User's Manual

i-PORT MB – Manual
Version 1.1 02.02.2007 Page 7/ 37
2.0 COMPONENTS
2.1 i-PORT MB
The i-PORT MB is a reader for the i-B series of ILR® Broadcast Tags.
Built into a compact plastic housing, the i-PORT MB receives
transmissions from the i-B tags at distances of up to 100 meters (300
feet). Connection to the host system is established via a RS422
interface, resulting in the capability to connect up to 8 readers in a
Daisy Chain using commercially available CAT 5 cables and
connectors.
A simple master/slave protocol enables data exchange. Not only does
the protocol contain the data received from the tag but it can also
provide information about the time of data reception, field strength
and information about the number of times the tag has been
received by the reader.
2.2 Antennas (EU only)
IDENTEC SOLUTIONS’ antennas are distinguished by their compact design. A variety of antennas can be
used, depending on application. The antennas are differentiated by characteristics such as polarization, apex
angle, and gain. Optimal fit to the read zone is achieved by the right choice of antenna (characteristics) and
receive sensitivity. As the antennas are passive system elements, no tuning is required, which facilitates
installation and maintenance.
Elliptical Polarized Antennas
Because of the wide apex angle (120º) a large read zone is
achieved, which is desirable when a large quantity of tags
need to be read at one time, or when tags moving at great
speeds need to be interrogated.
Since the polarization is elliptical, orientation of the tag
relative to the antenna is not important: if the tag is in front
of the antenna the tag may be polarized horizontally or
vertically along the line of sight of the antenna. Due to its
small size and weight, this antenna is very easy to integrate.