Questions and Support

certgate GmbH

About this User Manual

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.

Intended Use

AirID 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.

Package Contents

1. AirID smart card reader
2. Bumper landscape
3. Bumper portrait
4. USB cable
5. Strap

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.

Device Features

1. Low power display

2. 
   

   Expand
   title LED indicator
   Color Mode Meaning red static on during battery charging; off when battery charging is done blue static on during bluetooth communication activities blinking ongoing FIDO communication - User Presence, waiting for input green static on during smart card activities

   
   

3. 
   

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   title Control element: Jog Dial
   AirID is designed for easy menu navigation using a 3-way version of jog dial control element. Action Meaning up and down scrolling navigation press select

   
   

4. USB interface
5. Smart card slot

       6. Power switch (triggered by ID-1 Card) and smart card connector

Insert a smart card and power the AirID

Insert the card into the card slot with the chip first. The AirID reader has two integrated smart card connector can read the smart chip regardless of which side the chip is on. By inserting a card, the power switch is triggered and the AirID switches on.

To remove the card, simply slide it with the finger through the cut-out.  

Remove the smart card and unpower the AirID

To remove the card, simply slide it with the finger through the cut-out. The AirID turns off. 

Mounting the Bumper

Menu Layout

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

Status indicators

The current status of AirID is indicated by the following icons:

Menu: AirID

Menu: Connection

Menu: Pairing

Menu: Settings

Menu: AirID Info

Menu: Prefered Device

Using AirID

Using Bluetooth Mode

AirID allows to protect apps with smart card and FIDO based-security 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, visit our https://certgate.com/service-portal  to create a ticket and get our AirID SDKs for iOS and Android at the Download Center.

Using USB Mode

AirID can be used as a standard USB CCID reader on almost all PCs with a common operating system supporting the CCID standard (Windows, MacOS and Linux etc.) and as a standard USB FIDO security key on all PCs with a common operating system supporting the FIDO standard (Windows 10 20H2, MacOS Big Sur and Linux).

Setup: AirID Software

Anchor
Setup-AirID-Software Setup-AirID-Software

The AirID software consists of two components:

1. AirID drivers, which ensures the Bluetooth communication between AirID and the operating system. The driver 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. The AirID Central App also always provides the latest firmware for your AirID and enables you to update your AirID via USB and Bluetooth ("Over-The-Air").
   

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

Select your platform for detailed information on the AirID software available:

Setup: AirID and Bluetooth Connection

Anchor
Setup-BLE-Connection Setup-BLE-Connection

1. Connect AirID to the power supply and charge it.
2. Start AirID by inserting the smart card into the card slot.
3. Activate Bluetooth on AirID by pressing the jog dial in the menu item "Connection" and make sure that "ON/waiting" is displayed. Also make sure that Bluetooth is activated on your host device.

4. To initialize the Bluetooth pairing process, select AirID on the appropriate platform:

   • iOS and Android: via the respective app
   • Windows: Install the AirID software package and select your AirID via System settings » Devices » Bluetooth
   • MacOS: Install the AirID software package and start pairing via the AirID Central program
5. For secure pairing, compare the displayed code on AirID with the code displayed on the host system and confirm the pairing code on both sides, the AirID and your host.

>> Your AirID is now connected to your device and ready to use!

Setup: FIDO authentication with AirID

AirID can be used not only as a smart card reader but also as a FIDO security key for supported OS platforms.

1. Bluetooth Connection: To use the AirID for FIDO authentication via Bluetooth LE, follow the Setup: AirID and Bluetooth Connection first
2. Register your AirID in your applications: Before you can log into your applications using the AirID FIDO functionality, you have to register your AirID once in the application.
3. Set a security PIN: Some applications (e.g. Microsoft Azure) will ask you to set a PIN for your AirID FIDO security key, if you haven't done so already. This PIN will be stored in your AirID.
4. Name your FIDO security key: For registration, most applications provide a text field to set a name for your AirID FIDO security key. This field is completely free of choice and is intended to help you identify the key used later on. In order to confirm and complete the registration, the AirID FIDO asks you to push a button on the AirID.

>> Now, your AirID is ready to be used for FIDO authentication!

Go to the application you previously registered in, select your AirID and log in. If set, you will be automatically prompted for your security key PIN. For your secure login, the authentication must be confirmed by pushing a button on your AirID.

Setup: AirID Autolock Distance

The distance to the device for the auto-lock can be configured with the „Distance Sensor“ feature on the AirID. The automatic lock depends on the host device and its operating system and must be activated separetely, if required.

For configuration of this feature, an active BLE connection is required:

1. Activate the „Distance Sensor“ on the AirID device (Settings > Distance Sensor)
2. You can select a preset value (near, mid, far) or a manual setting.

AirID Firmware Update

To always benefit from the latest features and maximum security of your AirID, you should run the latest AirID firmware. Using the AirID management software AirID Central with its integrated updater always provides the latest firmware for your device when available. The AirID Central App enables you to update your AirID via USB and Bluetooth ("Over-The-Air").

It is also possible to update the AirID firmware manually 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.

Additional information for administrators and developers

Technical Specifications

Safety Precautions

Environment Temperatures

Maintenance & Care

Disposal & Recycling

Warranty/ License/ Technical Support