Microchip Technology AT88SC6416CRF-MX1

Overview

AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a contactless 13.56 MHz CryptoRF EEPROM memory IC embedded in a 13 mm × 13 mm epoxy-glass RFID tag. It delivers 64 kilobits of user memory (16 × 512-byte zones), ISO/IEC 14443-2 & -3 Type B compliance, integrated 82 pF tuning capacitance, and hardware-accelerated 64-bit mutual authentication under ELVA license - deployed in secure access cards and payment credentials.

For engineers reviewing the AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 datasheet, AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 pinout, AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 application, or AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, security-mode behavior, zone-level access control mapping, RF range validation (10–15 mm), and real-world interoperability with ISO/IEC 14443-3 Type B readers - critical for secure credential personalization and multi-application card design.

Technical Context

The AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 implements a dedicated RF interface compliant exclusively with ISO/IEC 14443-2:2001 and -3:2001 Type B signaling, including Slot-MARKER anticollision protocol and 106 kbit/s half-duplex data exchange with 2-byte CRC_B error detection. It requires no external power source - energy is harvested from the reader's RF field via its integrated 82 pF capacitor and external coil antenna.

Security operations are enforced through four key sets, eight 24-bit password sets, per-zone access rights, tamper sensors, and anti-tearing logic that writes to buffer then destination. Authentication and encryption modes are stateful and persist until power loss, DESELECT, or IDLE - enabling layered protection for high-value data zones without host-side crypto offload.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 is supplied as a 13 mm × 13 mm epoxy-glass RFID tag with two RF terminals (AC1 and AC2) for connection to an external planar coil antenna. No discrete pins or solderable leads - the device is designed for embedding into laminated smart cards or adhesive tags.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar contactless secure memory applications.

Compared with AT88SC6416CRF-MX1, the NT3H2211 offers broader NFC ecosystem compatibility but lacks hardware mutual auth and zone-level crypto controls; the SLE78CLY20PM delivers certified processing capability but requires full smart card OS integration - making AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 the optimal balance of security, simplicity, and cost for fixed-function secure credentials.

Availability

AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure physical access control, government ID issuance, healthcare credential tokens, and EMV-compliant payment credentials requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains the CryptoRF product line as part of its secure authentication portfolio.

The AT88SC6416CRF family was designed specifically for contactless secure memory applications in ISO/IEC 14443-3 Type B environments - prioritizing hardware-enforced crypto, low-power RF operation, and tamper-resilient credential storage without requiring an embedded processor.

FAQ

What is the maximum operational read range of the AT88SC6416CRF-MX1?

The AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 achieves a maximum communication range of 10–15 mm when paired with a compliant ISO/IEC 14443-2 Type B reader transmitting at the maximum allowed RF power level. Range depends on antenna geometry, reader sensitivity, and environmental RF noise - actual performance in embedded card form factors typically falls within 10 mm under standard conditions. The AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 itself contains no active amplification; range is determined by passive coupling efficiency between its AC1/AC2 terminals and the external coil.

Does the AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 require an external tuning capacitor?

No, the AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 integrates an 82 pF ±10% tuning capacitor internally between AC1 and AC2 terminals. This eliminates the need for external capacitors and simplifies antenna design - only a single external planar coil is required to form the resonant LC tank at 13.56 MHz. The AT88SC6416CRF-MX1's internal capacitor is process- and temperature-compensated to maintain resonance stability across its −25°C to +70°C operating range.

How is security configured on the AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 during personalization?

Security is configured by writing to the 256-byte configuration zone using the transport password ($70 BA 2E) to unlock access. Users program Application Family Identifiers (AFI), anticollision responses, four key sets, eight 24-bit passwords, and per-zone access rights. Three OTP security fuses (module, card, issuer) must be blown sequentially to permanently lock configuration data. The AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 ships with all security features disabled and requires this personalization step before deployment.

Can the AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 operate in environments with both ISO/IEC 14443-2 Type A and Type B readers?

Yes - the AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 is explicitly tolerant of Type A signal modulation. While it only responds to Type B commands and does not interoperate with Type A readers, exposure to Type A fields will not cause latch-up, damage, or functional disruption. The AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 may reset transiently in strong Type A fields but recovers automatically and remains fully operational - enabling safe co-location in mixed-protocol infrastructure like transit hubs.

What happens if power is lost during a write operation on the AT88SC6416CRF-MX1?

When anti-tearing is enabled, the AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 writes data first to a dedicated buffer zone in EEPROM, then to the target address. If power is lost during the second write, the device automatically recovers the intact data from the buffer upon next power-up - ensuring atomicity of 8-byte page writes. Anti-tearing is optional and increases write time; it is disabled by default and must be activated via configuration register settings. The AT88SC6416CRF-MX1 guarantees data integrity even under unstable RF field conditions.