MIFARE vs RFID vs NFC – Difference and Comparison

What is a MIFARE?

Mlkron Fare Collection System (MIFARE) is an automation for smart cards introduced in 1994. We can define MIFARE based on two criteria: one is which type of chip is within the card and what its capabilities are, next is based on the method of writing and typing data. It has three types of cards: contact cards, contactless cards, and multi-components card. Its frequency is 13.56 MHz.

It has a much larger memory and is widely used as a hotel payment card and identification card. The MIFARE family offers smartcard solutions which include; MIFARE Plus, MIFARE Classic, MIFARE desire, and MIFARE ultra light. MIFARE partners are smooth & sharp C, paragon ID, apply card technology, VIETNAM MOBILE BASED, testAG, cardy intelligent co.., and Chengdu MIND IOT Tec…

What is an RFID?                              

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) has a similar purpose to magnetic strips and barcodes on the back of an ATM or credit card. An object is identified based on a unique identifier for that object. There are two tags for RFID cards, Active RFID tags and passive RFID cards. Active RFID is used for a greater distance and has a battery.

It was introduced in 1983. it can store up to 64 bytes of data. It is hard to set up. The frequency of RFID is 433MHz and 660-890 MHz.On inventory events, it is used for people and identification o an object. Most commonly, it is used in the home and offices. Passive RFID has a shorter range and works when they are within range of radio signals from the reader.

What is NFC?

Near Field Communication is a two-way communication that needs a user’s action to act. Its range is concise; the most common working range is within 0.1 meters. It can store data up to 760 bytes. It has a crucial role in mobile payment and public transportation.

NFC has become a part of most modern credit cards and cell phones. NFC is also used to open the door and pay through cell phones by apple pay or google pay. In some supermarkets, NFC tags are put on food products so customers can scan them and know about the ingredients used.

Difference Between MIFARE and RFID, and NFC

  1. MIFARE was launched in 1994; RFID was launched in 1983; NFC was launched in 2006.
  2. MIFARE can store up to 1024 bytes of data; RFID can store up to 64 bytes; NFC  has a capacity of 760 bytes storing data.
  3. Mifare has a frequency of 13.56 MHz; RFID’s frequency is 433 MHz and 860-960 MHz; NFC’s frequency is 13.56 MHz.
  4. We can easily set up a MIFARE card by following a few steps; RFID is hard to set up; medium-level expertise is required for NFC.
  5. MIFARE has an average price; RFID entails a higher price; NFC’s price is quite reasonable.

Comparison Table Between MIFARE and RFID, and NFC

Parameters of ComparisonMIFARERFIDNFC
Introduced in199419832006
SettingEasyHard to setMedium
Frequency13.56 MHz433 MHz and 860-960 MHz13.56 MHz
Storage of data1024 bytes64 bytes760 bytes
CostAverageHighReasonable

References

  1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5207633
  2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1490473
  3. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4529403