Preprinted CR80 13.56MHz NXP Mifare Classic 1K RFID Cards Pack of 100
- Product Code: RCC24
- Availability: In Stock
-
$74.00
- 5 or more $41.60
- 10 or more $37.69
- 50 or more $33.40
- 100 or more $32.03
The MIFARE 1K (also
known as MIFARE Classic 1K or S50) is a widely used high-frequency
(HF) contactless smart card IC developed by NXP Semiconductors. Operating
at 13.56 MHz, it is one of the most popular and widely deployed RFID chips
globally, primarily known for its use in access control, public
transportation, and micropayment systems.
1. Core Definition
The MIFARE 1K is a passive
(battery-free) contactless memory chip compliant with the ISO/IEC 14443
Type A standard. It provides 1 KB (1024 bytes) of EEPROM memory
organized into 16 sectors, with each sector protected by a proprietary Crypto1
stream cipher authentication mechanism. It is considered a legacy
technology but remains prevalent due to its massive installed base.
2. Key Technical
Specifications
|
Parameter |
Specification |
|
Chip Model |
NXP MIFARE Classic 1K
(MF1ICS50) |
|
RF Standard |
ISO/IEC 14443‑A (NFC Forum
Tag Type 1/2) |
|
Frequency |
13.56 MHz (HF) |
|
Memory Size |
1 KB EEPROM (1024 bytes) |
|
Memory Organization |
16 sectors × 4 blocks (each
block 16 bytes) |
|
Data Rate |
106 kbit/s |
|
Read/Write Distance |
Typically 2–10 cm (depends
on reader antenna) |
|
Security |
Proprietary Crypto1
stream cipher (mutual three‑pass authentication) |
|
Write Endurance |
≥100,000 cycles |
|
Data Retention |
≥10 years |
|
Operating Temperature |
-25 °C to +70 °C |
3. Memory Structure
- Sector 0, Block 0:
Contains the 4‑byte (or 7‑byte) UID and manufacturer data (read‑only).
- Sectors 1‑15:
Each sector has 3 data blocks (48 bytes) and 1 sector trailer (16
bytes).
- Sector Trailer:
Stores two 6‑byte keys (Key A and Key B) and 4‑byte access
conditions defining read/write permissions for each block.
4. Security
- Crypto1:
A proprietary 48‑bit stream cipher used for authentication and data
encryption over the air.
- Vulnerabilities:
The Crypto1 cipher has been cryptographically broken (e.g., via
nested authentication attacks, Darkside attack). The keys can be recovered
with tools like Proxmark3, making the chip vulnerable to cloning
and replay attacks.
- Despite its weaknesses, the chip
remains widely used in low‑ to medium‑security applications.
5. Common Applications
- Physical Access Control:
Office buildings, hotel rooms, residential gates (often in CR80 card or
key fob form).
- Public Transportation:
Contactless fare cards for buses, metros, and trams (especially in early
systems).
- Micro‑Payments & Loyalty:
Vending machines, canteen cards, prepaid stored‑value cards.
- Campus Cards:
Student IDs for library, attendance, and meal payments.
6. Comparison with
MIFARE Classic 4K
|
Feature |
MIFARE Classic 1K |
MIFARE Classic 4K |
|
Memory |
1 KB (1024 bytes) |
4 KB (4096 bytes) |
|
Sectors |
16 sectors (4 blocks each) |
40 sectors (32×4 blocks +
8×16 blocks) |
|
Application |
Light‑duty, lower‑cost
systems |
Higher‑capacity systems
(e.g., transit with complex fare tables) |
7. Clones &
Alternatives
- Fudan FM11RF08:
A popular Chinese‑made clone, fully compatible with MIFARE Classic 1K.
- MIFARE Plus:
NXP’s upgraded version with AES‑128 security (offers migration path).
- MIFARE DESFire:
High‑security, multi‑application replacement with AES and a file system.
Summary
The MIFARE 1K is a legacy but ubiquitous contactless memory chip that revolutionized access and ticketing systems. Its simple memory‑block structure and low cost contributed to its massive adoption. However, its known cryptographic weaknesses make it unsuitable for new high‑security deployments. For modern systems, NXP recommends migrating to MIFARE Plus or MIFARE DESFire for enhanced security.