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What is a MIFARE Card?
MIFARE (short for MIkron FARE Collection System) is one of the most recognised and widely used RFID technologies in the world. Developed by NXP Semiconductors, MIFARE chips power millions of contactless smart cards, RFID tags, and wearables used every day across transport, access control, and payment systems.
With a typical read range of up to 10 cm, MIFARE chips are small, secure, and highly versatile, found in everything from access cards and EV charge cards to hotel key cards, loyalty programmes, and even smartphones.
Today, more than 1.2 billion people in over 70 countries use MIFARE-based systems. Trusted by global brands and organisations, MIFARE remains a benchmark in reliable, scalable RFID solutions.
Where Is MIFARE Used?
MIFARE chips are embedded in countless RFID products that make everyday life simpler, safer, and more connected. Some of the most common applications include:
Transport and travel: Oyster Card (London), TROIKA Card (Moscow), and Clipper Card (San Francisco)
Corporate access and ID: General Motors, Nestlé, Daimler Benz, and the EU Commission
Education: University access and student ID cards (Cambridge, NUS, TU Delft)
Hospitality: Room access cards for global hotel chains including Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott
Events and venues: Stadium access and ticketing in Manchester, Munich, São Paulo and beyond
MIFARE technology enables these systems to operate securely and efficiently, even in high-volume environments.
The Origins of MIFARE
Introduced in 1994, MIFARE was the world’s first contactless ISO/IEC 14443 memory IC with built-in cryptography.
Owned and developed by NXP Semiconductors, MIFARE became the foundation for modern contactless smart cards, setting global standards for performance and interoperability.
What Is ISO/IEC 14443?
This international standard defines how contactless smart cards communicate for identification and data exchange. NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, used in smartphones and modern access systems, is based on and fully compatible with ISO/IEC 14443.
In simple terms, it ensures that RFID cards, NFC devices, and readers work together seamlessly across different applications.
Choosing the Right RFID Chip
Selecting the right RFID card chip depends on the project requirements. For example:
A cashless event or festival might use a MIFARE Ultralight EV1 chip, which is cost-effective and ideal for disposable RFID wristbands or cards.
An enterprise access control system might choose a MIFARE DESFire EV3 chip, offering high memory capacity, encryption, and multi-application compatibility.
At Oomph, we help clients choose the best chip for their use case — balancing security, performance, and sustainability.
Understanding UIDs (Unique Identifiers)
Each MIFARE chip has a Unique Identifier (UID), a permanent numeric or alphanumeric code assigned during production. This identifier can’t be changed and allows each RFID card or tag to be uniquely recognised within a system, ensuring reliable access and traceability.
The MIFARE Product Family
Each MIFARE generation offers different levels of memory, security, and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:
MIFARE Ultralight / Ultralight EV1
A cost-effective option designed for single-use or short-term applications such as event passes or transport tickets. The newer Ultralight EV1 adds enhanced memory and a digital authenticity signature to ensure genuine NXP chips.
MIFARE Classic / Classic EV1 1K
A robust and reliable solution for everyday use. The MIFARE Classic EV1 1K offers 1,024 bytes of storage, divided into secure sectors, perfect for access control, corporate ID, and transportation.
MIFARE Plus
Provides AES-grade encryption and a seamless upgrade path for systems using MIFARE Classic. Ideal for organisations seeking stronger security without replacing their entire infrastructure.
MIFARE DESFire (EV1 / EV2 / EV3)
The highest level of performance and encryption within the MIFARE family. Used in enterprise-level access, identity, and payment systems, DESFire supports multi-application smart cards and advanced security protocols such as Triple DES and AES.
Explore our NFC Cards & Vehicle Access Cards
Why MIFARE Matters
With its blend of reliability, compatibility, and security, MIFARE remains the foundation of modern RFID systems, from sustainable access cards to global transport networks. It’s trusted by governments, universities, and enterprises because it delivers performance that scales, securely and sustainably.
At Oomph, we use authentic NXP MIFARE chips across our custom RFID and NFC products, combining innovation with responsible material design, including Pulper Zero®, our fully recyclable RFID inlay.