The Wiegand Interface Unit Four-State (WIU-4) is a versatile device designed to facilitate communication between Wiegand-output readers and GE access control systems. Its primary function is to convert multiple Wiegand formats into a GE supervised F/2F format, enabling compatibility with a wide range of conventional and proprietary Wiegand reader protocols. This unit is capable of supporting up to 16 Wiegand-output readers, making it suitable for various access control applications.
Function Description:
The WIU-4 acts as a crucial interface in an access control system. It processes data from Wiegand-output readers and translates it into a format that GE microcontrollers can understand. This conversion allows for seamless integration of different reader types into a unified security system. Beyond simple data conversion, the WIU-4 also provides advanced supervision capabilities for door and request-to-exit (REX) inputs. When combined with most conventional Proximity, Mifare®, and ISO-15693 Wiegand-output readers, the WIU-4 can report immediate alarm notifications for various conditions, including short circuits, cut lines, open circuits, or closed circuits, directly to the GE access control system. This feature enhances the security and reliability of the access control infrastructure by providing real-time status updates and fault detection.
The unit includes an 8 Amp relay for door strike control, managing entrance/exit activity. This built-in relay comes with surge protecting diodes, ensuring reliable operation and protection against electrical surges. The WIU-4 also offers junction box capabilities with removable connectors, simplifying the wiring process during installation and maintenance.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Operating Temperature Range: -31°F to +150°F (-35°C to +66°C). This wide operating range allows the WIU-4 to function effectively in diverse environmental conditions.
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing). This specification indicates the unit's ability to operate in environments with varying humidity levels without condensation.
- Physical Dimensions (HxWxD): 3.1" (78.74 mm) x 2.5" (63.50 mm) x 0.644" (16.35 mm). Its compact size makes it suitable for installation in standard 2-gang electrical boxes or protective enclosures.
- Index of Protection: IP00. This indicates that the unit is not protected against the ingress of solids or liquids and requires an appropriate enclosure for protection.
- Input Voltage Range: 9 to 16 VDC. The WIU-4 operates within a standard low-voltage DC range.
- Power Consumption: 40 mA @ 12 VDC (no reader attached). This low power consumption contributes to energy efficiency. For UL Listed installations, an input voltage range of 9 to 16 VDC, 55 mA or higher, is required to ensure the measured 60 mA is within 110% of the current rating.
- Cable Specifications: Belden 8725 or equivalent, 20 AWG minimum. GE recommends using shielded cable for all installations to minimize interference.
- Maximum Cabling Distance:
- WIU-4 to micro: 1000 ft (304.8 m) @ 12 VDC with 20 AWG cable. This distance is influenced by wire gauge, reader power requirements, and the 12 VDC level from the microcontroller.
- WIU-4 to reader: 250 ft (76.2 m) @ 12 VDC with 20 AWG cable. This distance is influenced by wire gauge, reader power requirements, minimum input voltage at the reader when using the 12 VDC from the WIU-4 (originally from the micro), and the cabling between the WIU-4 and micro.
- Door Strike Relay: 8.0 A @ 30 VDC maximum. The life of the relay decreases as the current switched by the contacts is increased. For high traffic doors, low current door strikes are recommended to maximize relay life. For high current applications, an external relay should be used.
- Wiegand Data Formats Supported: 26-bit, 32-bit, 35-bit Corporate 1000, 37-bit, 40-bit GE formats, and custom Wiegand formats up to 64 bits. This broad compatibility ensures the WIU-4 can integrate with a wide array of Wiegand readers.
- Keypad Reader Output Formats: Supports most 8-bit keypad reader output formats.
- Host Software Compatibility: Secure Perfect® Edition 3.0 or later, and Picture Perfect™ 1.7 or later.
- Microcontroller Compatibility: Micro/5-PX with 2RP or 8RP, Micro/5-PXN with 2RP or 8RP, M5PXNplus, Micro/PX-2000, Micro/PXN-2000, M2000PXNplus, and M3000PXNplus.
Usage Features:
- LED Indicators: Four built-in green LEDs (D1, D2, D3, D20) provide visual feedback for installation and troubleshooting.
- D1 (DI Monitor LED): ON when the door switch reports the door is closed; OFF when the door is open. This LED functions regardless of whether the switch is supervised.
- D2 (F/2F Data LED): Pulses ON briefly approximately every 3 seconds, indicating "I'm alive" messages on the F/2F data output. It also pulses ON once for every badge read and once for a DI status change.
- D3 (Door DO LED): ON when the Door DO output from the microcontroller is active.
- D20 (Power LED): ON when the board has 12 VDC power connected.
- Door and REX Switch Supervision: The WIU-4 supports both supervised (four-state: cut line, short circuit, closed circuit, open circuit) and unsupervised (two-state: open, closed) configurations for door and REX inputs. A jumper at position J4 enables or disables four-state supervision.
- Reader Tamper and External Tamper Inputs: The unit supports inputs for reader tamper and external tamper switches, enhancing security by detecting unauthorized attempts to interfere with the reader or the system. If the tamper feature is not used, a jumper must be installed across pins 8 and 9 of connector J6.
- Self-Resetting Fuse Protection: All power and signal outputs are protected by self-resetting fuses, which automatically restore functionality after a fault condition is cleared, reducing the need for manual fuse replacement.
- Built-in Surge Protection: The data lines incorporate built-in surge protection circuitry, safeguarding the unit and connected devices from voltage spikes.
- Control Outputs: Provides Red LED, Green LED, and beeper control outputs for visual and audible feedback at the reader.
Maintenance Features:
- Troubleshooting: The LED indicators are a primary tool for troubleshooting, providing quick visual cues about the operational status of different interfaces. In case of doubt about a component's operation, substituting it with a known good component is recommended.
- Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive wiring diagrams are provided in the manual to assist with correct installation and troubleshooting. It is crucial to verify all wiring against these diagrams before applying power to the system.
- Removable Connectors: The junction box capabilities with removable connectors simplify wiring and allow for easier replacement or maintenance of individual components without disturbing the entire wiring setup.
- UL Listed Installations: For UL compliant installations, the WIU-4 must be mounted within the protected area of a protective enclosure, ensuring adherence to safety standards and potentially simplifying maintenance procedures by providing a controlled environment for the device.
The WIU-4 is a robust and flexible solution for integrating Wiegand readers into GE access control systems, offering advanced features for supervision, protection, and ease of installation and maintenance.