This article describes the basic installation of an RFID and password-based access control system. Access control systems allow only the authorised persons to enter or exit the premises. An access control system may include locks, turnstiles, biometric readers, face recognition readers, RFID readers, boom barriers, etc.

The materials required for this project include:
• Magnetic lock with a mounting bracket (fail-safe type lock)
• DC power supply adaptor or switched-mode power supply (SMPS) (12V, 3A)
• Access control reader
• Exit push button
• Connecting wires (Cat 6 or copper wires, as required)

Circuit and working
The block diagram of the access control system is shown in Fig. 1. It is built around a magnetic lock with mounting brackets, 12V SMPS/adaptor for power supply, access control device, exit push button, RFID tags and cables. It includes 3- and 6-pin connectors along with 3- and 6-wire cables to connect the access control device. The complete wiring diagram for the project is shown in Fig. 2.

Relay connections. Let us go through the relay concept before the actual installation. The relay (refer Fig. 3) has three contacts: NO, NC and COM, which are usually referred to as normally open, normally close, and common terminal, respectively. COM usually remains connected to NC terminal. When the relay is activated, the COM terminal gets connected to NO terminal, breaking away from NC terminal. Most of the access control readers, push buttons and locks have an inbuilt relay circuit for the desired connections.

Access control device. Access control device and magnetic lock are the main components required for the installation. The standalone access control device (model number SA32-E) used in this project is shown in Fig. 4. It is a contactless RFID smart card reader and password verification device. It enables three verification modes (RFID card only, PIN only, and card & PIN) to ensure maximum safety and flexibility. With one relay output (optional) and a push-button (low) output, one door button port, and one doorbell port, the device is simple but effective for use in residential housing, offices, and other public facilities.

When the magnetic lock is directly connected with a +12V supply and ground (GND) across the terminals, the lock functions normally (that is, the door remains locked). Note that there are two main types of magnetic locking devices: fail-safe and fail-secure. A fail-secure locking device gets locked when power is off. Fail-safe locking devices are locked when power is on and gets unlocked when power goes off. This project uses a fail-safe locking device.

The locking device must be configured in such a way that if a person uses the RFID tag (or biometric) to open the door, the lock should open and then close automatically after a few seconds to avoid tailgating. For this, we need the relay circuit.

Most of the biometric devices or access control readers are pre-equipped with a relay circuit on board. The circuit is designed in such a way that the GND rail from the power supply/adaptor connects through the NC and COM terminals of the reader and exit push button. The +12V DC from the adaptor or SMPS is connected directly to the electromagnetic lock as shown in the block diagram (refer Fig. 1). Most of the magnetic locks and access control readers are pre-equipped with timer for locking and unlocking time delays. Generally, presets are found on the PCB board, which can be adjusted for locking or unlocking time delays.

Working of access control system
When a pre-registered user or authorised person tries to open the door using an RFID tag (card) or password or biometrics, the relay circuit gets activated and the COM terminal gets disconnected from the NC terminal for a while. That is, the COM terminal gets connected to NO terminal. Hence, the 12V DC power supply is disconnected from the magnetic lock for a few seconds (depending on the preset time delay). So the magnetic lock gets unlocked when the power goes off. This action allows the door to open.

Again, when the user presses the exit push button, the relay gets activated and is forced to connect COM with NO terminal. The supply gets disconnected from the magnetic lock and it gets unlocked, the door gets opened again.

Basically, the access control device is to be installed near the door outside the room and exit button is to be installed near the door but inside the room. The electromagnetic lock installed on the glass door is shown in Fig. 5.

Some exit push buttons will have inbuilt relay circuitry, which must be given external power supply. In that case, it is preferred to use a 12V, 3A power supply.

RFID card. Some details on the RFID card/tag are given here. Every RFID card/tag has a unique number. When the tag is swiped across the RFID reader, the access control system prompts you to enter a password. The default password is 123456. To change the password, press #123456#0987654#987654# on the access control keypad. If you hear a long beep, it means the password is successfully registered.To add a new RFID card, press #987654#1 on the input keypad. Swipe the tag/card near the reader followed by pressing the # key.

EFY note. For more details on configuration and settings, refer RFID manual of this product at source.efymag.com.

—S. Aravind is B.Tech and currently working as extra-low voltage systems engineer in Oman