Assa Abloy – Pulse

TEST

PRODUCT TEST

Assa Abloy – Pulse Lock Cylinder

What’s in the box? Lock cylinder 2 x ‘Pulse’ Keys

An impressive secure and flexible access control lock cylinder that is battery free and receives updates and transfers data from keys programmed from a desktop reader

This IP55 rated lock cylinder is available in either a Scandinavian Oval or European DIN 18252 format design. It is based on a kinetic energy recovery system to allow battery free power and key communication.

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology is used for key updates and allowing use as a credential on compatible wired or wireless access control system doors.

The Assa Abloy Incedo software is used to administer access rights.

Construction

The cylinder is encased in an oval nonferrous housing that can be supplied in Bright Chrome, Satin Chrome, Stainless Look, or Nickel finish. Two M5 screw holes are used to secure the cylinder into the door unit.

The central electronic assembly of the cylinder has a diameter of 13.8 mm and slides into the 14 mm aperture which has a slotted top section for alignment. An internal circlip hold the assembly firmly in place. Any attempts at forcing would likely shear the internal structure without releasing the mechanism.

The Pulse key relies on its programmed data for access rights and therefore the physical key has no individual or lock specific pattern that can be copied.

NOTE: This PSI Product Test was carried out by an independent third party, not editorial staff. The manufacturer had no input in the review or the final result

Operation

Inserting the Pulse key forces a central actuator that drives a geared micro-generator to provide sufficient charge for the internal electronics. The Pulse key has a pair of contacts that engage with sprung contacts within the cylinder as the key is fully inserted. These contact pairs are commoned and ground referenced to the key shaft, this ensures the key can be inserted either way round and provides a level of connection redundancy.

Once contact is made the cylinder and key communicate using a bi-directional serial data stream. Two small LEDs are mounted with one on each edge of the key and these both give three rapid flashes to confirm valid data transfer.

A small electromagnetic field burst can be detected on key insertion but no data is emitted.

The cylinder begins its communication with the Pulse key with a 3v negative going serial data stream that appears to be at a rate of 400kb/s.

The cylinder memory supports up to 70 authorised groups, a 100 key blacklist and a 500 event audit trail. Testing to beyond 200,000 opening cycles has been undertaken exceeding the requirements of SFF3522.

The Pulse key can also be used as a credential on compatible wired or wireless access control doors.

Programming

The Pulse process relies on its smart keys being programmed via an NFC contactless interface using Assa Abloy Incedo software. This software is available in three formats from Incedo Business Lite, Incedo Business Plus, and Incedo Business Cloud. The Free Lite version supports up to 32 wireless or 8 wired doors and 1,000 people with the ability to quickly add or remove people and provide system reporting. This is then scalable and upgradeable up to the Business Cloud software that allows full system management from any location without the need for dedicated on-site servers.

Performance

Very smooth key entry and positive kinetic energy transfer. If the key’s code is valid, the cylinder rotates clockwise and once the door is released an anti-clockwise part rotation allows the key to be released.

Conclusion

An impressive secure and flexible access control lock cylinder that is battery free and receives updates and transfers data from keys

8.5 out of 10