TransCore AI1422E Users Manual
1422E Reader
User Guide
16-0058-001 Rev A5 9/16
The AI1422E Reader User Guide provides information necessary for
interfacing the AI1422E Reader System to a host computer system.
Purpose of This Guide
This user guide provides information for interfacing the AI1422E Reader System
with a host computer system. This guide provides on-site test procedures useful in
troubleshooting any problems encountered after installation. Command codes, which
allow the user to configure the reader system for communicating with the host computer,
are discussed as is ASCII character conversion to TransCore 6-bit character codes.
Intended Audience
The intended audience for the AI1422E Reader User Guide are skilled personnel
(including trained engineers and technicians). These people are involved in the design,
specification, and installation of AI1422E Reader Systems.
Trusted Transportation Solutions
User Guide
Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a commitment on the part of
TransCore, LP.
© 2016 TransCore, LP. All rights reserved. TRANSCORE, AMTECH, EGO, and ENCOMPASS are registered
trademarks and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contents are subject to change. Printed in the U.S.A.
For further information, contact:
TransCore
8600 Jeerson Street NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113 USA
TransCore Technical Support
Web: www.transcore.com/rfidsupport
Phone: (505) 856-8007
Lantronix ® Technical Support (Ethernet Support)
Web: www.lantronix.com/support/
Phone: (949) 453-7198
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TransCore Proprietary
AI1422E Reader
WARNING TO USERS IN THE UNITED STATES
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FCC
LOCATION AND MONITORING SERVICE STATEMENT
47 CFR §90.351
NOTE: The user is required to obtain a Part 90 site license from the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) to operate this radio frequency identification (RFID) device in the United States.
The FCC ID number is FIHAI1422E. Access the FCC website at www.fcc.gov to obtain additional
information concerning licensing requirements.
NOTE: Users in all countries should check with the appropriate local authorities for licensing
requirements.
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
47 CFR §15.105A
NOTE: 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 RF energy and may cause harmful
interference to radio communications if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual. Operating this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in
which case, depending on the laws in eect, the user may be required to correct the interference
at their own expense.
NO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS
47 CFR §15.21
CAUTION: This equipment may not be modified, altered, or changed in any way without
permission. Unauthorized modification may void the equipment authorization from the FCC and will
void the warranty.
USE OF SHIELDED CABLES AND GROUNDING
47 CFR §15.27A
NOTE: Shielded cables and earth grounding the unit is recommended for this equipment to comply
with FCC regulations.
TRANSCORE, LP
USA
TransCore Proprietary
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User Guide
AVERTISSEMENT À L’ATTENTION DES
UTILISATEURS AUX ÉTATSUNIS
DÉCLARATION 47 CFR §90.351 CODE DES
RÈGLEMENTS FÉDÉRAUX DE LA FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FCC SUR LES
SERVICES DE LOCALISATION ET DE CONTRÔLE
REMARQUE : L’utilisateur est tenu d’obtenir une licence d’utilisation sur site Partie 90 auprès de
la Federal Communications Commission (FCC) afin de pouvoir utiliser ce dispositif RFID (radioidentification) aux États-Unis ou au Canada. Le numéro d’identification de la FCC est FIHAI1422E.
Pour obtenir de plus amples informations concernant les exigences relatives aux licences, prière
de consulter le site web de la FCC à www.fcc.gov.
REMARQUE : Il est recommandé à tous les utilisateurs, quel que soit leur pays, de consulter les
autorités locales compétentes sur les exigences de licence.
DÉCLARATION 47 CFR §15.105A DE LA FCC SUR
LES INTERFÉRENCES DES FRÉQUENCES RADIO
REMARQUE : Cet appareil a été testé et déclaré conforme à la catégorie d’un appareil numérique
de classe A en accord avec la partie 15 des directives de la FCC. Ces normes visent à assurer
une protection raisonnable contre les interférences nuisibles lorsque l’appareil est utilisé dans
un environnement commercial. Cet appareil génère, utilise et peut émettre de l’énergie RF et
peut être à l’origine d’interférences nuisibles aux communications radio s’il n’est pas installé et
utilisé en suivant les directives du manuel d’instructions. Si cet appareil est utilisé dans une zone
résidentielle, il est probable qu’il cause des interférences nuisibles. Dans ce cas, l’utilisateur
pourrait être amené à remédier aux interférences à ses propres frais, selon les lois du pays en
vigueur.
AUCUNE MODIFICATION NON AUTORISÉE
47 CFR §15.21
MISE EN GARDE : Il est interdit de modifier, d’altérer ou d’apporter des changements à cet appareil
de quelque manière que ce soit sans autorisation. Toute modification non autorisée peut annuler
l’autorisation d’utilisation accordée par la FCC et annulera la garantie.
iv
UTILISATION DE CÂBLES BLINDÉS ET MISE À LA TERRE
47 CFR §15.27A
REMARQUE : Il est recommandé d’utiliser des câbles blindés et une mise à la terre avec cet
appareil afin de répondre aux réglementations de la FCC
TRANSCORE, LP
ÉTATSUNIS
TransCore Proprietary
AI1422E Reader
WARNING TO USERS IN CANADA
INDUSTRY CANADA IC INDUSTRY CANADA’S RADIO STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS RSS137 LOCATION
AND MONITORING SERVICE IN THE BAND 902928 MHZ SECTION 2.1
NOTE: The user is required to obtain a license from Industry Canada (IC), to operate this radio
frequency identification (RFID) device in Canada. The IC ID number is 1584A-AI1422E, access the
IC website at www.ic.gc.ca to obtain additional information concerning licensing requirements.
Industry Canada (IC) Industry Canada’s Radio Standard Specifications General Requirements
(RSS-GEN) for Compliance of Radio Apparatus Statement Section 8.4
This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1 ) This device may not cause interference; and
2 ) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
AVERTISSEMENT AUX UTILISATEURS AU CANADA
INDUSTRIE CANADA IC INDUSTRIE CANADA RADIO STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS CNR137
EMPLACEMENT ET SERVICE DE SURVEILLANCE DANS LA BANDE 902928 MHZ, SECTION 2.1
Remarque : L’utilisateur est tenu d’obtenir une licence d’Industrie Canada (IC), afin d’exploiter
ce dispositif d’identification par radiofréquence au Canada. Le numéro d’identification d’IC est
1584A-AI1422E. Pour obtenir de plus amples informations concernant les exigences relatives aux
licences, prière de consulter le site web de d’IC à www.ic.gc.ca .
Radio Standard Spécifications exigences générales Industrie Canada (IC) Industrie Canada
(CNR-GEN) pour s’acquitter du Radio appareil déclaration article 8.4
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :
1 ) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
2 ) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
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User Guide
RADIO FREQUENCY HEALTH LIMITS FOR AI1422 READER
USING AN EXTERNAL ANTENNA IN FREQUENCY BAND
OF 902.25 TO 903.75 AND 910.00 TO 921.50 MHZ
Several agencies (OSHA, FCC, IC) have environmental guidelines regulating maximum permissible
exposure (MPE) or “safe” exposure levels that this product falls under. To ensure that proper safety
guideline for the end users of this product, i.e. Occupational (Controlled) and General Population/
Public (Uncontrolled), the recommended levels for each of the agencies are presented in the next
sections with TransCore’s recommendations for safety in the last section.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
OSHA (an agency of The United States of America) legislates in the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) Title 29 Part 1910 Subpart G 1910.97 titled “Nonionizing radiation”, a maximum safe exposure
limit of 10 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2) during any 0.1-hour period (i.e. 6 minutes).
Using the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915 MHz and the
highest antenna gain that this equipment is certified for use in a final installation, the minimum safe
distance was calculated to be 8in (20cm).
FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
FCC (an agency of The United States of America) legislates in the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) Title 47 Chapter I Subchapter A Part 1 Subpart I Section 1.1310 titled “Radiofrequency radiation
exposure limits” that the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) is the following:
Occupational/Controlled Exposure
Power density = frequency(in MHz)/300 mW/cm2 with an Averaging time of 6 Min
General Population/Uncontrolled Exposure
Power density = frequency(in MHz)/1500 mW/cm2 with an Averaging time of 30 Min
Using the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915MHz and the
highest antenna gain that this equipment is certified for use in a final installation, the minimum
safe distance was calculated. The MPE minimum distances are 14in (36cm) for the Occupational/
Controlled environment, and 31.5in (80.5cm) for the General Population/Uncontrolled environment.
Industry Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)
vi
Industry Canada (a Department of the Government of Canada) sets out the requirements in Radio
Standards Specification RSS-102, Issue 5 guidelines, recommending a maximum safe
TransCore Proprietary
AI1422E Reader
power density in W/m2. Thus, the maximum permissible exposure for general population/
uncontrolled exposure at 915MHz is 2.77 W/m2. The average time is 6 minutes. The maximum
permissible exposure (MPE) is the following:
Controlled Environment
Power density = 0.6455*frequency(in MHz)
0.5
W/m2 with a Reference Period time of 6 Min
General Public/Uncontrolled Environment
Power density = 0.02619*frequency(in MHz)
0.6834
W/m2 with a Reference Period time of 6 Min
Using the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915MHz and the
highest antenna gain that this equipment is certified for use in a final installation, the minimum
safe distance was calculated. The MPE minimum distances are 18in (45cm) for the Controlled
environment and 47in (120cm) for the General Public/Uncontrolled environment.
TransCore Recommendation on MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure)
The calculated power densities and MPE distance for each of the agencies respective to the
environment is shown below.
Occupational/Controlled Environment
Agency Power Density (mW/cm2) MPE minimum distance Time (min)
in cm
OSHA 10 8 20 6
FCC 3.05 14 36 6
IC 1.95 18 45 6
General Population/Public/Uncontrolled Environment
Agency Power Density (mW/cm2) MPE minimum distance Time (min)
In cm
OSHA 10 8 20 6
FCC 0.61 31.5 80 30
IC 0.28 47 120 6
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User Guide
With the equipment installed and running at the maximum transmit power of 2.0W (33dBm), 0
dB transmit attenuation, using the highest gain antenna that the equipment is certified for, the
recommendation for each of the operation environments is as follows:
1 ) The antenna should be installed at least 47in (120cm) from the General Population/
Public i.e. Uncontrolled Environment.
2 ) Maintenance personnel (i.e. Occupational/Controlled Environment) must remain at least
18in (45cm) from the antenna and limit their time in the environment to 6 minutes when
the system is operating.
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AI1422E Reader
LIMITES D’EXPOSITION AUX RADIOFRÉQUENCES POUR LE LECTEUR AI1422
UTILISANT UNE ANTENNE EXTERNE SUR LA BANDE
DE FRÉQUENCES DE 902.25 À 903.75 ET DE 910.00 À 921.50 MHZ
Plusieurs organismes (OSHA, FCC, IC) publient des directives environnementales qui
recommandent des limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) ou des niveaux
d’exposition «sûrs» auxquels cet appareil se conforme. Pour faire en sorte que chaque utilisateur
final ait connaissance des directives de sécurité qui le concerne, que ce soit dans son travail
(accès contrôlé) ou pour la population générale/le grand public (accès non contrôlé), TransCore
présente les niveaux recommandés par chaque organisme dans ses recommandations sécuritaires
détaillées dans la dernière section.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
Dans le Code des réglementations fédérales (CFR), Titre 29, Partie 1910, Sous-partie G 1910.97,
intitulée «Nonionizing radiation» (Rayonnements non ionisants), l’OSHA (organisme américain)
recommande un plafond d’exposition maximale de 10 milliwatts par centimètre carré (mW/cm2)
pendant une période de 0,1 heure (soit 6 minutes). En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de
la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a
reçu une certification d’utilisation dans une installation finale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est
de 20 cm (8 po).
FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
Dans le Code des réglementations fédérales (CFR), Titre 47, Chapitre I, Sous-chapitre A, Partie
1, Sous-partie I, Section 1.1310 intitulée «Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits» (Limites
d’exposition aux rayonnements de radiofréquence), la FCC (organisme américain) établit les limites
d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) comme suit :
Exposition professionnelle/contrôlée
Densité de puissance = fréquence (en MHz)/300 mW/cm2 avec une durée moyenne de 6 min.
Exposition de la population générale/non contrôlée
Densité de puissance = fréquence (en MHz)/1500 mW/cm2 avec une durée moyenne de 30 min.
En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le
gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certification d’utilisation dans une
installation finale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est la suivante : les distances MPE minimales
sont de 36 cm (14 po) pour l’environnement professionnel/contrôlé et de 80,5 cm (31,5 po) pour la
population générale/environnement non contrôlé.
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User Guide
Industrie Canada (Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada)
Le Cahier des charges sur les normes radioélectriques 102, 5e édition, d’Industrie Canada (un
ministère du Gouvernement du Canada) établit des recommandations pour une densité de
puissance maximale sécuritaire en W/m2. Ainsi, l’exposition maximale admissible pour la population
générale/non contrôlée à 915 MHz est calculée à 2,77 W/m2. La durée moyenne est de 6 minutes.
Les limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) sont les suivantes :
Environnement contrôlé
Densité de puissance = 0,6455*fréquence (en MHz)
0,5
W/m2 avec une durée de référence de 6 min.
Grand public/environnement non contrôlé
Densité de puissance = 0,02619*fréquence (en MHz)
0,6834
W/m2 avec une durée de référence de 6 min.
En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le
gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certification d’utilisation dans une
installation finale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est la suivante : les distances MPE minimales
sont de 45 cm (18 po) pour l’environnement professionnel/contrôlé et de 120 cm (47 po) pour le
grand public/environnement non contrôlé.
Recommandations de TransCore sur les limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE)
Les densités de puissance et la distance MPE calculées par chaque organisme pour un environnement donné sont présentées ci-dessous.
Exposition professionnelle/environnement contrôlé
Organisme
Densité de puissance (mW/
cm2)
Distance MPE minimale
po cm
Durée (en
min.)
OSHA 10 8 20 6
x
FCC 3,05 14 36 6
IC 1,95 18 45 6
Population générale/environnement non contrôlé
Organisme
Densité de puissance (mW/
cm2)
Distance MPE minimale
po cm
Durée (en
min.)
OSHA 10 8 20 6
FCC 0,61 31,5 80 30
IC 0,28 47 120 6
TransCore Proprietary
AI1422E Reader
Avec l’appareil installé et fonctionnant à la puissance de transmission maximale de 2,0 W (33 dBm),
0 dB d’atténuation de transmission, et en utilisant le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel l’appareil
a reçu une certification, les recommandations pour chaque environnement d’exploitation sont les
suivantes :
1 ) L’antenne devrait être installée à au moins 120 cm (47 po) de la population générale/du
grand public, c’est-à-dire d’un environnement non contrôlé.
2 ) Le personnel d’entretien (c’est-à-dire dans un environnement professionnel/contrôlé)
doit rester à au moins 45 cm (18 po) de l’antenne et limiter son temps d’exposition à 6
minutes lorsque l’appareil est en fonctionnement.
TransCore Proprietary
xi
Table of Contents
Purpose of This Guide ............................................. i
Intended Audience ..................................................i
Before You Begin
Before You Begin ............................................ 1-2
Licensing Requirements.......................................... 1-4
System Overview
System Overview .............................................2-2
Transponder Interrogator.........................................2-3
Interface Connections
Description of AI1422E Reader System.............................3-2
AI1422E Reader
Antenna Interface ...............................................3-2
Interface Selection Switch ........................................3-2
Main RS–232 Interface...........................................3-2
Aux RS–232 Interface ...........................................3-3
RS–422 Interface ...............................................3-3
Ethernet (M12) Interface..........................................3-3
Customer I/O Interface...........................................3-4
Installation Instructions
General ........................................................4-2
Mechanical ....................................................4-2
Electrical .......................................................4-2
Power .........................................................4-2
Assembling the Power Connector .................................4-2
Installing Wires into Connector....................................4-5
System Test Procedures
System Test Procedures..........................................5-2
Required Tools and Equipment ....................................5-2
Testing Basic Operation ..........................................5-2
Reading the Tag.................................................5-3
Communications Protocols
TransCore Proprietary
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User Guide
Communications Protocols .......................................6-2
Basic Protocol ..................................................6-2
Error Correcting Protocol.........................................6-3
Data Inquiry Protocol ............................................6-3
Command Codes
Command Codes................................................7-2
Operating Modes ...............................................7-2
Command List ..................................................7-3
Reader Mode Control — Command Group 0 ........................7-4
Communications Port Control — Command Group 1..................7-4
Command Group 2 ..............................................7-6
Append Information — Command Group 3.......................... 7-7
ID Filtering — Command Group 4..................................7-9
Reader Status — Command Group 5 .............................. 7-15
Reader Control Functions — Command Group 6....................7-25
Auxiliary Reader Control — Command Group 8.....................7-36
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Required Tools and Equipment ....................................8-2
Troubleshooting ................................................8-2
Error Messages .................................................8-4
AI1422E Reader Repair...........................................8-5
Technical Support ...............................................8-5
Character Conversion
Appendix A.....................................................A-2
Technical Specifications
Appendix B.....................................................B-2
Lantronix® Ethernet Module Configuration
Appendix C.....................................................C-1
ii
TransCore Proprietary
List of Figures
Figure 2 – 1 Typical Reader System Configuration. . . . . . . . . 2-2
Figure 2 – 2 Antenna-to-Tag Centerline Tolerance . . . . . . . . 2-5
Figure 3 – 1 Sample Front Panel of an AI1422E Reader . . . . . . 3-2
Figure 3 – 2 RS-232, DE09 Inerface Connector Pin-outs . . . . . 3-3
Figure 3 – 3 Customer I/O Interface Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Figure 5 – 1 Power Source Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Figure B – 1 AI1422E Reader System Specifications . . . . . . . . B-2
Figure B – 1 AI1422E Reader Mechanical Dimensions. . . . . . . B-3
AI1422E Reader
TransCore Proprietary
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User Guide
List of Tables
Table 1 – 1 Overview of Contents ................................................................................................1-2
Table 1 – 2 Conventions used in this manual ...........................................................................1-3
Table 7 – 1 Select Baud Rate Commands ................................................................................. 7-5
Table 7 – 2 Select Stop Bits Commands .................................................................................. 7-5
Table 7 – 3 Select Parity Commands ......................................................................................... 7-6
Table 7 – 4 Append Time and Date Commands .................................................................... 7-8
Table 7 – 5 Append Auxiliary Information Commands ........................................................ 7-8
Table 7 – 6 Unique ID Code Criteria ......................................................................................... 7-10
Table 7 – 7 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames ....................................................... 7-11
Table 7 – 8 Open/Closed Conditions for Output Status ...................................................... 7-19
Table 7 – 9 Open/Closed Conditions for Output Status (IAG Applications) ................... 7-19
Table 7 – 10 Open/Closed Conditions for Input Status ........................................................ 7-19
Table 7 – 11 Output Control Commands ..................................................................................7-27
Table 7 – 12 RF Control Commands ........................................................................................7-28
Table 7 – 13 RF Attenuation Command Variables ................................................................. 7-28
Table 7 – 14 Select RF Operating Frequency Commands ..................................................7-30
Table 7 – 15 Output Pulse Duration Commands ..................................................................7-32
Table 7 – 16 Presence Without Tag Report Commands ..................................................... 7-33
Table 7 – 17 RF Control Algorithm Commands .....................................................................7-33
Table 7 – 18 Timeout Period Values ..........................................................................................7-34
Table 7 – 19 Input Inversion Options ........................................................................................7-35
Table 7 – 20 Input Status Change Report Options .............................................................. 7-37
iv
Table 8 – 21 Error Messages........................................................................................................ 8-4
Table A – 22 TransCore 6-Bit-Per-Character Conversion ....................................................A-2
TransCore Proprietary
1
Before You Begin
User Guide
Before You Begin
Guide Topics
This chapter presents an overview of the AI1422 Reader User Guide. Table 1 – 1
describes the contents of each chapter.
Chapter 1 – Before You Begin
Chapter 2 – System Overview
Chapter 3 – Interface Connections
Chapter 4 – Installation
Instructions
Chapter 5 – System Test
Procedures
Chapter 6 – Communications
Protocols
Table 1 – 1 Overview of Contents
Describes the purpose, intended audience,
guide topics, related documentation, document
conventions, and licensing requirements
Provides an overview of the AI1422E Reader
System’s features, options, supported tag
descriptions and tag mounting primer, and
accessories
Describes the AI1422E Reader System interface
connectors and identifies their primary functions
Describes installation of the AI1422E Reader
System
Provides testing procedures that the user can
use to fine-tune the AI1422E Reader System
Describes the communications protocols for the
AI1422E Reader
Chapter 7 – Command Codes
Chapter 8 – Troubleshooting and
Maintenance
Appendix A – Character
Conversion
Appendix B – Technical
Specifications
Appendix C – Lantronix® Tech
Support
Discusses the host-transmitted commands
that are used to control the AI1422E Reader
configuration and operation
Provides troubleshooting indications and
maintenance procedures that are used to keep
the AI1422E Reader System operating
Provides TransCore 6-bit-per-character
conversions from the standard ASCII character
set
Provides the product specifications
Provides information on the Lantronix Ethernet
Module Configuration.
1-2
TransCore Proprietary
Typographical Conventions
Table 1 – 2 lists the conventions used in this manual.
Table 1 – 2 Conventions used in this manual
AI1422E Reader
Convention
Code
Dialog Box Title
Function
Menu Item
Note
NUL
Indication
This procedure might cause harm to the equipment
and/or the user.
Concerns about a procedure
Code, including keywords and variables within text and
as separate paragraphs, and user-defined program
elements within text appear in courier typeface.
Title of a dialog box as it appears on screen
Start with the characters, G4, and are in mixed case
with no underscores, and include parentheses after the
name, as in G4FunctionName().
Appears on a menu. Capitalization follows the interface.
Auxiliary information that further clarifies the current
discussion. These important points require the user’s
attention. The paragraph is in italics and the word Note
is boldface.
Zero-value ASCII character or a zero-value byte
NULL
Zero-value pointers. Null-terminated string refers to
strings of printable ASCII characters with a zero-value
byte placed in memory directly after the last printable
character of the string.
TransCore Proprietary
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User Guide
Licensing Requirements
To operate a radio frequency (RF) system in a given country, the user must first obtain
permission from the regulatory agency that controls radio operations in that country. Most
countries require type and safety approval, as well as licensing for RF transmitters. Users in
all countries should check with the appropriate local authorities for licensing requirements.
U.S. Licensing
This AI1422E Reader System requires an FCC Part 90 license to operate in the U.S. The
authorized frequency bands in the U.S. are 902 to 904 MHz and 909.75 to 921.75 MHz.
The user is responsible for filing the FCC license according to FCC regulations. Access
the FCC Web site at www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form601/601.html or at wireless.fcc.gov/index.
htm?job=online_filing to obtain additional information concerning licensing requirements.
An FCC license provides the user with the legal authorization to operate the RFID
systems on the licensed frequencies at the site specified in the license. Only an
authorized installer or service technician can set the frequency for the AI1422E Reader
System to that specified in the FCC site license.
The FCC license also provides the user with protection and authorization to maintain
the system should any other RFID be used in the licensed area after the AI1422E Reader
System is installed.
1-4
TransCore Proprietary
AI1422E Reader
TransCore Proprietary
1-5
2
System Overview
User Guide
Power
Source
AI1422E
Host Processor
System
RS232
RS422
Ethernet
Antenna
TAG
System Overview
The AI1422E Reader System is a microprocessor-controlled, single-antenna unit that
uses a unique communications protocol to interface with vehicle identification (ID)
equipment.
This reader system uses radio frequency (RF) energy to read data from tags. The AI1422E
Reader System then decodes the tag ID information, validates the ID code, and transmits
tag data directly to a host processor for real-time data processing and use.
Communications (terminal) programs usually do not provide adequate data processing
capability. Your host computer software can be customized to provide the required
capabilities.
The AI1422E Reader System consists of the AI1422E Reader, which consists of a reader and
RF module, combined with a TransCore antenna, a TransCore tag, a host processor system,
and a power source. Figure 2 – 1 illustrates a typical reader system configuration.
2-2
Figure 2 – 1 Typical Reader System Configuration
TransCore Proprietary
Transponder Interrogator
The transponder interrogator reads 60/120 bits of user-programmable data in the
transponder.
The transponder interrogator is operated in a continuous read mode, and any tag
entering its read field has its data automatically read and relayed to the host computer. In
many applications this function is implemented by installing the reader on a vehicle with
restricted movement, such as a railcar or monorail bus. The tags are imbedded in the
roadway at various locations in the vehicle’s path. The data read from the tag allows the
host computer to assess the vehicle’s location and make any appropriate response to that
information.
The transponder interrogator is an independent tag decoder that combines a reader and
RF source to provide automatic identification and data storage within a single, compact
unit. The transponder interrogator includes the following components:
• 19-inch rack-mount design (1U)
• RS232/RS422/Ethernet input/output (I/O) link
AI1422E Reader
• Real-time clock
• Reader and RF module, combined in one unit
Reader Power Regulation and Filtering
The reader system uses an input voltage ranging from 12VDC to 150V DC. The AI1422E
Reader System incorporates a high-performance, DC-to-DC power supply that converts
voltage in this range to 24VDC. This voltage conversion is internal to the unit, and should
be transparent to the end-user.
Antenna
TransCore has multiple antennas for use with the AI1422E Reader, covering multiple
applications such as heavy rail, light rail, European regions, and more. Contact TransCore
for assistance with antenna selection.
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User Guide
Transponders (Tags)
The AI1422E Reader System can use TransCore’s half-frame or full-frame read-only tags.
When selecting a tag for an application that requires the tag to be placed on the road bed,
several design elements need to be kept in mind. The beam powered tags will have a
shorter footprint than a battery or switch powered tag, and thus the maximum top speed
of the vehicle will be less, all other factors equal. However, although the battery tag has
an inherently longer footprint, the battery life limitation will require the operating company
to replace the tags every 8 to 10 years. Additionally, the presence of the battery and its
reactive mass reduces the reliability of the tag, particularly when the tag is placed near high
shock or vibration locations such as switches.
For practical purposes, the switch powered tags have RF characteristics similar to battery
tags, and the tags are powered by inductive power derived from railway switch power.
Tag Mounting
All of the tags used with the AI1422E must be mounted on a flat metal plate. The internal
antennas of these tags are tuned for the backplane of the tag to be in contact with a
flat metal surface. This metal surface does not need to be extended beyond the outer
dimensions of the tag, and having a larger metal surface will not aect the immediate
performance of the tag.
Metal located in the immediate vicinity of the tag, that is, to the sides of the tag or above
the tag. can aect the tag’s performance. Metal surfaces or objects should not be placed
closer than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the side edges of the tag to ensure that the tag’s antenna
tuning remains within design criteria. Metal placed above the tag can cause shadowing of
the RF beam, both in the incident and return directions, and should be avoided. The only
exception to this rule would be metal placed for the purpose of eecting the read range
of the tag or footprint of the system, and the placement of such metal should be done with
careful planning and testing to ensure proper system performance. With battery powered
tags, the arrangement of intentional metallic obstructions may be the best way to limit the
broad footprint of these tags, as well as improve the repeatability of the TLS signal with
respect to its absolute position relative to the tag. These tag mounting details would need
to be made by the customer on the basis of each customer’s overall system design and
requirements. Keep in mind that metal placed too close in proximity to the tag will aect the
tag’s antenna tuning, and may unintentionally aect principal design parameters such as
VSWR or the impedance match of single paths internal to the tag, to name a few examples.
Antenna-to-Tag Centerline Alignment
For best performance mount tags so that the centerline of the tags and the centerline of
the reader antennas are within ±2.9 inches (±7.5 cm) of each other (Figure 2 – 2).
Antenna-to-tag Distance
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Many installations have been installed with a nominal 11.8-inch (30-cm) distance from the
backplane of the reader antenna to the back edge of the tag (Figure 2 – 2).
TransCore Proprietary
AI1422E Reader
Figure 2 – 2 Antenna-to-Tag Centerline Tolerance
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Interface Connections
User Guide
Description of AI1422E Reader System
Because the AI1422E Reader System combines a reader and radio frequency (RF) module
into a single unit, you must connect the following items to the system: the external DC
power, the customer input/output (I/O), the selected communications interfaces, and the
antenna. These interface connectors are located on the AI1422E Reader System front
panel as shown in Figure 3 – 1.
Figure 3 – 1 Sample Front Panel of an AI1422E Reader
Antenna Interface
Attach the antenna cable directly to the antenna interface on the front panel of the AI1422E
Reader System. The antenna cable length depends on the installation.
Interface Selection Switch
The AI1422E Reader incorporates a communications interface selection switch, which
allows on-the-fly changes to the communications mode. This switch allows selecting the
reader’s receive communications interface. All communications interfaces are configured
for simultaneous transmit, but only the interface selected by the switch is active for
commands transmitted into the reader.
Main RS–232 Interface
The main RS–232 interface is a standard DE09 plug connector used with a host processor.
In real-time mode, tag IDs are read and passed on to the host processor. Figure 3 – 2
illustrates the RS–232, DE09 plug connector pin-outs.
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TransCore Proprietary
Figure 3 – 2 RS-232, DE09 Inerface Connector Pin-outs
Pin5 – GROUND
Pin3 – RX DATA
Pin2 – TX DATA
Pin2 – TX DATA
Pin5 – GROUND
AI1422E Reader
Aux RS–232 Interface
The auxiliary RS–232 interface is used as a backup monitoring system to the main RS–232
interface. The auxiliary interface monitors data from the transponder interrogator. The
auxiliary RS–232 interface is a standard DE09 plug connector. This port is not wired to
receive data and cannot accept commands.
RS–422 Interface
The RS–422 interface is a terminal block connector, occupying pins 5-9 of the Customer
I/O Interface. In real-time mode, tag IDs are read and passed on to the host processor.
Ethernet (M12) Interface
The AI1422E Reader incorporates a Lantronix® Ethernet to Serial conversion module, which
is used to add full Ethernet compatibility into the reader. This module is located on the
interface board internal to the reader, and is addressable through Lantronix ® host software.
More details on this module can be found in “Appendix C” on page C-1
The Ethernet Interface utilizes a 4-pin, D-coded M12 connector (defined in IEC 61067-2-101
Amendment 1 as the Industrial Ethernet standard). This connector is pin-to-pin compatible
with RJ45 10/100Mbps Ethernet.
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User Guide
Pin5 – GROUND
Pin3 – RX DATA
Pin2 – TX DATA
Pin2 – TX DATA
Pin5 – GROUND
Customer I/O Interface
A mating connector for the customer I/O interface is supplied with each unit. This
connector allows a screw terminal, point-to-point wiring interface. Figure 3 – 3 shows the
pin-outs on the customer I/O interface connector.
Figure 3 – 3 Customer I/O Interface Pin-outs
The customer I/O interface connector contains the lock, main power, RF solid state outputs,
the trigger signals (solid state), and RS422 (Figure 3 – 3).
Tag Lock Output
The transistor-transistor-logic (TTL) lock signal shows the presence of a tag. The lock signal
goes active high when a valid tag is in the RF field of the antenna and may be connected to
an LED for monitoring purposes.
The tag lock relay is referenced to 5Viso and I/O Ground.
Main Power Output
The TTL main power signal goes active high when the ON/OFF switch on the front panel
is switched to on. The main power signal may be connected to an LED for monitoring
purposes.
The main power relay is referenced to 5Viso and I/O Ground.
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