User's Manual

Appendix
Standard 26 Bit Format Structur e
There are several bits constructed together that comprise data sent from the proximity card to the
device. There are numerous bit formats and lengths for proximity cards. The most popular is a 26 bit
card format. The typical layout for this format is 24 bits of usable information as the first and last are
parity bits to ensure data int egrity .
The 26 bit format consists of 255 possible facility codes. Within each facility code there is a total of
65,535 unique card numbers.
The standard 26 bit Wiegand format is H10 30 1. It is binary encoded data. The format consists of 2
parity bits, 8 bit facility code (F) and 16 bit card number fields (B). This format displays belo w .
PFFFFFFFFBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBP
EX XXXXXXXXXX X.............
.............X XXXXXXXXXXXO
Bit C oding
P = P arit y
O = Odd P arit y
E = Even P arit y
X = Parity mask
F = F acilit y code, range = 0 to 255
B = Card Number, range = 0 to 65,535
In general, the 26 bit format is the industry standard format. Primary benefits of this include:
• Open format
• Convenient to order
• Universal access control panel ac c eptanc e
The sale of this format is not limited to any one company yet the range of card numbers available in
this format is limited. There is a potential for card numbers to be duplicated.
Please go to www.RFIDeas.com and follow the Suppor t a Learning Center a Proximity Card
Formats link for more details. The card manufacturer may also have additional details about the card
format.