Technical Documentation
for metraTec QuasarMX HF RFID Reader
Date: December 2016
Version: 1.5
Technical Documentation metraTec QuasarMX Page 1 of 13
Table of Contents
1 General Information / Security Advice.................................................................................3
1.1 Notes on the use of this documentation........................................................................3
1.2 Security Advice..............................................................................................................3
1.3 Export Restrictions.........................................................................................................3
1.4 Further Documents........................................................................................................ 3
2 Product Description.............................................................................................................4
2.1 Intended Use.................................................................................................................4
2.2 Technical Specification.................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Product Drawing............................................................................................................ 5
2.4 Scope of Delivery..........................................................................................................5
2.5 Accessories....................................................................................................................5
3 Power Supply and Electrical Specification............................................................................6
4 Communication.................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 USB Driver Installation...................................................................................................7
5 Antenna Connection............................................................................................................8
6 Digital Input/Outputs...........................................................................................................9
7 Further Notes..................................................................................................................... 11
7.1 Environmental.............................................................................................................. 11
7.2 Declaration of Conformity...........................................................................................11
8 Version Control.................................................................................................................. 12
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1 General Information / Security Advice
1.1 Notes on the use of this documentation
This user manual and integration guide uses different symbols to point out potentially
dangerous situations. The following signs and symbols are used throughout the document.
ATTENTION
Declares a potentially hazardous situation. If this is not avoided, the product
or something in its surrounding could be damaged.
NOTE
Declares notes for the user as well as other useful information, where no
harmful or dangerous situations can be expected.
1.2 Security Advice
The QuasarMX HF RFID Reader was not designed for use in dangerous environments. Using
this product in applications where a failure could directly results in severe injuries or death
(“high risk activities”) is not permitted. This includes but is not limited to applications in
nuclear facilities, flight control systems, life support systems or weapon systems. The
manufacturer denies the suitability of this device for such scenarios.
1.3 Export Restrictions
The QuasarMX contains components that underlie US Export restrictions. It is therefore
forbidden to export the product to countries that are on the US trade embargo list. The
same applies to any countries that are on the EU embargo list.
1.4 Further Documents
While this documentation explains the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the
QuasarMX RFID Reader, it might be useful to also read the metraTec Protocol Guide, which
explains the ASCII protocols used to control the reader in full detail.
We also offer general information about how to set up the connection of the reader to the
antenna for optimum system performance in our HF Antenna Integration Guide.
All further documents can be either found at the metraTec's product web page or are listed
at: http://www.metratec.com Support Downloads Documentation.
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2 Product Description
The QuasarMX is an HF RFID reader/writer for demanding industrial applications, where
high reading reliability, speed and extensive special tag features are needed.
Highlights include a reading rate of up to 100 tag-IDs/sec and reading and writing data on
tags without needing to address them individually. This allows applications directly at
conveyor belts, in production machinery and in electric control cabinets. The communication
protocol can be used from a normal PC with a full operating system, with embedded
systems as well as with a PLC.
2.1 Intended Use
RFID Reader/Writer for wireless communication with RFID transponders according to ISO
15693.
2.2 Technical Specification
Operating Voltage 24 V DC
Digital Inputs/Outputs optically isolated 24V DC Inputs (2x), 24 V DC Outputs
(4x), 24 V DC Out (1x)
Operating Frequency 13.56 MHz
System Impedance 50 Ohm
RF Output 250 mW
Power Consumption 200 mA (without Ethernet) / 450 mA (with Ethernet)
Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Dimensions 130 x 105 x 44 mm
Protection IP 40 (Other on Request)
Conformity CE, e.g. EN 60950-1, ETSI 300 330
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2.3 Product Drawing
2.4 Scope of Delivery
The QuasarMX RFID Reader comes with the following parts:
• QuasarMX RFID Reader
• 24V DC power supply
• Documentation, Drivers and Demo Software are available via download from
metraTec's website (http://www.metratec.com Support Downloads)
2.5 Accessories
The following accessories and modules are available to extend and evaluate the
functionality of the QuasarMX HF RFID Module:
• Multiplexer (4x, 8x and 16x)
• Various HF-Antennas
• Coaxial cable
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Fig. 1: Dimensions of QuasarMX RFID Reader (in mm)
3 Power Supply and Electrical Specification
The QuasarMX is powered using 24V DC which are connected at the front of the device
(X3). If you do not use a power supply supplied by metraTec, please make sure that your
own PSU provides a supply voltage of high quality. If possible, use a PSU with high
precision/high speed linear regulator. If you use a switching PSU, please make sure that the
switching frequency is > 500 kHz.
Connector Description
X3.1 GND
X3.2 24V DC
Tab. 1: Description of Power Connector
Operating Voltage 24 V DC
Power Consumption1, RF on 200 mA
Power Consumption1, RF off 80 mA
Power Consumption1, Sleep 20 mA
Voltage Inputs/Outputs 24 V
Tab. 2: Maximum Rating and Electrical Limits
1 Note: For Ethernet power consumption is increased by 250 mA.
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Fig. 2: Power Connector Description (ref. Tab. 1)
4 Communication
The QuasarMX offers two main options as a host interface – USB and optionally an Ethernet
connection. The main advantage of the optional Ethernet interface lies in the very long
cable length that Ethernet allows between the host computer or network switch and the
reader in the field. Additionally, versions with WiFi and ZigBee are available on special
request.
4.1 USB Driver Installation
The basic option for connecting the QuasarMX with your host PC is using the USB
connection every reader has.
1. Connect the reader with a 24V DC power source as described before
2. Connect the reader with a PC using a USB cable.
3. Install the USB driver. metraTec offers the needed driver including Installation
Guides for Windows XP and Windows 7 (as downloads from metraTec's website).
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5 Antenna Connection
To send and receive data to and from the tags an appropriate HF RFID antenna (13.56 MHz,
50 Ohm) has to be connected to the reader. This is done via the BNC connector on the
reader (X1).
Since the design of HF antennas can be a task requiring expert knowledge, metraTec RFID
Solutions offers a range of standard antenna types for HF applications which are compatible
to the QuasarMX. Further, we offer an antenna design service for custom designs. Most
antennas come equipped with standard BNC connectors which can be directly connected to
the QuasarMX. In cases in which a different antenna geometry or connector is needed
please contact support@metratec.com.
To connect the antenna to the reader or multiplexer the devices are equipped with BNC
jacks and the cables are equipped with BNC plugs at both ends. When connecting antennas
with multiplexers or readers please keep in mind that the cable has a signal dampening
effect reducing the RF power reaching the antenna. If long cables are to be used in
connection with one or more multiplexers the reading range can be reduced measurably.
Using higher quality cables can reduce the power loss in cases in which this is important.
Recommended cables with different lengths can be ordered from metraTec as accessories.
ATTENTION
Always connect an 50 Ohm antenna as described above first, before
powering the device. Powering the reader without an appropriate 50 Ohm
load for a longer time could damage the reader permanently.
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6 Digital Input/Outputs
The QuasarMX has 2 digital input pins and 4 digital output pins which can be be read or set
via the reader. The input pins are optically isolated 24 V DC inputs as common in
automation technology in general. Up to 25 mA are needed to set the input to "high".
The output pins are 24 V high side switch DC outputs with a maximum current of 250 mA
per pin. These can be used to directly power e.g. signal towers. In total a maximum current
of 1000 mA for all pins is allowed. Outputs are equipped with internal overcurrent and
overtemperature shutdown.
The pins X2.1 and X2.2 are connected directly to the power supply input, i.e. the applied
voltage is 24 V DC. This can be used for power supply of e.g. sensors, etc. The power of
these pins is only limited by the power of the power supply used.
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Fig. 3: Connector description of QuasarMX
Connector Description
X2.1 GND
X2.2 24V DC Out
X2.3 Out 1 -
X2.4 Out 1 +
X2.5 Out 2 -
X2.6 Out 2 +
X2.7 Out 3 -
X2.8 Out 3 +
X2.9 Out 4 -
X2.10 Out 4 +
X2.11 In 1 -
X2.12 In 1 +
X2.13 In 2 -
X2.14 In 2 +
X2.15 GND
X2.16 24 V DC
Tab. 3: Pin Description for digital IOs. Note: All "Out X -" are connected to ground internally!
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7 Further Notes
7.1 Environmental
Electronic devices like the QuasarMX are covered by the (German) ElektroG (electronic
waste law) as well as the European WEEE directive and as such may not be disposed of by
way of the normal household trash. Instead they have to be recycled properly. For you as
our customer this is no additional burden, however, as you can send the device back to us
for proper recycling. We assure you that the devices received back will be recycled properly
and in an environmentally friendly way. Our WEEE Registration ID is DE 56060482.
When selecting electronic components we additionally made sure that all components are
free of heavy metals and other harmful substances as required by the RoHS Directive for
many industries. Hence, our products are produced in the most environmentally friendly way
possible.
7.2 Declaration of Conformity
The QuasarMX complies with all directives and regulations applicable in the European
Union for this kind of device. This especially includes all laws regarding use of spectrum and
EMC. The product therefore bears the CE sign, as required by Directive 1999/5/EC (Radio &
Telecommunication Terminal Equipment Directive).
The product is currently not registered for use in the US or Canada. However, metraTec is
registered as a manufacturer of electronics at the FCC and IC. A certification of this product
is therefore possible, if required. Please ask us or your system integrator for further
information.
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8 Version Control
Version Change by Date
1.0 created KD 22.03.2010
1.1 Drawing of 24V connector added KD 22.10.2010
1.2 minor corrections and layout changes CS 06.08.2014
1.3 corrected scope of delivery (German version) CS 30.10.2014
1.4 HF Antenna Integration Guide mentioned, USB driver
installation description removed, minor changes
CS 21.04.2015
1.5 update address KS 07.12.2016
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Contact
metraTec GmbH
Niels-Bohr-Str. 5
39106 Magdeburg, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)391 251906-00
Fax: +49 (0)391 251906-01
Email: support@metratec.com
Web: http://www.metratec.com
Copyright
© 2016 metraTec GmbH
Reprint or reproduction of this documentation for other than internal purposes is only allowed with
written permission by metraTec GmbH.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
All right reserved.
We are constantly improving our products. Changes in function, form, features can happen without
prior notice.
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