Siemens RF660 User Manual

SIMATIC RF600

RFID systems

RF600

System Manual

09/2005 Edition, J31069 D0171-U001-A0-7618

Introduction

Safety Information

System overview

RF600 system planning

RF660R reader

Antennas

Transponder/tags

Accessories

Appendix

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

A

Safety Guidelines

This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are graded according to the degree of danger.

Danger

indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.

Warning

indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.

Caution

with a safety alert symbol, indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.

Caution

without a safety alert symbol, indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.

Notice

indicates that an unintended result or situation can occur if the corresponding information is not taken into account.

If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to property damage.

Qualified Personnel

The device/system may only be set up and used in conjunction with this documentation. Commissioning and operation of a device/system may only be performed by qualified personnel. Within the context of the safety notes in this documentation qualified persons are defined as persons who are authorized to commission, ground and label devices, systems and circuits in accordance with established safety practices and standards.

Prescribed Usage

Note the following:

Warning

This device may only be used for the applications described in the catalog or the technical description and only in connection with devices or components from other manufacturers which have been approved or recommended by Siemens. Correct, reliable operation of the product requires proper transport, storage, positioning and assembly as well as careful operation and maintenance.

Trademarks

All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of the Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner.

Disclaimer of Liability

We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent editions.

Siemens AG	Order No.:	Copyright © Siemens AG 2005.
Automation and Drives	Edition 09/2005	Technical data subject to change
Postfach 48 48
90437 NÜRNBERG
GERMANY

Table of contents

1	Introduction.............................................................................................................................................		1-1
	1.1	Preface.......................................................................................................................................	1-1
	1.2	Navigating in the system manual...............................................................................................	1-3
2	Safety Information...................................................................................................................................		2-1
	2.1	General safety instructions ........................................................................................................	2-1
3	System overview.....................................................................................................................................		3-1
	3.1	RF System SIMATIC RF600......................................................................................................	3-1
	3.1.1	Application areas of RF600........................................................................................................	3-2
	3.1.2	Features.....................................................................................................................................	3-3
4	RF600 system planning..........................................................................................................................		4-1
	4.1	Overview....................................................................................................................................	4-1
	4.2	Antenna configurations..............................................................................................................	4-2
	4.2.1	Antenna configuration example .................................................................................................	4-2
	4.2.2	Possibilities and application areas for antenna configurations..................................................	4-3
	4.2.3	Tag orientation in space.............................................................................................................	4-6
	4.2.4	Specified minimum and maximum spacing of antennas ...........................................................	4-7
	4.2.5	Mutual interference of readers (antennas).................................................................................	4-9
	4.2.6	Reading range .........................................................................................................................	4-10
	4.2.7	Increasing the probability of identification for tags - Antenna switching..................................	4-11
	4.3	Environmental conditions for transponders .............................................................................	4-12
	4.3.1	Basic rules................................................................................................................................	4-12
	4.4	The response of electromagnetic waves in the UHF band......................................................	4-13
	4.4.1	The effect of reflections and interference ................................................................................	4-13
	4.4.2	Influence of metals...................................................................................................................	4-14
	4.4.3	Influence of liquids and non-metallic substances ....................................................................	4-15
	4.5	Regulations applicable to frequency bands.............................................................................	4-16
	4.5.1	Regulations for UHF frequency bands in Europe....................................................................	4-16
	4.5.2	Regulations for UHF frequency bands in the USA..................................................................	4-18
	4.6	Guidelines for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)................................................................	4-19
	4.6.1	Overview..................................................................................................................................	4-19
	4.6.2	What does EMC mean?...........................................................................................................	4-20
	4.6.3	Basic rules................................................................................................................................	4-20
	4.6.4	Propagation of electromagnetic interference...........................................................................	4-23
	4.6.5	Prevention of interference sources..........................................................................................	4-27
	4.6.6	Equipotential bonding ..............................................................................................................	4-28
	4.6.7	Cable shielding.........................................................................................................................	4-29
5	RF660R reader.......................................................................................................................................		5-1
	5.1	Description.................................................................................................................................	5-1
	5.1.1	Ordering data.............................................................................................................................	5-2
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Table of contents

5.1.2	Design of the RF660R reader....................................................................................................	5-3
5.1.3	Status displays...........................................................................................................................	5-4
5.1.4	Pin assignment of the serial interfaces......................................................................................	5-5
5.1.5	Pin assignment and connections of the digital I/O interface......................................................	5-6
5.1.6	Power supply..............................................................................................................................	5-8
5.1.7	Grounding connection................................................................................................................	5-9

5.25-10

	5.3	Installation /Mounting...............................................................................................................	5-10
	5.3.1	Mounting/Installation................................................................................................................	5-10
	5.4	Configuration/integration..........................................................................................................	5-10
	5.4.1	Configuration............................................................................................................................	5-10
	5.4.2	Transmission protocols............................................................................................................	5-12
	5.5	Maintenance and service.........................................................................................................	5-13
	5.6	Technical specifications...........................................................................................................	5-14
	5.6.1	Technical specifications of RF660R.........................................................................................	5-14
	5.7	Dimension drawings.................................................................................................................	5-17
	5.7.1	Dimension drawings.................................................................................................................	5-17
	5.8	Certificates and approvals........................................................................................................	5-18
	5.8.1	FCC information.......................................................................................................................	5-18
	5.8.2	Compliance distance for RF Exposure ....................................................................................	5-18
6	Antennas	................................................................................................................................................	6-1
	6.1	RF660A antenna........................................................................................................................	6-1
	6.1.1	RF660A description....................................................................................................................	6-1
	6.1.2	Application Planning...................................................................................................................	6-4
	6.1.3	Installation /Mounting.................................................................................................................	6-6
	6.1.4	Connecting an antenna to a reader ...........................................................................................	6-9
	6.1.5	Technical specifications...........................................................................................................	6-10
7	Transponder/tags....................................................................................................................................		7-1
	7.1	Mode of operation of transponders............................................................................................	7-1
	7.2	Transponder classes and generations.......................................................................................	7-2
	7.3	Electronic Product Code (EPC) .................................................................................................	7-4
8	Accessories............................................................................................................................................		8-1
	8.1	Wide-range power supply unit for SIMATIC RF systems ..........................................................	8-2
	8.1.1	Features.....................................................................................................................................	8-2
	8.1.2	Scope of supply..........................................................................................................................	8-4
	8.1.3	Ordering data.............................................................................................................................	8-4
	8.1.4	Safety Information......................................................................................................................	8-4
	8.1.5	Connecting.................................................................................................................................	8-5
	8.1.6	Technical specifications.............................................................................................................	8-6
	8.1.7	Modification possibilities.............................................................................................................	8-8
	8.1.8	Pin assignment of DC outputs and mains connection...............................................................	8-8
	8.1.9	Dimension drawing.....................................................................................................................	8-9
	A.1	Certificates and approvals..........................................................................................................	A-1
	A.2	Service and support...................................................................................................................	A-4
	A.3	Contact partners.........................................................................................................................	A-5
	A.4	Training ......................................................................................................................................	A-5

iv	RF600
	System Manual, 09/2005 Edition, J31069 D0171-U001-A0-7618,

Table of contents

RF600	v
System Manual, 09/2005 Edition, J31069 D0171-U001-A0-7618,

Introduction

1

1.1Preface

Purpose of this document

This system manual contains the information needed to plan and configure the system.

It is intended both for programming and testing/debugging personnel who commission the system themselves and connect it with other units (automation systems, further programming devices), as well as for service and maintenance personnel who install expansions or carry out fault/error analyses.

Where this documentation is valid

This documentation is valid for all supplied variations of the SIMATIC RF600 system and describes the state of delivery as of September 2005.

Conventions

The following terms/abbreviations are used synonymously in this document:

•Reader, read/write device, write/read device

•Tag, transponder, mobile data memory, data carrier, SmartLabel

•Communication module, interface module

History

Edition	Remarks
09/2005	First Edition

Declaration of conformity

The EC declaration of conformity and the corresponding documentation are made available to authorities in accordance with EC directives. Your sales representative can provide these on request.

RF600	1-1
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Introduction

1.1 Preface

Observance of installation guidelines

The installation guidelines and safety instructions given in this documentation must be followed during commissioning and operation.

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Introduction 1.2 Navigating in the system manual

1.2Navigating in the system manual

Structure of contents

Table of Contents

Introduction

Safety Information

System overview

RFID system planning

Readers

Antennas

Transponders

Appendix

List of abbreviations

Contents

Organization of the documentation, including the index of pages and chapters Purpose, layout and description of the important topics.

Refers to all the valid technical safety aspects which have to be adhered to while installing, commissioning and operating the product/system and with reference to statutory regulations.

Overview of all RF identification systems, system overview of SIMATIC RF600

Information about possible applications of SIMATIC RF600, support for application planning, tools for finding suitable SIMATIC RF600 components.

Description of readers which can be used for SIMATIC RF600 Description of antennas which can be used for SIMATIC RF600 Description of transponders which can be used for SIMATIC RF600 Service and support, contact partners, training centers

List of all abbreviations used in the document

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Introduction

1.2 Navigating in the system manual

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Safety Information

2

2.1General safety instructions

Caution

Please observe the safety instructions on the back cover of this documentation.

SIMATIC RFID products comply with the salient safety specifications to IEC, EN, UL and CSA. If you have questions about the admissibility of the installation in the designated environment, please contact your service representative.

Caution

Alterations to the devices are not permitted.

Failure to observe this requirement shall constitute a revocation of the radio equipment approval, CE approval and manufacturer's warranty.

Repairs

Repairs may only be carried out by authorized qualified personnel.

Warning

Unauthorized opening of and improper repairs to the device may result in substantial damage to equipment or risk of personal injury to the user.

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Safety Information

2.1 General safety instructions

System expansion

Only install system expansion devices designed for this device. If you install other upgrades, you may damage the system or violate the safety requirements and regulations for radio frequency interference suppression. Contact your technical support team or your sales outlet to find out which system upgrades are suitable for installation.

Caution

If you cause system defects by installing or exchanging system expansion devices, the warranty becomes void.

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System overview

3

3.1RF System SIMATIC RF600

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SIMATIC RF600 is an identification system that operates in the UHF range. UHF technology supports large write/read distances with passive tags.

The SIMATIC RF660-R read/write devices (readers), fitted for example on the gate of a warehouse, automatically record every movement of goods, and signal these to the host systems. The data are filtered and compressed there by data management software in order, for example, to generate the receiving department transaction for the ERP system. At the same time, the delivery can be automatically checked for correctness and completeness prior to storage by means of the electronic delivery list.

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Figure 3-1 System overview of SIMATIC RF600

RF600	3-1
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System overview

3.1 RF System SIMATIC RF600

3.1.1Application areas of RF600

RFID (radio frequency identification) permits interruption-free tracking and documentation of all delivered, stocked and shipped goods in the incoming goods, warehouse, production logistics and distribution departments. A small data medium - referred to as SmartLabel or tag - is adhered to every item, package or palette, and contains all important information. The data medium receives the power it requires via an antenna which is also used for data transmission.

Equipped with a rugged casing to the high IP 65 degree of protection and suitable for use over a wide range of temperatures, the reader is also a match for the demands of harsh industrial conditions in, for example, warehouses or on loading ramps.

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System overview 3.1 RF System SIMATIC RF600

3.1.2Features

The RF600 identification system has the following performance features:

	RFID system RF600
	Type	Contactless RFID (Radio Frequency
		IDentification) system in the UHF band
	Transmission frequency	865-868 MHz (Europe)
		902-928 MHz (USA)
	Read/write distance	Europe: < 3.5 m
		USA: < 4 m
	Data carrier/tags
	Memory	Up to 2048 bits
	Type	Smart Labels
		Container tag (available soon)
		Heat-resistant data medium (available soon)
	Standards	EPCglobal Class 1, Gen 2
		ISO 18000-6B
	Software
	Data Manager	PC software for
		• Configuration and diagnostics
		• Interfacing to IT systems
	Configuration software	PC software for parameterizing the RF660R
		reader
	System requirements	Windows XP
		with Net Framework 1.1

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System overview

3.1 RF System SIMATIC RF600

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RF600 system planning

4

4.1Overview

You should observe the following criteria for implementation planning:

•Antenna configurations

•Environmental conditions for transponders

•The response of electromagnetic waves in the UHF band

•EMC directives

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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

4.2Antenna configurations

4.2.1Antenna configuration example

The following diagram shows an example of a portal configuration. The antenna are positioned at the height at which the tags are expected which are to be identified. The maximum width of the portal that is recommended for reliable operation is 4 m.

The diagram shows a configuration with two antennas. Up to four antennas can be used depending on the local conditions.

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Figure 4-1 Typical gate configuration

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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

4.2.2Possibilities and application areas for antenna configurations

Some basic antenna configurations and possible fields of application are shown below.

Antenna configuration 1:			Description/ application areas
			This arrangement of antennas is appropriate when the tags
			to be read are only located on one side of the items to be
			identified, e.g. when palettes are to be identified on which
			the tags to be read must be on a prespecified side.
			Tag

Antenna configuration 2:

Description/ application areas

Preferred application: In the identification of goods in

loading portals. The tag is located in the field of radiation of

two antennas; for reliable tag reading, the height of the tag

above floor level must therefore be known with reasonable

accuracy.

Tag

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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

Antenna configuration 3:

Description/ application areas

Preferred application: In the identification of goods in loading portals. Similar to configuration 2, but with additional reading reliability when the tag is at an angle to the vertical.

Tag

Antenna configuration 4:						Description/ application areas

Preferred application: In the identification of goods in loading portals. The tag is located in the field of radiation of all four antennas, so the tag position can vary more than in configuration 2 for reliable tag identification.

Tag

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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

Antenna configuration 5:

Description/ application areas

Preferred application: In the identification of goods in loading portals. Similar to configuration 4, but the reliability of tag identification is improved as a result of the four antennas at separate locations, so the tag position is not critical.

Tag

Antenna configuration 6:						Description/ application areas

	This tunnel configuration is suitable for conveyor belt
	applications. The goods with the tags to be read are moving
	forwards on a conveyor belt but the alignment of the tags
	relative to the antennas is not clearly defined. One of the
	antenna is located on the floor and radiates vertically
	upwards in the direction of the conveyor belt. A relatively
	high reading reliability is achieved due to the use of four
	antennas.
	Tag

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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

4.2.3Tag orientation in space

The alignment of the tag antenna to the antenna of the reader affects the reading range. For maximum performance and to achieve the maximum reading range, the tag antenna should therefore be aligned in parallel with the reader antenna:

Parallel tag alignment			Large reading range
			Maximum probability of identification of tags.

Perpendicular tag alignment			Minimal reading range
			Minimum probability of identification of tags.

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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

4.2.4Specified minimum and maximum spacing of antennas

Specified minimum spacing of antennas

The following diagram shows the specified minimum and maximum spacings for mounting antennas:

A minimum spacing of 50 cm is necessary between the antenna and liquids or metals. The distance between the antenna and the floor should also be at least 50 cm.

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Figure 4-2 Distance to the environment

The distance between two antennas mounted alongside each other or one above the other should be at least 20 to 50 cm.

RF600	4-7
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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

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Figure 4-3 Antennas mounted adjacently horizontally or vertically

For a portal configuration, the distance between two antennas that are connected to the same reader is up to 3.5 m (in Europe) or 4 m (in the USA).

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Figure 4-4 Portal configuration

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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

4.2.5Mutual interference of readers (antennas)

Using more than one reader

When several RFID readers are used, there is a danger that RFID tags can also be read by other readers. It must be ensured that the tag can only be identified by the appropriate reader.

Technical faults between readers can then only occur when they transmit on the same channel, i.e. in the same frequency range of a frequency band.

To prevent this, the RF660R reader uses the "Listen before talk" technique in Europe or frequency hopping between many different channels in the USA.

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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

4.2.6Reading range

The reading range between the reader (antenna) and the transponder is affected by the following factors:

The reading range depends on	Description
Transmit power of the reader	The higher the transmit power of the reader, the larger the
	reading range.
Tag size and type	The larger the tag antenna, the larger the power input area
	and therefore the larger the reading range.
Absorption factor of the materials	The higher the absorption of the surrounding material, the
	smaller the reading range.
Antenna amplification	The bigger the antenna amplification, the larger the reading
	range.
Production quality of the tag	The better the tag has been matched to the operating
	frequencies during manufacturing, the greater the reading
	range
Reflection characteristics of the	In a multiple-reflection environment, the reading range can
environment	be significantly higher than in a low-reflection environment.

.

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RF600 system planning 4.2 Antenna configurations

4.2.7Increasing the probability of identification for tags - Antenna switching

To achieve a high probability of reading tags, the antenna switching function has been implemented in the RF600R reader:

At a given time, the system transmits on one antenna and receives on the other antennas. As long as the antenna is receiving signals from further tags, the system continues to transmit on the same transmit antenna until all responding tags have been identified. Subsequently, or if no tags respond, the system activates another antenna as the transmit antenna. After all the antenna have transmitted at least once, or when the settling time is excessively long, the reader activates frequency hopping (in the USA) or channel selection (in Europe).

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7;	5;	5;	5;	5;	7;
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Antenna 1 transmits		Antenna 2 transmits		Antenna 3 transmits
Antenna 2 and 3 receive		Antenna 1 and 3 receive		Antenna 1 and 2 receive

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RF600 system planning

4.3 Environmental conditions for transponders

4.3Environmental conditions for transponders

4.3.1Basic rules

The transponder must not be placed directly on metal surfaces or on containers of liquid. For physical reasons, a minimum distance must be maintained between the tag antenna and conductive material. A minimum distance of 5 cm is recommended. The tag function is improved with greater distances (between 5 and 20 cm).

The best performance is achieved when the tag is mounted on a non-conductive material such as plastic or wood.

Exception:

Tags that are designed for direct mounting on metal.

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RF600 system planning

4.4The response of electromagnetic waves in the UHF band

4.4The response of electromagnetic waves in the UHF band

4.4.1The effect of reflections and interference

Reflections and interference

Electromagnetic waves in the UHF band behave and propagate in a similar manner to light waves, that is they are reflected from large objects such as ceilings, floors, walls and windows and interfere with each other. Due to the nature of electromagnetic waves, interference can lead to wave amplification which can produce an increased reading range. In the worst case, interference can also result in waves being extinguished which causes holes in reader coverage.

Reflections can also be beneficial when they cause electromagnetic waves to be routed around objects to a certain extent (deflection). This can increase the reading probability.

Due to these electromagnetic characteristics, it is extremely difficult in the multiple-reflection environment that is usually found in the real environment on site, to determine propagation paths and field strengths for a particular location.

Reducing the effect of reflections/interference on tag identification

•Reducing the transmit power:

To reduce interference to a minimum, we recommend that the transmit power of the reader is reduced until it is sufficient for an identification rate of 100 %

•Increasing the number of antennas to 3 or 4:

More antennas in a suitable antenna configuration can prevent gap in reader coverage

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RF600 system planning

4.4 The response of electromagnetic waves in the UHF band

4.4.2Influence of metals

Metal can have an effect on the electromagnetic field depending on the arrangement or environment. The effect ranges from a hardly determinable influence through to total blocking of communication. The term metal in this context also includes metallized materials that are either coated with metal or shot through with metal to such an extent that UHF radiation cannot penetrate or only to a minimal extent.

The effect of metal on the electromagnetic field can be prevented as follows:

•Do not mount tags on metal

•Ensure there are no metallic objects at close range to the antenna

•Ensure there are no metallic objects in the propagation field of the antenna and transponder

Tags mounted directly onto metal

In general, tags must not be mounted directly onto metallic surfaces. Due to the nature of the magnetic field, a minimum distance must be maintained between the tag antenna and conductive materials.

The minimum distance to metal must be greater than 5 cm. The larger the distance, the better the function of the transponder.

Exception:

Tags that are designed for direct mounting on metal.

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