1997-02-07
,
ID-9701
Product launch of the MIFARE® LIGHT Card IC
The Optimized Small Memory IC for Cost Sensitive High Volume Applications
The MIFARE® LIGHT Card IC (MF1 L10) is the youngest member of Philips / Mikron¥s MIFARE® Product Family and will be introduced at London¥s Smart Card Exhibition '97. The MIFARE® LIGHT Card IC covers the "small memory applications" of the MIFARE® Technology Platform with a high focus on chip size optimization. This new product is a special derivative of the MIFARE® 1 S50 Smart Card IC for optimized single application cards, fully maintaining the MIFARE® security standards and security functions.
The MIFARE® LIGHT IC is compatible with the MIFARE® read/write devices and thus can be operated within the fieldproven infrastucture. Thanks to the compatibility of the various MIFARE® products, it is possible to have different types of MIFARE® cards within a system covering the specific needs and requirements of the card user. The three MIFARE® Card IC types are:
- MIFARE® LIGHT, designed for single application cards such as electronic 10-trip tickets in public transport or phone cards. This cost optimized small memory product is also an efficient, fast and secure substitute for magnetic stripe cards currently used in applications like road toll, energy metering and similar.
- The contactless MIFARE® 1 used in complex multifunctional types of applications. With the significantly larger memory of the MIFARE® 1, new functions and/or applications can be easily added to the card.
- MIFARE® PLUS, the Combi Card IC developped by Philips Semiconductors / Mikron, makes use of both, contact and contactless card infrastructure.
MIFARE® LIGHT - Technical Details:
Various configuration options make the MIFARE® LIGHT easily adaptable to different needs. The 384 bit low power EEPROM memory is configured in 12 pages with 4 bytes each. The unique 32 bit serial number ensures reliable identification of the card. The 16 bit value counter is hardware protected against transaction interrupts (anti-tearing function).
One key can be used to secure the decrease function and a different one for the reloading function. The reloading function can also be completely disabled which is an interesting feature for disposable token or stored valued cards. Access conditions to user programmable memory (128 bits of 192 bits if the counter is not used) can be individually programmed based on pairs of pages.
Availability:
The MIFARE® LIGHT Card IC MF1 L10 is available on wafer and as modules in different configurations. The start of serial production for the MIFARE® LIGHT is scheduled for May 1997. Starting with 1997 Mikron is using the international sales and distribution channels of Philips Semiconductors, thus any MIFARE® or HITAG Product can be directly ordered at your nearest local Philips Sales Organization.
Information on Philips Semiconductors / Mikron:
Philips Semiconductors with its Austrian subsidiary Mikron GmbH is the worldwide leader in ICs for contactless smart cards and RF identification. The business focus is on silicon and components for contactless smart cards and RF transponders, used in automatic fare collection, industrial applications, access control and car immobilizers.
