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A Mifare Contactless card is in any pocket-sized card with embedded integrated circuits which can process data. It must be able to receive data and process it by way of a range of applications. There are two broad categories of application, Microprocessor cards and memory cards. As the name suggests, memory cards contain only non-volatile memory storage components, and perhaps some specific security logic. If the card needs volatile memory and microprocessor components are contained then a microprocessor card application is used. Cards are manufactured from plastic, generally PVC and may contain an anti forgery hologram for additional security.
Why are they called Mifare?
MIFARE is a trademark of NXP Semiconductors a spinoff company from Phillips Semiconductors. The technology is patented and has been used in over a 1 billion smart card. Rather like the hoover is the definitive vacuum cleaner the definitive smart card is the Mifare Card. And it has become the most successful brand within the automatic fare collection industry. This dominance may well continue despite competition from other brands.
Case Study - The City of Manchester Stadium
The City of Manchester Stadium, also known as Eastlands, was originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games. It was opened on July 25 of that year and seated 38,000 people for the athletics events at the games. In 2003, the stadium was converted into an all-seater football venue and became home to English Premiership club Manchester City F.C. It currently has a capacity of 47,726 for football matches.
The spectators were chosen as a trail ground for Contactless Technology, via use of their mobile phones. In the trail a number of phones were enabled allowing fans to pay for ground entry, food and drink simply by holding their phone against a mifare card contactless reader.
The Mifare Card technology will now be rolled out across the fan base and to five other football clubs (Arsenal, Liverpool, Reading, West Ham and Wigan). An established Mifare infrastructure is required.
Case Study Lloyds TSB
A multi million pound contactless payment trial has been started in London by Lloyds ready for the 2012 Olympics. The principle is to allow the Olympians to use the contactless technology across the City to take money out of cash machines and make payments under £10.00.
The whole of the UK will benefit this summer as the technology is rolled out. In 2012, spectators and participants at the London Olympics will be issued with the cards to handle everything from stadium access and taxi bills and to purchasing drinks and food inside the Olympic Village and other venues.
Lloyds TSB is not the only bank investing in the technology for general use. Some five million cards will be issued by the end of the year, and will be accepted in more than 100,000 outlets across the UK. The most important factor for the Olympics scheme will be speed, Transactions must work quickly and effortlessly otherwise the alternative of cash payment will be preferred. The benefits to retailers of Mifare contactless cards are considerable, with no requirement for loose change and easy review of which products and services are in demand.
Mifare is now one of the most widely adopted technologies in the smart card world. It has been successful in its incorporation into smart card use in transport, cashless vending, access control and many other areas.
The flexible nature of this multi application platform makes it the first choice for card users who want to run different applications and allow for future expansion.
Mifare cards are ISO 14443A Compliant and leading the Industry in smart card roll out.
We can supply custom printed Mifare cards or supply you with a low cost card printer to print cards at the point of issue. We have assisted in integration of Mifare cards in a range of platforms and uses.
We can supply genuine Philips Chip Mifare 1K and 4K cards and will also provide quotations for non card based Mifare requirements.
What our clients say...
"Their enthusiasm, rapid responses and flexible approach enables us to deliver a quicker service to our customers, which is enhancing our reputation in our marketplace."
John Evans - Marketing and Sales Director Kindertons Accident Management
