Suprema
BioStation 3 Biometric Access Control — OSDP, BioStar 2 and KNX Integration
Suprema (Seongnam, South Korea, founded 2000) is the world's leading biometric access control manufacturer — BioStation 3 (face recognition + fingerprint, OSDP v2, IP67) is specified in airports, data centres, hospitals, and high-security commercial buildings globally. The CoreStation AC controller manages up to 4 Suprema readers and integrates with KNX via auxiliary relay output or BioStar 2 REST API events via Home Assistant.
Role in our panels
How we use Suprema
BioStation 3 specifications: 3D IR face recognition (match in 0.2s), fingerprint (FAR < 0.0001%), NFC (Mifare, DESFire), Bluetooth (mobile credentials), OSDP v2 (RS-485, IEC 60839-11-5), Wiegand (legacy), IP67 rated (outdoor), PoE+. CoreStation AC controller: manages 4 doors (8 readers), RS-485 OSDP/Wiegand, Ethernet to BioStar 2 server, 2 auxiliary relay outputs per door (configurable for access grant, forced door, etc.), supervised inputs (door contact monitor, REX). KNX integration via relay output: CoreStation aux relay output (NO/COM, Form C, 1A 30V DC) → KNX binary input module (MDT or ABB). CoreStation relay configured in BioStar 2: Output 1 = Access Granted, pulse 5 seconds. Output 2 = Door Forced (latch until reset). ETS6: binary input → DPT 1.001 → GA 13/door_no/0 (Access Granted), GA 13/door_no/1 (Door Forced). KNX automation: GA 13/0/0 = 1 → entrance lighting on 60 seconds (ETS6 staircase timer). GA 13/0/1 = 1 → BMS alarm flag → engineer alert via ARISTO email. Emergency unlock: KNX relay → CoreStation REX input → door unlocks on fire alarm (supplementary to hardware fail-safe). BioStar 2 REST API integration: BioStar 2 REST API (HTTP, port 443, JSON) provides real-time access events via WebSocket push. Integration with Home Assistant (custom ha-biostar2 component or direct HTTP polling): on access_granted event for door 1 → HA → KNX GA 13/0/0 = 1. Richer than relay output: event includes cardholder name, credential type (face/fingerprint/card), door name, timestamp. Use for HVAC personalisation: cardholder group VIP → KNX setpoint VIP override (22°C). Post-event HA clears GA after 5 seconds (DPT 1.001 value 0). Comparison with Paxton and HID: Suprema strongest in biometric-mandatory environments (high security, immigration, healthcare). Paxton Net2 for standard UK commercial (card/fob only, no biometric). HID Global (iCLASS, OSDP readers) for Wiegand/OSDP deployments without biometric — simpler, lower cost. For projects requiring face recognition as primary credential: Suprema BioStation 3 is the market leader in accuracy and performance. KNX integration effort is equal for all three (relay output or REST API).
Hardware integration via CoreStation auxiliary relay output to KNX binary input, or BioStar 2 REST API events via Home Assistant KNX bridge — access granted, door forced, and alarm events trigger KNX lighting, HVAC, and BMS automation.
Used in these project types
Suprema products
Key components we install
BioStation 3
3D IR face recognition (0.2s match), fingerprint (FAR < 0.0001%), NFC Mifare/DESFire, Bluetooth mobile credentials (Suprema AirFob PASS), OSDP v2 RS-485, Wiegand legacy output, IP67 outdoor rated, PoE+. Connects to CoreStation AC controller via OSDP v2 for access decision and relay output to KNX binary input.
CoreStation AC Controller
IP access controller managing 4 doors (8 readers) via RS-485 OSDP v2 or Wiegand. 2 auxiliary relay outputs per door (Form C, 1A 30V DC) configurable in BioStar 2 for access granted/forced door/lockdown. Ethernet to BioStar 2 server (REST API, WebSocket events). Primary KNX integration point — relay output wires to KNX binary input module.
BioEntry W3
Outdoor fingerprint reader with 2MP camera for event snapshot on access. IP68 rated (submersible), OSDP v2 RS-485, Wiegand, PoE. Suited for external gates, car park barriers, and industrial sites. Connects to CoreStation AC controller — same relay-to-KNX integration path as BioStation 3.
BioStar 2 Server Software
Windows or Linux server software managing Suprema controllers and readers — cardholder database, access levels, time zones, anti-passback, schedules, audit logs. REST API (port 443, JSON) with WebSocket push for real-time event integration with Home Assistant → KNX bridge. Required for BioStar 2 REST API KNX integration path.
BioLite N2
Outdoor fingerprint and card (Mifare, DESFire) reader, IP67, OSDP v2 / Wiegand, PoE. More compact form factor than BioStation 3 — suited for lower-traffic outdoor doors, car park access, and industrial entry points. Connects to CoreStation AC controller for KNX relay integration.
Suprema FAQ
Does Suprema BioStation 3 support mobile credentials alongside biometrics?
Yes — BioStation 3 supports Bluetooth mobile credentials (Suprema AirFob PASS app, iOS/Android) alongside face recognition and fingerprint. Users can use any credential type. Bluetooth credential works without phone interaction (hands-free) — phone detected within 1m → door opens.
What is OSDP v2 and why is it better than Wiegand for KNX integration?
OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) v2 is a bidirectional RS-485 protocol — encrypted, supervised (cable tamper detection), supports reader-to-controller commands. Wiegand is one-way, unencrypted, easy to clone. OSDP v2 provides higher security. For KNX integration, either works (both use controller relay output to KNX binary input) — OSDP is preferred for the reader-to-controller link, KNX integration uses the controller relay output regardless.
Suprema vs Dahua biometric readers?
Dahua offers face recognition readers at lower cost. Suprema BioStation 3 has higher FAR/FRR accuracy, IP67 rating for outdoor, OSDP v2 native support, and longer track record in high-security environments. For high-security or outdoor applications: Suprema. For indoor commercial with lower security requirements: Dahua is a cost-effective option.
Need a panel with Suprema components?
We select, procure, assemble and certify. Free initial consultation.
Request consultation →