NXP Semiconductors MF1PH4231DUD/00Z

Overview

MF1PH4231DUD/00Z from NXP Semiconductors is a 4 kB MIFARE Plus EV2 contactless smart card IC with Common Criteria EAL5+ security certification, AES-128 cryptographic authentication, and ISO/IEC 14443-4/T=CL protocol support - deployed in secure public transport ticketing, access control, and micro-payment systems requiring tamper-resistant data storage and sector-wise security upgrades.

For engineers reviewing the MF1PH4231DUD/00Z datasheet, MF1PH4231DUD/00Z pinout, MF1PH4231DUD/00Z application, or MF1PH4231DUD/00Z equivalent, key selection considerations include 4-byte NUID configuration, 70 pF input capacitance for compact form factors (e.g., wristbands), SL3 sector-level security migration capability, and ECC-based NXP Originality Signature verification.

Technical Context

The MF1PH4231DUD/00Z implements a dual-layer security architecture supporting both CRYPTO1 (SL1) and AES-128 (SL3) authentication protocols, with backward compatibility to MIFARE Classic EV1. Its memory comprises 40 sectors (32 × 4-block + 8 × 16-block), enabling sector-by-sector security level switching (SL0 → SL1 → SL3) and SL1SL3Mix mode for hybrid backend integration.

It operates at 13.56 MHz with full ISO/IEC 14443-3 anti-collision and proximity check compliance, supports Transaction MAC and Transaction Timer for MITM mitigation, and delivers 70 pF input capacitance optimized for small-form-factor antennas in key fobs and wristbands - distinct from the 17 pF variant used in standard cards.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT500-2 package: wafer-level die in 12-inch sawn format (120 µm thickness), designed for embedding into plastic or flexible substrates. Two-terminal RF interface with no power supply pins - powered entirely by electromagnetic field coupling.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar contactless smart card IC applications.

Compared with MF1PH4201DUD/00 and MF1P4231DUD/00, the MF1PH4231DUD/00 uniquely combines 4-byte NUID, 70 pF input capacitance, and 4 kB memory - making it the only option for privacy-compliant, space-constrained micro-payment tokens requiring scalable sector security upgrades.

Availability

MF1PH4231DUD/00Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for public transportation ticketing, secure access management, and event credentialing requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for global OEM programs.

Supply support for MF1PH4231DUD/00Z 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and identification markets, with over two decades of leadership in contactless IC innovation.

The MF1PH4231DUD/00Z belongs to the MIFARE Plus EV2 product line - engineered specifically for high-assurance, standards-compliant contactless applications demanding seamless migration from MIFARE Classic while meeting banking-grade security requirements.

FAQ

What security certification does the MF1PH4231DUD/00Z hold?

The MF1PH4231DUD/00Z holds Common Criteria EAL5+ certification, validated to AVA_VAN.5 assurance level against high-potential attackers - identical to the security benchmark required for electronic passports and financial smart cards. This certification covers the full MF1PH4231DUD/00Z IC implementation including AES-128 crypto engine, memory access controls, and anti-tearing mechanisms.

How does the 70 pF input capacitance of the MF1PH4231DUD/00Z affect antenna design?

The 70 pF input capacitance of the MF1PH4231DUD/00Z is optimized for compact antenna geometries in wristbands, key fobs, and thin cards - requiring smaller loop inductance than standard 17 pF variants. Designers must tune the external LC matching network to resonate at 13.56 MHz with this higher capacitance, typically using lower-inductance coils to maintain optimal power transfer and reading distance up to 10 cm.

Can the MF1PH4231DUD/00Z be upgraded from SL1 to SL3 after personalization?

Yes, the MF1PH4231DUD/00Z supports sector-wise security level upgrading from SL1 to SL3 post-personalization via the SectorSecurityLevel mechanism. Each sector can be independently migrated using authenticated commands, enabling phased backend infrastructure modernization without replacing existing cards - a core design feature of the MIFARE Plus EV2 architecture.

What is the difference between the 4-byte NUID and 7-byte UID versions of the MF1PH4231DUD/00Z?

The MF1PH4231DUD/00Z uses a 4-byte NUID (non-unique identifier), which is write-protected at manufacture and not globally unique - reducing cost and enabling high-volume deployment where UID collision risk is mitigated at system level. In contrast, 7-byte UID variants (e.g., MF1PH4201DUD/00) provide guaranteed uniqueness but require additional silicon area and test overhead.

Does the MF1PH4231DUD/00Z support ISO/IEC 7816-4 commands?

Yes, the MF1PH4231DUD/00Z supports ISO/IEC 7816-4 APDU wrapping for all native commands after ISO/IEC 14443-4 activation, including Virtual Card Selection via ISOSelect (INS A4h) and ISOExternalAuthenticate (INS 82h). This enables interoperability with existing PKI-based backend systems and NFC mobile handsets that rely on standardized smart card command sets.