IR WIKI

Common Concepts

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Common Concepts

Overview

This section provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental hardware, networking, and logical concepts that form the backbone of Inner Range access control and intruder detection systems, shared across both the Integriti and Inception platforms.

Technical Details

1. RS485 LAN Architecture

The backbone of all Inner Range hardware is the RS485 LAN System. This is a 3 or 4-wire high-speed network that connects expansion modules to the controller.

  • Polling & Supervision: The controller continuously “polls” every module on the LAN. If a module fails to respond within a set timeout, a “Module Offline” alarm is triggered.
  • Daisy-Chain vs. Star: Connections can be daisy-chained or star-wired. Total LAN cabling without isolators must not exceed 2000m (64 modules).
  • Isolation: For large or complex sites, LAN Isolators provide opto-isolation to eliminate earth loops, improve surge protection, and extend cabling distances (signal restoral).

2. UniBus Expansion Logic

UniBus is a local, high-speed interface for connecting expansion boards directly to a host module within the same cabinet.

  • Discovery: Inner Range modules use “unsecured” discovery for UniBus. The host module automatically detects new boards and reports them to the controller for enrolment.
  • In-Cabinet Restriction: UniBus cables MUST NOT leave the metallic enclosure to prevent signal interference and ensure data integrity.

3. End-of-Line (EOL) Supervised Inputs

Inputs (Zones) are monitored using resistor networks to distinguish between states.

  • Dual EOL (Standard): The current default scheme. It uses two resistors (e.g., 2k2/2k2) to monitor:
    • Sealed: Normal state.
    • Unsealed: Active/Alarm state.
    • Tamper: Short or Open circuit (cut or shorted wire).
  • Supported Schemes:
    • Default: 2k2 + 2k2 (or 2k2 + 6k8).
    • Migration Variants: 1k+1k, 4k7+4k7, 4k7+2k2, 6k8+3k3, 10k+10k.

4. Power and Voltage Stabilization

Proper power distribution is critical for system reliability, especially during battery backup mode.

  • Voltage Drop Calculation: Wire rating must be chosen to ensure terminal voltage does not drop below the minimum (typically 11V DC).
    • Formula:
  • Earthing & Earth Loops: To avoid interference, “0V” terminals and module chassis must NOT be connected to local earth points. The system ground (0V) should only be connected to Mains Earth at the Controller’s power cord.
  • Battery Management: 12V SLA or AGM batteries should be used. The recommended charge rate is 0.25C (25% of AH capacity).

5. Areas and Intruder Detection

An “Area” is a logical grouping of detectors and access points.

  • Arming Modes:
    • Away: Full security; all zones active.
    • Stay/Night: Partial arming; usually perimeter zones only.
  • Entry/Exit Paths: Designated paths that allow users to reach a Terminal to disarm the system without triggering sirens, provided they follow the “What and When” logic.

6. Access Levels and Schedules

  • Access Levels: Define which Doors a user can unlock and which Areas they can control.
  • Time Periods & Calendars: Define the “When”. Time Periods are weekly recurring blocks, while Calendars provide one-off or calculated date exceptions (e.g., Public Holidays).

7. Door Control and Monitoring

  • Hardware Interface: Standard setup includes Lock Relay, Door Reed (monitoring), and Request-to-Exit (REX).
  • Forced & DOTL: “Forced Door” triggers if the reed opens without a valid credential. “Door Open Too Long” (DOTL) triggers if the door remains open beyond the configured timer.
  • Fire Release: Complies with NBC via the Switched DC Power Hub, which drops power to fail-safe locks upon fire alarm activation.

Configuration / Programming

Site Design Principles

  1. Equipment Location: Install control equipment indoors within the alarmed area, ideally not visible from the outside.
  2. Cable Selection:
    • RS485 LAN: Must use Twisted Pair (e.g., Alpha 2466C, Belden 8723).
    • Power: Use separate heavy-duty Figure-8 cable (24/0.20 or better) for long power runs to prevent voltage drop.
  3. Terminal Redundancy: It is recommended to include at least one EliteX OLED Keypad per site for on-site diagnostics and redundancy if the web interface or software is inaccessible.

Troubleshooting

Common Power Supply Issues

  • UniBus Board not working: Verify if the host Module is powered via the 10-way bus cable or if an External PSU Bypass Link is required.
  • Siren outputs inactive: Many siren drivers are automatically disabled if a battery is not detected by the power supply.

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