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HID 920PHRNEK0006T Proximity Card Reader
Overview
The HID 920PHRNEK0006T is a dual-frequency proximity reader engineered for access control deployments requiring PIVCLASS compliance and government-grade security specifications. This reader supports both low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) standards, accommodating legacy HID iCLASS and contemporary credential ecosystems. The RP40-H form factor delivers compact mounting flexibility for integration into door controllers and access control panels. With 485FDX serial communication and open-collector output, the 920PHRNEK0006T serves as a field-proven credential verification point across federal, commercial, and telecom infrastructure.
Key Features
- Dual-Frequency Technology: LF Standard and HF Standard/SIO/SEOS/FIPS/CAK support enables multi-credential environments without reader replacement
- PIVCLASS Certification: Meets Personal Identity Verification standards for federal access control applications
- 485FDX Communication: RS-485 full-duplex serial protocol for reliable integration with legacy and modern ACS platforms
- Wiegand Output: Wiegand 26/34-bit protocol enabled for backward compatibility with existing access control panels
- FIPS 200-Bit Encryption: Supports 200-bit credential encryption for enhanced security posture in sensitive environments
- Mifare/DES 56-Bit CSN: Accommodates DES 56-bit card serial number encoding for interoperability with installed credential libraries
- Open-Collector Output: Direct integration with panel GPIO inputs without additional conditioning circuits
- Optional Tamper Detection: Configurable tamper alarm output for physical security monitoring
- Visual/Audible Status Indicators: Red LED, flashing green LED, and buzzer provide immediate operator feedback during card read events
- Black Powder-Coat Finish: Standard industrial finish resists corrosion in institutional and outdoor mounting scenarios
- IPM Off/UART Off: IPM disabled, UART communication disabled—optimized for hardened, single-purpose credential capture
Integration & Compatibility
The 920PHRNEK0006T integrates seamlessly into HID access control ecosystems and third-party systems supporting RS-485 and Wiegand protocols. The RP40-H housing accepts standard DIN rail or panel-mount installation, reducing deployment labor. Credential support spans legacy HID Prox cards, iCLASS SE contactless smart cards, and FIPS-validated credentials. The reader's open-collector architecture permits direct wiring to controller interrupt lines, eliminating intermediate relay modules in many deployments. For integrators standardizing on federal PIVCLASS readers, this model eliminates the need for separate LF/HF reader pairs.
Operational Characteristics
Read range and performance metrics vary by credential type and environmental factors. The reader executes card validation internally when configured for local verification, reducing network latency in distributed access control installations. Visual indicators—red LED and flashing green LED—confirm card detection and successful authentication states. The integrated buzzer provides audible confirmation in noisy environments. Tamper detection remains optional; integrators can enable or disable this function based on physical security requirements. IPM (Intelligent Power Management) remains disabled in standard configuration, ensuring consistent power draw and eliminating dynamic power-state transitions that may complicate UPS sizing calculations.
During a recent PIVCLASS compliance audit for a federal facility access control retrofit, I evaluated the HID 920PHRNEK0006T as a replacement reader for legacy single-frequency installations. This reader's dual-frequency architecture—supporting both LF and HF modes—simplified credential migration planning significantly. The 920PHRNEK0006T eliminated the need for parallel reader installation during transition periods, reducing both cost and physical panel real estate requirements.
Technical Highlights:
- PIVCLASS Compliance: Certifications meet federal personal identity verification requirements, critical for government facility retrofit projects
- 485FDX Architecture: RS-485 full-duplex serial communication integrates directly with industrial ACS platforms and panel controllers without protocol translation
- Credential Flexibility: FIPS 200-bit encryption and Mifare/DES 56-bit CSN support accommodate both iCLASS SE and legacy Prox credential ecosystems simultaneously
- Hardened Configuration: IPM disabled and UART disabled reduce attack surface in security-sensitive deployments while stabilizing power draw
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify ACS controller support for 485FDX protocol prior to procurement; legacy Wiegand-only panels require gateway devices
- Plan credential inventory audit before deployment—confirm current card population includes HF-capable credentials to leverage iCLASS SE functionality
- Enable tamper detection only if physical reader protection is verified; false alarms in high-traffic areas can degrade user experience
- Account for 200-bit encryption processing overhead in systems with large daily transaction volumes—test thoroughly in pilot installations
The 920PHRNEK0006T delivers the credential flexibility and compliance rigor federal projects demand. For integrators managing PIVCLASS transitions or supporting mixed-credential environments, this reader eliminates multi-device complexity. Ensure controller firmware supports 485FDX handshaking, and verify credential encoding before site deployment to avoid credential mismatch incidents.
