Compact facial authentication and RFID access control terminal supporting 125kHz EM, 13.56MHz MIFARE-family credentials, NFC, BLE, PIN and QR/barcode authentication for compatible Suprema access control environments.

The Suprema BioStation 3 BS3-DB is a compact facial authentication and access control terminal designed for modern physical access control environments.

It combines face authentication, RFID credentials, mobile credentials, PIN and QR/barcode capabilities in a compact device suitable for integration with compatible Suprema access control infrastructure.

The BS3-DB credential configuration supports 125kHz EM and 13.56MHz MIFARE, MIFARE Plus, DESFire, DESFire EV1/EV2/EV3 and FeliCa credentials. Mobile credentials using NFC and BLE are also supported.

BioStation 3 uses a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 32GB Flash memory and 4GB RAM, together with separate 2MP IR and 2MP visual cameras for its facial authentication functions.

The device supports up to 100,000 users, with face credential capacity of up to 50,000 for 1:N matching and 100,000 for 1:1 matching. Suprema specifies facial matching within 0.2 seconds under its stated conditions.

For customers replacing the discontinued Suprema FaceLite FL-DB, BioStation 3 BS3-DB is particularly relevant because Suprema officially identifies BS3-DB as the successor to FaceLite FL-DB.

Supplied Configuration

Product: Suprema BioStation 3

Model: BS3-DB

Authentication: Face + RFID + Mobile + PIN + QR/Barcode

RF Credential Support: 125kHz EM + 13.56MHz MIFARE-family credentials

Power Adapter: Adapter included where specifically confirmed with the supplied package

The exact adapter specification, plug type and package contents should be confirmed before ordering.

Key Features

• Suprema BioStation 3 facial authentication terminal
• Exact model BS3-DB
• Face authentication
• Live Face Detection
• Matching speed within 0.2 seconds
• Authentication distance approximately 0.3–1.0m
• 125kHz EM credential support
• 13.56MHz MIFARE credential support
• MIFARE Plus support
• DESFire support
• DESFire EV1 / EV2 / EV3 support
• FeliCa support
• NFC mobile credentials
• BLE mobile credentials
• Scramble keypad / PIN support
• QR and barcode support
• Up to 100,000 users
• Up to 50,000 face credentials for 1:N matching
• Up to 100,000 face credentials for 1:1 matching
• Up to 100,000 card credentials
• Up to 100,000 PIN credentials
• Up to 5,000,000 text logs
• Up to 50,000 image logs
• 1.5GHz quad-core processor
• 32GB Flash memory
• 4GB RAM
• 5.5-inch IPS color LCD
• 720 × 1280 display resolution
• 2MP IR camera
• 2MP visual camera
• Gigabit Ethernet
• RS-485
• OSDP V2
• Wiegand input and output
• Three inputs
• One relay
• USB 2.0 Host
• USB expansion port
• Intercom support
• RTSP support
• Tamper detection
• IP65 environmental protection
• IK06 impact protection
• Compact 82.5 × 171 × 23.4mm enclosure

What Is Suprema BioStation 3 BS3-DB?

BioStation 3 is a facial authentication and access control terminal.

It can identify or authenticate authorized users and participate in a larger access control system that controls doors, records access events and applies organizational access policies.

A simplified system may operate as:

User

↓

Face / RFID Card / Mobile Credential / PIN / QR

↓

Suprema BioStation 3 BS3-DB

↓

Authentication

↓

Access Control System

↓

Door / Secure I/O / Locking Hardware

↓

Access Granted or Denied

The actual architecture depends on the site's access control design.

Multiple Authentication Methods

One important characteristic of BioStation 3 is the range of supported credential methods.

Depending on system configuration, users may authenticate using:

• Face
• RFID card
• NFC mobile credential
• BLE mobile credential
• PIN
• QR / barcode

This allows organizations to design access policies around the credential technologies appropriate to their environment.

Support for a credential technology does not mean every authentication combination is automatically enabled. Configuration should follow the applicable Suprema system and security requirements.

Facial Authentication

BioStation 3 uses facial biometric authentication as its primary biometric technology.

Suprema specifies:

Authentication Distance: 0.3–1.0m

Authentication Height: 1.4–1.9m

Matching Speed: Within 0.2 seconds

Live Face Detection: Supported

The manufacturer notes that the default minimum authentication distance is 0.3m and recommends approximately 0.6–1.0m for facial authentication.

Actual biometric performance can be influenced by installation, enrollment, user positioning, environmental conditions and system configuration.

Live Face Detection

Live Face Detection: Supported

Live Face Detection is designed to help distinguish a live person from certain presentation or spoofing attempts.

It should be treated as one component of the overall access control security architecture rather than as a guarantee against every possible attack.

Dual Camera System

BioStation 3 incorporates:

IR Camera: 2MP

Visual Camera: 2MP

The camera system supports the terminal's facial authentication functions.

The device should not be confused with a conventional CCTV surveillance camera merely because it contains imaging hardware.

125kHz EM Credentials

The BS3-DB supports 125kHz EM credentials.

Organizations with existing EM cards should still verify the exact credential format and access control environment before assuming compatibility with an existing card population.

13.56MHz Smart Card Support

The BS3-DB supports selected 13.56MHz credential technologies including:

• MIFARE
• MIFARE Plus
• DESFire
• DESFire EV1
• DESFire EV2
• DESFire EV3
• FeliCa

Suprema specifies an RF read range of approximately 30mm for EM, MIFARE and DESFire and approximately 15mm for FeliCa, subject to installation conditions.

RF read distance can vary according to the credential and installation environment.

Important BS3-DB vs BS3-APWB Difference

BioStation 3 is available in more than one credential and connectivity configuration.

The BS3-DB described on this page supports:

125kHz EM

and

13.56MHz MIFARE-family credentials

The BS3-APWB is a different variant that adds credential technologies including HID Prox and HID iCLASS/Seos and also provides other connectivity differences.

Customers should therefore order by the exact model number, not simply by the name “BioStation 3.”

Mobile Credentials

BioStation 3 supports:

NFC

BLE

This enables compatible Suprema mobile credential workflows.

Mobile credential operation depends on the applicable Suprema platform, credential provisioning, smartphone, software, licensing where applicable and system configuration.

PIN Authentication

Scramble Keypad / PIN: Supported

PIN can form part of compatible authentication workflows.

The required authentication mode should be determined according to the organization's access control and security policies.

QR and Barcode Credentials

QR / Barcode: Supported

Suprema's current specification identifies a recommended QR/barcode reading range of approximately 30–40cm.

QR-based access can be relevant to compatible visitor, temporary access or credential workflows.

The complete QR credential system and software environment should be verified separately.

User Capacity

Maximum Users: 100,000

Face Credentials – 1:N: 50,000

Face Credentials – 1:1: 100,000

Card Credentials: 100,000

PIN Credentials: 100,000

Text Logs: 5,000,000

Image Logs: 50,000

The distinction between 1:1 and 1:N biometric matching is important when planning larger deployments.

What Is 1:1 Face Matching?

In 1:1 authentication, the system compares the presented face against the biometric template associated with a specific claimed identity.

A simplified workflow is:

Card / PIN / Claimed Identity

↓

Associated User

↓

Stored Face Template

↓

Presented Face

↓

1:1 Comparison

BioStation 3 supports up to 100,000 face credentials for this matching method.

What Is 1:N Face Matching?

In 1:N identification, the terminal searches enrolled facial credentials to identify a matching user.

Presented Face

↓

Search Enrolled Face Database

↓

Possible User Match

For BS3-DB, Suprema specifies up to 50,000 face credentials for 1:N matching.

Processor and Memory

CPU: 1.5GHz Quad Core

Flash Memory: 32GB

RAM: 4GB

Crypto Chip: Supported

These resources support the terminal's biometric, credential, user-interface and access control functions.

Display

Display: 5.5-inch IPS Color LCD

Resolution: 720 × 1280 pixels

The larger portrait-format display supports user interaction and authentication feedback.

Ethernet

Ethernet: 10/100/1000Mbps

Auto MDI/MDI-X: Supported

Network Protocols: TCP / UDP

Gigabit Ethernet provides network connectivity to compatible access control infrastructure.

Important: Wi-Fi Is Not Included on BS3-DB

Wi-Fi on BS3-DB: Not Supported

This is an important difference between BioStation 3 variants.

Customers requiring integrated Wi-Fi should not assume that the BS3-DB includes wireless LAN connectivity.

RS-485

RS-485: 1 Channel

Mode: Master / Slave selectable

Protocol: OSDP V2 compliant

RS-485 can be used with compatible access control components according to the system architecture.

OSDP V2

BioStation 3 supports OSDP V2-compliant communication.

OSDP is relevant to modern access control architectures where compatible readers, terminals and controllers communicate over RS-485.

The complete OSDP configuration should be planned according to the controller and security requirements.

Wiegand

BioStation 3 provides:

Wiegand Input: 1 Channel

Wiegand Output: 1 Channel

This can support integration with compatible existing access control infrastructure.

Wiegand format and controller compatibility should be verified before installation.

Inputs and Relay

Inputs: 3 Channels

Relay: 1

The integrated relay can participate in compatible door-control configurations.

For installations with higher physical security requirements, organizations should evaluate whether secure relay or Secure I/O architecture is appropriate rather than locating the complete door-unlocking control at an externally accessible terminal.

Intercom

Intercom: Supported

This distinguishes BioStation 3 from the older FaceLite FL-DB, which did not provide integrated intercom functionality.

The complete intercom architecture and compatibility should be verified for the intended deployment.

RTSP

RTSP: Supported

RTSP functionality can support compatible video-related integrations.

It should not automatically be interpreted as making BioStation 3 a substitute for a dedicated surveillance camera.

USB

USB: USB 2.0 Host

USB Expansion Port: Supported

USB functionality should be used according to Suprema's applicable documentation and supported workflows.

Tamper Detection

Tamper: Supported

Tamper detection can help identify physical interference with the terminal when correctly installed and configured.

IP65 Protection

IP Rating: IP65

IP65 indicates protection against dust ingress and water jets according to the applicable enclosure test classification.

IP65 should not be interpreted as waterproof under every condition or as suitable for submersion.

Installation should follow Suprema's environmental and mounting requirements.

IK06 Impact Rating

IK Rating: IK06

IK06 provides a defined level of tested mechanical impact resistance.

It should not be described as vandal-proof or indestructible.

Operating Environment

Operating Temperature: -20°C to 50°C

Operating Humidity: 0% to 80%, non-condensing

Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C

Storage Humidity: 0% to 90%, non-condensing

Environmental conditions should remain within these manufacturer specifications.

Power Requirements

BioStation 3 BS3-DB supports:

12V DC: Maximum 1A

or

24V DC: Maximum 0.7A

Where an adapter is supplied together with the unit, verify that the adapter voltage, current rating and regional plug configuration are appropriate for the installation.

Important: PoE+ Is Not Supported on BS3-DB

PoE+ on BS3-DB: Not Supported

The BS3-DB should therefore not be purchased on the assumption that its Ethernet cable will also supply operating power.

A suitable DC power arrangement is required.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Suprema

Product: BioStation 3

Model: BS3-DB

Product Type: Facial Authentication & Access Control Terminal

Biometric Credential: Face

Authentication Distance: 0.3–1.0m

Recommended Face Authentication Distance: Approximately 0.6–1.0m

Authentication Height: 1.4–1.9m

Matching Speed: Within 0.2 Seconds

Live Face Detection: Supported

RF Credentials: 125kHz EM; 13.56MHz MIFARE, MIFARE Plus, DESFire, DESFire EV1/EV2/EV3, FeliCa

Mobile Credentials: NFC, BLE

PIN: Supported

QR / Barcode: Supported

Maximum Users: 100,000

Face Credentials – 1:N: 50,000

Face Credentials – 1:1: 100,000

Card Credentials: 100,000

PIN Credentials: 100,000

Maximum Text Logs: 5,000,000

Maximum Image Logs: 50,000

CPU: 1.5GHz Quad Core

Memory: 32GB Flash + 4GB RAM

Crypto Chip: Supported

Display: 5.5-inch IPS Color LCD

Display Resolution: 720 × 1280 Pixels

IR Camera: 2MP

Visual Camera: 2MP

Sound: 16-bit

Ethernet: 10/100/1000Mbps

Network Protocol: TCP / UDP

Wi-Fi: Not Supported on BS3-DB

RS-485: 1 Channel, Master / Slave Selectable

RS-485 Protocol: OSDP V2 Compliant

Wiegand Input: 1 Channel

Wiegand Output: 1 Channel

Inputs: 3 Channels

Relay: 1

USB: USB 2.0 Host

USB Expansion Port: Supported

Intercom: Supported

RTSP: Supported

Tamper: Supported

PoE+: Not Supported on BS3-DB

IP Rating: IP65

IK Rating: IK06

Operating Temperature: -20°C to 50°C

Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C

Operating Humidity: 0% to 80%, Non-Condensing

Storage Humidity: 0% to 90%, Non-Condensing

Power: 12V DC, Maximum 1A / 24V DC, Maximum 0.7A

Dimensions: 82.5 × 171 × 23.4mm

Device Weight: Approximately 370g

Bracket Weight: Approximately 90g including washers and bolts

Certifications: CE, UKCA, KC, FCC, IC, RCM, BIS, SIG, RoHS, REACH, WEEE, MIC, TELEC

Dimensions

Width: 82.5mm

Height: 171mm

Depth: 23.4mm

The compact depth can be useful where a relatively low-profile wall-mounted authentication terminal is required.

Weight

BS3-DB Device: Approximately 370g

Bracket: Approximately 90g including washers and bolts

BioStation 3 vs FaceLite FL-DB

For customers familiar with the older Suprema FaceLite FL-DB, BioStation 3 represents a newer generation of Suprema facial authentication hardware.

Some notable improvements include:

FaceLite FL-DB → BioStation 3 BS3-DB

Face 1:N capacity: 4,000 → 50,000

Maximum users: 30,000 → 100,000

Ethernet: 10/100Mbps → 10/100/1000Mbps

Display: 2-inch → 5.5-inch IPS

Environmental protection: No specified IP rating → IP65

Impact protection: No specified IK rating → IK06

Intercom: Not supported → Supported

Suprema officially identified BioStation 3 BS3-DB as the successor to FaceLite FL-DB when announcing FaceLite's end-of-life.

Access Control Applications

BioStation 3 BS3-DB may be considered for compatible:

• Corporate access control
• Office buildings
• Employee entrances
• Secure rooms
• Government facilities
• Education facilities
• Healthcare environments
• Financial institutions
• Commercial buildings
• Multi-credential access control
• Existing Suprema BioStar environments
• FaceLite replacement projects
• Visitor-access workflows
• Mobile credential deployments

Suitability depends on the complete access control architecture and site requirements.

Time and Attendance Considerations

BioStation 3 may participate in compatible attendance and workforce-management environments.

However, the terminal itself should not be presented as a complete payroll or HR system.

A complete solution may require:

• BioStar environment
• User enrollment
• Attendance configuration
• Reporting
• HR integration
• Payroll integration
• Appropriate licensing
• Organizational policies

Verify software requirements separately.

Purpose of Use

The Suprema BioStation 3 BS3-DB is intended for organizations requiring a modern multi-credential access control terminal combining:

• Facial authentication
• 125kHz EM credentials
• 13.56MHz smart cards
• Mobile credentials
• PIN
• QR/barcode credentials
• Ethernet connectivity
• OSDP
• Wiegand
• Intercom
• Access control I/O

The required authentication method and system architecture should be determined before ordering.

Adapter Considerations

If your required package is:

Suprema BioStation 3 BS3-DB + Adapter

confirm the following before ordering:

Adapter Output Voltage

Adapter Current Rating

UAE-Compatible Plug / Power Connection

Whether Adapter Is Manufacturer-Supplied or Separately Sourced

Installation Power Architecture

Cable Distance

Backup Power / UPS Requirement

Door Lock Power Requirement

The BioStation 3 power adapter should not automatically be assumed to power the electric lock or every other component of the access control system.

Things to Verify Before Ordering

Brand: Suprema

Product: BioStation 3

Exact Model: BS3-DB

Face Authentication Requirement

125kHz EM Card Requirement

13.56MHz Card Technology

MIFARE / DESFire Requirement

Existing Card Compatibility

NFC Requirement

BLE Requirement

PIN Requirement

QR / Barcode Requirement

Number of Users

1:1 or 1:N Face Authentication

BioStar Environment

Ethernet Requirement

Wi-Fi Requirement — BS3-DB Does Not Include Wi-Fi

OSDP Requirement

Wiegand Requirement

Intercom Requirement

Door-Control Architecture

Secure I/O Requirement

Power Requirement

Adapter Requirement

PoE Requirement — BS3-DB Does Not Support PoE+

Installation Environment

IP65 Requirement

IK06 Suitability

Required Quantity

Exact Package Contents

Who Should Consider BioStation 3 BS3-DB?

The BS3-DB may be appropriate where the requirement includes:

• Facial authentication
• 125kHz EM credentials
• 13.56MHz MIFARE-family credentials
• DESFire credentials
• NFC or BLE mobile access
• PIN authentication
• QR/barcode authentication
• Up to 100,000 users
• High-capacity facial authentication
• Gigabit Ethernet
• OSDP V2
• Wiegand
• Intercom
• IP65 enclosure protection
• Suprema access control infrastructure
• Replacement of an older FaceLite deployment

Who May Need Another Solution?

Another BioStation 3 configuration or access control terminal may be more appropriate where:

• HID Prox is specifically required
• HID iCLASS / Seos credentials are required
• Integrated Wi-Fi is mandatory
• PoE+ is mandatory
• Fingerprint authentication is required
• The existing card population is not compatible with BS3-DB
• The project specification requires a different Suprema model
• Another biometric technology is required

The exact credential technology is particularly important when selecting between BioStation 3 variants.

Building a Complete Access Control Solution

BioStation 3 is one component of an access control environment.

A typical solution may involve:

User

↓

Face / Card / Mobile / PIN / QR Credential

↓

Suprema BioStation 3 BS3-DB

↓

Ethernet / RS-485 / OSDP / Access Control Infrastructure

↓

BioStar / Controller / Secure I/O where applicable

↓

Door Lock

↓

Door Sensor / Exit Device

↓

Access Event / Audit Trail

System architecture should be designed according to the security requirements of the site.

Security Planning

When deploying biometric access control, consider:

• Enrollment procedures
• Credential policy
• Multi-factor authentication requirements
• Access levels
• Door hardware
• Relay security
• Secure I/O
• Network security
• Device administration
• BioStar security
• Event logs
• Emergency egress
• Backup power
• Physical installation
• Biometric privacy requirements

A high-capability terminal cannot by itself compensate for weaknesses elsewhere in the access control system.

Biometric Privacy Considerations

Facial authentication involves biometric information.

Organizations should evaluate applicable requirements concerning:

• User notification
• Consent where applicable
• Biometric enrollment
• Data storage
• Data retention
• Access permissions
• Information security
• Data deletion
• Employee policies
• Applicable privacy regulations

The technical capability of BioStation 3 does not replace the organization's responsibility to manage biometric information appropriately.

FAQ - Suprema BioStation 3 BS3-DB

Q: What is Suprema BioStation 3 BS3-DB?

A: It is a compact facial authentication and access control terminal supporting face, selected RFID cards, NFC, BLE, PIN and QR/barcode credentials.

Q: Does BS3-DB support 125kHz EM cards?

A: Yes. The BS3-DB supports 125kHz EM credentials.

Q: Does BS3-DB support 13.56MHz MIFARE?

A: Yes. It supports MIFARE, MIFARE Plus, DESFire, DESFire EV1/EV2/EV3 and FeliCa credential technologies.

Q: Does BioStation 3 support face recognition?

A: Yes. Facial authentication is its biometric credential technology, with Live Face Detection supported.

Q: How fast is facial matching?

A: Suprema specifies matching within 0.2 seconds under its stated conditions.

Q: How many users can BS3-DB support?

A: Suprema specifies up to 100,000 users.

Q: What is the 1:N face capacity?

A: Up to 50,000 face credentials are specified for 1:N matching.

Q: Does BS3-DB support mobile credentials?

A: Yes. NFC and BLE mobile credential technologies are supported, subject to the applicable Suprema credential environment and configuration.

Q: Can BioStation 3 read QR codes?

A: Yes. QR/barcode capability is supported for compatible credential workflows.

Q: Does BS3-DB have Wi-Fi?

A: No. Integrated Wi-Fi is not supported on the BS3-DB variant.

Q: Does BS3-DB support PoE+?

A: No. PoE+ is not supported on BS3-DB. A suitable DC power arrangement is required.

Q: Does BS3-DB support OSDP?

A: Yes. OSDP V2-compliant communication is supported over RS-485.

Q: Does BioStation 3 support Wiegand?

A: Yes. BS3-DB provides one Wiegand input and one Wiegand output.

Q: Does BioStation 3 have an intercom?

A: Yes. Intercom functionality is supported.

Q: Is BioStation 3 waterproof?

A: The terminal has an IP65 rating, but it should not be described simply as waterproof. Installation must follow the manufacturer's environmental requirements.

Q: Is BioStation 3 suitable as a replacement for FaceLite FL-DB?

A: Suprema officially identifies BS3-DB as the successor to FaceLite FL-DB. However, existing system compatibility, mounting, wiring, software, credentials and access control architecture should still be reviewed before replacement.

Q: Does the adapter power the complete access control system?

A: Not necessarily. The terminal's power requirements and the power requirements of locks, controllers, Secure I/O and other equipment should be calculated separately.

Related Products

Suprema FaceLite FL-DB

Suprema BioStation 3

Suprema Biometric Access Control Terminals

Suprema RFID Readers

Suprema Secure I/O

Suprema Access Control Controllers

125kHz EM Credentials

13.56MHz MIFARE Credentials

DESFire Credentials

Access Control Power Supplies

Door Access Control Accessories

Helpful Internal Links

NEOTECH® UAE

https://www.neotech.ae/

Why NEOTECH® UAE?

NEOTECH® encourages customers to select biometric access control equipment according to the actual credential technology, user capacity, authentication method, access control architecture, software environment and installation requirements.

For Suprema BioStation 3 BS3-DB, identifying the exact model is particularly important because different BioStation 3 variants support different RFID and connectivity options.

Before ordering, customers should verify their existing 125kHz or 13.56MHz card technology, BioStar environment, required authentication method, power arrangement and door-control architecture.

Learn First. Decide Second. Buy Only If It Is Right for Your Needs.

The NEOTECH® Learning Center is free and open to everyone. You do not need to be a NEOTECH® customer to access or benefit from our educational content. Learn at your own pace, explore the information freely, and make informed decisions based on your own needs. There is no obligation or pressure to purchase from NEOTECH®.

There is no obligation or pressure to purchase. Customers are encouraged to verify the exact BS3 variant, RFID credential technology, biometric capacity, BioStar compatibility, network interfaces, power requirements, adapter, door-control architecture and complete system compatibility before ordering.

Delivery – UAE

NEOTECH® supports product requirements within the United Arab Emirates.

Exact Suprema BS3-DB configuration, adapter, accessories, quantity, availability and lead time should be confirmed before ordering.

Contact NEOTECH® UAE

Website: https://www.neotech.ae/

Email: support@neotech.ae

Address: Store 13, Computer Bldg, Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, Dubai 44245, United Arab Emirates

Disclaimer - NEOTECH® UAE

Suprema, BioStation, BioStar, MIFARE, DESFire, FeliCa and associated product names are trademarks or product identifiers of their respective owners.

Product information is provided for educational, product-identification, compatibility and procurement-support purposes.

Specifications are based on current Suprema documentation for BioStation 3 BS3-DB. Features, firmware capabilities, software compatibility and credential support can depend on the actual device configuration and applicable system environment.

The presence of RFID, NFC, BLE, QR/barcode, OSDP, Wiegand or other interfaces does not guarantee compatibility with every existing credential, controller, mobile platform or access control system.

Where an adapter is supplied, its exact specification and package inclusion should be confirmed before ordering. Power requirements for locks and other access control components should be evaluated separately.

Organizations deploying facial authentication are responsible for evaluating applicable privacy, security and biometric-data requirements.

Last Updated: 01 September 2026  (GST, UTC+4)