Datalogic GWY-01-PBS-01 Reference Manual

GWY-01-PBS-01

Reference Manual

Datalogic Automation Srl
Via S. Vitalino, 13
40012 - Lippo di Calderara di Reno
Bologna - Italy

GWY-01-PBS-01 Reference Manual

Ed.: 02/2010

© 2010 Datalogic Automation S.r.l.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  Protected to the fullest extent under
U.S. and international laws. Copying, or altering of this document is prohibited without express written
consent from Datalogic Automation S.r.l.

Datalogic and the Datalogic logo are registered trademarks of Datalogic S.p.A. in many countries,
including the U.S.A. and the E.U.

Subnet16 and Cobalt Dashboard are trademarks of Datalogic Automation S.r.l. All other brand and
product names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Datalogic shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein, nor for
incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of this material.

26/02/10

iii

CONTENTS

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................vi

Conventions................................................................................................................. vi

Reference Documentation........................................................................................... vi

Services and Support .................................................................................................. vi

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE NOTICES................................................................... vii

FCC Compliance .........................................................................................................vii

Power Supply...............................................................................................................vii

CE Compliance............................................................................................................vii

GENERAL VIEW.......................................................................................................viii

1 GETTING STARTED....................................................................................................1

1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................1

1.1.1 The Subnet16™ Gateway ............................................................................................1

1.2 Subnet16 Profibus Gateway Features..........................................................................1

1.3 About this Manual.........................................................................................................2

1.3.1 Who Should Read This Manual?..................................................................................2

1.3.2 HEX Notation................................................................................................................2

1.4 Gateway Dimensions....................................................................................................3

1.5 Installation Guidelines...................................................................................................4

1.5.1 Hardware Requirements...............................................................................................4

1.5.2 Installation Precautions.................................................................................................4

1.5.3 Network & Power Considerations.................................................................................4

1.5.4 Maximum Supported Trunk and Drop Cable Lengths ..................................................5

1.6 Installing the Gateway ..................................................................................................5

1.7 Additional Application Specific Configuration ...............................................................6

1.8 USB Driver Installation..................................................................................................7

1.9 Gateway Profibus Configuration using Cobalt Dashboard™......................................11

2 GATEWAY OVERVIEW ............................................................................................. 13

2.1 Operating Modes ........................................................................................................13

2.1.1 Subnet16™.................................................................................................................13

2.2 LED Indicators ............................................................................................................14

2.2.1 Front Panel LEDs .......................................................................................................14

2.3 External Connectors ...................................................................................................14

2.3.1 Profibus.......................................................................................................................15

2.3.2 USB ............................................................................................................................15

2.3.3 Subnet16™ RS485.....................................................................................................16

2.4 Power & Wiring...........................................................................................................16

2.4.1 Power Requirements ..................................................................................................16

2.4.2 Total System Current Consumption............................................................................ 17

2.4.3 Cable Voltage Drop ....................................................................................................17

2.4.4 Current Rating for Cables...........................................................................................18

2.5 Node ID Configuration & Management.......................................................................18

2.6 Gateway and Subnet Node Naming ...........................................................................19

2.7 Configuration Tools.....................................................................................................20

2.7.1 Cobalt Dashboard™ ...................................................................................................20

2.7.2 C-Macro Builder™ ......................................................................................................21

3 RFID COMMAND MACROS ......................................................................................22

iv

3.1 What are RFID Command Macros? ...........................................................................22

3.2 Why use macros?.......................................................................................................22

3.3 What can macros do?.................................................................................................22

3.4 What is a macro trigger?.............................................................................................22

3.5 How are macros created?...........................................................................................23

3.6 Which communication interfaces support the use of macros? ...................................23

3.7 What happens to existing Macros if a controller must be replaced? ..........................23

3.8 How can I learn more about the Dashboard and C-Macro Builder? ........................... 23

4 COMMAND PROTOCOL ...........................................................................................24

4.1 CBx Command Protocol Overview .............................................................................24

4.2 CBx - Command Packet Structure.............................................................................. 25

4.3 CBx - Response Packet Structure..............................................................................26

4.3.1 Instance Counter ........................................................................................................26

4.4 CBx Commands Table................................................................................................27

4.5 CBx Command Protocol Examples ............................................................................29

4.5.1 CBx - Controller Command Example.......................................................................... 29

4.5.2 CBx - Controller Response Example .......................................................................... 30

4.5.3 CBx - Gateway Command Example ........................................................................... 30

4.5.4 CBx - Gateway Response Example ...........................................................................31

4.6 Node Status Byte Definition Table..............................................................................32

4.7 CBx Error Response Packet Structure .......................................................................33

4.8 CBx Error Code Table ................................................................................................34

4.9 CBx - Error Response Example..................................................................................35

4.10 Notification Messages.................................................................................................36

4.10.1 Notification Message Table ........................................................................................ 37

4.10.2 Notification Mask Example .........................................................................................37

4.10.3 Notification Message Packet Structure.......................................................................38

5 PROFIBUS INTERFACE............................................................................................ 39

5.1 Profibus Overview.......................................................................................................39

5.2 Profibus-DP ................................................................................................................39

5.3 Data Exchange ...........................................................................................................40

5.4 Protocol Implementation.............................................................................................41

5.4.1 Definitions...................................................................................................................41

5.4.2 Control Field ...............................................................................................................42

5.4.3 SAP Field....................................................................................................................45

5.4.4 Length Field................................................................................................................45

5.4.5 Application Data Buffer...............................................................................................46

5.5 Examples of Profibus Command/Response Mechanism............................................ 46

5.5.1 Example 1: Normal Command/Response Sequence .................................................48

5.5.2 Example 2: Unsolicited Responses (Continuous Read Mode) ...................................58

5.5.3 Example 3: Fragmentation of Responses................................................................... 62

5.5.4 Example 4: Fragmentation of Commands ..................................................................71

5.5.5 Example 5: Resynchronization ...................................................................................82

6 TECHNICAL FEATURES........................................................................................... 87

A MODELS AND ACCESSORIES ................................................................................88

Datalogic Automation RFID Tags ...............................................................................89

B EXAMPLE NETWORK LAYOUTS............................................................................. 90

Subnet16™ Gateway –ThickNet Network Layout ......................................................90

Subnet16™ Gateway –ThinNet Network Layout ........................................................ 91

v

C

ASCII CHART.............................................................................................................92

vi

REFERENCES

CONVENTIONS

This manual uses the following conventions:
“User” or “Operator” refers to anyone using a GWY-01-PBS-01.
“Device” refers to the GWY-01-PBS-01.
“You” refers to the System Administrator or Technical Support person using this manual to

install, mount, operate, maintain or troubleshoot a GWY-01-PBS-01.
Throughout this manual, the GWY-01-PBS-01 is referred to as the “Subnet16 Gateway” or

simply “the Gateway”.
Cobalt C-Series, HF-Series and UHF-Series RFID Controllers are referred to as Cobalt

Controllers, or just “the Controller”.
In addition, the terms “Subnet Node Number”, “Node ID” and “Controller ID” are used

interchangeably.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION

The documentation related to the GWY-01-PBS-01 management is available at the website:

www.automation.datalogic.com

SERVICES AND SUPPORT

Datalogic provides several services as well as technical support through its website. Log on
to www.automation.datalogic.com and click on the

UlinksU indicated for further information

including:

 PRODUCTS

Search through the links to arrive at your product page where you can download specific

Manuals

and Software & Utilities including:

- Cobalt Dashboard™ a Windows-based application that provides users with complete

control over their Datalogic Automation RFID hardware. Users can monitor their entire
RFID infrastructure - from the tag level, to the RFID controller, to the Gateway and to
the Host. It provides device configuration through serial and TCP/IP interfaces
depending on the device type.

- C-Macro Builder™ is an easy to use GUI-driven utility for Windows. This software tool

allows users with minimal programming experience to “build” their own macro programs
(which are stored internally on and executed directly by Cobalt RFID Controllers).

 SERVICES & SUPPORT

- Datalogic Services

- Warranty Extensions and Maintenance Agreements

- Authorised Repair Centres

 CONTACT US

E-mail form and listing of Datalogic Subsidiaries

vii

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE NOTICES

FCC COMPLIANCE

Modifications or changes to this equipment without the expressed written approval of
Datalogic could void the authority to use the equipment.

This device complies with PART 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference which may cause undesired
operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.

POWER SUPPLY

This product is intended to be installed by Qualified Personnel only.

This device is intended to be supplied by a UL Listed or CSA Certified Power Unit with
«Class 2» or LPS power source.

CE COMPLIANCE

Warning:

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

viii

GENERAL VIEW

GWY-01-PBS-01

Figure A

1

2

3

6

5

Power On LED

Subnet 16 Co nnecto

r

Profibus Status LED

Configuration Error LED

4

Profibus Mode LED

Subnet 16 BUS LED

9

8

US B Con nector

Profibus Conn ector

7

Mounting Bracket

3

1

4

7

8

2

5

6

9

GETTING STARTED

1

1

1 GETTING STARTED

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the GWY-01-PBS-01 Reference Manual. This manual will assist you in the
installation, configuration and operation of Datalogic Automation Subnet16™ Profibus
Gateway Interface Module.

The Profibus Gateway can control up to 16 passive ultra-high or high frequency read/write
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) controllers. In order to meet and exceed the
requirements of the industrial automation industry, the Profibus Gateway and Datalogic
Automation RFID controllers are designed to be compact, reliable and rugged.

1.1.1 The Subnet16™ Gateway

Subnet16™ is a 16-Node Multidrop bus architecture and protocol that provides connectivity
for up to 16 RFID controllers through a single Gateway device.

The Profibus Gateway supports Profibus -DP communications and can be connected to a
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) via Profibus compatible cabling. It’s compatible with
Datalogic Automation Cobalt UHF-Series, HF-Series and C-Series RFID controllers, reading
LRP, HMS and T-Series RFID tags.

1.2 SUBNET16 PROFIBUS GATEWAY FEATURES

 Multi-Drop capable; controls up to 16 RFID reader/writers, each functioning

independently and simultaneously.

 Operational power is supplied directly from the Subnet 16™ network
 Small footprint provides ease of mounting (104 x 107 x 32 mm).
 Galvanically isolated Profibus interface with auto baud rate detection 9.6 kbit/s - 12

Mbit/s

 Selectable Profibus node addressing (0 to 128), default is 63
 LED status indicators for Power/Ready, Subnet16 bus activity, Profibus mode,

Profibus network status, Configuration error indication

 Supports controller macro functionality
 Flash memory for software updates
 Real-time Calendar/Date functions
 Auto configuration of RFID controllers, automatic Node ID number assignment
 Node Fault Detection
 Isolated bus interfaces

GWY-01-PBS-01

2

1

1.3 ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This manual provides guidelines and instructions for installing, configuring and operating
Datalogic Automation's Subnet16 Profibus Gateway Interface Module (GWY-01-PBS-01).

This document does NOT include explicit details regarding each of the Gateway’s RFID
commands. Specific RFID command related information is available in the CBx Command
Protocol – Reference Manual, which is available at www.automation.datalogic.com.

However, this manual does explain the process of issuing commands from a host PC or
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to a Subnet16 Gateway, Subnet network and attached
RFID controllers.

1.3.1 Who Should Read This Manual?

This manual should be read by those who will be installing, configuring and operating the
Gateway. This may include the following people:

 Hardware Installers
 System Integrators
 Project Managers
 IT Personnel
 System and Database Administrators
 Software Application Engineers
 Service and Maintenance Engineers

1.3.2 HEX Notation

Throughout this manual, numbers expressed in Hexadecimal notation are prefaced with “0x”.
For example, the number "10" in decimal is expressed as "0x0A" in hexadecimal. See
Appendix C for a chart containing Hex values, ASCII characters and their corresponding
decimal integers.

GETTING STARTED

3

1

1.4 GATEWAY DIMENSIONS

82

[3.24]

104

[4.08]

89

[3.50]

40.7

[1.60]

7.6
[0.30]

91.4

[3.60]

107

[4.20]

32

[1.27]

Ø5.0

[Ø0.20]

Ø10.2

[Ø0.40]

N° 2

N° 2

Figure 1: GWY-01-PBS-01 Dimensions

GWY-01-PBS-01

4

1

1.5 INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

1.5.1 Hardware Requirements

The following components are required for a complete Subnet16 RFID system:

 One Subnet16 Profibus Gateway Interface Module
 One Profibus-capable host; Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or PC
 One to 16 RFID controllers (Cobalt C-Series, HF-Series or UHF-Series Controllers -

RS485 models)

 Adequate length cabling, connectors and terminators
 Sufficient power, supplied via Subnet16 network cabling, capable of powering the

Gateway and its RFID controllers

 Datalogic Automation RFID series tags: HMS, LRP, T/Gamma, I, or UHF-G2-525

1.5.2 Installation Precautions

 Do not route cables near unshielded cables or near wiring carrying high voltage or

high current. Cross cables at perpendicular intersections and avoid routing cables
near motors and solenoids.

 Review the power requirements of your RFID network and provide a suitable power

supply.

 Avoid mounting the controller near sources of EMI (electro-magnetic interference) or

near devices that generate high ESD (electro-static discharge) levels. Always use
adequate ESD prevention measures to dissipate potentially high voltages.

 If electrical interference is encountered (as indicated by a significant reduction in

read/write performance), relocate the controller to an area free from potential sources
of interference.

 Perform a test phase by constructing a small scale, independent network that

includes only the essential devices required to test your RFID application (use
Datalogic Automation approved Subnet16™ cables and accessories).

1.5.3 Network & Power Considerations

 Refer to the network diagrams in Appendix B. Choose the network architecture

(ThickNet vs. ThinNet) that best suits your RFID requirements.

 Construct your chosen network using only Datalogic Automation approved

Subnet16™ cables, Drop-T connectors, Terminating Resistors and accessories.

 Review the power requirements of your RFID network and provide a suitable power

supply. (See Appendix A for power supplies offered by Datalogic Automation).

NOTE

It is recommended that power be applied directly to the Subnet16™ Network
trunk and distributed through drop cables to the Gateway and RFID
controllers. By positioning the power supply near the middle of the network
(see examples), you can limit voltage drop at the ends.

GETTING STARTED

5

1

1.5.4 Maximum Supported Trunk and Drop Cable Lengths

 ThickNet trunk length up to 300 m.
 ThinNet trunk length up to 20 m.
 ThinNet drop cable length up to 2 m.

1.6 INSTALLING THE GATEWAY

The numbered steps in the following procedure are also indicated in the SubNet16 networks
example layouts shown in Appendix B.

1. Preliminary Notes: Read the Installation Guidelines in par. 1.5.

2. Mounting: Mount the Gateway to your chosen location using two M5 (#10) screws,

lock washers and nuts. The Gateway may be mounted in any orientation, but should
be aligned in such a manner that the LED indicators can be seen during operation.

3. Gateway Connection: Attach one end of a 5-pin, male-to-male, M12, ThinNet drop

cable (P/N: CBL-1481-XX) to the 5-pin, female, M12 connector on the Gateway.
Connect the other end of this 5-pin, male-to-male, M12, ThinNet drop cable to the 5­pin, female, M12 connector on EITHER a ThickNet to ThinNet Drop-T Connector
OR a ThinNet to ThinNet Drop-T Connector (as per your network and RFID
application requirements).

4. Trunk Wiring: Attach one end of a male-to-female trunk cable to each mating

connector on the Drop-T Connector. Continue connecting trunk cables and Drop-T
connectors as needed.

Note: trunk length should not exceed 300 m for ThickNet and 20 m for ThinNet.

5. RFID Controller Connection: Connect the male end of a 5-pin, male-to-female,

ThinNet drop cable to the female end on your Drop-T connector(s). Attach the
remaining female end of the ThinNet drop cable to the 5-pin, male, M12 connector on
a Cobalt UHF, Cobalt HF or C-Series Controller (RS485 models). Repeat Step 5
for each RFID controller you plan to install.

Note: maximum drop cable length is 2 m.

6. Termination Resistors: For ThickNet Networks: Connect a Terminating Resistor

(P/N: CBL-1489, male) or (P/N: CBL-1497, female) to the first and last Drop-T
Connector on the trunk line.

For ThinNet Networks: Connect a Terminating Resistor (P/N: CBL-1490, male) or

(P/N: CBL-1496, female) to the first and last Drop-T Connector on the trunk line.

7. Power Supply Wiring: For ThickNet Networks: Using a 5-pin, female, 7/8 - 16,

ThickNet to Bare Wire Leads cable (P/N: CBL-1495-XX), connect the bare wires to
your power supply (SHIELD wire connected to Earth). Attach the female, ThickNet
end to the 5-pin, male, ThickNet end on a Drop-T connector (P/N: CBL-1526).

For ThinNet Networks: Using a 5-pin, female, M12, ThinNet to Bare Wire Leads cable
(P/N: CBL-1494-XX), connect the bare wires to your power supply (SHIELD wire
connected to Earth). Attach the female, ThinNet end to the 5-pin, male, ThinNet end
on a Drop-T connector (P/N: CBL-1486).

GWY-01-PBS-01

6

1

8. Host Connection: Connect the Gateway to the Profibus network via a Profibus-

compatible interface cable. Turn the power supply ON.

The POWER LED on the Gateway will remain lit while power is applied to the unit.
After the boot process is complete, the PBS Mode LED will also light up to indicate

the Gateway Profibus mode. It may appear green or red (solid or flashing) depending
on the status of the connection with your Profibus network (see par. 2.2 for the
behavior of the Gateway’s Profibus Mode LED).

9. Automatically Configure Subset16™ Node IDs: At this point all controllers are

powered and should have Node IDs set to 00, (all controller Node LEDs

= OFF), and

Subnet16™ baudrate = 9600 (factory defaults).

a. Place the RFID Controller Configuration Tag in front of an RFID Controller (the

controller's red RF Activity LED blinks once indicating the tag has been read), and
wait for the Gateway to assign a valid Node ID to it. The controller's Node LEDs
now indicate a valid Node ID. Remove the Configuration Tag from the controller.

b. Repeat this step for each node in the Subnet16™ network (one controller at a

time). The first is Node ID 1, then 2 and so on up to 16 (binary).

The Subnet16™ network is now configured with the default values and can communicate
with the Gateway Profibus which in turn communicates with the Master Profibus.

GWY-01-PBS-01 PROFIBUS FACTORY DEFAULTS

Node Address: 63
Input and Output Buffer size: 64 bytes

1.7 ADDITIONAL APPLICATION SPECIFIC CONFIGURATION

To modify the Gateway’s internal configuration for application specific requirements:

1. Install the USB Driver onto the configuration PC, see par. 1.8.

2. Download the Cobalt Dashboard™ utility from www.automation.datalogic.com and

install the software on your configuration computer. Use the Dashboard utility to
connect, via USB, to the Gateway. You will then be able to use the Cobalt Dashboard
Utility to configure the Gateway and send RFID commands for testing purposes. See
par. 1.9.

GETTING STARTED

7

1

1.8 USB DRIVER INSTALLATION

This paragraph contains instructions for installing the Windows 2000/XP USB driver for
Datalogic Automation RFID devices. Complete the following steps before installing the RFID
USB driver.

1. Download the RFID USB driver package from www.automation.datalogic.com.

2. Extract the driver files to a separate folder on your host computers’ Desktop.

3. Connect the USB interface cable (and power supply, if applicable) as described in the
Installation Guide included with your RFID product.

4. Apply power to your RFID device. Windows should detect the new hardware and start
the Found New Hardware Wizard. If it does not, run the Add Hardware applet in
Windows’ Control Panel.

Figure 2: Found New Hardware Wizard – Do Not Connect to Windows Update

Figure 3: Found New Hardware Wizard – Install From List

GWY-01-PBS-01

8

1

5. Select “Install from a list or specific location” and then click Next.

6. Check the box labeled: “Include this location in the search” and then click the Browse
button.

Figure 4: Found New Hardware Wizard – Include this Location

7. Browse to the folder containing the extracted RFID USB driver files and then click OK.

Figure 5: Found New Hardware Wizard - Browse for Folder

GETTING STARTED

9

1

8. Click Next to install the USB driver.

Figure 6: Found New Hardware Wizard – Ready to Install

Please wait while the Found New Hardware Wizard installs the USB driver.

Figure 7: Installing the USB Driver

GWY-01-PBS-01

10

1

9. After the USB driver has been installed, click Finish.

Figure 8: USB Driver Installation Complete

NOTE

Immediately after you click Finish, the Found New Hardware Wizard will
close and then automatically restart, prompting you to repeat the USB driver
installation. This occurs because Windows requires a second trip through
the installation routine to install and configure a virtual COM port for use by
the RFID USB device.

10. Repeat Steps 5-9 to install the virtual COM port and complete the installation of the
RFID USB driver.

Figure 9: Virtual COM Port USB Driver Installation Complete

GETTING STARTED

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1

1.9 GATEWAY PROFIBUS CONFIGURATION USING COBALT

DASHBOARD™

The Cobalt Dashboard™ Utility is a software application that allows users to view, modify,
save and update the configuration settings of their Cobalt controllers. Follow the instructions
below to operate the Cobalt Dashboard Utility and to set the Cobalt device’s configuration.

1. Install the Gateway as described in par. 1.6.

2. Install the Cobalt USB driver to your PC as described in par. 1.8.

3. Connect the Gateway to your PC through the USB interface, power the network and
wait for the boot procedure to finish.

4. Run the Cobalt Dashboard™.

5. From the Connection screen, choose “Gateway Profibus”.

Figure 10: Cobalt Dashboard™ Gateway Profibus Selection

6. Choose the appropriate COM port and select 115200 Baud (this is the default serial
baud rate for USB connection); click “Connect”.

Figure 11: Cobalt Dashboard™ COM and Baudrate Selection

GWY-01-PBS-01

12

1

The Dashboard should send some commands to retrieve device and configuration
information from the device. If serial communications are set up correctly, the device
configuration area within the Cobalt Dashboard should now look like this:

Figure 12: Cobalt Dashboard™ Gateway Profibus Device Configuration Area

The default Profibus ID is 63, and the default Input and Output Buffer sizes are 64 bytes
each.

To change the Profibus ID of the device, and/or the Input Buffer/Output Buffer sizes, enter
the desired values in the appropriate boxes in the configuration tab, and click “Set Config”.

For Profibus, the new ID and buffer sizes will not take effect until the device is reset one
more time, or the power is cycled. Turn the unit off and back on to use the new ID and buffer
size settings. For other settings (such as Tag Type, continuous read parameters, etc), the
unit does not need to be reset again or have the power cycled.

See the Cobalt Dashboard™ User's Manual for more configuration details.

GATEWAY OVERVIEW

13

2

2 GATEWAY OVERVIEW

2.1 OPERATING MODES

2.1.1 Subnet16™

Subnet16™ is an advanced feature-rich network protocol that supports a subset of the
Datalogic Automation MUX32 legacy protocol. The advanced features implemented in the
Subnet16 protocol allow the Gateway to assign individual Node ID values automatically to
each RFID controller connected on the Subnet bus. Subnet16 also allows the Gateway to
detect when a new controller is connected to the Subnet or when a controller “falls off the
bus” (stops responding).

Through the Subnet16 protocol, the Gateway is able to store a backup copy of each RFID
controller’s custom configuration settings. In the event that an RFID controller fails, the
stored configuration settings can be automatically reassigned to a replacement RFID
controller.

Real-time clock functionality is supported in Subnet16 mode. Host-bound data packets are
automatically Time/Date stamped as they pass through the Gateway and on to the host.

NOTE

The Gateway communicates over the RS485 physical layer using Subnet16,
but it is not a generic RS485 device. RS485 cabling requirements are
however the same.

GWY-01-PBS-01

14

2

2.2 LED INDICATORS

2.2.1 Front Panel LEDs

LED Name LED Color LED Description

POWER

GREEN

The POWER LED is ON whenever power
is applied to the Gateway.

BUS

AMBER

The BUS LED will flash ON and OFF to
indicate that data is being transmitted
between the Gateway and one or more
RFID controllers on the Subnet16 network.

SOLID GREEN

The Profibus Mode LED is solid green
when the Gateway Profibus interface is
operational, online and exchanging data.

FLASHING
GREEN

The Profibus Mode LED is flashing green
when the Gateway Profibus interface is
operational and on-line, but idle.

FLASHING RED

(1 FLASH)

The Profibus Mode LED is flashing red
and blinks once when a Profibus
parameterization error has occurred.

PBS MODE

Profibus Mode

FLASHING RED

(2 FLASHES)

The Profibus Mode LED is flashing red
and blinks twice when a Profibus
configuration error has occurred.

SOLID GREEN

The Status LED is solid green when the
Profibus communication is initialized.

FLASHING
GREEN

The Status LED is flashing green when the
Profibus communication is initialized, but a
diagnostic event(s) is present.

PBS STAT

Profibus Status

SOLID RED

The Status LED is solid red when a
Profibus exception error has occurred.

ERROR

SOLID RED

The Error LED is solid red when a
Gateway configuration error has occurred,
i.e. an invalid or unrecognized command.
This LED will be cleared when a valid
command is sent.

Table 1: Front Panel LEDs

2.3 EXTERNAL CONNECTORS

Figure 13: External Connectors

GATEWAY OVERVIEW

15

2

2.3.1 Profibus

The Gateway Profibus Connector is used for Profibus Slave Node connection to the Profibus
network.

5 1

69

Figure 14: Profibus DB9F Interface Connector

Pin Name Function

1 nc
2 nc
3 B Line (+) Positive RxD/TxD (RS485 level)
4 RTS Request To Send
5 GND Bus Ground (isolated)
6 +5 Vdc Bus Power
7 nc
8 A Line (-) Negative RxD/TxD (RS485 level)
9 nc

See par. 2.4 for more information regarding power and wiring for the Gateway.

2.3.2 USB

The Gateway USB Connector (type B, female) is used for establishing a direct serial
connection with a host computer for the purpose of configuring the Gateway.

12

34

Figure 15: USB Type B Female Interface Connector

Pin Name Function

1

Vdc 5 + Vdc USB power source

2

D- Data -

3

D+ Data +

4

GND USB power source Ground

GWY-01-PBS-01

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2

2.3.3 Subnet16™ RS485

The Gateway Subnet16™ RS485 Connector (M12 5PF) is used for connecting to the
Subnet16 network and RFID controllers.

Figure 16: M12 5PF Subnet16™ RS485 Interface Connector

Pin Name Function

1

Shield Cable shield

2

Vdc Power supply input voltage +

3

GND Power supply input voltage -

4

RTX+ RS485 Receive/Transmit Data +

5

RTX- RS485 Receive/Transmit Data -

2.4 POWER & WIRING

The information presented below is provided to assist the installer in determining the amount
of power that will be required by the Gateway and its Subnet network.

2.4.1 Power Requirements

The Gateway requires an electrical supply voltage of 12 to 30 Vdc. In addition, each RFID
controller connected to the Gateway via the Subnet16™ network will also require power. Use
a regulated power supply that is capable of delivering the requirements listed in the
Technical Features.

NOTE

Power is applied directly to the Subnet16™ Network trunk and distributed
through drop cables to the Gateway and RFID controllers. By positioning the
power supply near the middle of the network, you can limit voltage drop at
the ends, (see Appendix B for network layout diagrams).

The following information is provided to assist you in determining the power requirements of
your RFID application.

GATEWAY OVERVIEW

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2.4.2 Total System Current Consumption

NOTE

The current consumption values of each product are given in the Technical
Features paragraph of the relative Installation manual and refer to the min
and max input voltage range. These values already include an adequate
safety margin. The consumption values given in the following examples have
been interpolated for an input voltage of 24 Vdc.

Max Gateway Current: 200 mA @ 12 Vdc (133 mA @ 24 Vdc).

Max Controller Current: 366 mA @ 24 Vdc for Cobalt HF-Series, 87 mA @ 24 Vdc for
C0405-Series, etc. (refer to controller’s spec).

Calculating Total System Current Consumption:

Total System Current Consumption = [Max Gateway Current + (Max Controller Current x
Number of Controllers)]

Example

A Subnet16™ network powered at 24 Vdc is composed of a GWY-01-PBS-01 connecting
eight C0405-485 RFID Controllers.

Total System Current Consumption = [0.133 A + (0.087 A X 8)] = 0.829 A

2.4.3 Cable Voltage Drop

In addition, each RFID controller on the Subnet will experience a certain amount of voltage
drop depending on the length of the cable.

Cable Resistance per Meter

 ThinNet = 0.058 ohms per meter per wire
 ThickNet = 0.0105 ohms per meter per wire

Calculating Voltage Drop

Voltage Drop = (Max Controller Current x Number of Controllers) x (Cable Resistance per

Meter per Wire

1

x Cable length in Meters)

Example

A Subnet16™ network is composed of a GWY-01-PBS-01 connecting eight C0405-485 RFID
Controllers (87 mA each @ 24 Vdc). A total of 20 meters of ThinNet cables are used to
connect the devices, which have Cable Resistance = 0.058 Ohms per meter per wire. The
network power is 24 Vdc.

2

Voltage Drop = [0.133 A GWY + (0.087 A x 8 controllers)] x [(0.058 x 2) x 20 meters] =

1.92 Vdc

24 Vdc - 1.92 = 22.08 Vdc at controller number 8

1

The resistance calculation must include both wires (Vdc and GND).

2

This example assumes the power supply is placed at the end of the network, therefore controller #8 is the worst case. By

placing the power supply in the middle of the network the voltage drop at the ends is reduced.

GWY-01-PBS-01

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2

It is recommended that the voltage drop calculation be conducted on the RFID controller that
is farthest from the Gateway, as it will experience the greatest voltage drop.

2.4.4 Current Rating for Cables

The maximum current rating for the Subnet16™ network using Datalogic Automation's
cables and accessories (CBL-xxxx), is 4.0 A.

2.5 NODE ID CONFIGURATION & MANAGEMENT

Only RS485-based RFID controllers can be connected to a Gateway’s Subnet network and
each must be assigned a unique Node ID value between 1 and 16.

When an RFID controller is connected to the Gateway’s Subnet network, the Gateway will
query the new controller to obtain certain configuration values (specifically the Node ID
number). If the Gateway does not detect a Node ID conflict, it will “allow” the RFID controller
onto the Subnet network.

By using the Cobalt HF Configuration Tag that is included with each RS485-based Cobalt
and HF-Series RFID Controller, or the Cobalt UHF Configuration Tag that is included with
each RS485-based Cobalt UHF-Series RFID Controller, the Node ID value can be
dynamically assigned by the Gateway or can be manually assigned by the user.

For the Gateway to dynamically assign a Node ID value to a controller, the controller must
first be initialized with the Node ID value of zero. This is the equivalent of having no Node ID
assigned.

NOTE

All Datalogic Automation RS485-based controllers ship with their Node ID
value set to 0.

When a powered controller (that is set to Node ID 0) is connected to the Subnet, it will not
initially be recognized by the Gateway until the Configuration Tag is placed in the antenna’s
RF field. After a few seconds the controller will display its new assigned Node ID value in
binary code from right to left or (top to bottom) using the five amber Node LEDs on the
controller.

When dynamically assigning a Node ID value for a new controller, the Gateway will either
assign the next available Node ID value or the value that the Gateway recognizes as offline
or “missing” – that is, a Node ID value that previously existed, but has since disappeared
from the network.

Because the Gateway stores a backup of each Subnet Node’s configuration, should an RFID
controller ever fail, a replacement controller can be installed quickly and easily. The new
controller will be automatically assigned the same Node ID value and configuration as the
replaced controller, provided the Configuration Tag is introduced to the antenna field after
startup and then removed.

GATEWAY OVERVIEW

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2

NOTE

Avoid that the configuration tag is simultaneously read by more than one
controller, especially for UHF controllers.

2.6 GATEWAY AND SUBNET NODE NAMING

The Gateway can store a 64-byte ASCII string for each of the 16 Subnet Nodes and one 64­byte ASCII string for the Gateway itself. These text strings can be used to assign logical or
“user friendly” names to the Gateway and its Subnet Nodes.

For example, you could assign the Gateway a logical name such as “PRODUCTION LINE 1”
and then name the controller connected to Subnet Node 01 “PRODUCTION STATION 1”.
The controller at Subnet Node 02 could then be named “PRODUCTION STATION 2” (and so
forth).

Gateway and Node names can be retrieved and edited by issuing specific commands to the
Gateway (which are covered later in this manual). See the table below for specific CBx
protocol command ID numbers.

Gateway and Node Naming – CBx Command IDs

Gateway Node

Get Name

Command 0x11 Command 0x30

Set Name

Command 0x21 Command 0x40

Table 2: Gateway and Node Naming – CBx Command IDs

Gateway and Node naming can also be accomplished through the Cobalt Dashboard™
software utility, see the Cobalt Dashboard™ User's Manual for more details.

GWY-01-PBS-01

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2.7 CONFIGURATION TOOLS

Datalogic Automation offers the following powerful RFID configuration utilities for Microsoft
Windows XP and Windows 2000 based systems:

 Cobalt Dashboard™
 C-Macro Builder™

These configuration tools can be downloaded from the Datalogic Automation website:
www.automation.datalogic.com

2.7.1 Cobalt Dashboard™

The Cobalt Dashboard™ is a Windows-based software application that provides users with
complete control over their Datalogic Automation RFID Solution. Users can monitor their
entire RFID system, from the tag level, to the RFID controller, to the Gateway, and to the
host.

Figure 17: Cobalt Dashboard™

Cobalt Dashboard Features:

 Complete Subnet16™ Node configuration
 Data packet inspection and Subnet network health monitoring
 Gateway and Subnet Node “Friendly” Name Assignment (users can quickly and

easily assign logical “friendly” names to the Gateway and its Subnet Nodes).

GATEWAY OVERVIEW

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2

 Supports Ethernet, Profibus, DeviceNet, RS232, and USB models

2.7.2 C-Macro Builder™

C-Macro Builder™ is an easy to use GUI-driven utility for Windows that allows users to

create powerful RFID command macro programs.

Figure 18: C-Macro Builder™

When used in conjunction with the Cobalt Dashboard™, users can easily download, erase,
backup and manage multiple RFID command macros and macro triggers for each Subnet
Node. See Chapter 3 for more on macros.

NOTE

For specific information regarding the configuration and use of either of
these utilities, please see the accompanying documentation included when
downloading each software application.

GWY-01-PBS-01

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3 RFID COMMAND MACROS

3.1 WHAT ARE RFID COMMAND MACROS?

RFID Command Macros are a powerful feature of Datalogic Automation Cobalt Controllers.
Macros are simple programs that direct a controller to execute multiple pre-programmed
instructions.

Because macros reside within the controller’s internal memory, they can be programmed to
instruct the controller to automatically read and/or write a specified set of data to an RFID tag
without the controller ever having to receive a command from the host. In fact, the controllers
do not even require a connection to a host in order to execute macros.

Each macro can contain up to 255 bytes of data and each supported controller can store up
to eight macros at a time. Though they are stored locally on the controller, macros are also
backed up in the Gateway’s flash memory as well.

3.2 WHY USE MACROS?

The power of macros is in distributed intelligence, the reduction in network bus traffic and the
ability to accelerate routine decision making at the point of data collection.

3.3 WHAT CAN MACROS DO?

In addition to the automated reading and writing of data, macro capabilities include:

 The ability to write time stamps to RFID tags
 The ability to filter command responses to only those of interest to the host (such as

when an error occurs or when a tag has arrived in the RF field)

 The ability to harness powerful logic and triggering capabilities such as; read, write,

start/stop continuous read, data compare, branch, transmit custom string, and set
outputs.

3.4 WHAT IS A MACRO TRIGGER?

Macros are initiated by “triggers.” Triggers can be configured in numerous ways. A simple
command from the host, such as “execute macro number three” can be considered a trigger.
Triggers can be configured, for example, to activate a macro when a tag enters or leaves a
controller’s RF field.

Datalogic Automation RFID controllers can store up to eight separate triggers in addition to
the eight macros they can also house. Any trigger can activate any of the eight stored
macros.