User's Guide

Review Copy 11-6-10
ThingMagic Micro Family Guide
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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. Once configured as inputs or
outputs the state of the lines can be Get or Set using the gpiGet() and gpoSet() methods, respectively. For
more details, see the language specific reference guide contained within the MercuryAPI SDK document
directory with a command reference guide in the most common format for that language.
Reset Line
Upon power up, the RESET line is configured as an input. The input value will determine whether the Boot
Loader will wait for user commands (when pulled LOW) or immediately load the Application Firmware
image and enter application mode (when left open). After the RESET line is sensed and acted upon, this
line is configured as an output line to indicate when the module returns to Bootloader mode (this usually
indicates an application firmware failure). If the module goes into bootloader mode, the line is driven high.
Once in application mode, the RESET line is driven low. If the module returns to the bootloader mode,
either due to an assert or “boot bootloader,” the RESET line will again be driven high.
To minimize power consumption in the application, the RESET line should be either left open or pulled
weakly low (10k to ground).
See Note about baud rate applicable when using TTL Level UART Interface.
Shutdown Line
Caution: The polarity of the shutdown line is opposite from the 4-port M6e module.
The SHUTDOWN line must be set HIGH (Vin level) or Open Circuit to ENABLE the module.
In order to shutdown/reset/power cycle the module, the line can be set LOW or pulled to Ground. Switching
from high to low to high is equivalent to performing a power cycle of the module. All internal components
are powered down when set low.
Power Requirements
RF Power Output
The M6e-Micro and M6e-M support separate read and write power level which are command
adjustable via the MercuryAPI. Power levels must be between:
• Minimum RF Power = -10 dBm
• Maximum RF Power = +30 dBm
The M6e-Micro-A and M6e-M-A support power levels must be between:
• Minimum RF Power = -10 dBm
• Maximum RF Power = +31.5 dBm
NOTE: Maximum power may have to be reduced to meet regulatory limits, which specify the combined
effect of the module, antenna, cable and enclosure shielding of the integrated product.