MIFARE Classic 4K vs ST25DV
MIFARE Classic 4K offers 4096 bytes memory with Crypto-1 (broken) security, making it ideal for legacy transit with stored value, multi-application cards. ST25DV provides 4-64 Kbit with 64-bit password + configurable areas security, suited for IoT sensors, smart labels, energy harvesting, BLE pairing.
MIFARE Classic 4K
ST25DV
MIFARE Classic 4K vs ST25DV
Classic 4K is a credential card chip; ST25DV is a dual-interface IoT tag with I2C host connectivity and energy harvesting. Their use cases do not overlap.
Overview
MIFARE Classic 4K: ISO 14443ISO 14443Standard for contactless smart cards at 13.56 MHz (Types A and B)View full →-3A, 4,096 bytes, Crypto-1Crypto-1Broken proprietary cipher in MIFARE Classic (reverse-engineered 2008)View full → (broken), 0–10 cm range.
ST25DV: ISO 15693ISO 15693Standard for vicinity-range smart cards, 1+ meter read rangeView full → (NFC-V), 512 B – 8 KB memory, I2C host interface, energy harvesting output, configurable memory areas with independent 64-bit passwords. The I2C interface lets a host MCU write sensor data or configuration that an NFC readerNFC readerActive device generating RF field to initiate communication with tagsView full → then reads wirelessly.
Key Differences
- Dual interface: ST25DV has both RF and I2C interfaces. Classic 4K is RF-only.
- Energy harvesting: ST25DV can power external circuits from the RF field.
- Standard: Different RF protocols (ISO 14443-A vs ISO 15693).
- MCU integration: ST25DV is a component in embedded systems; Classic 4K is a standalone card credential.
Technical Comparison
| Parameter | MIFARE Classic 4K | ST25DV |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ISO 14443-3A | ISO 15693 (NFC-V) |
| Host interface | None | I2C + RF |
| Memory | 4,096 bytes | 512 B – 8 KB |
| Read range | 0–10 cm | 0–100 cm |
| Energy harvesting | No | Yes |
| Security | Crypto-1 (broken) | 64-bit password per area |
| Typical cost (volume) | $0.15–$0.35 | $0.50–$1.50 |
Verdict
Different system architectures, not direct competitors. Classic 4K serves legacy card credential deployments. ST25DV serves IoT sensor nodes, smart labels, and MCU-integrated NFC systems.
推荐
Choose MIFARE Classic 4K when you need largest Classic with 4 KB memory; choose ST25DV when you need dual-interface (NFC + I2C) with energy harvesting.