The category distinction
PONE Biometrics’ OFFPAD and OFFPAD+ use card-like 86 × 54 mm dimensions, but they are powered electronic authenticators rather than conventional passive smart cards. At 2.5 mm thick and 17 grams, the devices contain a rechargeable battery, display, button and additional communications hardware.
Battery, display and controls
Both versions use a rechargeable Li-ion battery and support Qi wireless charging. OFFPAD+ can also charge through USB when used with its dedicated holder. A monochrome E Ink display gives enrollment and authentication feedback without behaving like a light-emitting phone screen.
Connectivity
OFFPAD communicates through Bluetooth Low Energy and NFC. OFFPAD+ adds USB connectivity through its holder. This makes the product a portable, device-bound FIDO2 authenticator with more interaction and connectivity than a reader-powered biometric card.
The IDEX sensor connection
PONE lists the IDEX SmartFinger IDX3200 sensor for OFFPAD and IDX3205 for OFFPAD+. The same off-chip capacitive sensor family can therefore appear in different finished-product architectures: thin passive cards and thicker powered devices.
Important NFC behavior
PONE’s usage guide states that when OFFPAD is used over NFC while switched off, the screen and fingerprint sensor are inactive and PIN verification is used. Fingerprint verification is available in powered BLE or USB operation. This is materially different from a passive biometric card that harvests reader power for on-card matching.
Source note
Specifications are based on PONE Biometrics’ official OFFPAD documentation. My Biometric Cards is independent and is not affiliated with PONE Biometrics.
