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Host interfaces & protocols for custom development of applications

For the development of custom applications, BALTECH readers support multiple host interfaces (USB, RS-232, Ethernet) and host protocols (e.g. USB HID, virtual COM port, and PC/SC). Use this page to check which protocols are available per interface, which firmware is required, and which OS platforms are supported.

To find out which interfaces are supported by which reader hardware, see our overview per reader type.

USB

Required firmware

FW 1100 (for ID-engine Z and ACCESS200)
If you want to use a different firmware, please get in touch.

Protocols & OS

Host protocol Windows Win IoT Windows IoT,
formally Windows Embedded 		Win Embedded
Compact Windows Embedded Compact,
formally Windows CE 		macOS Linux How to enable on reader Remarks
BRP over HID Always enabled if USB interface is available
Keyboard
emulation		 Via configuration
PC/SC 7+ 7+ Get in touch Get in touch Via configuration (available for download) Based on CCID
Virtual COM port 7+
Driver needed
(details below) 		7+ 6+ Via configuration Based on CDC ACM
BRP over
virtual COM port		 7+ 7+ 6+ Via configuration Based on CDC ACM

Drivers

The required drivers are included in the operating system.
For Virtual COM port, the following exceptions apply:

RS-232/UART

Required firmware

FW 1100 (for ID-engine Z and ACCESS200)
If you want to use a different firmware, please get in touch.

Protocols

Host protocols How to enable on reader
Bidirectional via BRP Via configuration
Unidirectional Via configuration

Ethernet

Required firmware

FW 1094 (for ID-engine XE)
If you want to use a different firmware, please get in touch.

Protocols

Host protocols How to enable on reader Remarks
BRP - host as client Via configuration
  • The host opens a connection to the readers (learn more).
  • Only IPv4 addresses supported
  • IP fragmentation/reassembly not supported
BRP - host as server Via configuration
  • Readers open a connection to the host (learn more).
  • Only IPv4 addresses supported
  • IP fragmentation/reassembly not supported
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