This document provides instructions for technical staff on the installation and operation of
the radio frequency interrogator of series RFH620 in the following versions:
•With the cable and connector (standard version)
•With connector unit (Ethernet version)
A summary of all device versions is shown in chapter 4.1 Device versions, page 19.
This document contains information for:
•Installation
•Electrical installation
•Commissioning and configuration
•Maintenance and replacement of the interrogator
•Troubleshooting
A step-by-step approach is taken for all tasks.
ImportantTo simplify, the radio frequency interrogator RFH620 is described in these operating instruc-
tions as an interrogator or RFH620.
The description "interrogator" and "writing/reading device" are interchangeable. The description "interrogator" is used in these instructions. The description "transponder" and "tag"
are interchangeable. The description "transponder" is used in these instructions.
1.2Target group
The target group of this document is persons assigned the following tasks:
Commissioning and configurationTrained staff, e.g., technicians or engineers
Tab. 1-1:Target group of this document
Qualified staff, e.g., service technicians and factory electricians
1.3Depth of information
This document contains all the information required for the installation, electrical installation and commissioning of the interrogator at the installation location.
Configuration of the interrogator for application-specific reading conditions and the com-
missioning is carried out using the SOPAS-ET configuration software on a Windows
SOPAS-ET configuration software contains an online help system to facilitate configuration.
TM
PC. The
ImportantFurther information about the design of the interrogator as well as the RFID technology is
available at SICK AG, Auto Ident division. On the Internet at www.sick.com.
To gain easier access, some information in this documentation is emphasised as follows:
Notice!
Notice indicates a potential risk of damage or impair on the functionality of the interrogator
or other devices.
>Carefully read and follow the notice details!
Warning notice!
A warning notice indicates real or potential danger. This should protect you against accidents.
The safety symbol next to the warning notice indicates why there is a risk of accident, e. g.,
due to electricity. The warning levels (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION) indicate the seriousness of the risk.
>Carefully read and follow the warning notices!
ReferenceItalic script denotes a reference to further information.
ImportantThis important note informs you about specific features.
ExplanationAn explanation provides background knowledge of technical nature.
RecommendationA recommendation helps you to carry out tasks correctly.
TIPA tip explains setting options in the SOPAS-ET configuration software.
P
ROJECTThis type of script denotes a term in the user interface in the SOPAS-ET configuration soft-
ware.
A symbol indicates a button in the user interface of the SOPAS-ET configuration software.
There is a procedure which needs to be carried out. This symbol indicates standard operating procedures, which contain only one operational step or operational steps in warning notices that do not have to be followed in any particular order. Operational instructions
comprising several steps are denoted using consecutive numbers.
Note
This symbol denotes a section, in which the operation steps with the SOPAS-ET configuration software are described.
Important
This symbol indicates supplementary technical documentation.
The interrogator RFH620 is an ISO/IEC-15693 compatible transponder printer/reader unit
for the close-up range (operating range of up to 16 cm), e. g., in a conveyor system.
The intended use of the interrogator results from the following description of the function:
•The interrogator is installed in a holder in a reading station.
•The interrogator transfers the reading data via the host interface to a superordinate
host computer for further processing.
•The interrogator is configured/operated using the SOPAS-ET configuration software
that runs on a standard client PC provided by the customer. In this connection, communication takes place via RS-232 or Ethernet.
•The Interrogator controls (locally), e. g., switches in the conveyor system via the digital
switching outputs.
ImportantAny warranty claims against SICK AG shall be deemed invalid in case changes are made to
the interrogator, e. g., opening the housing, this includes modifications during installation
and electrical installation or changes to the SICK software.
>The interrogator is only to be operated in ambient air temperature limit.
2.2.1CE authorisation
The interrogator RFH620 fulfils the requirements of CE authorisation.
2.2.2FCC authorisation
The interrogator RFH620 is in accordance with part 15 of FCC guidelines.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference, and
•this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
The interrogator can be switched on or off using the main switch for connection modules
CDB620 or CDM420 respectively.
2.4.1Switching off the interrogator
>Switch off the power supply to the interrogator (via the connection module)
- or -
Unplug the 15-pole D-Sub-HD connector of the interrogator´s connection cable from
the connection module.
When the interrogator is switched off, the following data are lost:
•Application-specific parameter sets in the interrogator that were only saved temporarily
in the device
•The last reading result of the interrogator
•Daily operating hours counter of the interrogator
2.4.2Switching the interrogator back on
>Switch the power supply to the interrogator (via the connection module) back on
- or -
Re-connect the 15-pole D-Sub-HD connector of the interrogator´s connection cable to
the connection module.
The interrogator starts up using the most recent permanently saved configuration. The
daily operating hours counter is reset.
2.5Environmental information
The interrogator has been constructed with minimum environmental pollution in mind. Excluding the housing, the interrogator does not contain any materials made of silicone.
2.5.1Energy requirement
The interrogator serial RFH620 consumes the following energy:
•Typical 5 W in 10 ... 30 V DC (in unwired switching outputs)
2.5.2Dispose of the device after decommissioning
Currently, SICK AG will not accept the return of any devices which can no longer be operated
or repaired.
>Inoperable or irreparable devices must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly
manner and in accordance with valid country-specific waste disposal guidelines.
The design of the interrogator allows for its separation as recyclable secondary raw materials and hazardous waste (electronic scrap).
The interrogator can be operated quickly and easily using the supplied SOPAS-ET configuration software.
Among others, the software offers the following options:
•Fast connection with the interrogator
•Easy access to the transponder data and display of the reading results on two clear re-
gister tabs of the configuration software
System requirements for using the SOPAS-ET configuration software
See chapter 7.2.2 System requirements for the SOPAS-ET configuration software, page 49
Additional accessories required (not in the scope of delivery)
•Connection module CDB620 or CDM420
•For the Ethernet version of the interrogator: Connection cable for data and function interfaces (see ordering designations of the product information "Interrogator RFH620")
•3-wire RS-232 data cable (null modem cable), no. 2014054 for the connection of the
PC with the connection module
- or -
To connect an Ethernet version of the interrogator to the PC's Ethernet interface
(For corresponding cable, see ordering designations of the product information "Interrogator RFH620" Nr. 8013102)
Establish an electric connection to the interrogator
1.Connect the interrogator to connection module CDB620/CDM420.
2.Switch on the power supply for CDB620/CDM420.
3.Switch on the PC for the configuration and install and start the supplied SOPAS-ET configuration software.
4.Connect the PC to the interrogator.
To achieve this, connect the PC using a 3-wire RS-232 data cable (null modem cable)
to the "Aux“ connection in CDB620/CDM420.
- or -
In Ethernet version, connect the PC to the interrogator's Ethernet interface.
For detailed instructions, see chapter 5 Installation, page 31 and chapter 6 Electrical in-
stallation, page 35.
3.2Establishing connection with the interrogator
>Communicate with the interrogator according to the selected data interface (RS-232 or
Ethernet) (see chapter 7.3 Establishing communication with the interrogator,
page 50).
TIPTo establish a connection quickly and easily via the Ethernet, the SOPAS-ET configuration
This chapter describes the design, the features and the functions of the interrogator
RFH620.
>For installation, electrical installation and start-up assistance as well as for the applica-
tion-specific configuration of the interrogator using the SOPAS-ET configuration software, please read this chapter prior to carrying out any of the tasks.
4.1Device versions
Among others, the interrogator RFH620 is available in the following versions:
Order no.TypeVersionConnection (design)
1044838RFH620-1000001Standard versionCable with plug
1044839RFH620-1001201Ethernet versionConnector unit on the
device
Tab. 4-1:Variants of the interrogator RFH620
ImportantThe following are available depending on the connection (design):
•Standard version (cable with plug)
– RS-232, RS-422/485, CAN, two digital switching inputs, two digital switching out-
puts, power supply
•Ethernet version (revolving connector unit)
– Connector 1: Ethernet
– Connector 2: RS-232, RS-422/485, CAN, one digital switching input, power supply
4.2Mounting and mode of operation of the interrogator
The interrogator RFH620 is an ISO/IEC-15693 compatible transponder writing/reading device with integrated antenna for the close-up range. All the components are located in a
housing suitable for the industry. Depending on the version, the electric connection of the
interrogator takes place via a cable with a connector or a revolving connector unit with two
connections.
The interrogator RFH620 is an intelligent sensor for automatic and non-contact detection
of RFID transponders. In principle, the transponder can be detected on any location of still
or moving objects in a conveyor system. The reading range expands through the combination of many devices.