OSDP ETH: OSDP to Ethernet Converter

OSDPETH connects an OSDP card reader on an RS485 bus to a host system over Ethernet. It is suitable for integrating a reader into a custom access control, attendance tracking or identification system that processes card data or keypad entries.

The module forwards card and keypad data to the host application using Spinel, HTTP or MQTT. It features a galvanically isolated RS485 interface, OSDP Secure Channel support and a web configuration interface available in English.

The converter acts as a controller for a single reader on the RS485 bus. It polls the reader regularly, receives its data and makes it available to the host application. This means the application does not need to handle OSDP communication directly. Spinel over TCP supports both reading the most recent event and automatically reporting individual events without repeated polling. Alternatively, OSDPETH can send data in JSON format to an HTTP server or publish it via MQTT. The most recent event can also be retrieved using a separate HTTP request.

The web interface allows configuration of the network, reader and data transmission settings, and displays the most recent reader event. A removable screw terminal block simplifies power and RS485 connections. Compact dimensions, a wide supply voltage range and a galvanically isolated RS485 port make the module easy to integrate into a variety of installations.

OSDP Secure Channel can be enabled to secure communication between the converter and a compatible reader. However, it does not secure communication over Ethernet. The web configuration interface uses unencrypted HTTP. Built-in authentication provides only basic protection against unintended access on a local network and is not designed to protect against attacks from public networks. For remote access, use a VPN or an equivalent secure solution.

Control of the reader’s LEDs, buzzer and outputs can be added on request.

Features

• Connects a single RS485 OSDP reader to an Ethernet network.
• Receives card data and keypad entries from the reader.
• Supports raw card data (RAW), formatted card data (FRM) and keypad data (KEY).
• Communicates with the host application using Spinel over TCP.
• Supports TCP server and TCP client modes.
• Automatically sends Spinel messages when a new reader event is received.
• Sends events in JSON format via HTTP POST or MQTT.
• Provides the most recent event in JSON format via HTTP.
• Supports OSDP Secure Channel for secure communication with the reader.
• Optional AES-128 encryption of outgoing HTTP message bodies.
• Web configuration interface in English.
• Supports DHCP and static IP addresses.
• Galvanically isolated RS485 port.
• Jumper-selectable termination and bus biasing resistors.

Technical Specifications

• Number of connected readers: 1
• Reader interface: RS485, OSDP protocol
• OSDP reader address: 0 to 126
• RS485 communication settings: 38,400 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
• Ethernet connection: 10/100BASE-T, RJ45 connector
• Interface compatibility: Ethernet 2.0 / IEEE 802.3
• Network communication: Spinel over TCP, HTTP GET/POST, MQTT
• TCP modes: Server/client
• Current consumption at 12 V: Typically 80 mA
• Current consumption at 5 V: Typically 190 mA
• Power and RS485 connections: Removable screw terminal block
• RS485 galvanic isolation: Yes
• Power supply galvanic isolation: No
• RS485 termination: 120 Ω, jumper-selectable
• Bus biasing: 22 kΩ permanently connected; 680 Ω selectable using BIAS jumpers
• Dimensions without terminal block: 54 × 24 × 33 mm
• Dimensions with terminal block: 63 × 24 × 33 mm
• Weight: 60 g
• IP rating: IP30
• Operating temperature: −25 to +75 °C
• Operating humidity: 0 to 90% RH, non-condensing