NXP Semiconductors MF3DH4300DA4/00J

Overview

MF3DH4300DA4/00 from NXP Semiconductors is a contactless multi-application smart card IC compliant with ISO/IEC 14443A, featuring Common Criteria EAL5+ hardware and software security certification, 4 kB non-volatile memory, 70 pF input capacitance, and support for AES-128 and 3DES cryptographic engines. It serves as the secure core of transit cards, e-ID documents, and NFC-based loyalty systems requiring high-integrity transaction handling.

For engineers reviewing the MF3DH4300DA4/00 datasheet, MF3DH4300DA4/00 pinout, MF3DH4300DA4/00 application, or MF3DH4300DA4/00 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 70 pF input capacitance for compact antenna integration, EV3-specific Transaction MAC and Proximity Check features, backward compatibility with DESFire EV2/EV1, and support for delegated application management via MIsmartApp.

Technical Context

The MF3DH4300DA4/00 implements a dedicated ISO/IEC 14443-4 contactless interface with configurable FSCI up to 256 bytes, enabling data rates of 106–848 kbit/s and operating distances up to 100 mm. Its on-chip analog front-end includes voltage, temperature, light, and glitch sensors for side-channel attack resistance.

It executes mutual three-pass authentication using hardware-accelerated AES-128 or 3DES, supports up to 14 keys per application with multiple key sets (up to 16) and rolling mechanisms, and enforces transaction-oriented data integrity via automatic anti-tear and Transaction Timer protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MF3DH4300DA4/00 is supplied in MOA4 plastic leadless module carrier package (SOT500-2), designed for embedding into smart cards or inlays. It has no external pins - RF coupling occurs via integrated coil connection pads compatible with standard antenna etching processes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MF3DH4300DA4/00, MF3D4300DA4/00 trades antenna flexibility for broader legacy compatibility, while MF3DH8300DA4/00 extends memory headroom for evolving service portfolios - all retain identical EV3 firmware, security architecture, and MIsmartApp support.

Availability

MF3DH4300DA4/00 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure public transport ticketing, campus access control, and micro-payment systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and EAL5+ certified security.

Supply support for MF3DH4300DA4/00 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 NFC, RFID, and secure element technologies.

The MF3DH4300DA4/00 belongs to the MIFARE DESFire EV3 product line, engineered specifically for high-assurance, multi-service contactless applications in smart cities, transportation, and identity ecosystems.

FAQ

What security certifications does MF3DH4300DA4/00 hold?

MF3DH4300DA4/00 holds Common Criteria EAL5+ certification for both hardware and software, validated against the full MIFARE DESFire EV3 specification. This certification covers its cryptographic accelerators (AES-128, 3DES), secure boot, anti-tampering sensors, and secure messaging protocols - meeting the assurance level required for banking cards and electronic passports.

How does the 70 pF input capacitance of MF3DH4300DA4/00 impact antenna design?

The 70 pF input capacitance of MF3DH4300DA4/00 reduces the need for external tuning capacitors in compact antenna layouts, enabling thinner cards and wearable form factors. It allows direct matching to smaller loop antennas (e.g., <20 cm²) while maintaining reliable coupling at 13.56 MHz - unlike the 17 pF variant which requires larger antenna area or added passive components.

Is MF3DH4300DA4/00 backward compatible with existing MIFARE DESFire infrastructure?

Yes, MF3DH4300DA4/00 operates in default delivery configuration as a MIFARE DESFire EV2 device, supporting all EV2 commands and security modes. It maintains full interoperability with legacy readers and middleware, while new EV3 features (e.g., Transaction MAC, Proximity Check) activate only upon explicit command invocation - ensuring zero infrastructure changes for migration.

What distinguishes the Transaction MAC feature in MF3DH4300DA4/00 from standard CMAC?

The Transaction MAC in MF3DH4300DA4/00 is a dedicated file type that signs *entire transactions* (not just data blocks) using a secret application key, producing a verifiable signature sent to the backend. Unlike generic CMAC used for message integrity, this MAC binds timestamp, operation type, and involved files - enabling forensic audit trails and dispute resolution in offline-first systems like transit fare collection.

Can MF3DH4300DA4/00 support multiple virtual cards on a single physical card?

Yes, MF3DH4300DA4/00 implements Virtual Card Architecture (VCA) with privacy-preserving selection. It allows up to 16 distinct virtual cards (e.g., employee ID, student pass, loyalty card), each with isolated applications and keys. During reader interrogation, only the selected VC's AID is exposed - preventing enumeration of other services hosted on the same MF3DH4300DA4/00 IC.