What is the AWID 26-bit Format?

The AWID 26-bit format is a proprietary proximity card format offered by AWID. AWID, which stands for the Applied Wireless Identification Group, is a leading of identification proximity cards. The AWID format is available in 26-bit, 33-bit, 36-bit, and 50-bit credential options. AWID credential proximity cards are compatible with several different card readers. 

Advantages of the AWID Format

AWID has become a world wide provider because it’s credential offerings cover a range of binary formats and frequencies combined with superior security and great compatibility. 

The AWID properietary credentials are available in the following formats: 

• AWID 26-bit
• AWID 33-bit
• AWID 36-bit
• AWID 50-bit

The AWID 26bit format is most popular because it’s compatible with any Weigand 26-bit accessible readers (essentially all readers). And when it comes to the other options, the 33-bit, 36-bit, and 50-bit formats, these offer a high degree of flexibility for organizations that prefer or require a higher number of issuable serial numbers. 

For example, the 50-bit format supports credentials with 50-bit. This comes out to 281,470,681,677,825 unique credentials (65,535 site codes and 4,294,967,295 card numbers per site code). For companies that need top level security, larger bit formats are preferred. While the 26-bit format is extremely popular, there is a definite chance of duplicate cards out in the public.

What card readers are compatible with the AWID format?

The following card readers are compatible with the AWID proximity cards:

SR-2400-GR-MP

The SR-2400 is the best choice for organizations that need fantastic value. This card reader, while a cheaper option, performs well and is highly durable.

• Wiegand Interface Compact Reader manufactured by AWID
• 4" to 5.5" (10 to 13 cm) read range
• 5" x 1.8" x 0.7" (11.4 x 4.5 x 1.8 cm) in size
• Power requirement: 5 to 12 VDC
• Mullion mount

MM-6800-GR-MP

• Wiegand and RS232 (simultaneous) Reader manufactured by AWID
• 6" to 8" (15 to 20cm) read range
• 6" x 1.75" x 1" (15.24 x 4.45 x 2.54cm) in size
• Power requirement: 5 to 12 VDC
• Mullion Width - Indoor/Outdoor
• Metal Compensated

SP-6820-GR-MP

The SP-6820 is designed for applications where appearance matters. This card reader has a sleek design, but is durable enough to weather the outside elements.

• Wiegand and RS232 (simultaneous) Reader manufactured by AWID
• Switch Plate & Metal Compensated
• 6" to 8" (15 to 20cm) read range
• 6" x 3.1" x 0.65" (11.7 x 7.9 x 1.7cm) in size
• Power requirement: 5 to 12 VDC
• Single Gang Box Mount; Customizable Tri-state LED

Sentinel-Prox KP-6840

The Sentinel-Prox KP-6840 is a combination key pad and switchplate type proximity card reader. It’s the best option for organizations that want to require dual verification to maximize their security posture. This reader can work for interior or exterior installations.

• Wiegand Proximity Reader with 12-key numeric Keypad manufactured by AWID
• 6" to 8" (15 to 20cm) read range
• 6" x 3.1" x 0.88" (11.7 x 7.9 x 2.2cm) in size
• Power requirement: 5 to 12 VDC
• Supporting 4-bit burst, 8-bit burst or 26-bit keypad output
• Programmable Red or Green LED in standby

AWID MR-1824-G-MP

• Wiegand and RS232 (simultaneous) Reader manufactured by AWID
• 18" to 24" (46 to 60cm) read range
• 8” x 8” x 1” (20 x 20 x 2.5cm) in size
• Power requirement: 5 to 12 VDC
• Also available in MR-1824-HiLo configuration

The MR-1824 is available in four different options to suit a variety of needs:

• MR-1824 out standard 24" Read Range Reader @ 12VDC
• MR-1824-MC (Metal Compensated)
• MR-1824-HiLo (2 reader setup, where 2 different heights are needed with no interference)
• MR-1824-HiLoMC

What credentials (cards, fobs, adhesive tags) work with the AWID Format?

The AWID format is available in all of the popular identification types, including clamshell, printable, magnetic stripe, key fobs, and adhesive tags. The types and their respective AWID names are outlined below:

• AW-PROXLINC-CS – also known as CS-AWID, this is clamshell card with lanyard punch out           

• AW-PROXLINC-GR – also known as GR-AWID, it’s graphic quality card where both sides are printable.           

• AW-PROXLINC-GRMAG – graphic quality card with a ½ inch embedded and coated magnetic stripe.

• GR-AWID RBH50 50bit – The RBH50 card is a printable proximity card that is programmed in the 50-bit RBH format. Compatible with GR-AWID. 

• AW-PROXLINC-KT – also known as KT-AWID, a small gray triangular shaped key tag
• PW-AWID – this is an adhesive wafer disk tag with a 1-inch diameter. This tag can be placed on key fobs or other surfaces to help employees keep track of their credentials.