HID Aero X1100
Intelligent Access
Control Controller
© HID Global Corporation / ASSA ABLOY AB
HID Aero X1100 — What It Is and What It Does
A single intelligent controller that replaces two legacy devices, adds enterprise-grade security, and scales from 2 to 64 doors without changing the core hardware
The HID Aero X1100 is an intelligent access control controller from HID Global, built on the proven Mercury panel hardware platform — the foundation for over 4 million access control panels shipped globally across 25+ years of deployments. It is the current-generation replacement for both the HID VertX EVO V1000 and V2000 controllers, combining both devices into a single SKU with substantially enhanced security.
On-board, the X1100 handles up to 2 access points with either 2 Wiegand readers or up to 4 OSDP readers. When your project requires more doors, attaching HID Aero expansion IO modules (X100, X200, X300) increases capacity to a maximum of 64 readers and 64 access points — with 615 inputs or 388 outputs — from a single X1100 controller.
What makes the X1100 genuinely different from its predecessors is its end-to-end security architecture: TLS 1.2 host communication, AES-256 IO module encryption, OSDP secure channel support, crypto chip protection for cryptographic keys, and 7 configurable threat levels. These were enterprise-only capabilities — the HID Aero X1100 brings them to every deployment regardless of size.
The X1100 is backward compatible with existing HID VertX V100, V200, and V300 IO modules — fitting in the same footprint as VertX controllers — making upgrades from legacy VertX EVO installations straightforward and cost-effective.
- Replaces HID VertX EVO V1000 + V2000 in one device
- Supports both Aero X100/X200/X300 and legacy VertX V100/V200/V300 IO modules
- Communicates with the host via 10-BaseT/100Base-TX Ethernet
- 12–24 V DC input power, max 1.9A (550mA without readers and USB)
- CR2032 lithium battery for memory and clock backup
// Quick Reference — HID Aero X1100
Key Benefits of the HID Aero X1100 Controller
Eight reasons why access control specifiers, integrators, and end customers are choosing the HID Aero X1100 for new deployments and VertX EVO upgrades
End-to-End Encrypted Security
The X1100 secures every link in the access control chain — from the card reader to the controller to the host software — with no weak points in the security architecture.
- TLS 1.2 host communication in a FIPS 140-2 approved environment
- AES-256 encryption on all IO module communication buses
- OSDP secure channel for encrypted, bidirectional reader communication
- Crypto chips protect stored keys and passwords from physical attacks
Scalable from 2 to 64 Doors
Start with just 2 on-board access points and grow the system as your premises expand — without replacing the core controller.
- 2 on-board access points for immediate deployment
- Attach Aero X100 IO modules to expand door-by-door
- Maximum: 64 readers, 64 access points, 615 inputs, 388 outputs
- Each RS-485 IO module port supports up to 32 Aero modules
Backward Compatible with VertX Modules
Organisations with existing HID VertX infrastructure can upgrade to the Aero X1100 without discarding their IO modules — protecting hardware investment.
- Same physical footprint as HID VertX EVO controllers
- Communicates with VertX V100, V200, V300 IO modules over RS-485
- Existing VertX RS-485 wiring is reusable with the X1100
- Replaces V1000 + V2000 in a single SKU upgrade
7 Configurable Threat Levels
Define up to 7 threat levels in the access control software and activate them instantly — adjusting who can access which doors during lockdowns, emergencies, or heightened security periods.
- Instantaneous adjustment of user access across all controlled doors
- Enables partial lockdown, full lockdown, or evacuation modes
- Controlled from access control software — no hardware changes needed
- Critical for defence, banking, data centres, and government facilities
Full OSDP Reader Support
OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) enables bidirectional, encrypted communication between the X1100 and OSDP-compatible readers like HID Signo — reducing field inspection needs.
- Supports up to 4 OSDP readers on-board (vs 2 Wiegand)
- OSDP secure channel — encrypted communication end to end
- Remote management capability — minimises field reconfiguration
- Compatible with HID Signo and other OSDP-certified readers
Open Architecture — Software Agnostic
The HID Aero X1100's open API allows integration with any certified access control software partner — including Cybernetics Software — without proprietary hardware lock-in.
- Works with a variety of certified software partners
- No re-investment in hardware when switching software providers
- Complete API integration package for software developers
- Integrates with Cybernetics iSecure access control software
High-Amp Relays & Supervised Inputs
Four high-amp relays ensure controller protection from power-hungry locks while 7 supervised inputs provide precise monitoring with analogue-to-digital conversion.
- 4 relays for door lock and auxiliary output control
- High-amp rated — enables wider choice of egress hardware
- 7 supervised inputs: door status, REX, power, battery, tamper
- All inputs support 4-state analogue-to-digital conversion
Simple Installation & Maintenance
DIN rail mounting, microSD slot (for future use), Micro USB port (for future use), and reusable VertX wiring make the X1100 straightforward to install and maintain on-site.
- DIN rail mountable — clean panel installation
- CR2032 battery backup for memory and real-time clock
- Ethernet 10/100Base-TX network connection
- Status LED array for instant visual diagnostics
HID Aero X1100 — Full Technical Specifications
Complete specification reference for the HID Aero X1100 intelligent controller — from power requirements to cable distances to maximum system capacity
Power & Supply
| Input Voltage | 12 to 24 V DC ±10% |
| Maximum Input Current | 1.9 A (550 mA excluding readers and USB) |
| Micro USB Port | 5 V DC, 500 mA maximum (reserved for future use) |
| Memory & Clock Backup Battery | 3V Lithium, type CR2032 |
Access Point Capacity
| On-Board Access Points | 2 |
| Maximum Access Points (with IO modules) | 64 |
| Maximum Readers (with IO modules) | 64 |
| Maximum Inputs (with IO modules) | 615 |
| Maximum Outputs (with IO modules) | 388 |
Reader Support
| Wiegand / Clock & Data Readers | Up to 2 on-board |
| OSDP (RS-485) Readers | Up to 4 on-board |
| OSDP Secure Channel | Supported Security |
| OSDP Cable Length | Up to 200 ft (61 m) without termination resistor; install 120Ω ±2Ω resistor for longer runs or EMF environments |
| Reader Cable (Wiegand/C&D) | 4-conductor, 18 AWG, shielded — max 500 ft (150 m) |
| Compatible Readers | HID Signo (OSDP), all standard Wiegand/Clock & Data readers |
Inputs
| On-Board Supervised Inputs | 7 |
| Input Types Monitored | Door status, REX (Request to Exit), power supply, battery, tamper, general-purpose |
| Supervision Type | 4-state (open, closed, short, tamper) with analogue-to-digital conversion |
| End-of-Line (EOL) Resistor | Standard EOL: 1kΩ/1kΩ, 1%, 1/4 watt |
| Alarm Input Cable | One twisted pair, 22 AWG — max 1,000 ft (304.8 m) |
| Maximum inputs (supervised/unsupervised) | 7 per module |
Outputs & Relays
| On-Board Relays | 4 (RELAY 1 to RELAY 4) |
| Relay Type | High-amp relays for door lock and auxiliary output control |
| Relay Configuration | NO (Normally Open) and C (Common) poles — typically used for DC strike control |
| Power & Relay Cable | 2-conductor shielded, 18–16 AWG — max 500 ft (150 m) |
IO Module Ports & Expansion
| IO Module Ports | 2 × RS-485 (IO Module Port 1 & Port 2) |
| Max Aero IO Modules per Port | 32 modules (Aero X100/X200/X300) |
| Max VertX IO Modules per Port | 16 modules (VertX V100/V200/V300) |
| Compatible IO Modules | HID Aero X100, X200, X300 (and variants A/B); HID VertX V100, V200, V300 |
| IO Module Communication Cable | One twisted pair, shielded, 120Ω impedance, 24 AWG — max 4,000 ft (1,219 m) |
| IO Module Encryption | AES-256 between X1100 and all IO modules Security |
| VertX V-series Wiring | Fully compatible — existing VertX RS-485 wiring reusable with X1100 |
Network & Host Communication
| Network Interface | Ethernet 10-BaseT / 100Base-TX |
| Host Communication Encryption | TLS 1.2 Security |
| Compliance Environment | FIPS 140-2 approved operating environment |
| Authentication | Mutual host and controller authentication |
| Ethernet LED (Cover) | Flashing = Ethernet activity |
| Ethernet Jack LED Green (Left) | ON = Good link |
| Ethernet Jack LED Yellow (Right) | ON = 100 Mb/s; OFF = 10 Mb/s |
Security Features
| IO Module Encryption | AES-256 — all communication between controller and IO modules |
| Host Communication | TLS 1.2 in FIPS 140-2 approved environment |
| Reader Communication | OSDP Secure Channel (bidirectional, encrypted) |
| Key Protection | Crypto chips — protects against malicious attacks on stored keys and passwords |
| Threat Levels | Up to 7 configurable threat levels for lockdown and lockout scenarios |
| 4-State Supervised Inputs | Open, closed, short, and tamper states with A/D conversion |
Physical & Storage
| Dimensions | 5.51" × 4.53" (140 mm × 115 mm) |
| Mounting | DIN rail mountable |
| VertX Footprint Compatible | Yes — same physical footprint as HID VertX EVO controllers |
| Memory & Clock Battery | CR2032, 3V Lithium (coin cell) |
| microSD Card Slot | Format: microSD or microSDHC, 2GB–8GB (reserved for future use) |
| Micro USB Port | 5V DC, 500mA max (reserved for future use) |
| Regulatory Compliance | FCC (USA), ICES-003 (Canada), CE Mark (Europe), RCM Mark (Australia/NZ) |
VertX EVO Replacement Information
| Replaces | HID VertX EVO V1000 AND HID VertX EVO V2000 (single SKU replacement for both) |
| Backward Compatible With | HID VertX V100, V200, V300 IO modules (RS-485) |
| VertX Wiring Reuse | Yes — existing V100/V200/V300 RS-485 wiring is compatible with X1100 |
| SKU Simplification | One X1100 replaces two VertX EVO SKUs — simplifying ordering and stocking |
Credential Capacity Note
The HID Aero X1100 credential capacity depends on the memory configuration selected. Up to 250,000 credential capacity is possible using date/time-based access schedules. Contact Cybernetics Software to discuss credential volume requirements for your specific deployment.
HID Aero X1100 Connection Diagram & System Architecture
How the X1100 intelligent controller connects to readers, IO modules, the host network, and the access control software
HID Aero X1100 System Architecture
Controller connections to readers, IO modules, host server and downstream devices
X1100 Intelligent ControllerCore processing hub — manages readers, inputs, relays, and IO module communication
Ethernet Host Connection10/100Base-TX to access control server — TLS 1.2 encrypted communication
RS-485 IO Module BusTwo ports — each supports up to 32 Aero or 16 VertX expansion IO modules
Reader ConnectionsUp to 2 Wiegand or 4 OSDP readers on-board — direct to X1100 terminal block
Power Supply12–24 V DC input with tamper, AC fail, and battery fail monitoring inputs
Relay Outputs4 relays for door lock strikes and auxiliary output control (NO and C poles)
IO Module Expansion — How to Scale Beyond 2 Doors
Connect additional doors by attaching HID Aero X100 IO modules to the X1100's RS-485 IO Module Port 1 or Port 2. Each port supports up to 32 Aero modules daisy-chained together using 1-pair shielded 24 AWG cable (up to 4,000 ft / 1,219 m). Install RS-485 termination jumpers only at the devices at each end of the communication bus to ensure proper channel operation.
HID Aero X1100 — Connection Wiring Reference
Cable types, maximum cable distances, and connection points for each interface on the HID Aero X1100 controller
Power Supply
// POWER, TAMPER, AC FAIL, BATT FAIL
- Input: 12–24 V DC ±10%, minimum 18 AWG wire
- Max current: 1.9A (550mA excluding readers and USB)
- TAMPER, AC FAIL, BATT FAIL inputs connected to this block
- Power and relay cable: 2-conductor shielded, 18–16 AWG, max 500 ft (150 m)
- CR2032 3V lithium battery provides memory and clock backup
Reader Connections
// READERS 1–2 (Wiegand / OSDP)
- Wiegand: 4-conductor, 18 AWG, shielded — max 500 ft (150 m)
- OSDP: requires two 2-conductor cables — one for power (18 AWG), one for RS-485 data
- OSDP max length: 200 ft (61 m) without termination resistor
- For OSDP runs over 200 ft or in EMF environments: install 120Ω ±2Ω resistor across RS-485 ends
- Wiegand Data 0 / Data 1 wires can be reused for OSDP on shorter runs
- Readers requiring different voltage must be powered separately
Relay / Door Strike Wiring
// RELAYS 1–4 (door lock control)
- 4 relays provided for door lock and alarm signalling
- Typically wired: NO (Normally Open) and C (Common) for DC strike control
- Fused at the door strike — protect the relay circuit
- High-amp relays handle power-hungry locks and egress hardware
- Power and relay cable: 2-conductor shielded, 18–16 AWG, max 500 ft (150 m)
IO Module Port Wiring
// IO MODULE PORT 1 & PORT 2 (RS-485)
- Cable: 1 twisted pair, shielded, 120Ω impedance, 24 AWG
- Maximum cable length: 4,000 ft (1,219 m)
- Each port supports up to 32 Aero or 16 VertX IO modules
- Daisy-chain IO modules along the RS-485 bus
- Install RS-485 termination jumpers only at devices at each end of the bus
- Existing VertX V100/V200/V300 RS-485 wiring is fully compatible
Alarm / Supervised Inputs
// INPUTS 1–4 (door status, REX, tamper)
- Cable: 1 twisted pair, 22 AWG — max 1,000 ft (304.8 m)
- 7 supervised inputs on-board (plus TAMPER, AC FAIL, BATT FAIL)
- EOL standard: 1kΩ/1kΩ, 1%, 1/4 watt
- 4-state detection: open, closed, short, tamper (with ADC)
- Up to 30 inputs maximum on alarm input wiring runs
Network / Host Connection
// Ethernet 10-BaseT / 100Base-TX
- Standard RJ45 Ethernet connection to network switch
- Supports 10 Mb/s and 100 Mb/s Ethernet
- Host communication encrypted with TLS 1.2
- Runs in FIPS 140-2 approved operating environment
- Ethernet LED on cover flashes to indicate network activity
- Green left LED = good link; Yellow right LED = 100 Mb/s
Expanding the HID Aero X1100 — IO Module System
Scale from 2 on-board doors to 64 access points by attaching Aero or VertX IO expansion modules to the X1100 controller
HID Aero X1100 Status LED Reference
Understanding the X1100's LED indicators for quick on-site diagnostics and commissioning
ONLINE LED
ON = Controller is communicating with host. FLASHING = Initialisation in progress. Board completes startup 2 seconds after ONLINE & IO PORT 1 stop flashing.
READER 2 LED
ON for approximately 1 second at startup. OSDP mode: Flashes when transmitting data. Wiegand/C&D mode: Flashes when data is received on either input.
RELAY 1–4 LEDs
OFF = Relay de-energised (normal state). ON = Relay energised (door strike activated or output triggered).
ETHERNET LED (Cover)
Flashing = Ethernet network activity detected. Used to confirm network connectivity during commissioning.
ETHERNET JACK — Green (Left)
ON = Good Ethernet link established. OFF = No link. Check cable and switch port.
ETHERNET JACK — Yellow (Right)
ON = Link is operating at 100 Mb/s. OFF = Link is operating at 10 Mb/s.
Initialisation Warning
When the X1100 performs a bulk erase and reload (during firmware updates or factory reset), the board completes its initialisation two seconds after the ONLINE and IO PORT 1 LEDs stop flashing. Do not remove power during the bulk erase process — this may corrupt the controller firmware and require a full factory recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions — HID Aero X1100
Technical and procurement questions about the HID Aero X1100 intelligent access control controller
What is the HID Aero X1100?
How many doors can the HID Aero X1100 support?
What are the power requirements for the HID Aero X1100?
Is the HID Aero X1100 backward compatible with HID VertX modules?
What security protocols does the HID Aero X1100 support?
What is the maximum RS-485 cable length for IO modules?
Need HID Aero X1100 for Your Project?
Cybernetics Software is an authorised HID Global NAS partner. We supply HID Aero X1100 controllers, design the complete access control system, install, and provide ongoing support — across Pune and pan India.
+91-9028006464