Autonomous Control Units (ACUs)

The Autonomous Control Unit (ACU) is responsible for the access control, alarm monitoring, and device control functions of our integrated security systems. The ACU's sophisticated design uses a combination of fully distributed intelligence and built-in modularity to give it the flexibility it needs to support any size site.

The ACU supports three types of intelligent modules. These modules require only power and communications from the ACU, and can therefore be located remotely. Remote modules provide additional input, output and reader capacity and can be easily installed when required.

Reliability is an inherent feature of the ACU. Dual redundant communication circuits protect against loss of communications with the host computer system. If communications are lost, the ACU operates independently, storing all transactions locally until communications are re-established. Battery backup ensures continuous operations if AC power is lost.

Standard card and biometric readers, and PIN keypads are supported by the ACU. These technologies can be used together at the same site, to provide increased levels of security.

ACU - Models
The ACU is available in two models: the ACU3, which is used for standard door or portal control; and the ACU4, which is used for elevator access control. The ACU3 and ACU4 share a common hardware platform, operate in a similar manner, and have many of the same features, listed below:

Alarm Monitoring and Device Control

• 156 general purpose alarm inputs per ACU (12 on main board)
• 56 general purpose relay outputs per ACU (12 on main board)
• 8 input and relay modules (RIMs and RRMs)
• 4 linked relays per alarm input
• time based control of input and output functions

Access Control

• Local processing for up to 65,000 cardholders
• 8 card readers and 8 reader modules (RREs)
• Standard card and cardreader technologies supported
• Card, keypad, or card and keypad access functions supported
• Multiple facility codes for access cards are supported
• Real time processing of access requests
• Standard and timed anti-passback
• Storage for up to 4,000 access transactions in case of communications failure
• 64 time schedules and 32 holidays

Elevator Control (requires an ACU4)

• 4 access controlled elevators per ACU4
• Up to 64 controlled per ACU4
• Floor tracking (optional)
• 4 standard controlled doors per ACU4
• Interface for visitor entry system
• Communications
• Dual communication ports for redundant communications channels to host
• Direct connect communications to host via on board RS-232 or RS-485, or direct connect modem or fiber optic adapter
• Dial-up communications via modem and PSTN
• LEDs to indicate communications status from host

General

• Battery backup capability
• Enclosure equipped with lock, tamper switch and power fail alarm inputs
• Available with 1 Mbyte or 4 Mbytes of RAM
• Safety standards: CSA 22.2 950, UL I950 and EN60950
• EMI/RFI standards: FCC level B, and VDE level B
• On-board real time clock

Remote Modules

Three types of intelligent remote modules are supported by the ACUs. They include an RRE (Remote Reader Electronics), an RRM (Remote Relay Module) and a RIM (Remote Input Module).

• two-state tamper
• LEDs to indicate power and communications status
• RS-485 communications interface to the ACU

Remote Reader Electronics (RRE)

The RRE serves as the interface between an ACU3 and an access control door, or between an ACU4 and an elevator car. The RRE controls the door hardware based on the information it receives from the card reader and/or keypad.

Features of the RRE include:

• Wiegand/magstripe, and matrix keypad interfaces
• Four-state door position switch
• Door held open timer
• Four-state exit switch input
• 2 general purpose four-state inputs
• Door control relay output
• Shunt relay output
• Power output for card reader and alarm sensors

Remote Input Module (RIM)

The RIM expands the capabilities of an ACU3 by increasing the number of general purpose alarm inputs it can support. Locating the RIM near a cluster of alarm points allows the points to be connected further away from the ACU, thereby reducing the amount of wiring and conduit needed.

Features of the RIM include:

• 16 four-state alarm inputs
• 6 LEDs to indicate alarm state
• 2 DPDT relay outputs

Remote Relay Module (RRM)

The RRM expands the capabilities of an ACU3 by increasing the number of relay outputs it can support. These outputs typically control devices like locks, lights, sirens, and VCRs. When used with an ACU4, the RRM serves as the interface to the elevator system to control floor selection.

Features of the RRM include:

• The RRM has 16 relay outputs (8 DPDT and 8 SPDT)