John R. Wiegand discovered that specially
processed, ferromagnetic wire would generate a sharp uniform voltage
pulse when passed through alternating magnetic fields created by small
permanent magnets. This technology was adapted to access control
identification cards as an alternative to magnetic stripe cards.
Up to 40 short lengths of wire are arranged in two rows on an adhesive
backing, which is laminated into a plastic card. The reader
consists of a sealed unit containing permanent magnets and a pickup
head. The wires generate pulses when the card is passed through
the reader, with one row representing binary 0's, and the other
representing binary 1's. The reader sends the binary data to the
access control panel, where it is converted to a facility code and card
ID number, which is checked against the access control database.
Wiegand technology
became the card technology of choice for access control in the late 70's
and early 80s.
Wiegand cards do not
wear out, are virtually impossible to counterfeit, can’t be altered or
copied, and are immune to external magnetic fields or RF interference.
An embedded Wiegand code strip, containing small pieces of specially
processed wire, is laminated under pressure to create a solid vinyl
card. Any attempt to reach the code strip destroys the card.
As the cost of
proximity cards and readers dropped, Wiegand swipe technology eventually
declined in popularity. The Wiegand interface is still used for
most access control panels, and their is still a huge installed base of
existing cards and readers.
Secura Key Wiegand Cards (WCCI) provide a better quality, lower priced
alternative to HID® Wiegand cards. They are fully compatible with HID® and
Sensor Engineering Wiegand-effect swipe readers, and are available in
the popular SIA 26-bit Wiegand format, as well as other Wiegand formats
up to 40 bits. Options include high-coercivity magnetic stripe and
custom artwork. Laser engraved card numbering
is included.
Secura Key Multi-Technology Wiegand
Cards (WECI) incorporate both Wiegand and Secura Key’s e*Tag® Contactless Smart Card technology in a single package. This allows
Wiegand card customers an upgrade path to Secura Key’s 13.56 MHz
Contactless Smart Card product line, which supports multiple
applications and future growth. The e*Tag® chip is available with either
2k bits or 10k bits of memory, and card data is DES encrypted using 64
bit diversified keys.
HID® is a registered trademark of HID
Global Corp.
For
Wiegand formats other than 26 bit call factory
For
multi-technology cards, e*Tag® encoding matches Wiegand encoding
Most printers accept Standard (0.037”) cards – verify with printer
manufacturer before ordering
Plain white card includes art file number and slot punch targets
Slot punching is optionally available - do not slot punch cards
before dye sublimation or thermal printing.
Zero-gap
Wiegand numbering is not available; quantity shipped as ordered.
