The ZKTeco C3-100 IP-based access controller provides open physical and logical interfacing for enterprise physical security systems. Designed to manage a single door in either uni-directional or bi-directional configurations, the panel integrates standard credential readers, door locking hardware, physical request-to-exit switches, and auxiliary alarm infrastructure across standardized field-level wiring protocols.
RFID Reader and Keypad Protocol Compatibility
The panel incorporates two onboard reader interface ports operating over the SIA Wiegand standard communication protocol. By default, the firmware decodes industry-standard 26-bit Wiegand data streams, with custom Wiegand formats configurable upon request for specialized credential architectures. The C3-100 is electrically and functionally compatible with:
- 125 kHz EM Proximity Readers: Standard 125 kHz frequency proximity card and key fob readers.
- 13.56 MHz High-Frequency Readers: Mifare smart card readers, HID iClass credentials, and XceedID multi-technology reader hardware.
- HID Prox & Legacy Readers: 125 kHz HID Prox access readers communicating via standard Wiegand signalling.
- Wiegand PIN Keypads: Digital numeric entry devices transmitting 4-bit, 8-bit, or burst keypad data formatted over Wiegand lines.
For installations utilizing external power supplies for readers, the 0V/GND reference must be tied directly to the common ground terminal of the C3-100 controller board to ensure reliable signal timing and prevent read failure.
Electromechanical Lock Hardware Integration
The controller provides one onboard primary Form-C SPDT relay output designated for door locking hardware. The relay contacts are rated to switch electrical loads up to 5A @ 36V DC or 8A @ 30V AC. The lock circuit can be wired in dry contact (voltage-free) or wet contact (powered) topologies, interfacing directly with:
- Fail-Safe Magnetic Locks: Electromagnetic (EM) locks requiring continuous holding power dropped upon access release.
- Fail-Secure & Fail-Safe Electric Strikes: Standard door jamb mortise strikes operating on DC or AC voltages within relay contact limits.
- Motorized & Solenoid Drop Bolts: Reversible or heavy-duty electro-mechanical locking bolts.
When switching inductive DC lock loads, a parallel reverse-biased diode (such as the FR107 diode) must be installed across the lock coil terminals to suppress back-EMF voltage transients and protect the relay contacts from pitting or contact welding.
Sensors, Auxiliary Inputs, and Annunciator Linkages
Physical peripheral interfacing is managed via two dedicated input loops and one auxiliary Form-C relay:
- Door Status Sensor Input: Compatible with dry contact door position switches (magnetic reed switches) for monitoring door ajar and forced-door events.
- Exit Device Input: Compatible with standard push-to-exit buttons, request-to-exit (REX) touch bars, and motion-based exit sensors.
- Auxiliary Output Relay: SPDT Form-C auxiliary relay rated at 2A @ 30V AC, capable of driving external warning sirens, strobe lights, alarm annunciators, corridor lighting, intrusion detection panels, or secondary gate operators triggered by internal logic.
Network Infrastructure and Management Platforms
Host communications integrate over standard local and wide-area networks using IEEE 802.3 10 BASE-T Ethernet protocols over TCP/IP, or alternatively via two-wire serial RS-485 bus topology. RS-485 daisy-chain configurations require 120-ohm termination jumpers engaged at end-of-line devices. Network settings can be modified via network auto-discovery tools. At the management level, the C3-100 operates natively with ZKAccess 3.5 software and server-based enterprise access control platforms, supporting advanced onboard firmware behaviors including Anti-Passback, First-Card Opening, Multi-Card Verification, and Duress Password Entry.
Power Infrastructure Interfacing
The controller board requires a 12V DC, 1.5A power supply (operating range: 9.6V DC to 14.4V DC) with a baseline standby consumption of approximately 40mA. Integrated over-current, over-voltage, and polarity-reversal protection safeguards the board across all terminal points. When deployed inside an enclosure power supply bundle, reserved physical space and charging leads accommodate a 12V rechargeable backup lead-acid battery (they are not included) to ensure uninterrupted offline operation during mains utility failures.
