NXP Semiconductors MF3DH4200DA6/01J

Overview

MF3DH4200DA6/01J from NXP Semiconductors is a contactless multi-application smart card 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 transaction core in transit cards, e-ID, and micro-payment systems where tamper-resistant file management and application-level authentication are required.

For engineers reviewing the MF3DH4200DA6/01J datasheet, MF3DH4200DA6/01J pinout, MF3DH4200DA6/01J application, or MF3DH4200DA6/01J equivalent, key selection considerations include its 70 pF high-input-capacitance variant optimized for small-form-factor antennas, Transaction MAC file support for backend-verified transactions, MIsmartApp delegation capability, and backward compatibility with MIFARE DESFire EV1 and D40 infrastructure.

Technical Context

The MF3DH4200DA6/01J implements a dual-layer security architecture: mutual three-pass authentication at PICC and application levels, with hardware-accelerated AES-128 and 3DES engines supporting key versioning and diversified key derivation. Its flexible file system enables up to 32 files per application across six types-including Transaction MAC-each with configurable backup and anti-tear protection.

It operates at 13.56 MHz with RF data rates up to 848 kbit/s, uses ISO/IEC 14443-4 protocol with configurable ATS (supporting up to 128-byte frames), and integrates Proximity Check and Originality Check sensors to counter relay attacks and counterfeit devices-features confirmed for the MF3DHx2 series in Rev. 3.2 documentation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MF3DH4200DA6/01J is housed in MOB6 plastic leadless module carrier package (SOT500-3), designed for flip-chip bonding onto antenna substrates. No discrete pins - RF coupling occurs via two bond pads (ANT1/ANT2) connected to external coil traces.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MF3D4200DA6/01J, the MF3DH4200DA6/01J delivers superior RF coupling in space-constrained designs, while MF3DH8200DA6/01J extends scalability for memory-intensive use cases - both retain identical security architecture, command set, and SOT500-3 mechanical footprint.

Availability

MF3DH4200DA6/01J is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure public transport ticketing, multi-service citizen ID programs, and micro-payment infrastructure requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and CC EAL5+-certified silicon.

Supply support for MF3DH4200DA6/01J 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 leader specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and identification markets, with headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

The MF3DH4200DA6/01J belongs to the MIFARE DESFire EV2 product line, engineered specifically for high-assurance, multi-application contactless systems in smart cities, transit, and national ID programs - emphasizing cryptographic agility, backward compatibility, and anti-counterfeiting resilience.

FAQ

What security certifications apply to the MF3DH4200DA6/01J?

The MF3DH4200DA6/01J holds Common Criteria EAL5+ certification for both hardware and software, matching the assurance level required for electronic passports and banking cards. This certification covers its cryptographic engines (AES-128 and 3DES), mutual authentication protocols, secure messaging implementation, and anti-tampering sensors - all verified under the official NXP MIFARE DESFire EV2 evaluation report referenced in Rev. 3.2 documentation.

Does the MF3DH4200DA6/01J support ISO/IEC 7816-4 commands?

Yes, the MF3DH4200DA6/01J fully supports ISO/IEC 7816-4 APDU structure and file system commands including SELECT FILE (INS A4), READ BINARY (B0), UPDATE BINARY (D6), READ RECORDS (B2), APPEND RECORD (E2), GET CHALLENGE (84), INTERNAL AUTHENTICATE (88), and EXTERNAL AUTHENTICATE (82). These are implemented natively within the DESFire EV2 operating system and enable interoperability with existing smart card middleware stacks.

How does the 70 pF input capacitance of the MF3DH4200DA6/01J affect antenna design?

The 70 pF input capacitance of the MF3DH4200DA6/01J reduces required external tuning capacitance, allowing smaller loop antennas with fewer turns and lower inductance - ideal for thin cards, wearables, and embedded modules. Designers must adjust matching network values accordingly to maintain 13.56 MHz resonance; typical antenna inductance drops to ~1.0–1.2 µH versus ~2.0 µH for 17 pF variants like MF3D4200DA6/01J.

Can the MF3DH4200DA6/01J operate in backward-compatible mode with older MIFARE DESFire systems?

Yes, the MF3DH4200DA6/01J ships in default delivery configuration compatible with MIFARE DESFire EV1 and D40. It supports D40-native and EV1 secure messaging modes using Authenticate and AuthenticateISO commands, enabling seamless integration into legacy infrastructure without firmware changes - while new features like Transaction MAC and MIsmartApp require explicit activation via EV2-specific commands.

What file types are supported by the MF3DH4200DA6/01J, and how is Transaction MAC used?

The MF3DH4200DA6/01J supports six file types: Standard Data, Backup Data, Value, Linear Record, Cyclic Record, and Transaction MAC. The Transaction MAC file generates a cryptographically signed hash of transacted data using a secret application key - stored on-card and retrievable by backend systems to verify authenticity and detect tampering, fulfilling audit and reconciliation requirements in payment and transit applications.