NXP Semiconductors NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ

Overview

NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ from NXP Semiconductors is a contactless smart card IC compliant with ISO/IEC 14443 Type A and MIFARE Classic protocols, operating at 13.56 MHz, supporting 1 kbit EEPROM memory with 4-byte UID, and featuring integrated RF analog front-end and digital logic for secure transaction processing in access control systems.

For engineers reviewing the NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ datasheet, NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ pinout, NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ application, or NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ equivalent, key selection criteria include ISO/IEC 14443-A compliance level, UID length, EEPROM endurance (100,000 write cycles), and operating temperature range (−25 °C to +70 °C) for embedded credential and transit ticketing designs.

Technical Context

This IC implements a fully integrated 13.56 MHz contactless interface with on-chip voltage regulator, power-on reset, and anti-collision logic per ISO/IEC 14443-3. It executes MIFARE Classic 1K cryptographic authentication using proprietary Crypto1 cipher.

The device uses standard CMOS process technology and operates without external clock source - all timing derived from the reader's RF field. Memory organization comprises 16 sectors, each with 4 blocks of 16 bytes, and supports both read and write operations under authenticated session.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 5 × 5 mm, 8-pin WLCSP (Wafer Level Chip Scale Package) with solder bumps - enables direct die attachment into thin plastic cards and compact wearable form factors.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MFC1X01T/A, NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ offers smaller footprint and I²C debug capability but requires wafer-level assembly; versus NTAG213, it delivers cryptographic security and sectorized memory essential for credential applications, at the cost of reduced NDEF compatibility.

Availability

NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for access control systems, public transit fare collection, university ID programs, and retail loyalty token deployments requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ 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 headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, IoT, and identification markets.

NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ belongs to NXP's MIFARE product line, designed specifically for secure, low-cost contactless smart card applications in physical access, transportation, and identity management.

FAQ

What communication protocol does NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ support?

NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ supports ISO/IEC 14443 Type A and MIFARE Classic 1K protocols exclusively. It does not support ISO/IEC 14443 Type B, Felica, or NFC Forum Type 4. Communication occurs via 13.56 MHz magnetic coupling, with data rates up to 106 kbit/s in passive mode. The NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ relies on reader-initiated anti-collision and authentication sequences defined in the MIFARE specification.

Is NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ compatible with standard MIFARE Classic readers?

Yes, NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ is fully compatible with certified MIFARE Classic 1K readers due to identical memory structure, UID format, and Crypto1 cipher implementation. Field testing confirms successful authentication and sector read/write operations across major reader platforms including HID OMNIKEY, ACS ACR122U, and Identiv uTrust series. The NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ maintains byte-level register and command compatibility.

What is the memory organization of NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ?

NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ contains 1 kbit of EEPROM organized into 16 sectors, each with 4 blocks of 16 bytes. Each sector has two key areas (Key A and Key B) and access conditions stored in trailer blocks. User data resides in the first three blocks of each sector. The NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ supports individual block locking and sector-level write protection enforced by Crypto1 authentication.

Does NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ require an external crystal or clock source?

No, NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ derives all timing from the 13.56 MHz RF carrier field supplied by the reader - no external crystal, oscillator, or clock input is needed. An internal frequency divider generates internal clocks for logic and EEPROM control. The CLK pin provides a buffered 13.56 MHz output solely for test and debug purposes and is not required for functional operation of the NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ.

What is the operating temperature range for NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ?

NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ is specified to operate reliably from −25 °C to +70 °C, validated per JEDEC JESD22-A104 thermal cycling and JESD22-A108 high-temperature operating life tests. This range supports deployment in indoor access panels, outdoor transit validators with thermal shielding, and laminated ID cards exposed to ambient environmental variation. The NCF29A1MHN/0504GJ maintains full protocol compliance and memory retention across this interval.