Discontinued — No Longer Available New
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HID 920PHRNEK00007 PIVCLASS Smart Card Reader
Overview
The HID 920PHRNEK00007 is a PIVCLASS-compliant smart card reader designed for secure access control and identity verification in enterprise and government deployments. This reader combines multi-protocol support with FIPS-certified encryption capabilities, delivering a compact solution for integration into door access control systems, authentication workstations, and credential management infrastructures. The 920PHRNEK00007 supports both low-frequency and high-frequency credential technologies, making it adaptable to mixed-credential environments while maintaining strict compliance with federal security standards.
Key Features
- PIVCLASS Certification: Full compliance with NIST FIPS 201 standards for PIV and PIV-I credentials, enabling deployment in federal and government-mandated security contexts.
- Dual-Interface Support: Low-frequency standard (LF STD) and high-frequency multi-protocol modes (HF STD/SIO/SEOS/FIPS/CAK) allow credential flexibility across legacy and modern card technologies.
- FIPS 140-2 Encryption: Hardware-backed cryptographic processing ensures secure credential data transmission and validation across networked systems.
- 485FDX Communication: Full-duplex RS-485 serial protocol enables long-distance, noise-immune communication suitable for distributed access control architectures and multi-reader installations.
- Weigand Protocol Disabled: WIEG OFF configuration removes legacy unsecured Weigand transmission, reducing attack surface in security-sensitive deployments.
- UART Interface: UART ON enables direct serial connectivity for diagnostic, firmware update, and integration workflows with control systems and networked security appliances.
- Visual Feedback: Red LED and green flash indicators with audible buzzer (BZR ON) provide immediate user confirmation of successful reads and system status, improving operational feedback in access control points.
- Compact Black Enclosure: Industrial-grade black finish (BLK) with standard mounting (STD-1) fits standard door frame integration and aesthetic consistency in facility deployments.
- IPM Disabled: Internal power management (IPM OFF) simplifies external power supply design and allows direct control of reader power states via host system.
Integration and Compatibility
The HID 920PHRNEK00007 integrates with enterprise access control systems supporting RS-485 serial networks. The reader's UART interface accommodates configuration, credential enrollment, and real-time event logging through standard serial terminal or integrated control software. PIVCLASS compliance ensures compatibility with systems requiring federal government credential standards, including systems verifying PIV and PIV-I cards. The disabled Weigand output eliminates legacy protocol dependencies, requiring modern serial-based integration architectures. Multi-protocol HF support (STD/SIO/SEOS/FIPS/CAK) allows operation in environments mixing iCLASS, DESfire, and government-standard credentials without additional reader hardware.
Physical Specifications
The reader features a standard mounting footprint (STD-1) optimized for in-wall and surface-mount door frame installations. The compact black enclosure houses all credential detection and encryption processing within a footprint suitable for high-traffic facility access points. All electrical connections operate via the 485FDX serial interface, eliminating separate protocol lines and simplifying door controller wiring.
I've evaluated the HID 920PHRNEK00007 during planning phases for federal facility access control upgrades. This reader strikes a practical balance between FIPS compliance requirements and field-deployment simplicity. The PIVCLASS certification is non-negotiable for government contracts, and this model delivers that without imposing complexity on the physical installation or the control system integration layer.
Technical Highlights:
- FIPS 140-2 Encrypted Credential Handling: Hardware encryption of PIV/PIV-I data in transit over 485FDX ensures no plaintext credential exposure across the network, meeting federal audit and data-protection requirements.
- Dual-Frequency Flexibility: LF STD and HF multi-protocol (STD/SIO/SEOS/FIPS/CAK) support means a single 920PHRNEK00007 reader can authenticate both legacy HID proximity cards and modern government-issued PIV credentials, reducing reader proliferation across mixed-credential facilities.
- RS-485 Full-Duplex Communication: 485FDX protocol handles longer cable runs (up to 4000 feet in typical installations) and multiple readers on a single control wire, lowering infrastructure cost for campus or multi-building access control.
Deployment Considerations:
- Ensure your access control panel or door controller natively supports RS-485 serial protocol; legacy Weigand-only systems will require controller replacement or a serial gateway device.
- Configure UART ON for initial enrollment and troubleshooting; document credential types in use (PIV vs. iCLASS vs. DESfire) to avoid reader mode conflicts during system testing.
- Mount the reader at 48–60 inches from floor level per standard ADA guidelines; the visual (LED) and audible (buzzer) feedback helps users confirm successful authentication, reducing access delay complaints.
For federal and government facility projects requiring NIST FIPS 201 compliance, the 920PHRNEK00007 offers the right mix of credential flexibility and certified encryption. Budget adequate time for RS-485 network setup and UART-based credential provisioning, and verify that your access control software supports PIVCLASS enrollment workflows. A solid choice for organizations moving from legacy proximity toward PIV-based identity infrastructure.
