HID 48 Bit Card Format and Brivo Card Format: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the intricacies of different card formats is crucial for anyone involved in access control systems. Two such formats that are widely used are the HID 48 Bit Card Format and the Brivo Card Format. In this detailed guide, we will delve into the specifics of these formats, their applications, and how they differ from one another.

What is the HID 48 Bit Card Format?

The HID 48 Bit Card Format, also known as the HID Prox Card Format, is a widely used format for access control cards. It is a 48-bit unique identifier that is used to identify each card. This format is used by many access control systems, including those from HID Global, a leading provider of secure identity solutions.

The 48-bit format consists of three parts: the card manufacturer’s ID, the card serial number, and the card checksum. The card manufacturer’s ID is a 6-bit number that identifies the manufacturer of the card. The card serial number is a 42-bit number that uniquely identifies each card. The card checksum is a 6-bit number that is used to verify the integrity of the card data.

Applications of the HID 48 Bit Card Format

The HID 48 Bit Card Format is used in a variety of applications, including:

• Access control systems: The format is used to identify and authenticate users in access control systems.
• Time and attendance systems: The format can be used to track employee attendance and time.
• Asset tracking: The format can be used to track the movement of assets within a facility.

What is the Brivo Card Format?

The Brivo Card Format is a unique card format used by Brivo, a provider of cloud-based access control and video surveillance solutions. The format is designed to be used with Brivo’s access control systems and is based on the HID 48 Bit Card Format.

However, the Brivo Card Format includes additional information that is specific to Brivo’s systems. This includes a 2-bit field that indicates the card type and a 2-bit field that indicates the card status.

Applications of the Brivo Card Format

The Brivo Card Format is used in the following applications:

• Access control systems: The format is used to identify and authenticate users in Brivo’s access control systems.
• Video surveillance: The format can be used to link card access events to specific video footage.
• Event management: The format can be used to track and manage events within a facility.

Comparison of HID 48 Bit Card Format and Brivo Card Format

While both the HID 48 Bit Card Format and the Brivo Card Format are based on the same 48-bit unique identifier, there are some key differences between the two formats.

Feature	HID 48 Bit Card Format	Brivo Card Format
Card Manufacturer’s ID	6-bit number	6-bit number
Card Serial Number	42-bit number	42-bit number
Card Checksum	6-bit number	6-bit number
Card Type	Not included	2-bit field
Card Status	Not included	2-bit field

As you can see, the Brivo Card Format includes additional fields for card type and card status, which are not present in the HID 48 Bit Card Format.

Conclusion

Understanding the HID 48 Bit Card Format and the Brivo Card Format is essential for anyone working with access control systems. While both formats share a common 48-bit unique identifier, the Brivo Card Format includes additional information that is specific to Brivo’s systems. By understanding these formats, you can ensure that your access control system