solutions for secure identification and access control. Developed by NXP, a leader in the RFID industry, these contactless smart cards utilize radio frequency identification technology to provide a fast and reliable experience for a wide range of applications. 

With a memory capacity of 1,024 bytes, divided into 16 sectors, and the ability to be read from up to 100mm away, these cards and key fobs are designed to cater to all your identification needs. The quick transaction time of less than 100 ms and anti-collision technology makes them a breeze to use, while the write endurance of 200,000 cycles and increased ESD robustness make them durable and resistant to damage. 

Security is of the utmost importance, and that's why the MIFARE Classic EV1 1K cards and key fobs are equipped with advanced security features such as a True Random Number Generator, unique identification number, NXP Originality Check support, encryption, and access control. These features provide an additional layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access, cloning, and counterfeiting. 

In terms of compatibility, these cards and key fobs operate on the 14443A standard, which is a widely adopted standard for contactless smart cards and is compatible with a wide range of RFID readers and systems. You can easily integrate them into your existing access control or identification systems. 

If you're looking for a secure and reliable identification solution, look no further than the MIFARE Classic EV1 1K cards and key fobs. You can purchase MIFARE 1K Classic compatible cards at Authoriz-ID or contact our support team at (970) 682-0765 or support@authoriz-id.com for more help in determining if this contactless smart card is right for you.

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