Introduction to the CDVI Dual‑Tech MIFARE DESFire EV2 + 125 kHz ISO Card (S280‑MI)
The CDVI Dual‑Tech S280‑MI is a dual‑technology ISO access card designed for environments that require both modern contactless smart‑card security and backward compatibility with legacy proximity systems. Combining a 13.56 MHz MIFARE DESFire EV2 (part of the DESFire EV2 family) contactless chip with a 125 kHz proximity chip in a printable PVC ISO‑CR80 format (85 × 54 mm), this credential aims to simplify migrations, support mixed‑reader fleets and provide a durable, printable surface for visual ID and on‑demand printing.
Key features include dual‑technology compatibility, ISO‑standard sizing, printable PVC construction, and suitability for typical use cases such as staff/visitor ID, migration projects and hybrid access control installations. The SKU discussed here is S280‑MI; where specific SKU documentation was not available, product family attributes from CDVI dual‑tech cards are used and noted as representative.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Technology:MIFARE DESFire EV2 (13.56 MHz) + 125 kHz proximity chip — dual‑technology to serve both HF smart readers and LF proximity readers.
- Frequency:13.56 MHz & 125 kHz.
- Size & format:ISO‑CR80 (85 × 54 mm), typical thickness ~0.8 mm — fits standard card printers, badge holders and access card slots.
- Material & printability:PVC construction with a printable surface on both sides (typical for CDVI dual‑tech cards) enabling on‑demand visual customization, ID photos, barcodes or corporate branding.
- Unique ID / Numbering:Cards typically support hex/sequential UID printing and electronic UID encoding; specifics depend on the configured chip and issuing system.
- Memory / chip size:DESFire EV2 memory options vary by variant; SKU‑specific memory details were not confirmed — request the official datasheet if memory capacity (application file size) is a deciding factor.
- Read range:Read range depends on reader model, antenna size and environment; exact ranges are not SKU‑confirmed and should be verified with your reader vendor.
- Migration‑friendly:Dual‑tech design lets organizations move to secure, cryptographic DESFire EV2 credentials while continuing to support older 125 kHz readers during transition.
- Stronger security options:DESFire EV2 supports advanced authentication, encryption and file management compared with legacy prox cards, reducing risks from cloning and simple replay attacks when used with compatible readers and back‑end systems.
- Operational flexibility:Printable surface and ISO format allow badges to be personalized on site — ideal for visitor management or rapid issuance programs.
- Cost efficiency:For mixed fleets, purchasing a single dual‑tech credential avoids maintaining two separate badge inventories (prox only and HF only), simplifying procurement and provisioning workflows.
- Form factor compatibility:Conforms to standard badge printers, laminators and credential holders, reducing integration friction for ID teams.
Use cases and scenarios where the S280‑MI excels
The CDVI S280‑MI is particularly well‑suited to environments where both legacy and modern readers coexist or where organizations are planning staged upgrades. Typical use cases include:
- Migration projects:Organizations replacing old proximity systems with smart‑card based systems can issue dual‑tech cards so users retain access across both reader types during phased rollouts. This eliminates the need to re‑issue credentials immediately and reduces disruption.
- Mixed‑reader access control:Facilities that cannot replace all readers at once—such as multi‑tenant buildings, transport hubs, or distributed campuses—benefit from cards readable by both HF smart readers and LF prox readers.
- Visitor and temporary staff programs:Deployers can print visitor details on the card and provision limited rights on the DESFire side while maintaining compatibility with simple LF doors or ancillary systems.
- Integration projects:Sites where ancillary systems (time & attendance, vending, lockers) still rely on 125 kHz reads can use a single credential across multiple subsystems while gradually enabling DESFire features for more secure applications.
- On‑site printing workflows:Organizations with badge printers can encode and print cards on demand, combining photo ID, corporate branding and encoded credentials in one step.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Dual‑technology credentials are widely available from several manufacturers. The S280‑MI compares favorably in the following ways:
- Versus prox‑only cards:Prox‑only (125 kHz) cards are inexpensive and simple but lack modern cryptographic protections. The S280‑MI provides the prox legacy channel for compatibility while adding DESFire EV2 security for targeted systems — offering a best‑of‑both‑worlds approach.
- Versus HF‑only DESFire cards:HF‑only DESFire cards deliver the highest security and performance for new deployments but are incompatible with older 125 kHz readers. The S280‑MI trades a small incremental cost for broad compatibility, useful when reader replacement is not immediate.
- Versus other dual‑tech offerings:Many competitors produce similar dual‑tech ISO cards pairing DESFire family chips with 125 kHz transponders. The main differentiators are chip variant (EV2 vs EV1), printability, build quality, pack sizes and vendor support/documentation. Because the S280‑MI SKU documentation was not fully located, confirm chip memory options, durability specifications and certifications when comparing unit‑by‑unit.
Pricing, procurement and compliance notes
Suggested retail pricing and procurement options will vary by reseller and purchase volume. Representative pricing for this SKU: a suggested price around 55.00 (currency not specified in the brief) with a provided cost price of 46.19, which indicates modest margin potential for resellers. Cards are often sold in packs (e.g., 25 / 50) depending on supplier. Because certification and warranty details were not confirmed for the SKU, request an official datasheet and CE/UKCA or other relevant compliance statements before specifying the card for regulated projects.
Warranty information was not provided (warranty = 0 in the brief). Buyers should obtain vendor warranty and return policies prior to purchase, especially for large volume or mission‑critical deployments.
Customer testimonials and feedback
No verified customer testimonials or SKU‑specific reviews for the S280‑MI were available at the time of this summary. This is not uncommon for niche access‑control SKUs where reseller datasheets vary. For context, feedback on similar dual‑tech DESFire + prox cards generally highlights the following themes:
- Positive: Ease of migration, reduced administrative overhead (single badge inventory), and the convenience of on‑site printing for badge personalization.
- Neutral/constructive: Need to confirm memory/configuration details for DESFire variants; some deployments require specific EV2 memory sizes or file structures that vary by SKU.
- Negative: Occasional concerns about slight added cost versus prox‑only cards and the need to carefully manage dual‑chip provisioning to avoid mismatched encodings or reader interactions.
When considering S280‑MI, ask your reseller for references or sample credentials so you can validate print quality, encoding compatibility and physical durability under your operating conditions.
Installation, handling and compliance reminders
Cards are passive credentials; handling and provisioning follow standard access control best practices. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, solvents or abrasive cleaners that can degrade printable surfaces or potentially damage embedded chips. Confirm certification status (CE/UKCA or local equivalents) with your vendor if the project has regulatory or compliance requirements. Also request the official datasheet to verify memory, UID format and exact chip variant to ensure compatibility with your back‑end and reader fleet.
Conclusion: Why choose the CDVI S280‑MI dual‑tech card?
For organizations managing a mix of legacy proximity readers and modern HF smart readers, the CDVI Dual‑Tech MIFARE DESFire EV2 + 125 kHz ISO Card S280‑MI offers a practical, flexible credential option. It supports migration strategies, simplifies inventory and issuance by consolidating two credential types into one printable ISO card and enables more secure, cryptographic authentication where DESFire EV2 is enabled. Before specifying this SKU, confirm the exact DESFire EV2 memory variant, read range expectations, certification and warranty details with CDVI or your reseller to ensure it meets your technical and regulatory needs.
In short, the S280‑MI is a sensible choice when you need backward compatibility without sacrificing the option to adopt stronger smart‑card security — provided you verify SKU specifics with the vendor and align the card’s capabilities with your reader and system requirements.
