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sizemedium

Thank you for purchasing the AirID FIDO. Before using AirID, please take the time to read this user manual, to learn about all the features and capabilities of your new AirID. 


Table of Content

Table of Contents


Intended Use

AirID FIDO is a wireless Security Key that you can carry with you at all times. The AirID reader communicates via a secure Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection with your device and makes the inserted smart card available for cryptographical operations such as data encryption or authentication. 


Questions / Support

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_AirID - Questions & Support
_AirID - Questions & Support


certgate GmbH

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_certgateGmbH - address
_certgateGmbH - address

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Numbered Headings
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About This Guide

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help customers using the AirID on different platforms and contains also all the necessary information for application developers needed to use certgate's AirID Bluetooth reader with their apps.

Typographical Conventions

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_Typographical Conventions for Guides
_Typographical Conventions for Guides

Device Layout

Overview

Device Description

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_A2F - Device Short Description
_A2F - Device Short Description

AirID FIDO is powered by a rechargeable Li-Po battery. The battery is charged by plugging the AirID into either a computer or external USB wall adapter using the USB cable provided. The LCD display shows all setting information and status of the reader. The user-friendly control element helps you to navigate through the settings of the device.

Bluetooth Connected Mode Usage

With the AirID it is possible to protect Apps with FIDO2 based security keys via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

Note: Because of the sandbox architecture of iOS and Android, the AirID driver needs to be integrated into an app to use AirID with this specific app.

Examples of apps with AirID integration:

  • SecurePIM by Virtual Solution
  • your company specific apps*

*contact your company administrator!

If you would like to integrate AirID into your app, contact our support at [email protected] and get our AirID SDKs for iOS and Android at the Download Center.

USB Connected Mode Usage

AirID can be used as a standard USB CCID reader on all most all PCs with a common operating system supporting the CCID standard (Windows, OS X and Linux etc.).

Package Contents

Check the product box for the following items:

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_A2F - Content of Delivery
_A2F - Content of Delivery

Before start-up, ensure that the two safety seals are undamaged.

If the safety seals are damaged, it is suspected that your device has been altered inadmissibly. In this case, please contact your distributor and do not use the device.

Hardware Features

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_A2F - HW Features - Device Features
_A2F - HW Features - Device Features

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_A2F - HW Features - Control Element
_A2F - HW Features - Control Element

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_A2F - HW Features - Status Indicator
_A2F - HW Features - Status Indicator

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_A2F - HW Features - LED Indicator
_A2F - HW Features - LED Indicator

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Menu Layout

In the AirID device menu, you can configure various settings and get status information about your AirID device. You can access the different menu entries by navigating with the control element.

AirID

The AirID menu is displayed in the main window and shows the smart card status.

SettingDisplayMeaning
Initialize

AirID initialized the smart card. This message appears only very shortly


Connection

The Connection menu is the second setting when you navigate down. This is used to activate the Bluetooth connection or to terminate the connection.

SettingDisplayMeaning
Initializing

AirID initializes Bluetooth and activates the advertising mode. This message appears only very shortly.



Info

In the advertising mode, the AirID sends a Bluetooth signal making it detectable by devices. Requests must be checked and confirmed.


ON/ waiting

AirID has activated Bluetooth and advertising mode and is waiting for the connection to be established. When the control element is pressed, Bluetooth and the advertising mode are disabled.
Bonding

AirID has successfully connected to a device. This message appears only very shortly.


Connected

AirID is connected to a device.


Disconnecting

When the control element is pressed, the connection is terminated.
OFF

Bluetooth and the advertising mode are disabled. Pressing the control element activates Bluetooth and the advertising mode.

Pairing Code

This item is only shown during the first connection setup with a device and is used to display the pairing code and pairing status.

SettingDisplayMeaning
Pairing Code

This menu is only shown the first time a connection is established with a device and is used to display the connection key.
Pairing success

The pairing have been successful


Tip

Pairing defines the establishment of a connection between an Bluetooth device and the AirID Bluetooth reader. Since the pairing information is retained even if the devices are turned off, it is not necessary to pair the same devices again. To pair, the device prompts you to read a code from the AirID and enter it into the connected device or compare it with the code displayed on the device.


Pairing failed

The pairing failed.

The reasons for a failed pairing can be:

  • Time out: waiting too long to confirm the pairing code on host device and AirID
  • Aborting pairing process on host device
  • Selecting "No" for pairing code confirmation on AirID

Settings

Under the menu Settings, you can configure settings for your AirID. Use the control element to select and confirm the settings.

SettingDisplayMeaning
Settings

Main window
Sig Strenght




Select the signal strength of the AirID.

Possible configurations:

1-4 bars


Info


AirID

Sig StrengthValue
1 bar-25dBm
2 bars-6dBm
3 bars0dBm
4 bars5.5dBm



Advertising


Use the control element to set the advertising mode (Connection via Bluetooth) to permanent or temporary


Note

If during the temporary actived advertising mode no connection to a device is established, the advertising mode switches off automatically to save battery power. Therefore, a manual reconnection is necessary afterwards.



Note

To save energy, a work schedule can be created via AirID Central App. If the working hours are exceeded, the advertising mode remains deactivated.


Display

Indicates the length of time the display will remain on. Select whether the display is on permanently or turns off after a while.
LED



Select whether to enable the usage of LEDs (red, blue and green) or disable the blue and green LED. The red LED which indicates the charging process can't be disabled.


Buzzer

Activate or deactivate the acoustic feedback of the AirID.


Force 256bit
Select if you want to force the AES-256 encryption of the Bluetooth connection between AirID and the work device.


Note

If the AES-256 encryption of the Bluetooth connection is forced, only AES-256 encrypted communication is allowed.

If the AES-256 encryption of the Bluetooth connection is not forced, whether a AES-256 or a AES-128 encryption will take place.


USB Card Reader

If the AirID is connected via USB to the working device, you can select whether the AirID should be used as a USB card reader (CCID) or not. If the AirID is not used as USB reader, the AirID is only supplied with power via USB and thus charged.


Reset Keys


This setting deletes the saved keys (LTK and SK). You have the option to delete all keys or only the keys for a specific device.


Remove Pairing

This setting deletes the saved pairing information and the keys. This is recommended when passing AirID to third parties. You have the option to delete all keys or only the keys for a specific device. After the removal, a new pairing is necessary to re-established a connection.


Factory Reset

This setting reset the AirID to factory settings. All saved pairing information and keys are also deleted.

Distance Sensor



The AirID reader can lock your WINDOWS or mobile (iOS or Android) apps (if configured) automatically, if a preset distance between your computer and your AirID has been exceeded. The "Distance Log-Out" is managed in AirID settings using "Distance Sensor".

This setting is optional and can only be configured if there is an active Bluetooth connection to the a device.

You can use the pre settings or set the distance manually.

Following pre settings are available:

  • Near (~ 55 dB)
  • Mid (~ 65 dB)
  • Far (~ 70 dB)

In comparison to the possible pre settings, the manual setting allows an individual fine adjustment.

If the manual setting is selected, the current RSSI value is shown in the display. Slowly walk around in the area you want your device to remain unlocked. Press the control element at the preferred distance to confirm the coverage area and activate the Distance Sensor function.


Note

Settings can only be configured during an active Bluetooth connection between your computer and your AirID reader.


Tip

To avoid unintended disconnects, keep in mind that the minimum distance for the automated lock is about three meters between your computer and your AirID reader.


Tip

The distance value for the "Distance Sensor" feature represents a relative value. It depends on the signal strength of the AirID, on the environment and on other interferencing signals.


Update Firmware

The AirID firmware can be updated with this setting. An USB connection to your Windows PC or Mac is required.see Section: Firmware Update
Back

Select Back to return to the main menu.


AirID Info

Under AirID Info you will find further information about the AirID.

SettingDispalyMeaning
Serial Number

Serial number of the AirID
IEEE Adress

Bluetooth address of the AirID
Received

The received signal strength
Battery

Battery percentage indicator
Time

Current time and day
Board

Version of the AirID board
Bootloader

Version of the AirID boot loader
Firmware

Version of the AirID firmware version
Back

Select Back to return to the main menu


Preferred Device

Under "Prefer Device" the pairing information of the AirID with the already connected devices are stored. From these information you can select to which device the AirID should be connected in the future. All other devices will be ignored.

TextAnzeigeBedeutung
None


If no device is selected, a BLE connection to any of the surrounding devices is possible.
New

Select the option New to connect AirID to a new device, if already connected devices are nearby. All other devices paired with AirID will be ignored.
"device name"

If your AirID was already paired with one or more devices, you choose the device name to select which device the AirID should preferably be connected to in the future. All other devices will be ignored.


Info

The pairing information with up to 10 different devices can be stored at the same time.

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FirmwareUpdate_1
Firmware Update

certgate is constantly working to make AirID even more reliable and faster. Therefore we provide firmware updates for our wireless smartcard readers under Download Center from time to time. Please install a firmware update as soon as it is available as it improves the reliability of the reader.

The AirID firmware can be updated via USB on Windows or MacOS PCs. Download the latest firmware from our website and unzip the file. Below, you will find the necessary steps for the update.

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_A2/A2M - Firmware Update
_A2/A2M - Firmware Update

Using AirID

AirID supports various operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android. The basic requirement is the Bluetooth Low Energy functionality of the device. When AirID is successfully paired and the driver is installed, the inserted smart card is available to be used for cryptographic operations such as authentication or data encryption. This requires an applet on the smart card and the corresponding middleware for the operating system used. 

The AirID software consists of two components:

  1. AirID drivers, which ensures the communication between the AirID and the operating system, must be installed additionally depending on the platform or is already integrated in the Apps and solutions of third party vendors.
  2. AirID Central App - a management software for your AirID forming the basis for usage of the device. The tool provides you with information and setting options for your AirID when your reader is connected to your device. 

AirID can be used with different terminals and platforms, but not in parallel operation.

Windows

With Windows, there is a system-wide smart card support using AirID.

AirID system requirements

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_AirID - Win10 - System Requirements
_AirID - Win10 - System Requirements

Installation and Pairing

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_AirID - Win10 - Quick Start Installation
_AirID - Win10 - Quick Start Installation

Tip

If there are any problems with the pairing process, restart the process. If necessary, delete the stored pairing information (see Remove the Pairing)


Tip

After the driver has been successfully installed and paired, AirID is displayed as follows under Device Manager. AirID is detected as "Microsoft USBCCID Smartcard Reader" if it is connected via USB.

Silent Installation of the Driver

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_AirID - Silent Driver Installation
_AirID - Silent Driver Installation

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RemovePairing_Win1
Remove the Pairing

The pairing information are stored on both, the Windows system and AirID. To terminate the connection completely, the information on both sides must be removed.

On Windows

  1. Open the Bluetooth settings on Windows (Settings → Devices → Bluetooth)
  2. Select the corresponding AirID using the displayed serial number and click on "Remove Device"
  3. Click "Yes" to confirm the removal of the device.

On AirID

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_A2/A2M - Remove pairing information from AirID
_A2/A2M - Remove pairing information from AirID

iOS

With iOS, a system-wide support of smart cards and card readers is not possible. In order to use AirID with a specific app, the AirID driver needs to be integrated into this app.

The connection to the iOS device is only active when the app in foreground is open. As soon as the app goes into the background, the Bluetooth connection to the AirID is released again.

AirID system requirements

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_AirID iOS - System Requirements
_AirID iOS - System Requirements

AirID Integration

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_Mobile Devices - AirID Integration
_Mobile Devices - AirID Integration

Pairing

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_Mobile Devices - Pairing Process
_Mobile Devices - Pairing Process

Remove the Pairing

The pairing information are stored on both, the iOS device and AirID. To terminate the connection completely, the information on both sides must be removed.

On iOS

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_Mobile Devices - Remove Pairing
_Mobile Devices - Remove Pairing

On AirID

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_A2/A2M - Remove pairing information from AirID
_A2/A2M - Remove pairing information from AirID

Android

With Android, a system-wide support of smart cards and card readers is not possible. In order to use AirID with a specific app, the AirID driver needs to be integrated into this app.

The connection to the Android device is only active when the app in foreground is open. As soon as the app goes into the background, the Bluetooth connection to the AirID is released again.

AirID system requirements

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_AirID Android- System Requirements
_AirID Android- System Requirements

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_AirID Android - Device heterogeneity
_AirID Android - Device heterogeneity

AirID Integration

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_Mobile Devices - AirID Integration
_Mobile Devices - AirID Integration

Pairing

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_Mobile Devices - Pairing Process
_Mobile Devices - Pairing Process

Remove the Pairing

The pairing information are stored on both, the iOS device and AirID. To terminate the connection completely, the information on both sides must be removed.

On Android

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_Mobile Devices - Remove Pairing
_Mobile Devices - Remove Pairing

On AirID

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_A2/A2M - Remove pairing information from AirID
_A2/A2M - Remove pairing information from AirID

macOS

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_AirID - macOS Support
_AirID - macOS Support

Linux

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_AirID - Linux Support
_AirID - Linux Support

AirID Central Application

The AirID Central application is the management software for AirID. The AirID Central provides information and setting options for your AirID once your AirID is connected to your working device. If there is no connection, "No device" is displayed in the AirID Central.

AirID Central provides an overview of:

FunctionDescription
Serial Number

Displays the serial number of the connected AirID

Card Status

Displays the status of the inserted smart card. This can be readable , unreadable   or no card inserted

Distance Sensor or Coverage Feature 

Displays if the distance sensor / coverage feature is activated or not

Encryption

Displays if the BLE communication is encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption or 256-bit

Refresh

Checks and offers the latest firmware update for you reader, if available

Change AirID Displays the list of the connected AirID readers from which you can select one.
Battery StatusDisplays the battery level in percent. The green flash symbol indicates an active charging process.
Signal Strenght

Select the signal strength of the AirID

BacklightSelect if a display backlight is required
BuzzerSelect if an acoustic feedback is required
Display Select if the display should always be on or only for a certain time
AdvertisingSelect if the advertising mode for the connection to a device should always be on or only for a certain time.An individual work schedule to save energy can also be created with AirID Central. The advertising mode remains deactivated after the defined working hours.


Note

If during the active advertising mode no connection to a device is established, the advertising mode switches off automatically to save battery power. Therefore, a manual reconnection is necessary afterwards.

Additionally, the following AirID information is displayed when clicking on the AirID device picture displayed in the AirID Central App:

FunctionDescription
Serial Number

Serial number

MACMAC-Address
HardwareBoard version
BootloaderBoot loader Version
FirmwareFirmware Version
Connected devices
Shows a list of devices for which AirID stores connection information. The connection information can be deleted by deleting the device from the list.

AirID Central with Windows

Additionally to the information mentioned above, there are some application functions especially for the Windows platform.

A right click on the AirID Central icon in the Windows notification area opens a menu with the following application functions:

MenuMeaning
ReestablishOpens the AirID Central App window in the foreground
System LogDisplays a log of the system log entries that you can use to track activities and processes
BridgeDisplays the AirID Bridge and the settings you can do. The pairing of the AirID with the AirID Bridge is done here.
Change PINPIN change function for the inserted smart card
AboutShows the AirID Central version and the developer information
Close

Closes the AirID Central App


Technical Specification

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_A2M - Technical Specification Table
_A2M - Technical Specification Table

Safety Instructions

  • Protect the device from dirt, dust, moisture, chemicals and extreme temperatures and use it only in dry rooms.
  • Use only original, approved accessories intended for this purpose for the device.
  • Do not use the product in the immediate vicinity of heating, other heat sources or in direct sunlight.

  • The device is approved for an operating temperature range of -10 °C to +60 °C.

  • The approved temperature range during charging is between 0 °C and +45 °C.

  • Do not expose the device directly to magnetic sources.
  • Do not drop the product and do not expose it to violent shocks, drops, shocks or vibrations of any kind.
  • Do not attempt to service or repair the product yourself or have it serviced or repaired by an unauthorized service or person.
  • Do not make any unauthorized modifications to the software or hardware.
  • Do not open or operate the product if damaged.
  • Do not insert foreign objects into the card slot. The opening slot is intended exclusively for inserting a smart card.
  • Improper use may damage the product or connected devices.
  • To charge the battery, use only standardized charging cables and power sources (5V DC; min. 500mA) to avoid overcharging. This could damage the battery.

Environment Temperature Range:

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_A2/A2M - Environment Temperature Range
_A2/A2M - Environment Temperature Range

Disposal and Recycling

The device must not be disposed of with household waste. B2B equipment must be returned to the manufacturer.

Maintenance and Care

Clean the device only with a soft, clean and dry cloth. Do not expose the device to harsh chemicals, cleaning solutions or strong cleaning agents. Do not allow liquid to penetrate the product.

Warranty/ License/ Technical Support

Please note our regulations at Terms and Conditions & Legal Documents

Please note that only customer with a valid support and maintenance agreement are authorized to get free support services.