Technical Documentation for metraTec QuasarLR HF RFID Reader Date: January 2020 Version: 1.6 Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 1 of 19 Table of Contents 1 General Information / Security Advice................................................................................3 1.1 Notes on the use of this documentation.......................................................................3 1.2 Security Advice.............................................................................................................3 1.3 Export Restrictions........................................................................................................3 1.4 Further Documents.......................................................................................................3 2 Product Description.............................................................................................................4 2.1 Intended Use................................................................................................................4 2.2 Technical Specification..................................................................................................4 2.3 Product Drawing...........................................................................................................5 2.4 Scope of Delivery.........................................................................................................5 2.5 Accessories...................................................................................................................6 3 Power Supply and Electrical Specification...........................................................................7 4 Communication...................................................................................................................8 4.1 USB Driver Installation..................................................................................................8 4.2 Ethernet........................................................................................................................8 5 Antenna Installation............................................................................................................9 5.1 FCC / ISED Compliance / Professional.........................................................................9 6 Digital Input/Outputs........................................................................................................11 7 External Status LEDs.........................................................................................................13 8 Internal Status LEDs..........................................................................................................14 9 Further Notes....................................................................................................................16 9.1 Environmental.............................................................................................................16 9.2 Declaration of Conformity EU.....................................................................................16 9.3 Regulatory Information FCC / ISED (USA / Canada)...................................................17 10 Version Control................................................................................................................18 Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 2 of 19 1 General Information / Security Advice 1.1 Notes on the use of this documentation This user manual and integration guide uses different symbols to point out potentially dangerous situations. The following signs and symbols are used throughout the document. ATTENTION Declares a potentially hazardous situation. If this is not avoided, the product or something in its surrounding could be damaged. NOTE Declares notes for the user as well as other useful information, where no harmful or dangerous situations can be expected. 1.2 Security Advice The QuasarLR HF RFID Reader was not designed for use in dangerous environments. Using this product in applications where a failure could directly result in severe injuries or death
(high risk activities) is not permitted. This includes but is not limited to applications in nuclear facilities, flight control systems, life support systems or weapon systems. The manufacturer denies the suitability of this device for such scenarios. 1.3 Export Restrictions The QuasarLR HF RFID Reader contains components that underlie US Export restrictions. It is therefore forbidden to export the product to countries that are on the US trade embargo list. The same applies to any countries that are on the EU embargo list. 1.4 Further Documents While this documentation explains the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the QuasarLR RFID Reader, it might be useful to also read the metraTec Protocol Guide, which explains the ASCII protocols used to control the reader in full detail. We also offer general information about how to set up the connection of the reader to the antenna for optimum system performance in our HF Antenna Integration Guide. All further documents can be either found at the metraTec's product web page or are listed at: http://www.metratec.com/en/support/downloads/documentation.html. Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 3 of 19 2 Product Description The QuasarLR is an HF RFID reader/writer for demanding industrial applications, where high reading reliability, speed and extensive special tag features are needed. Highlights include a reading rate of up to 100 tag-IDs/sec and reading and writing data on tags without needing to address them individually. This allows applications directly at conveyor belts, in production machinery and in electric control cabinets. 2.1 Intended Use RFID Reader/Writer for wireless communication with RFID transponders according to ISO 15693. It is intended to be used in commercial or industrial applications only, e.g. on a factory conveyor belt, as part of a RFID gate for forklifts or inside a manufacturing machine. This hardware is only sold via our authorized resellers or directly to qualified installers. ATTENTION Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by metraTec GmbH may void the FCC authorization to operate this equipment. For further information on installation see chapter 5. 2.2 Technical Specification Operating Voltage 24 V DC Digital Inputs/Outputs optically isolated 24V DC Inputs (2x), 24 V DC Outputs
(4x), 24 V DC Out (1x) Operating Frequency 13.56 MHz System Impedance 50 Ohm, BNC Output RF Output Power Consumption 4000 mW max. 500 mA Operating Temperature 0C bis +50C Dimensions 190 x 205 x 65 mm Protection Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR IP 40 Page 4 of 19 Conformity CE, e.g. EN 60950-1, ETSI 300 330 2.3 Product Drawing 190 5 1 5 0 2 Fig. 1: Dimensions of QuasarLR RFID Reader (in mm) 2.4 Scope of Delivery The QuasarLR RFID Reader comes with the following parts:
QuasarLR RFID Reader 24 V DC power supply Documentation, Drivers and Demo Software are available via download from metraTec's website Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 5 of 19 2.5 Accessories The following accessories and modules are available to extend and evaluate the functionality of the QuasarLR HF RFID Module:
Multiplexer (4x, 8x and 16x) Various HF antennas Coaxial cable Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 6 of 19 3 Power Supply and Electrical Specification The QuasarLR is powered using 24 V DC which are connected at the front of the device. If you do not use a power supply supplied by metraTec, please make sure that your own PSU provides a supply voltage of high quality. If possible, use a PSU with high precision/high speed linear regulator. If you use a switching PSU, please make sure that the switching frequency is > 500 kHz. Fig. 2: Power Connector Description (ref. Tab. 1) Connector Description X3.1 X3.2 GND 24 V DC Tab. 1: Description of Power Connector Operating Voltage 24 V DC Power Consumption, RF on 500 mA Power Consumption, RF off 150 mA Power Consumption, Sleep 110 mA Voltage Inputs/Outputs 24 V Tab. 2: Maximum Rating and Electrical Limits Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 7 of 19 4 Communication The QuasarLR offers two main options as a host interface USB and optionally an Ethernet connection. The main advantage of the optional Ethernet interface lies in the very long cable length that Ethernet allows between the host computer or network switch and the reader in the field. Additionally, versions with WiFi and ZigBee are available on special request. 4.1 USB Driver Installation The basic option for connecting the QuasarLR with your host PC is using the USB connection every reader has. 1. Connect the reader with a 24 V DC power source as described before. 2. Connect the reader with a PC using a USB cable. 3. Install the USB driver. metraTec offers the needed driver including Installation Guides for Windows XP and Windows 7 (as downloads from metraTec's website). 4.2 Ethernet Communication of the QuasarLR goes via the Ethernet connection to a host for data evaluation. Factory IP address of the QuasarLR is 192.168.2.239 For changing the address, access the above IP address via web browser. You will be asked for a password. Default password is tucadmin. You can now change the IP address via the web mask. In case the changed address got lost, the TUC Config Manager software from metraTec can be used to search for the device and assign another IP address. Software and more documentation can be found here:
http://www.metratec.com/en/support/downloads/software.html Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 8 of 19 5 Antenna Installation To send and receive data to and from the tags an appropriate HF RFID antenna (13.56 MHz, 50 Ohm) has to be connected to the reader. This is done via the BNC connector on the reader. To connect the antenna to the reader or multiplexer the devices are equipped with BNC jacks and the cables are equipped with BNC plugs at both ends. When connecting antennas with multiplexers or readers please keep in mind that the cable has a signal dampening effect reducing the RF power reaching the antenna. If long cables are to be used in connection with one or more multiplexers the reading range can be reduced measurably. Using higher quality cables can reduce the power loss in cases in which this is important. Recommended cables with different lengths can be ordered from metraTec as accessories. ATTENTION Always connect a 50 Ohm antenna as described above first, before powering the device. Powering the reader without an appropriate 50 Ohm load for a longer time could damage the reader permanently. 5.1 FCC / ISED Compliance / Professional Installation Installing a correct RFID system is a complex task. Besides a safe electrical installation it is also import to install the antenna in a correct manner to ensure nominal operation. The system can be influenced by the environment surrounding the antenna, the cables used as well as other devices in the vicinity of the system. Therefore, this system should only be installed by professional installers that have the necessary equipment to make sure the reader and antenna work as intended. Only the following antennas are approved to be used with the QuasarLR by the FCC according to FCC Part 15 and ISED Canada according to RS210:
metraTec MaxiPCB HF Antenna, Article-No.: 2200 0027 metraTec MidiPCB HF Antenna, Article-No.: 2200 0086 Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 9 of 19 ATTENTION FCC/ISED Compliance To comply with FCC Part 15 rules in the United States / with ISED Rules in Canada, the device must be installed by a professional installer to ensure full compliance. The operator of the device and the installer are responsible to ensure that only certified systems are deployed in the United States / Canada. Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 10 of 19 6 Digital Input/Outputs The QuasarLR has 2 digital input pins and 4 digital output pins which can be be read or set via the reader. The input pins are optically isolated 24 V DC inputs as common in automation technology in general. Up to 25 mA are needed to set the input to "high". The output pins are 24 V high side switch DC outputs with a maximum current of 250 mA per pin. These can be used to directly power e.g. signal towers. In total a maximum current of 1000 mA for all pins is allowed. Outputs are equipped with internal overcurrent and overtemperature shutdown. The pins X2.1 and X2.2 are connected directly to the power supply input, i.e. the applied voltage is 24 V DC. This can be used for power supply of e.g. sensors, etc. The power of these pins is only limited by the power of the power supply used. Fig. 3: Connector description of QuasarLR Connector Description X2.1 X2.2 X2.3 X2.4 X2.5 X2.6 GND 24 V DC Out Out 1 -
Out 1 +
Out 2 -
Out 2 +
Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 11 of 19 X2.7 X2.8 X2.9 X2.10 X2.11 X2.12 X2.13 X2.14 X2.15 X2.16 Out 3 -
Out 3 +
Out 4 -
Out 4 +
In 1 -
In 1 +
In 2 -
In 2 +
GND 24 V DC Tab. 3: Pin Description for digital IOs. Note: All "Out X -" are connected to ground internally!
Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 12 of 19 7 External Status LEDs The reader features 3 external status LEDs indicated the operating state. The LEDs are listed from left (24 V power connector) to right (USB connector). Status LEDs Farbe LED E1 LED E2 LED E3 Tab. 4: Meaning of the external LEDs green*
green*
blue Status 24 V Power OK RF Output on Transponder detected
* Revisions up to 1.1 have red LEDs instead of green ones. Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 13 of 19 8 Internal Status LEDs Internally, the reader is equipped with 2 LED bars for status display which might be useful for the advanced system integrator for setting up and analyzing the system's status. The LEDs can be reached by opening the upper housing half after removing the upper two screws. The LEDs are labeled on the circuit board. The LEDs of the status bar signals the status of the reader as listed in Tab. 5. Status LEDs LED S1 LED S2 LED S3 LED S4 LED S5 LED S6 Color green green green green green red LED S7 LED S8 red red Tab. 5: Meaning of the internal Status LEDs Status Transponder detected RFU RFU RFU Application processor detected Short circuit at the antenna port. This is not just a bad voltage standing wave ratio, but a short circuit at the antenna port: Turn off the reader and replace the antenna Collision detected. Indicates either a collision of the transponder, or data error due to disturbances, or a badly tuned antenna Overtemperature. Turn off reader and let it cool down Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 14 of 19 The VSWR LED bar signals the tuning of the antenna. The standing wave ratio should be better than 1:2, and there should be only green or at least orange LED lights active. Tab. 6 lists the LED colors. VSWR LEDs Color LED V1 LED V2 LED V3 LED V4 LED V5 LED V6 LED V7 LED V8 green green orange orange red red red red Tab. 6: VSWR LED Bar Value
(VSWR) 1 1,2 1,5 1,7 2 2,5 3 INF Quality of Standing Wave Ratio optimal very good good still acceptable poor, reading efficiency reduced. Antenna needs to be tuned poor, reading efficiency reduced. Antenna needs to be tuned poor, reading efficiency reduced. Antenna needs to be tuned poor, reading efficiency reduced. Antenna needs to be tuned Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 15 of 19 9 Further Notes 9.1 Environmental Electronic devices like the QuasarLR are covered by the (German) ElektroG (electronic waste law) as well as the European WEEE directive and as such may not be disposed of by way of the normal household trash. Instead they have to be recycled properly. For you as our customer this is no additional burden, however, as you can send the device back to us for proper recycling. We assure you that the devices received back will be recycled properly and in an environmentally friendly way. Our WEEE Registration ID is DE 56060482. When selecting electronic components we additionally made sure that all components are free of heavy metals and other harmful substances as required by the RoHS Directive for many industries. Hence, our products are produced in the most environmentally friendly way possible. 9.2 Declaration of Conformity EU The QuasarLR complies with all directives and regulations applicable in the European Union for this kind of device. This especially includes all laws regarding use of spectrum and EMC. The product therefore bears the CE sign, as required by Directive 1999/5/EC (Radio &
Telecommunication Terminal Equipment Directive). The product is currently not registered for use in the US or Canada. However, metraTec is registered as a manufacturer of electronics at the FCC and IC. A certification of this product is therefore possible, if required. Please ask us or your system integrator for further information. Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 16 of 19 9.3 Regulatory Information FCC / ISED (USA / Canada) NOTE This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canadas licence-exempt RSS(s) and part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference. 2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Lmetteur/rcepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le prsent appareil est conforme aux CNR dInnovation, Sciences et Dveloppement conomique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. Lexploitation est autorise aux deux conditions suivantes:
1. Lappareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
2. Lappareil doit accepter tout brouillage radiolectrique subi, mme si le brouillage est susceptible den compromettre le fonctionnement. Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 17 of 19 10 Version Control Version 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Change created Chapter 8 (Internal Status LEDs) integrated added reference to Antenna Integration Guide; description of USB driver installation externalized, product drawing added, scope of delivery and temperature range corrected, minor changes Chapter on external LEDs added insert 4.2 Ethernet, update address Regulatory Information added Added more FCC requirements by TM TM CS TM KS KD KD Date 17.02.2015 17.03.2015 21.04.2015 5.10.2015 28.11.2016 21.10.2019 29.01.2020 Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 18 of 19 Contact metraTec GmbH Niels-Bohr-Str. 5 39106 Magdeburg, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)391 251906-00 Fax: +49 (0)391 251906-01 Email: support@metratec.com Web:
http://www.metratec.com Copyright 2020 metraTec GmbH Reprint or reproduction of this documentation for other than internal purposes is only allowed with written permission by metraTec GmbH. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All right reserved. We are constantly improving our products. Changes in function, form, features can happen without prior notice. Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarLR Page 19 of 19