FEIG: Using Contactless Vehicle Access Control to Avoid Uncertainties in Times of the COVID-19 Pande

Automated RFID systems ensure hygienic access control and minimize the risk of contact infections, while providing maximum user convenience.

Automated RFID systems ensure hygienic access control and minimize the risk of contact infections, while providing maximum user convenience.

Systems with PIN pads, magnetic stripe readers or fingerprint sensors are often used for access control. However, contactless alternatives are generally more convenient, just as safe and much more hygienic – and therefore make sense, especially in connection with the current spread of the new corona virus. For example, if an infected person transmits viruses to the surface of a PIN pad, they can adhere there and survive for several days. Other people can then pick up viruses simply by touching the buttons. If the viruses pass from the fingers to the mucous membranes, they too can become infected. Germs also collect in slots for magnetic stripe cards and are indirectly transmitted via the cards. Access controls with contactless RFID readers effectively prevent this type of smear or contact infection.

HF RFID Solutions for Short-Range Applications

RFID-based readers in the HF range represent one option. In this case, gates and barriers are triggered via special chip cards or key fobs equipped with transponders. Thanks to secure cryptographic encryption, the cards cannot be copied. Only users registered in the system are granted access. When the card or transponder is a few centimeters away from the reader, the RFID unit reacts and sends an impulse to the gate or barrier control system. The ID MAX50.10 short-range reader with integrated antenna supports this type of passive RFID transponder, for example, and can thus be used both as part of a complex access control system with many access points or for individual barriers or gates. It can also be easily coupled with NFC devices.

UHF RFID Solutions for Long-Range Applications

UHF RFID readers offer particularly convenient access control. Transponders mounted on the windshield can be read from a distance of up to 10 meters. This means that vehicles do not have to stop for authentication, but can drive directly through the automatically opening barrier. The ID MAX.U500i is an ideal RFID reader for this application. In stand-alone operation, the device can manage over 4.000 access authorizations – as a system solution, it can assign even more. In addition, it is possible to monitor up to two lanes at the same time. Whether for company access, private premises or gated communities, long-range solutions with transponders stand out above all for their ease of use and minimal susceptibility to faults.

System Solutions That Are Reliable, Secure and Hygienic

Their low maintenance requirements make automated RFID access controllers a modern and cost-efficient solution. To prevent compatibility problems, FEIG ELECTRONIC developed the myAXXESS Manager software program, which has been specially tailored to the different RFID readers available. By using secure technologies such as Mifare DESFire and UCODE DNA from NXP, the software combines maximum security with maximum control. As a result, the contactless process is beneficial for system solutions or stand-alone operation in many ways. From a hygiene point of view, RFID technology effectively protects users from germs, bacterial pathogens and the COVID-19 viral disease.