Blank CR80 contact smart memory card with 1 KB EEPROM for compatible identification, membership, access and closed-loop smart-card applications.

Product Overview

The SLE4428 / SLE5528 Contact IC Smart Card is a memory-based smart card designed for applications requiring electronic data storage through a physical contact interface.

The SLE4428 architecture provides 1 KB (1024 bytes) of EEPROM memory together with security-code-controlled write/erase access.

Unlike RFID or NFC cards, a standard SLE4428/SLE5528 contact card communicates through the visible metallic contact module when inserted into a compatible contact smart-card reader.

This distinction is important.

A card should not be described as RFID, NFC or 125 kHz merely because it contains an IC chip.

Learn First. Decide Second. Buy Only If It Is Right for Your Needs.

What Is an SLE4428 Contact Smart Card?

SLE4428 is a synchronous contact memory-card architecture originally associated with Infineon/Siemens smart-card technology.

Its principal characteristics include:

• 1024 × 8-bit EEPROM
• 1 KB / 1024-byte memory capacity
• Byte-wise addressing
• Write-protection capability
• Programmable security-code functionality
• Physical contact communication
• ISO 7816 contact configuration
• Synchronous serial communication

The card is a memory smart card, rather than a modern general-purpose microprocessor/CPU smart card.

SLE4428 vs SLE5528

SLE5528 is associated with the same functional family as the earlier SLE4428 architecture.

When replacing an existing card, however, customers should still provide the exact chip designation required by their reader or software rather than assuming interchangeability solely from a product description.

Memory Capacity

Memory: 1 KB / 1024 bytes EEPROM

This is one of the most important differences between the 4428 and 4442 families.

SLE4428 / SLE5528

1 KB / 1024 bytes

SLE4442 / SLE5542

256 bytes

Therefore, a supplier description stating “4428 256-byte” should be verified before purchase.

These two chip families should not be treated as identical.

Contact Interface — Not Standard NFC/RFID

A standard SLE4428/SLE5528 card is a contact smart card.

Communication takes place through the metallic electrical contacts on the card.

The card therefore requires a compatible contact smart-card reader/encoder.

It should not automatically be described as:

• NFC
• 13.56 MHz RFID
• 125 kHz RFID
• Contactless
• Proximity card

A specially manufactured combination card could contain additional contactless technology, but that would be a different configuration requiring separate verification.

Security-Code Function

The SLE4428 architecture incorporates programmable security-code logic controlling write/erase access to memory.

This provides more control than an unrestricted EEPROM memory card.

However, customers should not interpret this as equivalent to modern cryptographic smart-card security.

For applications requiring advanced authentication, cryptographic processing, certified payment security or secure credentials, a suitable CPU/microprocessor smart card may be required instead.

Typical Card Format

Cards incorporating this chip family are commonly available in the familiar CR80 / ID-1 card format.

Typical dimensions are approximately:

85.60 × 53.98 mm

Card thickness and construction can vary by manufacturer.

For card-printer use, the exact supplied card thickness and surface construction should be confirmed before ordering.

Blank White Card

A blank white version can provide a surface for subsequent personalisation where the particular card construction is compatible with the intended printer.

Possible printed information can include:

• Company logo
• Cardholder name
• Identification number
• Membership number
• Photograph
• Barcode
• QR code
• Serial number
• Variable text
• Application-specific graphics

The chip module occupies part of the card surface, so artwork should account for its physical position.

Typical Applications

Subject to system compatibility, SLE4428/SLE5528-type contact memory cards may be considered for closed-loop applications such as:

• Membership identification
• Loyalty systems
• Campus applications
• Internal identification
• Access-related applications
• Stored information
• Vending or closed-loop systems
• Equipment identification
• Application-specific data storage

The presence of a chip does not automatically make a card suitable for banking, EMV payment, hotel locking, access control or another particular system.

Compatibility depends on the reader, software and system design.

Technical Specifications

Product Type: Contact IC Memory Smart Card

Chip Family: SLE4428 / SLE5528 type

Memory: 1 KB / 1024 bytes EEPROM

Memory Organisation: 1024 × 8 bit

Interface: Physical contact

Contact Configuration: ISO 7816 type

Communication: Synchronous serial interface

Security: Programmable security-code controlled write/erase functionality

Write Protection: Supported by chip architecture

Typical Card Format: CR80 / ID-1

Typical Card Dimensions: Approximately 85.60 × 53.98 mm

Typical Surface: Blank white

Card Material: PVC where specified for the supplied configuration

Contactless RFID: Not inherent to standard SLE4428/SLE5528

NFC: Not inherent to standard SLE4428/SLE5528

Exact card material, thickness, chip manufacturer, module construction and personalisation options should be confirmed for the particular production batch.

Printing and Personalisation

If blank cards will be printed after purchase, customers should provide the exact card-printer model.

Compatibility considerations include:

• Card thickness
• Surface material
• Printer technology
• Chip-module position
• Printhead clearance
• Direct-to-card or retransfer printing
• Ribbon
• Required artwork
• Single- or dual-sided printing

A card being physically CR80 size does not automatically guarantee compatibility with every ID-card printer.

Reading and Encoding

Printing information on the card and electronically writing information into the chip are two different processes.

Printing

Creates visible information on the card surface.

Encoding

Communicates electronically with the chip through a compatible contact reader/encoder.

A card printer capable of printing onto a smart card does not necessarily include the hardware or software required to encode the chip.

SLE4428 vs SLE4442

This distinction is particularly important when replacing existing cards.

SLE4428 / SLE5528

• 1 KB / 1024-byte EEPROM
• Contact interface
• Security-code-controlled memory functionality

SLE4442 / SLE5542

• 256-byte EEPROM
• Contact interface
• Different memory organisation/security architecture

If an existing system specifies 4428, do not substitute a 4442 merely because the cards look similar.

Things to Verify Before Ordering

Please confirm:

• Exact required chip: 4428 or 5528
• Original chip or compatible implementation requirement
• Required quantity
• Blank or customised card
• Card material
• Card thickness
• Required finish
• Reader/encoder model
• Existing software
• Memory requirement
• Security-code requirements
• Required card printer
• Printing method
• Magnetic stripe requirement, if applicable
• Serial numbering requirement
• Barcode or QR requirement
• Existing working-card specification, where available

For replacement projects, supplying the specification of the existing working card can significantly reduce compatibility uncertainty.

Who Should Consider This Card?

An SLE4428/SLE5528-type card may be appropriate where an existing system specifically requires this contact memory-card architecture or where a compatible closed-loop application has been designed around it.

Who May Need Another Technology?

Another card technology should be evaluated where the application requires:

• NFC
• Contactless RFID
• 125 kHz proximity
• MIFARE technology
• UHF RFID
• Advanced cryptographic authentication
• CPU/microprocessor processing
• EMV/payment-network functionality
• Mobile-phone NFC interaction

These technologies should not be treated as interchangeable with SLE4428.

FAQ - SLE4428 / SLE5528 1KB Blank White Card

Q: How much memory does an SLE4428 card have?

A: The SLE4428 architecture provides 1 KB / 1024 bytes of EEPROM memory. It should not be confused with the SLE4442 family, which uses 256-byte EEPROM.

Q: Is an SLE4428 card an RFID card?

A: A standard SLE4428 is a contact IC card. Communication occurs through physical electrical contacts using an ISO 7816-type interface. RFID functionality should not be claimed unless a separate contactless chip/interface is specifically incorporated into the card.

Q: Is SLE4428 an NFC card?

A: No, not by itself. NFC is a contactless radio-frequency technology, whereas SLE4428 is a contact memory-card architecture.

Q: Is SLE4428 the same as SLE4442?

A: No. One major difference is memory capacity: SLE4428 provides 1 KB, whereas SLE4442 provides 256 bytes.

Q: Can the blank card be printed?

A: Potentially, provided the particular card construction is suitable for the intended card printer. The exact printer, card thickness and surface should be verified before ordering.

Q: Can this card be used as a bank payment card?

A: It should not be assumed to be suitable for bank-card or open payment-network applications. Those applications can require specialised processor cards, security architecture and certifications beyond a basic contact memory card.

Related Products

SLE4442 / SLE5542 256-Byte Contact IC Smart Cards

Blank White PVC Cards

Contact IC Smart Cards

Contact Smart Card Readers & Encoders

Contactless Smart Cards

RFID Cards

ID Card Printers

Card Printer Ribbons

Helpful Internal Links

NEOTECH® UAE

https://www.neotech.ae/

Why NEOTECH® UAE?

Smart-card selection should begin with the required technology, not the appearance of the card.

A 4428 card, 4442 card, NFC card and 125 kHz proximity card can all have the same familiar CR80 shape while operating in fundamentally different ways.

NEOTECH® therefore encourages customers to verify the chip, memory, interface, reader and software before ordering.

Learn First. Decide Second. Buy Only If It Is Right for Your Needs.

The NEOTECH® Learning Center is free and open to everyone. You do not need to be a NEOTECH® customer to access or benefit from our educational content. Learn at your own pace, explore the information freely, and make informed decisions based on your own needs. There is no obligation or pressure to purchase from NEOTECH®.

There is no obligation or pressure to purchase. Customers are encouraged to verify the exact chip, memory capacity, reader/encoder and software compatibility before ordering.

Delivery – UAE

Delivery available within UAE.

Delivery timing depends on destination and order confirmation.

For customised, printed or encoded cards, specifications and approved artwork should be finalised before production.

Contact NEOTECH® UAE

Website: https://www.neotech.ae/

Email: support@neotech.ae

Address: Store 13, Computer Bldg, Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, Dubai 44245, United Arab Emirates

Disclaimer - NEOTECH® UAE

SLE4428, SLE5528 and related designations refer to established contact-memory-card technologies and their respective rights holders.

Exact chip manufacturer, equivalent-chip implementation, card construction and compatibility must be confirmed for the specific product being supplied.

This product should not be represented as NFC, contactless RFID, a bank payment card or compatible with a particular third-party system unless that capability has been separately verified.

There is absolutely no obligation or pressure to proceed with the purchase with us.

Last Updated: 08 September 2026  (GST, UTC+4)