Access control is an important component of any building control system. ICP DAS USA is committed to bringing building control and automation solutions to customers working in planning, construction, and building management. There are many ways to access a building, and many different people who use it—all with varying levels of permission. A building owner or maintenance staff may have access to all areas, while visitors may be allowed only in lobbies or conference rooms. Building control hardware and software make it easy to specify these access levels and to keep detailed logs of who accessed which areas and when.
This is a basic access control system example. The products pictured are ACS-10VP-MF access readers. All building personnel use RFID keycards to enter and exit different areas. Each reader is responsible for reading the keycard, changing the door position, and communicating with the user.
For example, when a user wants to access a clean room, they tap their Mifare RFID card. The ACS module sends the user’s ID to the control system over Ethernet while the door remains in the “closed” position. The control system checks the user ID and reader ID against the database to verify access permissions. If the user is authorized, the system sends a message back to the ACS to switch its relay to “door open.” The ACS displays a green LED and can optionally play a recorded voice message confirming access. If the user is denied, the door remains closed, the red LED flashes, and a voice alert sound. After too many failed attempts, an alarm will trigger, and security personnel will be notified. The control system logs the user ID, time, and reader ID for complete access tracking.
To the left is an example of an access control system for an apartment building with multiple floors, private units, and public areas. Public areas are secured by one of our ACS-11 access control readers with an RFID sensor and keypad. Anyone with the proper card or code can access the common areas.
Each private unit is controlled by a two-way intercom system. Instead of a doorbell, an SI-002 intercom access reader is installed outside the door. Inside each unit is the HA-401 touchscreen access controller. Anyone with the correct RFID keycard can access the private unit. Visitors must press the button and use the intercom to request entry, and residents can decide whether or not to allow them in.
Our access control systems keep costs down by centralizing control functions. Both examples shown here use Ethernet networks to connect each access reader to the central control system. The central system maintains user databases, access logs, and automation logic. Each access reader receives commands to open or close, grant or deny access, and uses onboard I/O to read data and execute actions.
The central control system uses our ACS Manager software—a free software package that provides everything needed to set up, run, and manage an access control system. Built on an open-source XAMPP stack, ACS Manager offers a user interface and database management tools for all our building control products. Define users and groups, manage databases, export logs, upload sound files, and program alerts and alarms—all with our free, easy-to-use application.
Products Mentioned in These Examples
ACS-10VP-MF:
Part of our ACS access control series. The ACS-10 models include an RFID reader, serial and Ethernet interfaces, 2–4 digital inputs, and 2 relay channels.
The ACS-11 models add a keypad.
Some ACS models also offer a CAN2.0 A/B interface.
SI-002:
Coming soon to our building automation lineup, the SI-002 is a two-way intercom doorbell. It features an HD camera, microphone, speaker, call button, 2 digital inputs, 2 relay channels, an Ethernet interface, and an RFID card reader.
HA-401:
A video intercom host and building automation HMI. It features full-duplex voice and video, a 10” touchscreen, HD camera, smart home controls, 2 DI channels, 2 relay channels, 2 serial ports, 1 Ethernet interface, and 4 GB flash storage.
Additional Products
ACS-20(B/W)-MRTU:
A touchless infrared switch used for single-door access control. It supports three modes—standby, toggle, and lock—and features an adjustable delay timer in standby mode. It includes one RS-485 interface and comes in white or black.
NS-205:
A popular 5-port industrial unmanaged Ethernet switch. Ideal for routing and managing Ethernet-based building control systems.
I-7513:
A 3-way isolated RS-485 hub—an excellent solution for connecting multiple serial access control devices to a network.
