Review Copy 11-6-10 THINGMAGIC MICRO FAMILY USER GUIDE TM_Micro_Family-UG Rev 01XX2020
Review Copy 11-6-10 COPYRIGHT INFORMATION © Copyright 2018-2020 Novanta Corporation. All rights reserved. Version 01XX2020 This product or document is protected by copyright and distributed under licenses restricting its use, copying, distribution, and decompilation. No part of this product or document may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written authorization of Novanta Corporation and its licensors, if any. CryptoRF is a registered trademark of Atmel Corporation.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide ii REVISION HISTORY Date Version Description 7/2012 01 Rev1 • First Draft for early-access release. 11/2012 02 Rev1 • • Updated Dev Kit section with additional board details. Fixed thermal duty cycle table. 12/2012 02 RevA • • Updated Authorized Antenna List added information on modular certification. 2/2013 03 RevA • Corrected RESET line mode default baud rate to 115200. Added full hardware integration pages with pin locations.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide iii Date Version Description 5/02/2018 050222018 • • • • • • • • • Updated for format and technical verification. Added new regional setting choices in a new table for all regions. Added information about new metadata fields. Added information about additional fields that can be stored in memory. Added information about settings that can be changed during continuous operation. Added information about Micro vs Micro-LTE.
Review Copy 11-6-10 TABLE OF CONTENTS Copyright Information ................................................................................................................. i Technical Support and Contact Information ............................................................................... i Revision History ......................................................................................................................... ii Chapter 1 - Introduction.............................................
Review Copy 11-6-10 Programming the Micro ..................................................................................................... 19 Upgrading the Micro .......................................................................................................... 19 Verifying Application Firmware Image ............................................................................... 19 Custom On-Reader Applications .....................................................................................
Review Copy 11-6-10 End Product Labeling ........................................................................................................ 35 Industry Canada ...................................................................................................................... 35 End Product Labeling ........................................................................................................ 36 Industrie Canada (French Canadian) .............................................................
Review Copy 11-6-10 LIST OF TABLES Digital Power Interfaces ................................................................................................................................ 3 Micro Power Consumption ............................................................................................................................ 7 Thermal Calculations .....................................................................................................................................
Review Copy 11-6-10 LIST OF FIGURES AND PHOTOS Micro Digital Connector Signal Definition ...................................................................................................... 3 Micro Mechanical Drawing .......................................................................................................................... 13 SMT Reflow Profile......................................................................................................................................
ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 1 Review Copy 11-6-10 1 Introduction This document applies to all the modules in ThingMagic Micro family, i.e., the ThingMagic Micro modules (M6e-M and M6e-M-A) and the ThingMagic Micro-LTE modules (M6e-Micro and M6e-Micro-A). All the modules are referred to as “Micro” in this document. ThingMagic Micro is a high performance, embedded module that you can integrate with other systems to create RFID-enabled products.
ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 2 Review Copy 11-6-10 2 Hardware Overview The following section provides detailed specifications of the Micro hardware. Hardware Interfaces The Micro supports two monostatic bidirectional radio frequency (RF) antennas through two U.FL connector or edge side-pads. See Cables and Connectors for more information on antenna connector parts and Micro Hardware Integration for antenna edge via locations and layout guidelines.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 3 Micro Digital Connector Signal Definition Digital Power Interfaces Molex 53748-0208 Pin # Signal Signal Direction (In/Out of Micro) 1-15, 21, 23, 29, 31 5-8 GND P/S Return Must connect all GND pins to ground 25, 27 1-4 Vin P/S Input 3.5 to 5.25VDC. Must connect all Vin supplies.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 4 Control Signal Specification The module communicates to a host processor via a TTL logic level UART serial port or via a USB port. Both ports are accessed on the Molex connector or edge side-pads. The TTL logic level UART supports complete functionality. The USB port supports complete functionality, except the lowest power operational mode. NOTE: Power Consumption specifications apply to control via the TTL UART.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 5 USB Interface Supports USB 2.0 full speed device port (12 Megabits per second) using the three USB pins (USB_DM, USB_DP, and USB_5VSENSE). Do not tie the USB_5VSENSE to a 5V power source, as this will prevent the interface from detecting when the USB interface is connected or disconnected.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 6 left open. Users who are not able to provide external pull ups or pull downs on any given input, and who do not need that GPIO line, may configure it as an output and leave it open to achieve specified module power consumption. Configuring GPIO Settings The GPIO lines are configured as inputs or outputs through the MercuryAPI by setting the reader configuration parameters /reader/gpio/inputList and /reader/gpio/outputList.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 7 Power Supply Ripple The following are the minimum requirements to avoid module damage and ensure performance and regulatory specifications are met. Certain local regulatory specifications may require tighter specifications. • 3.5 to 5.25 VDC. • Less than 25 mV pk-pk ripple all frequencies. • Less than 11 mV pk-pk ripple for frequencies less than 100 kHz. • No spectral spike greater than 5 mV pk-pk in any 1 kHz band.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 8 Environmental Specifications Thermal Considerations There are two ways of mounting the Micro. See Micro Hardware Integration for additional details. One is to solder the board to the motherboard using its side edge-pads, with the RF shield facing upward. The other is to use the board-to-board connectors to connect to the motherboard and solder the 4 tabs on the shield to the motherboard as well.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 9 Thermal Calculations (Continued) Mounting Ambient Temp (°C) RF Power (dBm) Duty Cycle % Time (m) to reach max temperature Board to board 25 23 98 1.24 Board to board 25 30 40 No restriction Board to board 25 30 50 6.68 Board to board 25 30 60 2.49 Board to board 25 30 80 1.5 Board to board 25 30 98 1.06 Board to board 60 23 30 5.64 Board to board 60 23 50 1.13 Board to board 60 23 60 0.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 10 If your performance requirements can be met, a low enough duty cycle can result in no heat sinking required. With adequate heat sinking you can run continuously at 100% duty cycle. Thermal Resistance The measured thermal resistance from the on-board temperature sensor to the top ground plane of surface mount carrier board is approximately 4.8°C per watt.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 11 Qualified Antennas for M6e-Micro-A and M6e-M-A for 31.5 dBm Operation Antenna Type Manufacturer Manufacturer Part Number Max. Linear Gail (dBiL) Circular MTI Wireless MT-242043/TRH/A/K 6 Linear Laird Technologies S8964B 6 Qualified Cables and Adapters for M6e-Micro-A and M6e-M-A for 31.5 dBm Operation Antenna Type Manufacturer Manufacturer Part Number Loss at 915 MHz (dB) LMR195 Length: 3.66 meters Loss: 0.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 12 product, to requirements for unintentional radiators (Part 15B), and to additional authorization requirements for the non-transmitter functions on the transmitter module (for example, incidental transmissions while in receive mode or radiation due to digital logic functions). To ensure compliance with all non-transmitter functions, the host manufacturer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the module(s) installed and fully operational.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 13 Micro Mechanical Drawing Micro Mechanical Drawing Micro Hardware Integration In addition to the design and process recommendation shown on the following pages, consider the following: www.JADAKtech.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 14 There is the potential for 24 MHz harmonics (signals of a frequency that are an integer multiple of 24 MHz) to radiate from pins 22 through 28 of the Micro. If emissions testing shows such harmonics, the easiest fix is to put bypass capacitors (typically 39 to 100pf) directly at the offending pins on the carrier board. Note that higher values are not necessarily better.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 15 SMT Reflow Profile www.JADAKtech.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 16 www.JADAKtech.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 17 Sample Board Layout Using Surface Mount Option www.JADAKtech.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 18 Sample Board Layout Using Connectorized ‘Flip’ Option www.JADAKtech.
ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 19 Review Copy 11-6-10 3 Firmware Overview The following section provides detailed description of the Micro firmware components. Boot Loader The boot loader provides low-level functionality and hardware support for configuring communication settings, loading Application Firmware, and storing and retrieving data to/from flash. When a module is powered up or reset, the boot loader code is automatically loaded and executed.
ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 20 Review Copy 11-6-10 4 Communication Protocol The following is an overview of the low level serial communications protocol used by the Micro. Serial Communication Protocol The serial communication between a computer (host) and the Micro is based on a synchronized commandresponse/master-slave mechanism. Whenever the host sends a message to the reader, it cannot send another message until after it receives a response.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 21 The MercuryAPI supports Java, .NET and C programming environments. The MercuryAPI Software Development Kit (SDK) contains sample applications and source code to help developers get started demoing and developing functionality. For more information on the MercuryAPI see the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide and the MercuryAPI SDK, available on www.jadaktech.com. www.JADAKtech.
ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 22 Review Copy 11-6-10 5 Functionality Caution: Please contact rfid-support@jadaktech.com before beginning the process of getting regulatory approval for a finished product using the Micro. Supported Regions The Micro has differing levels of support for operation and use under the laws and guidelines of several regions. The regional support is shown in the following table. The regional functionality is set using the MercuryAPI.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 23 Supported Regions Region Name Country or Region Serial Interface Region Highest Frequency Permitted (kHz) Smallest Step Size (kHz) Maximum Dwell Time (sec) Lowest Channel in Hop Table Highest Channel in Hop Table LBT Level 2 Code1 Lowest Frequency Permitted (kHz) RU Russia 0x15 866000 868000 200 0.4 866200 867800 None SG Singapore 0x16 920000 925000 100 0.4 920100 924900 None VN Vietnam 0x19 866000 869000 50 0.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 24 • Changes not stored in flash, thus changes made are not retained after a power cycle or a restart of the boot loader. • Inability to change individual entries after uploading without reloading the entire table. • Frequencies used in the order of entries in the table. If necessary, for a region, the hop table can be randomized to create a pseudo-random sequence of frequencies to use.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 25 Protocol-Specific Functionality See the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide and language specific reference guides for details on supported Gen2 command functionality. IP-X The Micro supports multiple IP-X profiles including the ability to specify the Return Link Frequency, encoding and modulation scheme. The two profiles are treated as distinct protocols, the individual parameters are not configurable as with the other protocols.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 26 In addition to setting the delimiter to 1, a TagFilter of the class ISO180006b.Select must be used in order to read certain ISO18000-6b tags, specifically one of the following options must be used: GROUP_SELECT_EQ GROUP_SELECT_NE GROUP_SELECT_GT GROUP_SELECT_LT GROUP_UNSELECT_EQ GROUP_UNSELECT_NE GROUP_UNSELECT_GT GROUP_UNSELECT_LT Antenna Ports The Micro has two monostatic antenna ports. Each port is capable of both transmitting and receiving.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 27 GPIO 1 & 2 Used for Antenna Switching (Continued) 4 Low High A2 5 High Low A1 6 High Low A2 7 High High A1 8 High High A2 If only one GPIO Output line is used for antenna control, the combinations of the available output control line states (the GPIO line in use and the module port) result in a subset of logical antenna settings which can be used.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 28 Port Power and Settling Time The Micro allows the power and settling time for each logical antenna to be set using the reader configuration parameters /reader/radio/portReadPowerList and / reader/antenna/settlingTimeList, respectively. The order the antennas settings are defined does not affect search order. NOTE: Settling time is the time between the control lines switching to the next antenna setting and RF turning on for operations on that port.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 29 Tag Read Metadata In addition to the tag EPC ID resulting from Micro inventory operation each TagReadData (see MercuryAPI for code details) contains metadata about how, where and when the tag was read. The specific metadata available for each tag read is as follows: Tag Read Metadata Metadata Field Description Antenna ID The antenna on with the tag was read.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 30 Power Modes The Power Mode setting (set in /reader/powerMode) allows the user to trade off increased RF operation startup time for additional power savings. The details of the amount of power consumed in each mode is shown in the table under Micro Power Consumption. The behavior of each mode and impact on RF command latency is as follows: • PowerMode.FULL – In this mode, the unit operates at full power to attain the best performance possible.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 31 • Region • Baud Rate (for serial interface) • Default Protocol • RF power • Antenna search list • Gen2 “M” value • Gen2 BLF • Gen2 TARI • Gen2 Session • Gen2 target • Gen2 Q • Autonomous Trigger • Autonomous Read Plan • Hop Table and Hop Time (“Dwell Time”) • Duty Cycle (to limit temperature rise given that only continuous reading is supported for a saved Autonomous Read Plan) See the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide and s
ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 32 Review Copy 11-6-10 6 Specifications Micro Specifications Ordering Information Module Development Kit M6E-M M6E-M-A M6E-M-DEVKIT Physical Dimensions 46 mm L x 26 mm W x 4.0 mm H (1.8 in L x 1.0 in W x 0.16 in H) Tag Transponder Protocols RFID Protocol Support EPCglobal Gen 2V2 (ISO 18000-63) with DRM. Optional AEI ATA, IP-X and ISO 18000-6B RF Interface Antenna Connector Two 50 Ω connections (board-edge or U.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 33 Duty cycle restrictions, based on temperature, apply at power levels above +23 dBm **Will operate below +3.5 V with reduced input line noise immunity ***Best case with good antenna matching Micro-LTE Specifications Ordering Information Module Development Kit M6E-MICRO M6E-MICRO-A M6E-MICRO-DEVKIT Physical Dimensions 46 mm L x 26 mm W x 4.0 mm H (1.8 in L x 1.0 in W x 0.
ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 34 Review Copy 11-6-10 7 Compliance and IP Notices Communication Regulation Information Contact rfid-support@jadaktech.com before beginning the process of getting regulatory approval for a finished product using the Micro.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 35 As long as the two conditions above are met, further transmitter testing will not be required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this module installed (for example, digital device emissions, PC peripheral requirements, etc.).
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 36 This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number, or model number if Category II) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 37 choisis de façon que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (PIRE) ne dépasse pas celle nécessaire pour une communication réussie. Lʼ appareil a été conçu pour fonctionner avec les antennes énumérés dans les tables Antennes Autorisées. Il est strictement interdit de lʼ utiliser lʼ appareil avec des antennes qui ne sont pas inclus dans ces listes.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 38 www.JADAKtech.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 39 EU RED Declaration of Conformity European Union Declaration of Conformity for M6E-M RFID Reader Module Manufacturer: Novanta Corporation Address: 125, Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA 01730 M6E-M, M6E-MICRO Object of the declaration: Product Model Numbers: Object description: 865-869 MHz and 902 to 928 MHz Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader / Product Description: Interrogator Module.
ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 39 Review Copy 11-6-10 Appendix A: Error Messages Common Fault Errors Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_MSG_WRONG_N UMBER_OF_DATA 100h If the data length in any of the messages is less than or more than the number of arguments in the message, the reader returns this message. Make sure the number of arguments matches the data length.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 40 Common Fault Errors (Continued) Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_MSG_INVALID_P ARAMETER_VALUE 105h The reader received a valid command with an unsupported or invalid value within this command. For example, currently the module supports four antennas. If the module receives a message with an antenna value other than 1 to 4, it returns this error.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 41 Flash Fault Errors Message Code Cause FAULT_FLASH_BAD_ER ASE_PASSWORD 300h A command was received to erase some part of the flash but the password supplied with the command was incorrect. FAULT_FLASH_BAD_WR ITE_PASSWORD 301h A command was received to write some part of the flash but the password supplied with the command was not correct.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 42 Protocol Fault Errors Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_NO_TAGS_FOUN D 400h A command was received (such as read, write, or lock) but the operation failed. There are many reasons that can cause this error to occur, including: • No tag in the RF field • Read/write power too low • Antenna not connected • Tag is weak or dead Make sure there is a good tag in the field and all parameters are set up correctly.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 43 Protocol Fault Errors (Continued) Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_PROTOCOL_INV ALID_WRITE_DATA 408h An ID write was attempted with an unsupported/incorrect ID length. Verify the Tag ID length being written. FAULT_PROTOCOL_INV ALID_ADDRESS 409h A command was received attempting to access an invalid address in the tag data address space.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 44 Protocol Fault Errors (Continued) Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_GEN2 PROTOCOL_OTHER_ER ROR 420h This is an error returned by Gen2 tags. It is a catch-all for error not covered by other codes. Check the data that is being passed in the command resulting in this error. Try with a different tag. FAULT_GEN2_PROTOC OL_MEMORY_OVERRUN _BAD_PC 423h This is an error returned by Gen2 tags.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 45 Analog Hardware Abstraction Layer Fault Errors Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_AHAL_INVALID_F REQ 500h A command was received to set a frequency outside the specified range. Check the values you are trying to set and be sure that they fall within the range of the set region of operation. FAULT_AHAL_CHANNEL _OCCUPIED 501h With LBT enabled an attempt was made to set the frequency to an occupied channel. Try a different channel.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family Guide 46 Tag ID Buffer Fault Errors (Continued) Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_TAG_ID_BUFFER _FULL 601h The tag id buffer is full. Make sure the baud rate is set to a higher frequency that the /reader/ gen2/BLF frequency. Send a test case reproducing the behavior to rfidsupport@jadaktech.com. FAULT_TAG_ID_BUFFER _REPEATED_TAG_ID 602h The module has an internal error. One of the protocols is trying to add an existing TagID to the buffer.
ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 47 Review Copy 11-6-10 Appendix B: Getting Started – Development Kit and Carrier Board Development Kit Hardware Components Included in the M6E-M_DEVKIT: • The Micro module and carrier board • Power/interface developer’s board • One USB cable • One antenna • One coax cable • One 9V power supply • International power adapter kit • Sample tags • The Quick Start Guide that details which documents and software to download to get up and running quickly, along
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 48 Powering Up and Connecting to a PC After connecting the antenna you can power up the Development (Dev) Kit and establish a host connection. 1. Connect the USB cable (use only the black connector) from a PC to the developer’s kit. There are two Development Kit USB Interfaces options. 2. Plug the power supply into the Development Kit’s DC power input connector. 3. The LED next to the DC input jack, labeled DS1, should light up.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 49 a. Open the Device Manager (located in Control Panel | System). b. Select the Hardware tab and click Device Manager. c. Select View | Devices by Type | Ports (COM & LPT) The device appears as M6eMicro (COM#). NOTE: The carrier board can be used independently of the Dev Kit motherboard via the USB connector on the carrier board.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 50 Development Kit Schematics Available upon request from rfid-support@jadaktech.com. Micro Carrier Board If all the flexibility of the Development Kit is not needed or if the module in the Development Kit heats up too much during testing, we recommend purchasing a Micro Carrier Board.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 51 The user’s evaluation must be limited to use within a laboratory setting. This Dev Kit has not been certified for use by the FCC in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC regulations, ETSI, KCC or any other regulatory bodies and may not be sold or given for public use. Distribution and sale of the Dev Kit is intended solely for use in future development of devices which may be subject to regional regulatory authorities governing radio emission.
ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 52 Review Copy 11-6-10 Appendix C: Environmental Considerations This appendix details environmental factors that should be considered relating to reader performance and survivability. ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) Considerations Warning: The Micro antenna ports may be susceptible to damage from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Equipment failure can result if the antenna or communication ports are subjected to ESD.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 53 Identifying ESD as the Cause of Damaged Readers The following are some suggested methods to determine if ESD has caused reader failures, i.e., ESD diagnostics. Some of these suggestions have the negative result experiment issue. • Return failed units for analysis. Analysis should determine if it is the power amplifier that has failed, but won’t be able to definitively identify that the cause is ESD.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 54 Raising the ESD Threshold For applications where full Micro power is needed for maximum tag read range and ESD is suspected, the following components are recommended additions to the installation to raise the level of ESD the reader can tolerate: • Select or change to an antenna with all radiating elements grounded for DC. The MTI MT-262031T(L,R)H-A is recommended. The Laird IF900-SF00 and CAF95956 are not recommended.
Review Copy 11-6-10 ThingMagic Micro Family User Guide 55 • Fluorescent lighting fixtures are a source of strong electromagnetic interference and, if possible, should be replaced. If fluorescent lights cannot be replaced, keep the reader cables and antennas away from them. • Coaxial cables leading from the reader to antennas can be a strong source of electromagnetic radiation. These cables should be laid flat and not coiled.
Review Copy 11-6-10 TM_Micro_Family-UG Rev 01XX2020
