*** Caution ***
Changes of modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment Operation Manual XCRF-500 Reader Series Shenzhen Yuanwanggu Information Technology Co., Ltd. Content Chapter 1: Introduction..........................................................1 1.1 System advantage .........................................................3 1.2 System capability characteristics ..................................4 1.3 XCRF-500 reader series ...............................................5 1.4 Other needed accessories..............................................6 Chapter 2: Installation ............................................................7 2.1 Appearance of XCRF-500 reader series .......................7 2.2 Front and Upper Panel..................................................9 2.3 Back Panel .................................................................. 11 2.4 Installation steps .........................................................12 2.5 Connect external antenna............................................13 2.6 External antenna installation.......................................14 2.7 Connect serial port of PC............................................15 2.8 Connect to external AC power supply........................15 2.9 Reader Test..................................................................17 2.10 Adjust antenna position.............................................20 2.11 Test for reading the information of tag.....................20 2.12 Test for writing the information of tag......................20 Chapter 3: RF communication.............................................21 3.1 Signal interference ......................................................21 3.2 Signal attenuation/reflection.......................................23 i 1.Information of the Reader 2.Information of the Computer 3.3 Optimization of system performance..........................25 Chapter 4: Fault Diagnosis ...................................................29 4.1 Faults that can be solved by user himself ...................29 4.2 Contact customer service............................................32 4.3 Return of the Device...................................................34 Chapter 5: Performance Index.............................................37 Chapter 6: other explanation................................................39 6.1 Radio frequency (RF) radiation..................................39 6.2 Non promissory articles ..............................................39 6.3 marketed method ii Chapter 1: Introduction tag readers The XCRF-500 reader series are electronic developed by Shenzhen Yuanwanggu Information Technology Co., Ltd. These readers are applicable to reading/writing XCTF-5000 tag series that satisfies NCITS256-1999 protocol and works within UHF frequency range, as well as compatibly reading AMTECHs UHF tag used in vehicle identification. With its compatible electronic tags, XCRF-500 reader series could be widely deployed in the areas like custom vehicle automatic identification, urban vehicle automatic identification management, highway non-stop toll, etc. XCRF-600 reader can only read the tags that meet the proposal of EM4223. XCRF-600 reader needs only to send RF power to tags, one tag will send its ID information. XCRF-600 reader can be widely deployed in the doorway management, etc. XCRF-500 XCRF-500W, XCRF-501W, XCRF-502W and XCRF-504W. includes 4 reader models:
reader series XCRF-500W is single-ported reader where only antenna 1 can be connected with external antenna. XCRF-501W is antenna-built-in reader, XCRF-502W is dual-ported reader, 1 both antenna 1 and antenna 2 of which can be connected with external antenna. XCRF-504W is four-ported reader, antenna 1, antenna 2, antenna 3 and antenna 4 of which can be connected with external antenna. In the case that the reader you ordered is multi-ported, it is necessary to connect the unused antenna ports to 50/20W dummy load in order to protect the reader. 2 1.1 System Advantage radio the point of data collection, frequency From identification system completely resembles bar code system. In the course of data collection, bar code system adopts one-way communication, i.e., bar code sensor (reader) reads information from bar code in non-touch way. During such information flowing, bar code is totally in a passive and subordinate position and the communication is one-way, i.e., information is transmitted to bar code sensor from bar code tag. The shortcoming of bar code system is that, if damaged, polluted, damped or located inside an article, the bar code couldnt acquire data because the reading range of sensor is too short. Data collection system composed of XCRF-500 reader series and their compatible electronic tags, fundamentally overcomes the above shortcoming of bar code system. The communication between reader and tag is two-way, in which the tag makes 3 response to relevant two-way communication, system could realize the function of reading multiple tags within reading area. readers demand. With Matched with appropriate antenna, the reading range of XCRF-500 reader series could be over 7 meters. 1.2 System Capability Characteristics Ability to read part of or all the data information of a single tag;
Ability to read part of or all the data information of multiple tags under the circumstance of no unpacking and ordering;
Ability to screen specific electronic tag according to the user-defined rules;
The super inquiry protocol followed by reader and electronic tag enables reader to unerringly identify every electronic tag within reading area and read each tag only once. The unique protocol between reader and electronic tag decides that when multiple tags are read, every tag spends the same reading time, independent of tag quantity within reading area
(regarding XCTF-5000 electronic tag). 4 1.3 XCRF-500 reader series XCRF-500 reader series are designed for reading and writing UHF tag of XCTF-5000, while keeping compatible with AMTECH vehicle tag. XCRF-500 reader series provides 1 to 4 radio frequency interfaces for external radio frequency antennas. Radio frequency cable should employ low loss cable, and the length of radio frequency cable equipped with reader is 10 meters. Lengthening the radio frequency cable or using general radio frequency cable will affect the reading/writing range of reader. Note:
(1) Joint between radio frequency cable and reader is N-type joint, connection of which should be tight and reliable. Over-tight joint connection would damage the joint socket, while a loose one would cause system performance decline
(reading/writing distance).
(2)Switching on the power and transmitting microwave prior to disconnecting antenna might cause serious damage to the system.
(3) Unused antenna port should be connected to 50/20W load. 5 1.4 Other Required Accessories Besides reader and tag, IBM-compatible personal computer system and interface software for reader are also needed to build a integrated radio frequency identification system and data collection system. The minimum requirement for personal computer system is:
9-firing pin RS-232 serial port;
Well adaptive to Windows 98/2000/XP;
Interface software for reader includes:
API Dynamic-Link Library for XCRF-500W reader series;
API and demo software V1.1 for XCRF-500W reader series;
6 Chapter 2: Installation In this chapter we introduce the installation and testing of XCRF-500 reader series. Before installation and testing, operator should read the article of radio frequency (RF) radiation (Section 6.1) of this handbook. 2.1 Appearance of XCRF-500 reader series Appearance of XCRF-500 reader series is shown as figure 2-1
(a) and figure 2-1 (b). There are power switch , interface of power supply, an serial interface, a 10M network interface and a control interface on the front panels of XCRF-500 reader series. There are 5 LED indicators for working status of reader on the upper panels of XCRF-500 reader series. There are 2 N-joints which connect transmitting and receiving antenna of reader, except that there are also 2 extend N-joints on the back panels of XCRF-500 reader series. 7 Figure 2-1(a) Appearance of XCRF-500 reader series (front right) Figure 2-1(b) Appearance of XCRF-500 reader series (right back) 8 2.2 Front Panel and Upper Panel On the upper panel of XCRF-500W reader series there are 5 LED indicating the working status of reader. The indicators of Power supply and Power amplifier are bicolour (red and green), shown as figure 2-2. Power switch Series port LED Control Interface Network interface Power supply interface Figure 2-2 Top panel of XCRF-500 reader series The 5 LED on the front upper panel of reader indicats the current status of power supply, power amplifier, connection, communication and receiving. The meaning of each LED indicator is detailed in table 2-1. 9 Table 2-1 Meaning of each indicator light on the front panels of XCRF-500 reader series LED indicator Power Supply Colour Status Green or red Light-up means reader start-up. Power Amplifier Green or red Link Activity Receive Green Blue Green Power supply and power amplifier light combination indicated function Light status of Light status of power supply power amplifier Green Green Red Red Green Red Green Red Light-up means that power amplifier of radio frequency works. Light-up means that network interface connects correctly. Light-up means exchanging data by network interface. Light-up means receiving correct tag information. Working status indication of multiple antennas Status indication Mean that antenna 1 is working Mean that antenna 2 is working Mean that antenna 3 is working Mean that antenna 4 is working 10 2.3 Back Panel There are 2 radio frequency (RF) interfaces (N (Female)) which connect reader antenna,and two extent RF interface. Only port 1 can be used for XCRF-500 reader, both port 1 and 2 can be used for XCRF-502W reader (see figure 2-3). The two sperated ports provide the same function, they are worked time-devided. In a period time only one port can transmit and receive information simultanously. Antenna Port 1 Antenna Port 2 Antenna Extend Interface Figure 2-3 Back panel of XCRF-500 reader series 11 2.4 Installation steps Installation steps of XCRF-500 reader series are as follows:
(1) Reader installation: choose a position closer to antenna. If located outdoor, the reader should be installed in a water-proof case;
(2) Connect external antenna (see page 21);
(3) Install the antenna and make reader in the best working status for reading/writing electronic tag (see page 23);
(4) Connect serial communication cable to the serial port of personal computer (see page 25);
(5) Connect power supply (see page 26);
(6) Configure reader (see reader API interface and demo software specification);
(7) Adjust antennas position (see page 31) 12 2.5 Connect external antenna There are 2 N-type coaxial cable joints (Female) on the back panels of XCRF-500 reader series to connect the external antenna. Be sure that the installation of the antenna must be performed by professional installers authorized by the provider. Sketch map of connection between reader and external antenna is shown in figure 2-4. Low loss radio frequency cable with a standard length of 10 meters is recommended for the connection between reader and antenna. Insert loss of the Low loss radio frequency cable must be at least 1 dB and less than 2dB.When connecting with antenna and reader, the cable joint should be tightly screwed. In practical installation, a heat-contracted pipe should be used to airproof the cable joint for protection once it is screwed. 13 Antenna XCAF-11 Figure 2-4 Connetion between XCRF-500 reader series and atenna
(Sketch map) 2.6 Install external antenna External antennas of XCRF-500 reader series are usually installed outdoors. The area that its wave beam covers is the valid area for system reading/writing electronic tag. Depending on the specific requirement on the application spot, external either horizontal-top-mounted or vertical-side-mounted . The angle of inclination or rotation of antenna could be adjusted to enable antenna reader could be of 14 the best reading/writing performance. Usually XCRF-500 reader series should be used with linear-
polarized antenna (to avoid antenna loss). In a on-spot installation, do pay attention to the polarization matching between reader antenna and tag antenna, otherwise the reading/writing range might be seriously affected. 2.7 Connect to PC serial port XCRF-500 reader series provides RS232 serial interface. The 9th foot of the serial interface provides an output power of +5V DC, which meets standard RS232 transmission, easily connects to expanded USB interface module, connects to standard radio communication module of WLAN802.11b protocol to meet the requirement of radio data transmission within 10m, or connects special radio communication module to meet the requirement of radio data transmission within 200m. In addition, XCRF-500 series readers also provide a 10M network interface to meet the requirement of high-speed data transmission. 2.8 Connect to external AC power supply Follow the below steps to connect to AC power supply of 15 XCRF-500 reader:
(1) Make sure that the voltage is AC100V ~ 240V and working frequency is 50Hz;
(2) Make sure that the switch of XCRF-500 reader series is off;
(3) Plug one end of the power line into the socket of AC power supply, and another end into the triple-cored-cassette AC power input of XCRF-500 reader series
(4) Turn on the switch on the front panel of XCRF-500 reader series. After a beep, power supply indicator lights up, then the reader is initialising, and the system is standby after finishing initialising process. Note:
When XCRF-500 reader is in default status, the system is in standby status after start-up. The reader does not transmit radio wave when it is initialising or standby (radio power amplifier is off). Only after connected to antenna or load and receiving Read/Write tag command from PC or Enable Power Amplifier command, Power Amplifier of reader turns to working status. Caution: It is harmful for readers to enable the Power Amplifier with the absence of the connection to antenna or 16 dummy load. 2.9 Reader Test Testing for XCRF-500 reader series includes:
(1) Power Amplifier enable test: the indicator PA on the front panel of reader lights up after the Power Amplifier is 17 enabled.
(2) Power Amplifier disable test: Power Amplifier is off after the system start-up and initialisation. Power Amplifier could be disabled by Disable Power Amplifier command. The indicator PA on front panel of reader will be off after Power Amplifier is disabled.
(3) Electronic tag reading test:
Single tag reading test: test reading the tag ID number, partial or entire data in designated electronic tag;
Multi-tag reading test: test reading multi-tag ID number, and the memory data of the designated electronic tags among multiple.
(4) Electronic tag write test:
Single tag writing test: read tag ID number; update the data in designated position or total data in tag memory;
writing-protection test. Multi-tag writing test: read multi-tag ID number, read tag memory;
in designated or update writing-protection test. the data
(5) Read-range test: Read single tag to test its read-range, and 18 adjust the position and inclination/rotation angle of antenna. This test could be done from near to far or reversely;
(6) Write-range test: A signal-tag test usually done after read test. It should be conducted from far to near. The equipments and software required for read test are
(1) XCRF-500 reader series
(2) Antenna: XCAF-11, YWGIT, 6dBi
(3) RF cable: 1dB<Insert loss<2dB
(4) AC power supply and power socket;
(5) PC with WINDOWS98/2000 and 9Pin Serial Port;
Test software for XCRF-500 reader series: XCRF-500 reader series API and demo software V1.1.
(6) Attached CD. 19 2.10 Adjust antenna position Determine a rough read-range on the application spot, then locate and fix the antenna. Follow the procedure of reading test for XCRF-500 reader series to adjust the inclination /rotation angle of antenna to get an optimal read-range. Last, fix the installation position and antenna angle. 2.11 Test for reading tag information Fulfilled by XCRF-500 reader series API and demo software. 2.12 Test for writing tag information Fulfilled by XCRF-500 reader series API and demo software. 20 Chapter 3: RF Communication Generally, the system performance of the devices employing radio communication technology is very sensitive to signal interference and attenuation. This chapter addresses the optimisation issue of radio frequency communication between XCRF-500 reader series and electronic tag, which includes:
1 Signal interference 2 Signal attenuation 3 Optimisation of system performance 3.1 Signal interference Signal interference is the radio frequency (RF) signal caused by the information exchange between reader and electronic tag. Signal interference might seriously impair readers ability to read the data of electronic tag. The flashing of receiver indicator indicates the existance of interference signal, and the flashing frequency represents the extent of signal interference. The sources of interference signal include:
Radio frequency (RF) system, e.g., RF local-area network, nearby interactive identification system;
RF signal radiated from security gate, garage door or 21 other devices;
Radiation source of other radio frequency (RF);
The influence of these interference sources can be eliminated or reduced by adjusting the installation position and direction of the reader and antenna. When radio frequency (RF) interference or noise exists, the performance of reader system (exchange data with electronic tag) will dramatically decline. The reader can only receive one signal at any time, not able to differentiate the unexpected noise and expected useful RF signal. 22 3.2 Signal attenuation/reflection Signal attenuation refers to the natural attenuation of signal strength with the distance increasing. Meeting blocks during signal transmission might also cause attenuation. The blocks probably affecting the transmission of radio frequency signal include:
Close-ended space comprised of concrete wall, floor and ceiling;
Metal surface surrounding antenna or tag;
Water or other liquids surrounding antenna or tag;
Almost every object (furniture or blocks) in the path of transmitting radio frequency signal will cause attenuation to different extent. With an elaborate adjustment to the installation position, the attenuation of radio frequency caused by blocks can be lessened to possible least. The reflection from the metal or metalized surface back close to the electronic tag can affect the signal attenuation. In some situation, this could be solved by slightly increasing reading distance, but at the same time some dead corners will appear 23 within reading area. When the electronic tag is positioned in dead corners, the communication between reader and tag will be very poor. 24 3.3 Optimisation of system performance Generally, it is impossible to precisely predict the system performance of the reader under any given circumstance (the root is the complexity of electromagnetic radiation, including the frequency stability of signal source, the direction of antenna, antenna side-lobes and the suggestions below are instructive to optimising the system performance in practice. the environment). However, Elaborately design and install the antenna of reader. The standard length of radio frequency cable between antenna and reader is 10 meters. Over-lengthy radio frequency cable will bring about attenuation of both transmitted signal and received echo signal, which will shorten the reading range. Change in antenna connection or antenna type will significantly affect the system performance. Take the surrounding consideration:
construction materials, office hours, windows and pipe configuration, etc. Radio frequency field mode and into 25 reading range could be affected by the nearby metal articles like the household appliance, equipments, metal frames, etc. Make sure that the objects attached with the electronic tags to be identified stay within the valid reading area for longer than 10 milli-second (regarding XCTF-5000 electronic tag). The polarization direction of the reader antenna shall be the same as that of the electronic tag antenna. If the reader antenna is linearly polarized, the electronic tag could be rotated by 90 degree to find out minimum and maximum reading range. If the reader antenna is round polarized, the electronic tag may be rotated by 360 degrees in the plane facing the reader antenna without affecting the reading range. In the case that the electronic tag is vertical to the reader antenna, reader-writer antenna cant communicate with the electronic tag, however it is polarized. the The optimal length of electronic tag antenna is related to the non-conduct material in which the antenna is packed or embedded. The basic idea is: for the electronic tag packed in non-conductor (its dielectric 26 constant is usually larger than that of the air, and thus its effective wave length is shorter than that in the air), if its effective electrical length is adjusted to the optimal length in the air (the corresponding reading distance to the reader-writer is the longest), and when the antenna is packed in the non-conduct material, the electrical length of the antenna should be shortened to parallel the optimal effect in the air. On the contrary, if the electrical length of the antenna is adjusted to the optimal, then its optimal electric length in air should be increased. To avoid the mutual interference between multiple electronic tags installed on one object, any two electronic tags should keep enough distance to each other. The interference between multiple electronic tags will occur when the distance between two electronic tags is less than 10cm and their distances to the antenna are equal. Keep the bare or unpacked electronic tags away from chemicals. Some chemicals, such as alcohol, will not affect electronic tags in the normal temperature, but will somewhat cause corrosion when the temperature gets higher, 27 28 Chapter 4: Fault Diagnosis This chapter introduces the solutions, service information and repair issue of devices malfunction and abnormal situation. 4.1 User-solvable Problem Table 4-1 lists some user-solvable problems regarding the radio frequency identification system composed of reader and electronic tag. Table 4-1 Fault diagnosis for XCRF-500 reader series Problem Likely cause Solution The socket of AC junction box malfunction. The power supply indicator doesnt light up after the reader is switched on. Apply another AC electrical appliance such as a bulb to the socket to see if it works. If not, please check out the power supply or replace the socket. 29 The AC junction box may be controlled by one switch Connect to control switch, or select one junction box with control switch Power on the control switch or select a junction with control switch The power amplifier of indicator doesnt light up. The power amplifier of reader is not enabled. indicator The Power doesnt light up of amplifier Disconnection between PC. reader and Reader isnt switched on the radio Enable power frequency the amplifier with Enable power amplifier command of the test software Connect the reader with PC using serial port network cable. Switch reader. the on or 30 The Receive light up indicator doesnt The power amplifier disabled, no RF power output. No tag in the reading area of reader. the power Enable the amplifier with power Enable amplifier command of the test software Make the tested tag closer to the reader antenna. Replace damaged retry. Make the electronic tag face the readers antenna and turn it. the tags and in tags direction tag The the reading area of the reader are damaged. The of electronic in reading area doesnt match the polarization direction the readers antenna No AC power output Check the external of indicator The power doesnt light up of supply AC power supply 31 4.2 Contact customer service Please contact the companys customer service centre in case users get any problems beyond those in section 4.1 and cant figure out solutions. Before contacting our client service centre, please make following information available:
Information of Reader Model of the reader;
Serial number of reader (at the bottom of the reader);
Any alterations to the reader or tag;
Position of reader;
Information about the application software of reader. Information about Computer Brand and model of computer;
Processing speed and available RAM;
32 COM interface used;
Operating system. Contact our client service centre:
Shenzhen Yuanwanggu Information Technology Co., Ltd. Free Telephone Call800-891-0036 Email: sales@ywgit.cn 33 4.3 Device Return If the client service staff decides that user should return the reader for reparation, the client service representative will give user a RMAReturn Merchandise Authorization Please record this RMA number on the packaging outside and meanwhile place a note bearing this number inside the packaging so that the returned merchandise could be promptly handled. Please follow the steps below to return the reader for reparation:
(1) Pack the reader and its accessories carefully and then put them into the original static-proof foam packing case. If the original packing case is missing, please use a protective packing case.
(2) Use filling materials to cover the content in the case;
34 a) Put a note bearing the RMA number in the case;
b) Write the RMB number and the word FRAGILE on the outer surface of the case;
c) Mail the returned merchandise to the following address:
Postal Code: 518057 3/F, Building T2-B, High-Tech Industrial Park South, Shennan Road, Shenzhen Shenzhen Yuanwanggu Information Technology Co., Ltd 35 36 Chapter 5: Performance Index Performance indexes of XCRF-500W reader series are as follows:
Reading and Writing Perforemance:
n The reading and writing range is related to the output power of reader, antenna and electronic tag;
n Under regular configuration: EIRP=36dBm Maximum Reading Range=7m Maximum Writing Range=5m n Single Character16bitsReading Time: 10ms n Single Character16bitsWriting Time: 30ms n GPRS Module Interface Lighting Emitting Diode (LED): Power Supply indicatorred or green, Power Amplifier indicator
(red or green), Link indicator (green), Activity indicator(blue), Receive indicator (green);
Communication InterfaceRS232 or 10M network Serial Transmission Rate19200bps Regulation on DB9 Pin: standard RS232 definition the 9th pin for +5V output 37 Voltage100V ~ 240V/50Hz RF Output Powerless than 1W Power Consumptionless than 30W Maximum Length of Serial Port Cable10m Dimension29620065mm(L*W*H) Weight: less than 2.5 kg Operating Temperature: -10+50 Storage Temperature: -20+70 38 Chapter 6: Other Items 6.1 Radio frequency (RF) radiation When reader is working (radiating microwave power), the engaged people should keep at least 30cm away from the antenna to meet the requirement stipulated by the US FCC clause for the allowable radio frequency (RF) radiation that human body is exposed to. This item aims at the on-spot installation and debugging of the equipment. 6.2 Non-promissory articles Any radio-emitting devices including this device may cause interference to the operation of medical device without appropriate protection. In this case, please consult the relevant medical equipments vendor for solution. The operation of this device may also affect other electronic equipments. 6.3 Marketed method The device is not available in the general public at the typical retail stores and not available on the web. The device is custom-built, so it is only available if customers purchase. 39 Shenzhen Yuanwanggu Information Technology Co., Ltd. Address: Floor 3, Building T2-B, High-Tech Industrial Park South, Shennan Road, Shenzhen 40 Postal Code: 518057 Tel: 0755-26711633 26711690 Fax: 0755-26711693 Website: http://www. ywgit.cn E-mail: sales@ywgit.cn 41