Access control systems are used to monitor and manage access to premises. They provide quick access to authorised personnel and deny access to those otherwise. This is its conventional purpose. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, access control systems features have advanced to enhance the health and safety of a premise. This is done by:
- Ensuring a strict number of occupants in a premise at a certain time, such as an office, retail space, etc.
- Granting contactless entry/exit and eliminating the physical touch points
- Trigger ‘no mask’ alarms using camera-based systems
- Restrict access to infected people or those who have not completed their quarantine period
What Powers These Systems?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that enables the delivery of safe and intelligent power along with data over standard Ethernet infrastructure to install IP-based systems quick and easily. Many access control systems have the option to be powered by PoE.
A few advantages of using PoE to power access control systems are:
- PoE technology is an international power standard that delivers safe, low-voltage DC power and eliminates dependency on the AC infrastructure, as well as specific regional plugs
- Cost savings from eliminating the need for separate data and power infrastructures, searching for AC outlets or certified technicians
- Able to connect quickly and seamlessly in any location
- No need to physically plug/unplug the power; the control is centralised, and the power can be reset remotely
- Power delivered over the standard Ethernet network is technically safe however it will not power up until a valid PD is detected, thus, protecting non-PoE devices
Microchip multi-Power over Ethernet (mPoE) is the key to efficient, cost-effective and reliable power in network access control systems:
- Quick, seamless installation: plug-and-play solutions for zero time to market in the most demanding environments
- High power: deliver up to 90W of power, enabling most comprehensive access to control devices to be powered by PoE
- Diver applications: supports a wide variety of applications using single-ports to 24-ports, indoor, outdoor and industrial rated solutions
- Backward compatibility: leveraging a uniquely designed algorithm, the solutions are compatible with pre-standard devices while supporting all IEEE® PoE standards
- Regulatory compliance: Microchip mPoE midspans and switches go through the necessary worldwide certification and safety approvals
- Vendor agnostic: supports a variety of access control terminals already in the market
Microchip mPoE offers a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio of PoE solutions comprised of PoE ICs and PoE systems (midspans/injectors and switches).