eSSL S50 MiFare Hotel Lock MF Cards – Secure Contactless Access for Hospitality
The eSSL S50 MF (MiFare) card is a high‑security contactless smart card designed for hotel lock systems, access control, and guest identification. Operating at 13.56 MHz and compliant with ISO 14443A, the S50 card is part of the industry‑standard MiFare Classic 1K family. It provides guest rooms, staff areas, and secure zones with reliable, tamper‑resistant, and reusable key card technology – fully compatible with eSSL hotel locks and leading hospitality management platforms.
📌 What is the eSSL S50 MiFare Card?
The eSSL S50 MiFare card (also known as S50 MF Card, MIFARE Classic 1K, or S50 hotel lock card) is a contactless smart card based on NXP‘s MIFARE® technology. It contains 1 KB of EEPROM memory, organised into 16 sectors with 4 blocks per sector (64 blocks total), each block holding 16 bytes. The card requires no internal battery – it is powered passively by the electromagnetic field of a compatible reader, such as an eSSL door lock or hotel lock encoder.
These cards are widely used in hotel environments for guest room access, master key systems, staff identification, and energy management systems. They are fully compatible with eSSL‘s HL‑100, HL‑200, and other hotel lock models, as well as third‑party hospitality systems that support MiFare Classic 1K technology (13.56 MHz, ISO14443A). Each card contains a unique, factory‑programmed serial number (UID) for individual identification and anti‑cloning measures.
📊 Technical Specifications – eSSL S50 MiFare Card
| Card Type | MIFARE Classic 1K (MF1 IC S50) – Contactless Smart Card |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 13.56 MHz (High Frequency / HF) |
| Standards Compliance | ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 18092 (NFC type 2 compatible) |
| Memory Capacity | 1 KB (1024 bytes) EEPROM |
| Memory Organisation | 16 sectors × 4 blocks per sector (64 blocks × 16 bytes) |
| Read / Write Range | Up to 100 mm (depends on reader antenna geometry) |
| Data Transfer Rate | 106 kbit/s (fast transaction performance) |
| Data Integrity | 16‑bit CRC, parity, bit coding, anticollision, bit counting |
| Write Endurance | > 100,000 cycles per sector |
| Data Retention | ≥ 10 years |
| Physical Size / Format | CR80 – 85.5 mm × 54 mm × 0.84 mm (credit card size) |
| Card Material Options | PVC (standard), PET, ABS, wood, metal (custom) |
| Operating Temperature / Humidity | -20°C to +50°C / up to 90% RH |
| Storage Temperature / Humidity | -25°C to +50°C / 20–90% RH |
| Customisation Options | CMYK offset printing, silk‑screen, serial numbering, logo printing, QR codes, magnetic stripe, signature panel |
| Card Durability | Wear‑resistant, waterproof, reusable over thousands of access cycles |
Specifications derived from eSSL Security documentation, NXP datasheets and official product data.
🔒 Advanced Security Features of eSSL S50 MiFare Cards
✅ Mutual Three‑Pass Authentication (ISO/IEC 9798‑2)
Before any read or write operation, the lock and the card perform mutual authentication using a challenge‑response mechanism. This bidirectional verification prevents unauthorised devices from reading card data and stops card cloning attacks.
Before any read or write operation, the lock and the card perform mutual authentication using a challenge‑response mechanism. This bidirectional verification prevents unauthorised devices from reading card data and stops card cloning attacks.
✅ Data Encryption on RF Channel
All communication between the card and the reader is encrypted, protecting against eavesdropping and replay attacks. Each transaction uses dynamically keyed session encryption, ensuring the same command produces different ciphertext each time.
All communication between the card and the reader is encrypted, protecting against eavesdropping and replay attacks. Each transaction uses dynamically keyed session encryption, ensuring the same command produces different ciphertext each time.
✅ Individual Set of Two Keys per Sector
Each of the 16 memory sectors has two independent 48‑bit keys (Key A and Key B). Different applications can reside in separated sectors, each with distinct cryptographic keys, allowing multi‑application use on a single card (guest access, staff area, and canteen payment).
Each of the 16 memory sectors has two independent 48‑bit keys (Key A and Key B). Different applications can reside in separated sectors, each with distinct cryptographic keys, allowing multi‑application use on a single card (guest access, staff area, and canteen payment).
✅ Unique Factory‑Programmed Serial Number (UID)
Every S50 card carries a unique 32‑bit or 7‑byte identifier (UID) burned in during manufacturing. This identifier cannot be altered, enabling absolute traceability of each individual card and blocking cloned cards from being accepted.
Every S50 card carries a unique 32‑bit or 7‑byte identifier (UID) burned in during manufacturing. This identifier cannot be altered, enabling absolute traceability of each individual card and blocking cloned cards from being accepted.
✅ Transport Key Protection
Newly shipped cards are protected by a transport key that restricts access to on‑chip EEPROM until the key is changed by the hotel‘s security administrator. This prevents misuse during the supply chain.
Newly shipped cards are protected by a transport key that restricts access to on‑chip EEPROM until the key is changed by the hotel‘s security administrator. This prevents misuse during the supply chain.
✅ Sector‑Specific Access Conditions
For each sector, the access control bits embedded in the sector trailer define which keys (A/B) are required for read, write, increment, decrement, and other operations. Granular permissions can be assigned per sector and operation type, creating a robust security zoning system.
For each sector, the access control bits embedded in the sector trailer define which keys (A/B) are required for read, write, increment, decrement, and other operations. Granular permissions can be assigned per sector and operation type, creating a robust security zoning system.
🏢 Primary Applications of eSSL S50 MiFare Hotel Cards
🏨 Guest Room Access
Main function: guest key card for unlocking hotel room doors. Paired with eSSL HL‑100, HL‑200, or compatible hotel locks, the card grants guest access to a designated room for a specific time period. The BIS Hotel management system encodes access rights onto the card during check‑in.
Main function: guest key card for unlocking hotel room doors. Paired with eSSL HL‑100, HL‑200, or compatible hotel locks, the card grants guest access to a designated room for a specific time period. The BIS Hotel management system encodes access rights onto the card during check‑in.
🔑 Master Key & Staff Cards
S50 cards can be programmed as floor masters, sub‑masters, or emergency override cards for housekeeping, maintenance, and senior management. Different access levels can be stored in different sectors of the same card.
S50 cards can be programmed as floor masters, sub‑masters, or emergency override cards for housekeeping, maintenance, and senior management. Different access levels can be stored in different sectors of the same card.
⚡ Energy Saving Switch (Room Power Control)
Same card that opens the door can be inserted into the room‘s energy saver slot to activate electricity for lights, air conditioning, and outlets – automatically cutting power when the guest leaves, reducing hotel energy costs.
Same card that opens the door can be inserted into the room‘s energy saver slot to activate electricity for lights, air conditioning, and outlets – automatically cutting power when the guest leaves, reducing hotel energy costs.
💳 Guest Identification & Loyalty
Beyond room access, the card can store guest identification data for loyalty programmes, spa or restaurant charging, and even as a contactless payment method at hotel facilities. The multi‑sector architecture supports these secondary applications simultaneously.
Beyond room access, the card can store guest identification data for loyalty programmes, spa or restaurant charging, and even as a contactless payment method at hotel facilities. The multi‑sector architecture supports these secondary applications simultaneously.
🏢 Staff & Contractor Access Control
Issue S50 cards to employees (housekeeping, front desk, security) for accessing back‑of‑house areas, stores, elevators, and offices. Access rights can be time‑zoned and sector‑based, ensuring appropriate permissions.
Issue S50 cards to employees (housekeeping, front desk, security) for accessing back‑of‑house areas, stores, elevators, and offices. Access rights can be time‑zoned and sector‑based, ensuring appropriate permissions.
🛂 Multi‑Arena & Facility Management
In resorts, convention centres, or large hotels, S50 cards can be used for access to meeting rooms, sport facilities, car parks, club lounges, and other common areas – all from a single credential.
In resorts, convention centres, or large hotels, S50 cards can be used for access to meeting rooms, sport facilities, car parks, club lounges, and other common areas – all from a single credential.
🌟 Why Choose eSSL S50 MiFare Cards for Your Hotel Property?
Industry‑Standard Technology
Based on the proven MIFARE Classic 1K platform from NXP, the S50 card is the de‑facto standard for hotel lock systems worldwide. It guarantees broad compatibility with existing encoders, hotel management software, and third‑party lock hardware from leading manufacturers.
Based on the proven MIFARE Classic 1K platform from NXP, the S50 card is the de‑facto standard for hotel lock systems worldwide. It guarantees broad compatibility with existing encoders, hotel management software, and third‑party lock hardware from leading manufacturers.
Exceptional Durability & Reusability
S50 cards are built to withstand daily use in busy hotel environments. With over 100,000 write cycles and 10‑year data retention, the cards can be continually reprogrammed for new guests without performance degradation. The PVC base material is rigid and resists cracking, bending, and moisture.
S50 cards are built to withstand daily use in busy hotel environments. With over 100,000 write cycles and 10‑year data retention, the cards can be continually reprogrammed for new guests without performance degradation. The PVC base material is rigid and resists cracking, bending, and moisture.
Uncompromising Security
Mutual authentication, encrypted RF channel, sector‑specific keys, and a unique factory‑burned UID make the S50 card highly resistant to cloning and unauthorised duplication – a critical requirement for guest safety and asset protection.
Mutual authentication, encrypted RF channel, sector‑specific keys, and a unique factory‑burned UID make the S50 card highly resistant to cloning and unauthorised duplication – a critical requirement for guest safety and asset protection.
Custom Branding & Design Options
Full‑colour CMYK offset printing, screen‑printing, laser engraving, magnetic stripe addition, and signature panel are available. Cards can be customised with hotel logos, room numbers, serial sequences, QR codes, and multi‑language lock instructions – turning a functional credential into a marketing tool.
Full‑colour CMYK offset printing, screen‑printing, laser engraving, magnetic stripe addition, and signature panel are available. Cards can be customised with hotel logos, room numbers, serial sequences, QR codes, and multi‑language lock instructions – turning a functional credential into a marketing tool.
Seamless Integration with eSSL Ecosystem
Optimised for eSSL hotel locks, key encoders, and BIS Hotel property management software. The S50 card works out of the box with eSSL HL‑100, HL‑200, and future lock models. eSSL provides bulk encoding, configuration, and custom key management.
Optimised for eSSL hotel locks, key encoders, and BIS Hotel property management software. The S50 card works out of the box with eSSL HL‑100, HL‑200, and future lock models. eSSL provides bulk encoding, configuration, and custom key management.
Cost‑Effective & Scalable
Affordable per‑card pricing with volume discounts for hotel projects. The reusable nature reduces replacement costs over time. Supports large‑scale deployments from 50 to 50,000+ rooms with centralised card issuance infrastructure.
Affordable per‑card pricing with volume discounts for hotel projects. The reusable nature reduces replacement costs over time. Supports large‑scale deployments from 50 to 50,000+ rooms with centralised card issuance infrastructure.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – eSSL S50 MiFare Cards
What types of MiFare cards are supported by eSSL hotel lock systems?
eSSL hotel locks support MiFare Classic 1K (S50) and 4K (S70) cards, as well as compatible cards from leading manufacturers such as NXP, ensuring broad compatibility with hotel management systems and encoders.
What are the key security features of the S50 MiFare card?
The S50 MiFare card incorporates mutual three‑pass authentication (ISO/IEC DIS9798-2), data encryption on the RF channel with replay attack protection, individual keys per sector, and a unique factory‑programmed 32‑bit serial number, making it highly resistant to cloning and unauthorised duplication.
Can these cards be customised with a hotel‘s logo or branding?
Yes. eSSL S50 MiFare cards can be customised with CMYK full‑colour offset printing, including logos, patterns, and serial numbers. Customisation supports CR80 standard size, with options for matte, glossy or frosted finishes. Minimum order quantities apply for custom printing.
What is the expected lifespan of an eSSL S50 hotel key card?
The S50 card has a write endurance of over 100,000 cycles and a data retention period of 10 years, providing a long service life under normal hotel operating conditions. The card is physically durable and designed for repeated use.
Is the S50 card compatible with eSSL‘s energy saving switch?
Yes, the S50 MiFare card can be used interchangeably in both the hotel door lock and the room‘s energy saving switch. The same card that opens the guest room can be inserted into the energy saver slot to activate lighting, air conditioning, and electrical outlets – delivering a seamless guest experience.