Host interfaces & protocols for custom development of applications
The following table shows the supported host interfaces and protocols relevant for developers of custom applications. To find out which interface is supported by which reader, see our overview per reader type.
USB
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:
- ID-engine Z:
On Windows 7 or 8, install BALTECH VCOM driver, v6.99.03 - ID-engine SD (legacy product):
On any Windows version, install USB to virtual COM port driver, v6.07.02
RS-232
| Host protocols | How to enable on reader |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional via BRP | Via configuration) |
| Unidirectional | Via configuration |
Ethernet
| Host protocols | How to enable on reader | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| BRP - host as client | Via configuration |
|
| BRP - host as server | Via configuration |
|