📚 Comprehensive MIFARE® Card Guide
| Card Type | Memory & Structure | Security | Ideal Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIFARE® Classic 1K | 1 KB total (~752 B usable) 16 sectors × 4 blocks |
Crypto‑1 (48-bit), basic security | Access control, transport, loyalty cards |
| MIFARE® Classic 4K | 4 KB total (~3.4 KB usable) 32 small + 8 large sectors |
Same as 1K (Crypto‑1) | Multisite access, larger data systems |
| MIFARE® DESFire® | 2 KB, 4 KB, or 8 KB File-based structure with AIDs |
AES/3DES, mutual authentication, EAL4+/EAL5+ certified | Secure transit, campus ID, closed-loop payments |
| MIFARE® Ultralight® | 64 bytes (512 bits) 16 pages × 4 bytes |
Minimal security; C & EV1 offer upgrades | Disposable tickets, visitor cards, event passes |
✅ Key Differences Explained
- Classic 1K vs 4K: 4K cards have 4× more memory and additional large sectors. Great for complex applications.
- DESFire®: Offers encryption, secure file structure, and multiple apps on one card—ideal for high-security needs.
- Ultralight®: Perfect for single-use, low-cost deployments. Ultralight® EV1 and C add basic security.
🛠️ Choosing the Right MIFARE® Card
| Your Need | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Basic access or loyalty system | MIFARE® Classic 1K |
| Need more storage on a Classic card | MIFARE® Classic 4K |
| Secure, multi-use system | MIFARE® DESFire® EV2 or EV3 |
| Disposable or low-cost ticketing | MIFARE® Ultralight® / EV1 |
💡 Best Practices & Tips
- Usable memory: Part of the memory is reserved for access keys and control structures.
- Security note: Avoid using MIFARE® Classic for high-security applications—consider DESFire® instead.
- Cloning risk: Use Ultralight® C/EV1 or DESFire® for tamper-resistant applications.
- Reader compatibility: Confirm reader support for MIFARE® DESFire® if upgrading from Classic.
🛍️ Explore Our MIFARE® Card Collection
We stock a full range of MIFARE® access cards, from Classic to DESFire® and Ultralight®.
Browse our selection now: Access Control Collection.