MOJIX WSTAR1000, WENODE Users Manual

Mojix STAR™ 1000

System User Manual

January 2009

Mojix Incorporated

11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 350
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Web: www.mojix.com
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Legal Notices

Copyright 2009 Mojix, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

All content contained within this document, including text, graphics, logos, icons, images, and other materials, is
the exclusive property of Mojix or its content suppliers and is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. The
compilation (meaning the collection, arrangement, and assembly) of all content within this document is the exclusive
property of Mojix and is also protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. The content within this document may
be used as a resource. Any other use, including the reproduction, modification, distribution, transmission, republication,
display, or performance, of the content on this website is strictly prohibited.

MOJIX, Mojix STAR, Mojix eNode, Mojix eGroup, and the Mojix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mojix.
All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The trademarks and logos
contained in this document may not be used without the prior written consent of Mojix or their respective owners.

Portions, features and/or functionality of Mojix’s products are protected under Mojix patents, as well as patents pending.

This User Manual is provided as a reference for persons who are properly trained and qualified to install and/or
operate Mojix’s RFID products. Whereas Mojix makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of its technical
documentation, Mojix cannot be responsible for errors that occur in this User Manual or for changes to Mojix’s
products that might render information in this Manual obsolete. For information regarding Mojix technical training, visit
Mojix’s website (www.Mojix.com) or contact Mojix at [e-mail].

Improper handling or use of RF equipment can result in damage to property or injury to personnel.

FCC Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. Any change or modification to this product voids the user’s authority to operate per FCC Part 15
Subpart A. Section 15.21 regulations.

B

2

Mojix® STAR 1000 System User Manual

LEGAL NOTICES ..........................................................................2

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................4

1. SYSTEM COMPONENTS ................................................................6

1.1. MOJIX ENODES: DISTRIBUTED TRANSMITTERS .........................................6

1.2. STAR RECEIVER: CENTRALIZED READ AND CONTROL POINT ..............................6

1.3. STAR INTERROGATION SPACES ......................................................7

1.4. MASTER CONTROLLER .............................................................7

1.5. SYSTEM TOPOLOGY ...............................................................7

2. STAR RECEIVER INSTALLATION ..........................................................9

2.1. STAR RECEIVER POSITIONING .......................................................9

2.2. STAR RECEIVER INSTALLATION ......................................................10

2.3. STAR RECEIVER CABLING ..........................................................16

3. ENODE INSTALLATION ................................................................17

3.1. ENODE POSITIONING ..............................................................17

3.2. ENODE CABLING .................................................................17

3.3. 4-PORT ENODE CABLING ...........................................................18

4. EMUX INSTALLATION .................................................................19

4.1. ABOUT INSERTION LOSS ...........................................................19

4.2. EMUX SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................19

5. MASTER CONTROLLER INSTALLATION ...................................................21

5.1. MASTER CONTROLLER (MCON) HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS ............................21

5.2. MCON DEPLOYMENT OVERVIEW ....................................................21

6. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION .............................................................22

6.1. NETWORK SETUP .................................................................22

6.2. GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

6.3. EMUX CALIBRATION ..............................................................28

APPENDIX A: LOCATION CONFIGURATION GUIDELINES ........................................29

APPENDIX B: DEPLOYMENT EXAMPLE ......................................................32

APPENDIX C: ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................34

APPENDIX D: ENGINEERING INTERFACE - MOJO ..............................................37

APPENDIX E: MANUAL EMUX CALIBRATION ..................................................41

APPENDIX F: GLOSSARY ..................................................................43

APPENDIX G: INDEX ......................................................................46

3

Introduction

In 2004, a team of advanced signal processing and deep space communications scientists and engineers led
by Dr. Ramin Sadr formed Mojix
communications to the commercial wireless infrastructure industry. The result is a commercial passive RFID reader
system with capabilities orders of magnitude beyond previous RFID reader offerings, and a new generation of RFID
system technology that eliminates the economic and technical barriers to large-scale, high-volume RFID deployment
to deliver on the full promise of RFID.

®

Inc with the vision of applying the technical breakthroughs in deep space

The Mojix family of products can be configured to
transmit and receive across the UHF band and can
operate in both the near and far fields which make
it possible for a single system to read tags at the
pallet, carton or item level. The UHF or ISM band as
it is commonly referred to, is partially allocated for
public use and is heavily utilized by many different
devices and applications which make operating in
this spectrum especially challenging.

One Mojix STAR
covers interrogation
spaces for all eNodes
within a 3-D coverage
area, managing single
or multiple business
processes.

Interrogation

Space

Retail Sales

Floor

Interrogation Space

Retail

Backroom

Active

Interrogation

Space

The STAR Receiver is powered directly by its power
supply and in turn powers each Mojix eNode

™

.

Warehouse

Each eNode is connected to the STAR by coaxial
cable and receives supply voltage, command and
control signals, and baseband RF over this medium.
The STAR Receiver is typically connected to the
enterprise via the LAN or an optional WLAN.

STAR

Receiver

Distribution

Center

Interrogation
Space

An eNode, as depicted in Figure 1, creates and is
associated with a single interrogation space, which
is individually addressed and controlled by the STAR

Figure 1: Mojix STAR System Overview

Receiver. eNodes are physically positioned according
to business process needs to provide optimal performance in exciting Gen2 RFID tags. The STAR Receiver is ordinarily
positioned with a vantage point to all eNodes in the system — this can be line of sight (LOS) or non-line of sight (NLOS)
but always within the rated Rx range.

This document is intended to assist developers integrate Mojix systems. Please also see Mojix STAR 1000 User Guide
for assistance deploying Mojix systems.

4

Mojix STAR System Specifications

Mojix® STAR 1000 System User Manual

MOJIX STAR Receiver Array Technical Specifications

Operating Frequency

Tag Protocols

Dimensions STAR
reader

Weight STAR reader

Power Supply

Power consumption

Dimension Power
supply

Weight Power supply

External RF Connector

External I/O

Temperature

Humidity

Indicators

Compliance Regulatory: FCC Part15

Firmware Upgrade Remotely upgradeable

Application User
Interface

IP Addressing – STAR
reader

Network Interface Ethernet, Base-T, RJ-45 Interface

UHF Band, 902-928 MHz, FHSS

EPC Gen2

AIA (30 3/8)in L x (10 7/8)in Wx (4 3/4)
in H
77 cm L x 27.6 cm W x 12 cm H

12.6 lb 5.7 Kg

220/110 VAC

200 Watts operational, 100 Watts in
standby

Power supply 11in L x 18in W x (2 5/8)
in H

28 cm L x 45.7 cm W x 6.6 cm H

11.4 lb 5.2 Kg

N type Female

DB-15 (8 Dry relay contacts 4in / 4 out)

Operating: -25° to +50° C (+32° to
+122° F)

Storage: -40° to +70° C (-4° to +158° F)

5-95% non-condensing

LED's for power, standby and transmit

EPC Class 1 Gen2

HTTP

Static

Mojix STAR Master Controller Technical Specifications

Network Interface

Operating System

Logical interface

IP Addressing

Ethernet 10/100/1000 Base-T

Linux

TCP/IP Interface
HTTP
Application Programming Interface

Static and Dynamic

Mojix eNode Technical Specification

Operating Frequency

Dimensions eNode

Weight eNode

Humidity

Compliance

Indicators LED’s for Power, Calibration and Transmit

External I/O TWO TNC connectors for RF & one DB-9

Transmit power Per FCC Part 15

Power supply Powered through coaxial cable (24 volts

eNode Addressing Static at Factory

Warranty 1 year from date of shipment

Extended Warranty Available

UHF Band, 902-928 MHz, FHSS

12in L x 12in W x 2.5in H ;

30.5 cm L x 30.5 cm Wx 6.35 cm H

4.8 lb 2.1 Kg

5-95% non-condensing

Regulatory: FCC Part15
EPC Class 1 Gen 2

for external sensors

Transmit power: 1 Watt (30 dBm)
Maximum
Antenna: 6 dBi integrated patch antenna

DC)

Mojix eNode Multiplexer Specifications

Parameter Specification

Signals Present at Input/Output

RF Frequency Range

RF Signal Level (Max.)

Input Connector TNC

Output Connector 4 TNC’s

Input Impedance 50 Ohm

DC Input 24 V

DC Input Connector Male Power Jack

950110126000000896

DC, RF and Control

902-928 MHz

+20 dBm (output)

950110126000001107

5

1. System Components

A Mojix STAR system is a single network element at the enterprise edge. Based on Mojix’s innovative distributed
architecture, a single system consists of one or more STAR receivers managing up to 512 low-cost Mojix eNode
transmitters. Mojix eNodes provide energy to all passive RFID tags within their specified interrogation spaces, while
the centralized, high-sensitivity Mojix STAR receiver reads the resulting tag signals from across the system’s potentially
vast coverage area - up to 250,000 sq. feet.

1.1. Mojix eNodes: Distributed Transmitters

Each Mojix eNode excites all passive RFID tags within its designated interrogation space and can be fixed, wireless or
handheld, and can be deployed as needed to shape discrete, overlapping or contiguous interrogation spaces, as well as
to create virtual fences for securing tagged items.

Mojix eNodes are reliable, autonomously operated RF repeaters designed to excite all EPC UHF Gen2 RFID tags within
their designated interrogation spaces with an excite range – depending on the tag being used - of over 30 feet and a
coverage area of more than 2,500 square feet. Up to 512 eNodes are controlled by a single Mojix STAR Receiver, able
to manage a mixed population of single and multi-port eNodes, as well as sensors in support of numerous concurrent
business processes.

1.2. STAR Receiver: Centralized Read and Control point

The STAR Receiver functions as a single point of data collection, provisioning, command and control, and integration
with enterprise systems. With the ability to detect extremely faint signals and free from conventional RFID’s line­of-sight restrictions, the STAR receiver works in concert with its satellite eNodes to support one or many business
processes across the entire coverage. The STAR-1000 Receiver contains a 1 x 4 array assembly, and digital and RF
processing assemblies. The STAR Receiver utilizes classical, fully active, phased array antennas for enabling the
visibility into the space dimension. The smart array approach adopted by Mojix is based fully on digital processing
techniques, thereby providing very high resolution for estimation of direction of arrival of the signal of interest (SOI),
enabling the system to provide accurate location information on the tag position in the three dimensional Euclidean
space. The STAR Receiver hardware overview is shown in the following figure:

a) RF / IF sub system

b) Digital Subsystem – including ADC, DAC

c) Digital Signal Processing subsystem

d) Ethernet interface

6

Figure 2: STAR Receiver Hardware overview

Mojix® STAR 1000 System User Manual

1.3. STAR interrogation spaces

Fixed or mobile, STAR interrogation spaces are business process-specific and can be optimized for tag density or
coverage. Each individually controlled interrogation space is created by the deployment of single or multiple eNodes
and is dynamically sized by the STAR system, which controls each node’s power output.

1.4. Master Controller

The STAR-1000 STAR Receiver signal processing platform is linked to an edge appliance called a Master Controller
(MCON), and communicates via a standard Ethernet 10BaseT (RJ45)-connector. The MCON can drive an arbitrary
number of STAR-1000 systems and includes interfaces to the enterprise middleware. In a larger enterprise deployment,
multiple STAR domains would exist in various locations and would require one or more controllers, which are generic,
Linux based edge appliances.

1.5. System Topology

Figure 3 illustrates the components of the STAR system topology. These items are as follows:

a) STAR Receiver

b) STAR Power Supply

c) eNodes – single or 4-port

d) Master Controller

e) LAN

Power

Supply

WAN

Internet

LAN

Receiver

Master

Controller

Tx/Power/Control

Array

Tx/Power/Control

Corporate

Internet

Figure 3: STAR System Topology

eNodes

Figure 4 illustrates a total system topology with cabling, showing the following elements:

eNodes

Sensor/Alarms

1. STAR Receiver

2. eNodes

3. eNodes with DC-Block & 50 Ohm Termination

4. eMux

5. Sensor

6. MCON

7

From the figure, the STAR RF output is cabled to the four (4) eNodes in a daisy chain configuration, followed by an
eMux. In this example only two out of the four available eMux outputs are use to further connect to two strings of
daisy chained eNodes. Lastly, there are the two eNodes at the end of each chain with a 50 Ohm termination.

Figure 4: Cabling Overview – STAR, eNode and eMux

In what follows the Mojix STAR system will described, including installation, and operational guidelines. Also described
will include the user interfaces, as well as hardware configuration procedures.

The required equipment for installation of the STAR System includes:

1 Master Controller (MCON)

2 STAR Receiver

3 STAR Power Supply

4 Power supply cable - Length: 20 ft Max.

5 eNodes

6 eMux (optional)

7 eMux Power Supply (optional)

8 Coaxial Cable – Connecting the STAR to an eNode or eMux

9 Coaxial Cables – Connecting eNodes to eNodes or eMuxes

10 STAR Receiver Mounting Hardware (post mount kit)

11 eNode Mounting Hardware

12 eMux Mounting Hardware (optional)

13 Ethernet Cable

8

Mojix® STAR 1000 System User Manual

2. STAR Receiver Installation

2.1. STAR Receiver Positioning

Figure 5 illustrates the STAR Receiver and the respective view angle. The following list indicates the key environmental
considerations for installing the unit.

a) Building Height

b) Obstructions such as racking, shelves, walls, and staged product

c) AC power drops

d) Network drops

e) Targeted interrogation spaces

f) Orientation and pointing of the unit with respect to the interrogation spaces

The view angle of the STAR receive array is:

120 degrees (+/- 60 deg) in the X direction (horizontal) †
90 degrees (+/- 45 deg) in the Y direction (vertical) †

The read range — i.e. the furthest point that the interrogation space can from the reader is approximately 600 feet.

Figure 5: STAR Positioning Guidelines

9

2.2. STAR Receiver Installation

The STAR is mechanically designed for post and wall mounting. Figure 6, illustrates the assembly drawing for installing
the unit on a post (i.e. installation kit is provided)

From the figure the mounting bracket is installed directly on the STAR Receiver back plate. Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8,
and Figure 9 show the required hardware, installation steps and final assembled and installed unit. Table 2 and Table 3
details the required hardware, which is included with shipping.

Installation instructions:

1. Product installation shall be conducted by a qualified installer. The appropriate local engineer or architect shall
be consulted to ensure the wall and/or pole mount is capable of safely supporting up to 4 times the weight of
the product.

2. Should the customer select to mount the STAR unit to a flat surface (e.g. wall), holes are provided in the main
mounting bracket to accommodate a family of hardware (customer supplied).

3. When mounting STAR unit to a flat surface, a minimum of 4 fasteners are recommended, though the exact
type is a function of the wall material and construction. Best industry practice is recommended.

a. For example: toggle bolts or Molly bolts would be the first choice on hollow walls. Lead lag shields would

be recommended on solid (cast) concrete or brick. Nails are not recommended, but could be used only if
the wood material of the wall was at least 1.5” thick.

4. The recommended mounting procedure would be as provided before for mounting to a mast, pole, pipe or
post. When securing the unit to a flat surface, it is recommended that the two end brackets be mounted to the
STAR Receiver.

5. The main bracket is mounted and (leveled if desired) to the wall using one of the techniques described
above. The STAR Receiver is then secured to the main bracket using the 1/4-20 hex bolts, washers and nuts
as illustrated in the same drawing as for mast mounting, though it is recommended that the pivot bolts be
secured first, and then the arc positioning hardware secured.

Tightening hardware, be it machine screws in Molly and Toggle bolts, Drywall Screws, 1/4-20 screws or the U-Bolts
is to be done with the appropriate tool: screwdriver or wrench. The hardware is to be “tight” to best construction
standards. For those that may have a torque wrench, the following values are recommended:

Screws: nominal 3 ft-lb +/- .5
1/4-20 hardware: 6 ft-lb +/- .5
U-Bolts: 20 ft-lb +/- 1

10

Mojix® STAR 1000 System User Manual

Figure 6: STAR Receiver Post Mount Installation kit

4 303-0004-000 Washer, Split Lock, .25” MCM 91102A750 7

8 303-0003-000 Washer, Flat, .25” MCM 90108A413 6

4 302-0015-000 Hex Nut, .25–20 MCM 91841A029 5

2 302-0012-000 U-Bolt Assembly, 2” MCM 3042T31 4

4 301-0015-000 Screw, Hex Head Cap, .25–20X.75 MCM 92240A540 3

1 309-0002-000 Mounting Support 2

2 309-0001-000 Mounting Bracket 1

QTY REQD

CAGE
CODE

PART OR IDENTIFYING NO. NOMENCLATURE OR DESCRIPTION

MATERIAL /

SPECIFICATION

PARTS LIST

Table 1: Parts List for STAR Receiver Pole-Mount Installation Kit

ITEM

NO.

11

Figure 7: Pole Mount Installation, showing STAR Receiver and bracket

4 303-0004-000 Washer, Split Lock, .25” MCM 91102A750 15

4 303-0003-000 Washer, Flat, .25” MCM 90108A413 14

4 302-0015-000 Hex Nut, .25–20 MCM 91841A029 13

1 TBD Vesa Mount Assembly 12

2 TBD Production Handle 11

1 800-0102-000 Bracket Assembly 10

20 800-0001-000 Screw, Phillips Pan Head, 6-32X.625 9

40 300-0005-000 Flat Washer, #6 8

20 300-0003-000 Lock Washer, #6 7

6 300-0004-000 Screw, Phillips Pan Head, 6-32X0.25 6

4 301-0002-000 Female Screw Locks, 4-40X.312 AMP 205818-2 5

4 303-0002-000 Lock Washer, #4 4

1 302-0009-000 Rear Cover Assembly 3

1 800-0105-000 AIA / AFA Board Subassembly 2

1 301-0020-000 Radome 1

QTY REQD

CAGE
CODE

PART OR IDENTIFYING NO. NOMENCLATURE OR DESCRIPTION

MATERIAL /

SPECIFICATION

PARTS LIST

Table 2: STAR Receiver Pole Mount and Reader Parts List

ITEM

NO.

12

Mojix® STAR 1000 System User Manual

Figure 8: STAR Receiver Mount

Figure 9: STAR Receiver Pole Mount

2.2.1. STAR power supply installation

Recommended installation of the power supply is “platform mounting”, where the unit is secured flat on a platform,
co-located within “20 feet” from the STAR Receiver. Power supply installation guide is as follows.

13

2.2.1.1. Wall Mount Power Supply

Figure 10 shows the power supply mechanical drawing and key holes to be used when mounting it on the wall. Note:

As shown in Figure 11, when mounted on the wall –unit shall be installed within “3 feet” from the ground, and †
within 20 feet from the STAR Receiver

The keyholes are designed for either †

#6 Drywall (bugle head) or #6 wood screws if the unit is being fastened to a wooden surface. –
For a solid wood mount, box nails can be used, providing the head diameter is more than .28” and less than .30” –

in diameter and the shank of the nail is at least 2” long.
If the unit is being fastened to a metal surface that is at least .1875” thick, 6-32 pan head machine screws may –

be used.
If the unit is being fastened to drywall/plaster, 1/8 Molly or Toggle bolts must be used. –

The recommended mounting procedure is:

1. To use drywall mounts (“Molly Bolts” are preferred) for that purpose (these, or toggle bolts, offer a pull-down
force more than 4X the industry-standard, and are highly recommended in areas prone to seismic activity).

2. Bugle-head #6 Drywall screws (coarse thread) are acceptable, if all 3 tie down points are used, offering an
industry-standard of a pull-down strength of at least 4X the weight of the unit.

3. If the walls are of at least 1/2” wood (plywood, for example), nails can be used.

In addition, the cable must be properly dressed and supported. The cables, both AC and DC, are to drop down from the
power supply with a drip or service loop. They are to be supported at least once within 18” of the unit, and according
to best industry practice (and NEC) at intervals of no more than 36”. Cables can be run in conduit, providing (a) the
conduit is not hanging on the cables, (b) the service loop exists, and (c) there is at least one support/tie-down on the
cables between conduit and power supply.

14

Figure 10: Power Supply — showing key holes for wall mounting

Mojix® STAR 1000 System User Manual

Figure 11: Power Supply – showing wall mount

2.2.1.2. Platform Mount

When mounting the power supply on a platform, it shall be strapped and secured, as shown in Figure 12. Additionally,
ensure that the connectors are facing out for easy access.

Figure 12: Power supply platform mount

15