Date: 2022-06-07

Access Control System with RFID Readers and Video Intercom

Access control is an important component of any building control system. ICP DAS USA is committed to bringing building control and automation solutions to our customers working in planning, construction, and building management. There are many ways to access your building, and many different people who use it, with different levels of access for all of them. The building owner and maintenance staff might have access to all areas, for example, while visitors may only be allowed in the lobby and conference rooms. Building control hardware and software make it possible to specify different levels of access with ease, and to keep logs on who accesses which areas and when.      

The simplest access control components are things you use every day: switches, sensors, and even keys. All these objects regulate who accesses the building. For areas open to the public, a no-touch switch that the public can use during the day, and that can be shut off remotely at night, will be good enough. And in high-security areas, you may need key card readers and keypad door controls that will open for some users and reject others. Your security requirements may also necessitate intercom and camera control functions that will have to be accommodated. Finally, you will want to unify the access control system at a central level and integrate it with other building security and safety systems such as fire and burglar alarms. 

This is a basic access control system. The products pictured are ACS-10VP-MF access readers. All building personnel use RFID keycards to enter and exit different parts of the building. Each reader is responsible for reading the keycard, changing the door position, and communicating with the user. When the user wants access to a cleanroom, for example, they tap their Mifare RFID card and the ACS module sends the User’s ID back to the control system over Ethernet while the door remains in the “door closed” position. The User’s ID is checked with the Reader ID against the database to ensure that the user is allowed in the clean room. If the user is cleared, then the system sends a message to the ACS that flips its relay to the “door open” position. The ACS displays its green LED and, optionally, a recorded voice message to let the user know they’ve been granted access. If the user is denied, then the switch remains in the “door closed” position, the red LED flashes, and a voice message sounds. If there are too many failed attempts, then an alarm will sound and an alert will be sent to security personnel. The control system logs the user’s data and time along with the Reader ID to note who tried to open which door and when.

To the left is an example of an access control system for an apartment building with multiple floors, private units, and public areas. The public areas are controlled by one of our ACS-11 access control readers with RFID sensor and keypad. Anyone can get in to the common areas with their card or code.

Each private unit is controlled by a two-way intercom system. In the place of a doorbell sits one of our SI-002 intercom access readers. On the other side of the door is the touchscreen access controller HA-401. Anyone with the right keycard can access the private unit, but prospective visitors will have to press the button and use the intercom before being allowed in. The user on the inside of the unit can choose whether or not to let the visitor in.    

Our access control systems keep costs down by centralizing control functions. Both the examples shown here use Ethernet networks to connect each access reader to the central control system’s computer. The control system maintains the user database and access logs while handling the automation and logic controls. Each access reader receives the command to open and close, to allow and deny, and uses onboard I/O  to read data and execute commands.

The central control system relies on our ACS Manager software. This is a free software package that provides everything you need to set up, run, and manage your access control system. Built on an open-source XAMPP stack, ACS manager provides a user interface and database management tool for our building control products. Define users and groups, manage your databases, export data, upload sound files, and program alert/alarm functions, all with our free and easy to use program.    

The products mentioned in these examples:
 
ACS-10VP-MF: ACS series are our access control readers. The ACS-10 models provide an RFID reader, serial and Ethernet communication interfaces, 2–4 channels of digital input, and 2 relay channels. The ACS-11 models add a keypad to these specifications. Certain ACS models provide an additional CAN2.0 A/B interface.

SI-002: Coming soon to our building automation lineup, the SI-002 is a two way intercom doorbell. It provides an HD camera, microphone and speaker, call button, 2 DI channels, 2 relay channels, Ethernet communication interface, and an RFID card reader.

HA-401: Is a video intercom host and building automation HMI. It features full duplex voice and video, 10” touchscreen, HD camera, smart home controls, 2 channels DI, 2 relay channels, 2 serial and 1 Ethernet communication interface, and 4 GB flash storage.  

Additional Products:

ACS-20(B/W)-MRTU: This is a touchless infrared switch used to control access to a single door. It includes three modes: standby, toggle, and lock; the delay timing in standby mode can be adjusted in ACS Manager. It features one RS-485 interface and comes with either a white or black cover.

NS-205: One of our most popular products, this is a five port industrial unmanaged Ethernet switch. This is a perfect way to route and manage your Ethernet-based building control system.

I-7513: A 3-way Isolated RS-485 hub. This is a great solution for connecting all your serial access control hardware to the control network.

 

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