User's Manual

Multi ISO RFID 1059 User Guide.doc 1059
Page 9 of 22
5.2 Software support for the RFID 1059
To make full use of the functionality of the RFID 1059, a customised software
application will be required. Technology Solutions support two approaches to
this; direct communication with the reader using the low level command set or
the use of an API to simplify application development.
5.2.1 Low level command set
The Low level command set supports two modes; ASCII and binary. ASCII
mode is typically used for simple applications, for example collecting
transponder unique identifiers (UIDs). The binary protocol is more suited
where complex interaction with transponders is required, for example a Mifare
ticketing or vending application.
The command set format and content is described in the document ‘Multi ISO
RFID 1059 Protocol.pdf’ which is available for download from the Technology
Solutions website at
http://www.tsl.uk.com/downloads.htm .
5.2.2 API
An API is provided for use with the RFID 1059. This can be downloaded from
the Technology Solutions website at
http://www.tsl.uk.com/downloads.htm .
A document is provided as part of the .zip folder which introduces the API.
The RFID API is provided with Microsoft style compiled HTML help (.chm) and
an intelli-sense file for general reference to the API. A sample application is
also provided which demonstrates the use of the API.
5.3 Power management with the RFID 1059
All power for the RFID 1059 is drawn from the MC70. Maximum operating
time is therefore obtained by managing the operation of the RFID 1059
optimally.
The RFID 1059 has two operating modes; continuous read mode and standby
mode. The third mode is fully powered off. The reader is switched between
the two operating modes by software commands, documented in the Low
level command set. The reader is fully powered off when the COM port on the
MC70 is closed.
The recommended power saving method is to close the serial port when the
reader is not being used. The current consumption in Standby mode is high
enough to reduce the MC70 battery life and the time taken to exit Standby
mode is not much shorter than that from the serial port being opened. Any
application using the RFID 1059 should therefore only open the COM port
when an RFID transaction is to be performed.