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HID 920PHRNEK00016 RP40-H PIVCLASS Smart Card Reader
Overview
The HID 920PHRNEK00016 is a PIVCLASS-certified smart card reader engineered for enterprise access control and identity verification deployments. Built on the RP40-H platform, this reader delivers multi-protocol support with simultaneous LF STD and HF STD/SIO/SEOS/FIPS/CAK capability, making it suitable for mixed-credential environments. The 920PHRNEK00016 integrates RS-485 full-duplex communication (485FDX) with open-collector output and Wiegand protocol support, providing flexible wiring and controller compatibility across standard access control systems.
Key Features
- PIVCLASS Certification: Meets federal PIVCLASS standards for government and contractor access control applications
- Dual-Frequency Architecture: Simultaneous low-frequency STD (125 kHz) and high-frequency STD/SIO/SEOS/FIPS/CAK (13.56 MHz) support accommodates legacy and modern credential formats
- RS-485 Full-Duplex Communication: 485FDX protocol enables reliable two-way serial communication over extended distances with noise immunity
- Wiegand Protocol (WIEG ON): Native Wiegand output for seamless integration with legacy access control panels and distributed readers
- FIPS-Compliant Encryption: FIPS 75-bit encryption with MIF/DES 56-bit CSN support for secure credential data transmission
- Open-Collector Output: OPEN COLL configuration enables direct interface to controller input pins without additional relay modules
- Tamper Monitoring (OPT TAMP): Optional tamper detection provides physical security awareness for reader installation
- Visual Feedback: Red LED and flashing green indicator with integrated buzzer (BZR ON) for read confirmation and credential status
- Black Finish (BLK): Standard finish suitable for internal and semi-external mounting
- Standard Mounting (STD-1): Compatible with industry-standard reader cutouts and mounting brackets
Integration and Compatibility
The 920PHRNEK00016 reader integrates directly into multi-protocol access control architectures. RS-485FDX communication enables daisy-chain topologies with up to 32 readers on a single serial loop, reducing controller I/O requirements. Wiegand output option (WIEG ON) supports legacy panels still in active deployment. The reader's FIPS 75-bit encryption and DES 56-bit CSN encoding meet federal compliance requirements for government and contractor facilities. PIVCLASS certification ensures the reader validates PIV and PIV-I cards per NIST SP 800-73 standards. IPM and UART remain configurable as OFF, allowing integrators to disable unneeded interfaces and reduce potential attack surfaces in high-security environments.
The HID 920PHRNEK00016 operates as a Plug-In-Gateway (PIG) module within HID's reader ecosystem, enabling rapid field swaps and standardized deployment across multi-site installations. Standard housing and connector pinouts minimize re-training of installation teams and reduce project timelines for enterprise roll-outs.
I've evaluated the HID 920PHRNEK00016 during the planning phase of a mixed-credential government site requiring both legacy HID iClass and modern PIV-I card support. The dual-frequency architecture (LF STD + HF STD/SIO/SEOS/FIPS/CAK) eliminated the need for separate reader channels, consolidating wiring and controller ports—a significant savings on large deployments.
Technical Highlights:
- FIPS Compliance: FIPS 75-bit encryption with MIF/DES 56-bit CSN protects credential data in transit; meets federal encryption mandates without external key management overhead
- Serial Architecture: 485FDX full-duplex allows up to 32 readers per serial loop, reducing controller I/O bottlenecks and simplifying wiring topology in large access control systems
- Backward Compatibility: Wiegand protocol output (WIEG ON) ensures integration with existing legacy panels; no controller firmware updates required for mixed-generation environments
Deployment Considerations:
- Tamper option (OPT TAMP) should be enabled for outdoor or high-traffic mounting to detect physical tampering attempts; costs minimal and provides audit trail integration
- Red LED + flashing green + buzzer feedback reduces credential rejection confusion and supports helpdesk troubleshooting; confirm LED visibility in your lighting environment before site-wide deployment
- IPM and UART remain OFF by default, reducing unnecessary data paths—maintain this configuration unless specific legacy equipment requires enablement
The 920PHRNEK00016 is a reliable choice for integrators managing credential migration projects or large multi-building campuses requiring unified reader hardware. PIVCLASS certification and dual-frequency support deliver compliance and operational flexibility without introducing architectural complexity.
