The specifications in this standard define a commonly used interface between card readers and control panels used in the Access Control, Security, Time and Attendance, and other related industries. The standardization of the interface makes the design of readers and control panels uniform for manufacturers and makes system design and integration systematic for architects, designers, specifiers and users.

This standard provides specifications for the electrical elements that define the transfer of data from the reader to the control panel, power requirements/limitations, and control of devices contained on the reader. These elements are used to design functional electrical circuits that connect the reader and the control panel.

This standard is for adoption by manufacturers to establish a common interface which provides compatibility and interoperability of readers and control panels and by consultants, specifiers and users setting criteria to achieve uniformity in the technical design criteria, requirements or guidelines of systems.