3.1 Mounting of the housing ............................................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Grounding of the reader ............................................................................................................................ 6
3.2.1 Connecting of the plug ........................................................................................................................ 6
3.3 Connecting of the power supply cable ........................................................................................................ 7
3.3.1 Using the pc connection cable ID 1002237 ......................................................................................... 7
3.3.2 Using a self assembled connecting cable .............................................................................................. 8
3.3.2.1 Assembling of the cable pipe ........................................................................................................ 8
3.3.2.2 Mounting of the cable ................................................................................................................. 9
3.3.2.3 Pin assignment of the SAB connectors ....................................................................................... 10
3.4 Mounting of the external antenna / of the AMP 4 / AMP 8 ...................................................................... 11
4 VISUAL SIGNAL LAMPS ............................................................................................ 12
5 AEG ID INSTRUCTION SET ........................................................................................ 13
5.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.1.2 Output format .................................................................................................................................. 14
5.1.2.1 Instruction specific output ......................................................................................................... 14
5.1.2.2 Output after changing a parameter ............................................................................................ 14
5.1.2.3 Output at parameter query ......................................................................................................... 14
5.2.5 WE – write EEPROM ...................................................................................................................... 19
5.2.6 VER – version .................................................................................................................................. 19
5.3 Instructions for reading settings .............................................................................................................. 20
5.3.1 CE – convert error code .................................................................................................................... 20
5.3.2 CID – suppression of ID Codes .......................................................................................................... 20
5.3.5 MC – mirror code ............................................................................................................................. 22
5.3.6 TOR – maximum reading time .......................................................................................................... 22
5.3.7 SI – set iso standard ......................................................................................................................... 23
5.3.8 VSAVE – variables save ................................................................................................................... 23
5.3.9 VS – variables show ......................................................................................................................... 23
5.4 General reading instructions .................................................................................................................... 25
5.4.1 GA – get active ................................................................................................................................. 25
5.4.2 GT – get tag ..................................................................................................................................... 25
5.4.3 HD – halt detected code .................................................................................................................... 26
5.4.4 MD – mode of operation ................................................................................................................... 26
5.6 ISO 15693 instructions............................................................................................................................ 38
5.6.1 AFI – application family identifier .................................................................................................... 38
This document will describe the components of the Compact Reader System ARE i2 / RS 232 and the
procedure how to do the first set up of the reader.
The main features of the reader are listed below:
• integrated USB Interface with tunable baudrate
• the allowed supply voltage is 9 to 30V DC
• low power consumption of reader < 1.2 Watt
• high reliability for reading and writing within an industrial environment
• compact housing of the reader with multiple ways for mounting
• the cabling concept of the reader is optimised to service demands
• the protection class of the housing is IP65
• there is a set of external antennas available to meet special application demands (X-tended version)
2 System overview
The ARE i2 HF is only available with external antenna.
3 Installation
To get the specified reading performance it is necessary to do the installation carefully step by step as it
is described in the following Chapters. All the work must be done by well educated people.
3.1 Mounting of the housing
The reader can be mounted to any other mechanic construction. The distance between reader and transponder has to tuned
It is recommended to protect the housing against heavy mechanical interactions and drippy fluids.
Attention!
The side of the housing showing the antenna symbol must not be brought next to a metal surface. This
could lead to a significant change of the properties of the antenna circuit, which in turn reduces the
reading range considerably.
With the help of the plastic bars, the reader can mounted or screwed on to the most fastening elements
without open the housing of the device.
3.2 Grounding of the reader
To get reliable reading results, the reader must be grounded. The connector is placed at the side of the
housing (6.35 mm flat contact).
To avoid EMV-problems, the cable to ground ought to be very short with low impedance.
Attention!
The topology of the ground wires must be done in the right way (according state of art).
3.2.1 Connecting of the plug
Attention!
Be sure that the grounding of the reader is well done and the power supply is not connected(chapter 3.2).
Otherwise the electronic may be destroyed by electrostatic discharge (ESD).
3.4 Mounting of the external antenna / of the AMP 4 / AMP 8
If you have an i2 with external antenna the connector is on the topside of the reading device. You just
have to plug the antenna into the connector and bold it on. Alternative you can connect an AMP 4 / AMP
8 with this connector, too.
You may not connect or deconnect an antenna or AMP 4 / AMP 8 while the reader is running. It can
cause, that the reader hangs up.
The command set described below defines the transfer of data on the serial interface.
The commands consist of a command code and optionally of a parameter value. Commands are terminated by the control character <CR> (0Dh). The control character serves as command line terminator.
Command codes and parameters,including all letters and numerical values, are principally transmitted as a sequence of ASCII characters (the value 255 (decimal) consequently as 32H, 35H, 35H; the
command RST as 52H, 53H, 54H).
All numbers (e.g. sectors, blocks) are in the hexadecimal format (see chapter 9).
With the command CS you can change to the alternative instruction set. If the reader is set to alternative instruction set, you can change back to the AEG ID instruction set via the command AEG (see
chapter 5.3.3).
5.1.1 Entering instuctions
The protocol format is as follows
Command <SP> parameter <CR>
The space character <SP> separates commands from parameters and the <CR> character acts as
command line terminator.
For commands without parameter values (e.g. GT ) the <SP> character and parameter values are
omitted. The command line is as short as this:
With CE=1 the reader sends no error codes, except the no read error, during the md0 mode or the
commands Get Tag. The leds are not influenced by this command. This command has only effect in
the ISO 14443A standard.
This command is not available in profibus communication and can not be saved with the VSAVE
command.
Input format: CE <SP> parameter <CR>
Output (example): 0 <CR>
Parameter:
PARAMETER FUNCTION
0 No suppression
1 Suppression of error codes
5.3.2 CID – suppression of ID Codes
In the MD0 mode with CID=1 only the first of in succession identical transponder numbers is output
on the serial interface. The possibly following identical transponder numbers are suppressed, as long
as no new valid transponder number is received, processed and output. The get tag command is not
influenced by this command. NoReads do not influence the data filtering.
This command is not available in profibus communication and can not be saved with the VSAVE
command.
Example: A, B, C are different transponder codes, N is NoRead error code:
Sequence of reading cycles Output sequence
after filtering with
CN=0 und CID=1
N, N, ......,N, A, A, A, ....A, N,N,
.........
N. N, N, A, A, A, N, A, A, B, A,
C, C, C, .......
N, N, ......,N, A, N,
N, .......
N. N, N, A, N, B,
A, C, .....
The settings are directly effective.
Note: The internal reference number is deleted in the following conditions:
• after a cold start
• after a warm start (command line RST <CR>)
• after entering the command line CID <SP> 1 <CR>
This causes that the next transponder code is output definitely.
Output sequence
after filtering with
CN=1 und CID=1
A
A, B, A, C
Note: The filter function CID picks up the results of the complete reading cycles, while the parameter
NID proceeds from the results of single readings! The filter function CID has effect on the serial interface only.
5.3.3 CN – suppression of No Reads
Through the setting CN=1 the NoRead results after a get tag command or in MD0 mode are suppressed on the serial interface.
This command is not available in profibus communication and can not be saved with the VSAVE
command.
With the command INIT all paramters of this command set are set to the default values. After that
you can save the settings with the command VSAVE.
Input format: INIT <CR>
Output (example): ACK <CR>
5.3.5 MC – mirror code
With this command you can change the output order of the bytes from a transpondercode.
Input format: MC <CR>
Output (example): 0 <CR>
5.3.6 TOR – maximum reading time
Timeout time for the reader. TOR is used in operation mode 2 as maximum gating time for a reading
process. The length of the maximum gating time results from the equation gating_time = TOR * TB.
The time constant TB (time base) has always the default value 100ms.
Input format: TOR <SP> parameter <CR>
Output (example): 05 <CR>
Parameter:
PARAMETER FUNCTION
00h limits the reading process duration of exactly one reading cycle
01h..FFh limits the reading process duration to maximum 1..256 times
The command GA causes one reading cycle. There are different cycles for different transpondertypes.
This command is only available in the ISO 14443A standard.
Mifare standard 1K/4K: request (REQA)
anticollision
select
Mifare Ultralight/Desfire request (REQA)
anticollision level 1
select 1
anticollision level 2
select 2
The reader answers the UID of an active (non halt) transponder. The length of the UID can be between 4 and 7 bytes.
Input format: GA <CR>
Output (example): 625E562A <CR>
5.4.2 GT – get tag
With the command GT you select a transponder. The command GT causes one reading cycle. There
are different cycles for different transpondertypes.
The reader answers the UID of a transponder. The length of the UID can be between 4 and 8 bytes.
Input format: GT <CR>
Output (example): 625E562A <CR>
5.4.3 HD – halt detected code
The command HD mutes the last selected transponder.
Input format: HD <CR>
Output (example): ACK <CR>
5.4.4 MD – mode of operation
There a two modes of operation available. It is possible, that the reader reads constantly or triggered by
an instruction.
Input format: MD <SP> parameter <CR>
Output (example): 2 <CR>
Parameter:
PARAMETER FUNCTION
0 constant reading mode
2 single reading mode
5.4.5 RD – read page
With the command RD you can read out a page of the transponder. The command executes internally the
commands get tag, if using mifare 1K/4K log in (with the key attuned to KM) and the reading command.
Input format ISO 15693 one block: RD <SP> parameter 2 <CR>
Input format ISO 15693 multiple blocks: RD <SP> parameter 2 <SP> parameter 3 <CR>
Output: parameter 4 <CR>
Parameters:
PARAMETER 1 FUNCTION
1 or 2 characters sector
PARAMETER 2 FUNCTION
1 or 2 characters block/start block
PARAMETER 3 FUNCTION
1 or 2 characters end block
PARAMETER 4 FUNCTION
32 characters data (mifare 1K/4K)
8 characters data (ultralight)
up to 64 charac-
data (ISO 15693)
ters
5.4.6 RDM – read page manual
With the command RDM you can read out a page of the transponder. The reading command is executed
single. You have to do a get tag first. If you are using a mifare standard 1K/4K you have to log in, too.
With the command WD you write one page to the transponder. The command executes internally the
commands get tag, log in (with the key attuned to KM) and the writing command.
Note: The ISO 15693 regulates just the maximum length of one block. With the write instruction you
can write multiple blocks at once. The datalenght has to be at least the block size or a multiple of the
block size.
5.4.8 WDM – write page manual
With the command WDM you write one page to the transponder. The writing command is executed
alone. You have to select the transponder first. If you are using a mifare standard 1K/4K you have to log
in, too.
Note: The ISO 15693 regulates just the maximum length of one block. With the write instruction you
can write multiple blocks at once. The datalenght has to be at least the block size or a multiple of the
block size.
The command AC answers with the UID of the transponder, that will be selected with the next select
command. For ultralight and DESFire transponders it is the anticollision level 1 command.
Input format: AC <CR>
Output (example): 595B1B80 <CR>
5.5.2 AC2 – anticollision
With the command AC2 the reader executes the anticollision level 2 command.
Input format: AC2 <CR>
Output (example): 595B1B80 <CR>
5.5.3 KM – key mode
With the command KM you switch the key that is used by the commands RD and WD. It is possible to
use the default key or one of the keys saved with the command WK.
Input format: KM <SP> parameter <CR>
Output (example): parameter <CR>
PARAMETER FUNCTION
0 use default key
(FFFFFFFFFFFF)
1..8 use saved key 1 to 8
5.5.4 KT – key type
With this command you switch if the key that is used with the commands RD and WD is type A or B.
Input (example): LOG <SP> A <SP> 1 <SP> FFFFFFFFFFFF <CR>
Output (example): ACK <CR>
Parameters:
PARAMETER 1 FUNCTION
A or B type of the key
PARAMETER 2 FUNCTION
1 or 2 characters sector
PARAMETER 3 FUNCTION
12 characters key
5.5.6 PBU – purse backup
With this command it is possible to copy a purse value to an other block of the same sector. This command is only valid with mifare standard 1K/4K. You have to log in first.
The RQ command answers the type of the detected transponder.
Input format: RQ <SP> parameter <CR>
Output (example): ACK <CR>
Parameters:
PARAMETER FUNCTION
0 non halt transponders
1 all transponders
5.5.12 SE – select
The command SE selects that transponder that answered at the anticollision. For ultralight and DESFire
transponders it is select level 1 command.
Input format: SE <CR>
Output (example): ACK <CR>
5.5.13 SE2 – select level 2
The command SE2 selects that transponder that answered at the anticollision level 2. For ultralight and
DESFire transponders it is select level 2 command.
With this command you can change the application family identifier of the reader. The reader reads only
transponders, with the same application family identifier as the reader. If the application family identifier is set to 00h the reader reads each transponder.
Input format: AFI <SP> parameter <CR>
Output (example): 00 <CR>
Parameter:
PARAMETER FUNCTION
00 every transponder is read
01h..FFh just transponders with the
same application identifier are
read
5.6.2 BS – block size
With the command BS you can choose the block size of the used transponder. If the ISO 15693 transponders support the “get system information” command, the parameter BS is not used. Only if there is
no information of the block size of the transponder available, the parameter regulates the reading process. The block size is defined in the ISO 15693, e.g. parameter 00H means the blocksize is 1 byte.
Input format: BS <SP> parameter <CR>
Output (example): 00 <CR>
PARAMETER FUNCTION
00h..1Fh 1 byte..32bytes
5.6.3 GMS – get multiple block security
This commands shows if one/multiple blocks of a transponder are locked or not. You have to do a get tag
first.
This command sends the get system information to the transponder. The answer format is described in
the ISO 15693 chapter 9.3.12. You have to do a get tag first.
• MD 2 - the reading process is triggered by the serial interface
In the next capters can you find a detailed functional description.
The default mode is MD 0.
6.1 MD 2 - Triggered by an Software Command
The master sends the command to read a transponder code. The reader answers with the code or an error
code.
If you use “read- and writable”-transponders you just get the transponder code using the command “Get
Tag” (GT).
You can execute specific commands “Read” (RD) and “Write” (WD) just in mode MD2. (capter 8)
In operating mode 2, the exciter is always turned off. Triggered by the software command (GT; RD ;
WD), the exciter is activated. After successful reading or writing of a transponder number the exciter is
turned off automatically.
exciter
processor
interface
Figure 7: Software triggered reading operation
If the first reading cycle yields no result (NoRead), the on-time of the exciter is limited by the parameter TOR (time out reader): Reading cycles are continuously started until either a transponder is read
successfully or the time span corresponding to the value of the parameter TOR has expired. The reader will not interrupt the last running readout cycle. If no transponder number has been read, a
NoRead is output.
Figure 8: Software triggered reading operation with TOR>0
Please note: The TOR parameter is only active, if the GT-Command is applied. Within the time span
defined by the value of TOR no NoRead will be output on the interface!
6.2 MD 0 - Continuous Reading
When operating continuously the exciter is switched on permanently. The reading cycles are initiated
periodically.
After an accomplished reading cycle the reading information is evaluated. After that data (either transponder number or NoRead code) is output to the serial interface
• Connect the reader via cable with the serial interface (COM) from your notebook or pc.
• Connect the reader with your power supply (9..30V DC). Look after the polarity!
• Switch the power supply on. The yellow LED OP of the reader starts to blink.
• Start your terminal programme. You have to set the following settings: 8 data bits, 1 start bit
und 1 stop bit, no parity check (often called 8N1), baud rate 19200 baud, no flow control(e.g.
XOFF/XON).
• Send the command „VER <CR>“ to the reader. The reader answers with the actual firmware
version (e.g. AEG ID V1.23).
• Send the command “MD <SP> 0 <CR>” to the reader. The reader sends No Read messages
(e.g. „FFFFFFFFFF“ or „XXXXXXXXXX“), while there is no transponder in the antenna field
available. The red LED L3 is active. If there is a transponder in the antenna field available the
reader sends its transponder code. The green LED L2 starts to glow.
To avoid any reduction of the reading distance of the reader, the antenna must not be brought next to a
metal surface. This could lead to a significant change of the properties of the antenna circuit, which in
turn reduces the reading range considerably!
To get reliable readings, the distance between antenna and transponder must be within the specified
reading volume.
The reading characteristic in front of the antenna is not isotropic. It depends also strongly on the orientation between antenna and transponder. To get the maximum reading distance, the orientation between
reader and transponder must be well suited. The best orientation depends on the type of antenna inside of
the housing ( ferrite – type or plane coil type) and the applied transponder.
To get a reliable readings or writings, the time of transponder while crossing the sensitive area of the
antenna must be coordinated to the data transfer characteristics of transponder
In general the time depends on the speed of the transponder, the size of the transponder and the way the
transponder is mounted on the vehicle and must be verified by field tests.
Environmental electromagnetic noise may also reduce the read and write range consid-erably.
Arrangement to eliminate such troubles must be done specific to the application by the help of engineers
of the manufacturer.
Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Statement
15.21
You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the part responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
15.105(b)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connect-
ed.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.