NXP Semiconductors MF3DH4200DA4/01J

Overview

MF3DH4200DA4/01J from NXP Semiconductors is a contactless multi-application IC compliant with ISO/IEC 14443A, featuring 4 KB EEPROM, 70 pF input capacitance, Common Criteria EAL5+ security certification, and support for AES-128 and 3DES cryptographic engines. It serves as the secure core in smart city mobility cards, enabling public transport, e-payment, and access control on a single credential.

For engineers reviewing the MF3DH4200DA4/01J datasheet, MF3DH4200DA4/01J pinout, MF3DH4200DA4/01J application, or MF3DH4200DA4/01J equivalent, key selection considerations include its 70 pF high-input-capacitance variant optimized for small-form-factor antennas, EV2-specific Transaction MAC and MIsmartApp features, backward compatibility with DESFire EV1/D40, and SOT500-2 MOA4 module package.

Technical Context

The MF3DH4200DA4/01J implements a dedicated ISO/IEC 14443-4 RF interface with configurable FSCI supporting up to 128-byte frames (256 bytes for larger memory variants), operates at 13.56 MHz, and integrates hardware-accelerated AES-128 and triple-DES cryptographic engines. Its on-chip transaction-oriented anti-tear mechanism ensures atomic updates across multiple files during power loss.

It supports mutual three-pass authentication per ISO/IEC 7816-4, optional Random ID for privacy, Proximity Check against relay attacks, and Originality Check to verify genuine NXP silicon. The device enables delegated application management (MIsmartApp) and shared file access across two applications within one transaction.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MF3DH4200DA4/01J is housed in a plastic leadless module carrier package (MOA4) conforming to SOT500-2 outline, designed for embedding into smart cards or proximity tags. The device has no external pins - it interfaces exclusively via an integrated antenna coil using inductive coupling.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar contactless multi-application IC applications.

Compared with MF3DH4200DA4/01J, MF3D4200DA4/01J offers identical memory and command set but lower input capacitance for broader antenna compatibility, while MF3DH4201DUD/01 provides the same electrical specs in bare-die form for embedded antenna solutions - neither is pin-compatible due to differing physical formats.

Availability

MF3DH4200DA4/01J is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure public transport ticketing, smart campus access systems, and micro-payment infrastructure requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MF3DH4200DA4/01J 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 company specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and identification markets, with leadership in contactless IC technology since the introduction of MIFARE.

The MF3DH4200DA4/01J belongs to the MIFARE DESFire EV2 product line, engineered specifically for high-assurance, multi-service contactless applications demanding EAL5+ certification, flexible file architecture, and future-proof cryptographic agility.

FAQ

What security certifications does the MF3DH4200DA4/01J hold?

The MF3DH4200DA4/01J is certified to Common Criteria EAL5+ for both hardware and software components - the same assurance level required for banking cards and electronic passports. This certification covers its cryptographic engines (AES-128, 3DES), secure messaging protocols (EV2, EV1, D40), and memory protection mechanisms. The MF3DH4200DA4/01J also implements Proximity Check and Originality Check to defend against relay attacks and counterfeit devices.

How does the 70 pF input capacitance of MF3DH4200DA4/01J affect antenna design?

The 70 pF input capacitance of MF3DH4200DA4/01J allows direct integration with smaller, lower-inductance antenna coils - reducing required PCB area or card thickness compared to standard 17 pF variants. This enables compact form factors such as thin smart cards, wearable tokens, or embedded modules where space is constrained. The MF3DH4200DA4/01J maintains full ISO/IEC 14443A compliance and operating distance up to 100 mm when paired with properly tuned antennas.

Can MF3DH4200DA4/01J support multiple independent applications simultaneously?

Yes, MF3DH4200DA4/01J supports unlimited applications limited only by its 4 KB EEPROM capacity, with each application holding up to 32 files of six types (Standard Data, Backup Data, Value, Linear/Cyclic Record, and Transaction MAC). Applications are strictly isolated: access rights, keys, and file structures are defined independently, and cross-application access requires explicit configuration. The MF3DH4200DA4/01J enforces this via hardware-enforced memory management unit (MMU) and application-level authentication.

What distinguishes MF3DH4200DA4/01J from earlier MIFARE DESFire generations?

The MF3DH4200DA4/01J introduces EV2-specific capabilities absent in EV1 and D40: Transaction MAC for cryptographically signed transaction logs, MIsmartApp for delegated application management, Multiple Key Sets with rolling, Virtual Card Architecture for privacy-aware selection, and Proximity/Originality Checks. It retains full backward compatibility - the MF3DH4200DA4/01J operates as an EV1 or D40 upon reset until EV2 commands are explicitly invoked.

Is MF3DH4200DA4/01J compatible with existing MIFARE DESFire EV1 infrastructure?

Yes, MF3DH4200DA4/01J is functionally backward compatible with MIFARE DESFire EV1 and D40 systems in its default delivery state. It responds to all EV1 and D40 commands, supports their secure messaging modes (including 2KTDEA and 3KTDEA), and uses identical file structures and APDU wrappers. New EV2 features like Transaction MAC or MIsmartApp require explicit activation via dedicated commands - legacy infrastructure continues operating unchanged without modification.