ALIEN TECHNOLOGY (2450MHz Battery System) USER GUIDE 2450MHz Battery
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Alien Technology Nanoscanner Reader User Guide Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 1 AUDIENCE ................................................................................................................ 1 NANOSCANNER READER OVERVIEW .......................................................................... 1 Requirements .................................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 17 COMMUNICATING WITH THE NANOSCANNER ............................................................. 17 Overview........................................................................................................ 17 Serial Communication .........................................................................................18 Network Communication ......................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Command Format.......................................................................................... 40 Suppressing Command Prompts .................................................................. 41 Interactive Command Format..............................................................................41 Non-Interactive Command Format......................................................................41 XML Commands................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Set TimeServer ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Time Commands – Web Based ......................Error! Bookmark not defined. Commands/Operations via Web Time Tab ........... Error! Bookmark not defined. External I/O Commands ..................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Set ExternalOutput................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Get ExternalOutput ......................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMAND SUMMARIES ...........................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. Command List .................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Command List with Functions .........................Error! Bookmark not defined. Mask Commands .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Tag Commands .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Memory Commands..........................
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 Introduction The Nanoscanner Reader User Guide provides instructions for installing and operating the Nanoscanner reader. It also covers the reader firmware protocol in detail for use in configuring reader-host communications and developing application software. This book is designed for use by those who wish to develop software products and extended systems that take full advantage of the Nanoscanner reader’s capabilities.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Requirements In order to fully interface with the Nanoscanner reader you will need the following: PC running Windows 98 or higher, with CD-ROM drive and one available RS-232 serial port. Standard 120 VAC power. Host software (Alien demo software or your own custom software).
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION NANOSCANNER READER TRANSMIT AND RECEIVE ANTENNAS 3 dB Beamwidth Azimuth 55° Elevation 55° Frequency 2402 MHz - 2480 MHz Gain (dBi) ≤ 6 dBi Polarization Circular RF Connector Reverse-gender TNC VSWR 1.5:1 Dimensions (cm) 15.2 x 15.2 x 3.2 • (in) 6 x 6 x 1.25 Weight .27 kg • 0.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION OTHER COMPONENTS RS-232 Serial Cable DB-9 male/female serial Tag Overview Battery-powered backscatter tags are used exclusively in this Alien 2450 MHz system.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION BENEFITS OF BACKSCATTER TAGS OVER “ACTIVE” TRANSMITTER TAGS • Lower cost, simpler circuitry • Longer battery life • Stealthier (safer in sensitive environments, e.g., airplane) • No transmitter tags can be used worldwide due to licensing issues, spectral pollution, etc. TAG BLOCK DIAGRAM The following diagram illustrates the design of the battery-powered backscatter tag.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Reader Block Diagrams Receive Antenna Transmit Antenna 2450MHz Reader Front End 2402 - 2480 MHz Source Modulation Switch LNA From DSP 90 degrees Low Pass Filter Q channel I Channel Pi Pad 10.7 MHz Band Pass Filter Pi Pad 10.7 MHz Band Pass Filter Lattice Amp/Filter Q to DSP 10.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION CHAPTER 2 Installation and Operation This chapter describes the Nanoscanner reader and provides installation and operation information. Later chapters detail networking and the Reader<–>Host protocol, which will allow you to create software that will interact with the reader and perform the desired processing functions.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION Nanoscanner Reader Features The Nanoscanner reader contains only two types of external user interface: connector ports and LEDs. One panel contains I/O connectors and LEDs.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION Reader LEDs Left Column LEDs Red Right Column LEDs RF on Red Comm TX Communications transmit to processor Yellow Sniff Yellow Detect tag signal Green Lock Comm RX Communications receive from processor Green Processor Running Lock on tag signal Network LEDs Green Link Red Active ANTENNA PANEL The antenna panel (perpendicular to the reader’s I/O panel) contains two coax antenna connector ports as shown below. These are reverse-gender connectors.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION System Assembly and Bench Test Assembling the Nanoscanner reader system is very easy. We recommend you set up the system and verify its operation in a bench test configuration before installing it in a live application. You will need two available 120 VAC wall outlets. Bench Test or Demo Connections 1. Situate the PC on a tabletop. Ensure the following conditions: • Two standard 120 VAC outlets are available nearby (one for reader, one for PC if needed).
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION 3. Connect the RS-232 cable to the serial port on the PC. 4. Connect antenna coaxial cables to each antenna port (0 and 1). • You can use either antenna on either port. • Antenna port 1 is on the right if viewing reader with flange side down. Port 0 is on the left. • Align the coax cable’s center pin and push into the port • Screw the fitting from the cable end onto the reader connector clockwise until finger tight to secure the cable to the reader.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION You are now ready to bench test or demonstrate the Nanoscanner system. Bench Test Procedure 1. Access an operational mode suitable for bench testing. • Select a mode that will allow multiple consecutive reads of a single tag. • Refer to the applicable software application user guide for specific instructions. 2. Position the reader to you can see the LEDs. • You may also want to position the PC so you can view the monitor simultaneously for later tests. 3.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION System Design The following Installation section provides basic guidance for configuring components in your RFID system. You should consider the overall design of your specific system before permanently mounting the equipment. Installation Installation involves all the same connection steps required for bench test. However, instead of situating equipment on a tabletop, the reader and antenna and their accessories will mounted in your application environment.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION Requirements Before installing your Nanoscanner reader system you will need the following: PC running Windows 98 or higher, with CD-ROM drive (for demo system software) and one available RS-232 serial port Standard 120 VAC power for the reader location and PC location Host software Any additional RS-232 cables or connectorized antenna coax cables needed to accommodate routing requirements Standard grounded, three-pronged power cord of desired length
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION 2. Select mounting position for reader. • Reader should be positioned close enough to the antenna to accommodate the cable length without putting strain on the connectors. • Be sure power is available to the selected reader location. 3. Select location for host PC. • Situate the host PC within 50 ft of the reader in a safe location away from vehicular and foot traffic. 4. Install reader.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION System Operation SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS If you are a software developer, the balance of this document provides the information you will need to install the reader on the host computer, communicate with it, and customize its performance via text commands to enable reader operation tailored to the desired application. CUSTOM SYSTEM USERS If you are a custom system user, please refer to your host software user guide for information regarding system and software operations.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW CHAPTER 3 Nanoscanner System Overview This chapter provides an overview of the major features found in a Nanoscanner reader. Specific instructions for setting up a reader are provided in Chapter 4: ReaderHost Communications Installation. Reader commands and their uses are covered in Chapter 5: Reader-Host Protocol. Introduction The most basic function of the Nanoscanner reader is to read RFID tags and to allow a user or application access to a list of these tags.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW SERIAL COMMUNICATION Commands can be issued to the Nanoscanner using a direct serial connection from a computer to the reader. The following settings are required for the serial communication: Baud Rate : 115200 Data Bits :8 Parity : None Stop Bits :1 Flow Control : None NETWORK COMMUNICATION Commands can be issued to the Nanoscanner over the Internet or Intranet.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW Serial Interrogation One of the simplest methods to find out the reader’s IP address is to connect via the serial connection and type the command “get IPaddress’” to return the IP address currently in use by the device. However, this requires a physical connection between a host computer and the reader—a connection that in many cases is simply impractical to set up.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW • For example, multiple readers in a warehouse may be named “loading bay 1”, “loading bay 2” etc., thus providing a clear indication as to the physical location of the reader. The Reader Type parameter details the specific type of reader sending out the heartbeat. This information is hard-coded into the reader’s firmware and is not user-configurable. The IP Address and Command Port parameters detail the location of the reader on the network.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW Tag List Concepts During normal operation the Nanoscanner maintains an internal list of the tags that are active. Active tags are those read by the reader at least once within a predefined time period. Any new tags presented to the reader are added to this list, and any tags that have not been seen for a while are removed from the list. At any time a programmatic call can be made to the reader to retrieve this list of tags.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW Tag List Size The Tag List is currently configured to hold up to 500 unique tag IDs and their associated data. Reading Tags over the Network The Alien RFID reader provides two methods with which to read tags: interactive mode and autonomous mode. • In interactive mode, the controlling application must issue commands to the reader to read tags. This command will always return immediately with a list of tags in view of the reader.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW 0 Autonomous Mode Autonomous mode is a multi-stage configuration and operation mode that enables hands-free monitoring of tags. • The first stage requires you to issue a series of configuration commands to the reader. These commands detail how and when to read tags, and then when tags are found, who to tell. • Once configured, the reader can be left to operate on its own.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW START WORKING TRIGGER The receipt of a trigger pattern on the digital input lines will cause the reader to move from the Waiting state to the Working state. The start condition is set by the AutoStartTrigger command. The AutoStartTrigger command takes two parameters, a rising edge pattern and a falling edge pattern. Set AutoStartTrigger = 2,0 would cause the reader to enter the working state on receipt of a rising edge on pin 2.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW using the parameters set in the AcquireMode and PersistTime commands. The reader continues working until the Stop Working Trigger conditions are met. (See below) STOP WORKING TRIGGER Like the Start Working Trigger, the Stop Working Trigger can be a change on the digital input lines. Use the AutoStopTrigger command with a rising,falling edge pattern to set the trigger conditions.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW Set Set Set Set Set Set Set AutoStartTrigger=0,0 AutoStopTimer = 0 AutoTrueOutput =1 AutoTruePause =50 AutoFalseOutput = 2 AutoFalsePause = 50 AutoMode=On EXAMPLE 2. TRIGGERED READING Here a forklift will cause an electric eye to send a pulse to the reader. We want the reader to look for the rising edge on this pulse and look for tags for 1.8 seconds before going back to the Wait state. We wont make any changes to the output pins.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW Notification Mode The last stage in configuring the autonomous mode is to tell the reader under what conditions to notify listeners about tag lists. Listeners (network applications / people) will be notified only when preset conditions arise, such as when new tags are read, or tags disappear from view.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW Defining the Notification Address You must tell the reader where to send notification messages to when it is operating in autonomous mode. The Alien reader can be instructed to send out messages over the internet to a specified machine or over email to specified email address. This is configured using a single command: • Set NotifyAddress = address The format of the address indicates the method of delivery: NotifyAddress user@domain.
CHAPTER 3 NANOSCANNER SYSTEM OVERVIEW • Text formatted tag lists take the form: #Alien RFID Reader Auto Notification Message #ReaderName: Spinner Reader #ReaderType: Alien RFID Tag Reader (Class BPT / 2450Mhz) #IPAddress: 10.1.70.
CHAPTER 4 READER-HOST COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION CHAPTER 4 ReaderÙHost Communications Installation The Nanoscanner reader is designed to be programmed using simple ASCII textbased commands from any programming language. Introduction The CD provided with your Nanoscanner Reader Developer’s Kit includes extensive examples of code developed by Alien for the Nanoscanner using Java and VisualBasic programming languages. These examples will serve as models for developing new software for the reader.
CHAPTER 4 READER-HOST COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION • Programmers are competent in at least one programming or scripting language and have the ability to issue ASCII-based commands with that language. Requirements Serial communication requires: • A text-based serial communications program (such as Windows HyperTerminal) running on any computer. Ethernet communication requires: • An Ethernet network.
CHAPTER 4 READER-HOST COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION This method enables real-time operation of the reader via a serial communications (“comm.”) port. Serial communication is the simplest means by which to connect the reader to the host and implement ASCII command protocol. Command Line Operation: Telnet Communication Telnet communication requires a network connection via the reader’s Ethernet port and allows the reader to operate like a Telnet server.
CHAPTER 4 READER-HOST COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION Once configured, the software should allow you to communicate with the Nanoscanner. • HyperTerminal example configuration screens are shown below: 5. At the command prompt, you may now type any command followed by the [ENTER] key to submit the command.
CHAPTER 4 READER-HOST COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION For a detailed explanation of all commands available, please refer to Chapter 6: Reader–Host Protocol. Network Installation (Optional) To configure the system for network operation, you will use the commands shown under the NETWORK heading. There are 5 NETWORK commands that may be used for network configuration: • Get | Set DHCP (On of Off) • Get | Set IP address • Get | Set Netmask • Get | Set Gateway • Get | Set DNS 1.
CHAPTER 4 READER-HOST COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION • If value is not accepted, reader will return “0.0.0.0”. 9. Type “Reboot” to reboot the reader and implement the commands. To verify your network connection to the reader: 10. Launch a browser. 11. Enter the reader’s assigned IP address. • If the IP address is valid, the Alien reader portal will display. Web portal (above) Telnet portal (right) 12. For Web access, click the [ENTER] box. For Telnet access, skip to step 13. 13.
CHAPTER 4 READER-HOST COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION • Password = password 14. You are now ready to interact with the reader via commands. • For Telnet operation, you will be using the text command lines in the same manner as in direct serial communication. The only difference is in the use of the “Q” command to quit the Telnet session. • For Web operation, you will be using the HTML screens as shown.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES CHAPTER 5 ReaderÙHost Protocol The Reader <–> Host protocol is a text-based communications protocol for configuring and operating the Alien Nanoscanner RFID reader for enterprise host systems connectivity. Introduction This chapter describes the programming interface that links the Alien Nanoscanner RFID reader to the outside world. For a overview of the reader system, see Chapter 3: Nanoscanner System Overview.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES Text-Based Command Line Operation To interact with the reader via command line operation you must either be communicating directly with the reader via the serial port connection to the host, or via the Internet and a Telnet connection. In both cases the screens will look similar and will thus be considered identical for the purposes of the instructions that follow.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES Most of the pages served up by the Web server are simple HTML pages. Web-based HTML screen showing general commands tab with username and password fields. However there also a number of simple Java Applets that are used to provide an interactive environment for reading tags in the field. These Java Applets are all Java 1.1 compliant applets and will work in standard Netscape and Internet Explorer browsers.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES Commands Overview There are two distinct categories of reader-host command: those initiated by the enterprise host (interactive commands), and those initiated by the reader itself (autonomous commands). INTERACTIVE COMMANDS Interactive commands are initiated by a programmer, who creates and issues a command to the reader. The reader always responds to these commands with an immediate reply.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES An example of a multiple line command / response is: >Get ReaderVersion[CR][LF] >ReaderVersion = 1.0[CR][LF] FirmwareVersion = 1.0[CR][LF] SoftwareVersion = 1.0[CR][LF][0] Commands are case insensitive, i.e., “set readername” is equivalent to “Set ReaderName.” Suppressing Command Prompts By default all commands are set up for interactive use over a serial console or telnet style interface.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES Command Summaries Command List General Commands • • • • • • • • • • Help Info ! (repeat last command) Q (Quit) Telnet Only Get|Set ReaderName Get ReaderType Get ReaderVersion Get|Set Username Get|Set Password Get|Set AntennaSequence Reboot • FactorySettings • Network Configuration Commands • • • • • • • • Get|Set DHCP Get|Set IPAddress Get|Set Gateway Get|Set Netmask Get|Set DNS Get|Set HeartbeatPort Get|Set HearbeatTime Get|Set CommandPort Tag List Commands
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES Command List with Functions GENERAL COMMANDS Command Description Help (or “h”) List all reader commands available. Info (or (“i”) List all current reader settings. Get TagList Scan the field, read tags and report. (see Tag List Commands for details.) ! (exclamation mark) Repeats the last command issued. Q Quit session (TELNET ONLY) Get ReaderName Set ReaderName Allows an arbitrary name to be associated with and retrieved from the reader.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES TIME COMMANDS Command Description Get Time Set Time Get and Set the real time clock on the reader in Local time. Get TimeZone Set TimeZone Get and Set the time zone offset from UTC for the real time clock. Get TimeServer Set TimeServer Get and Set the location of a network time server. EXTERNAL IO COMMANDS Command Description Get ExternalOutput Set ExternalOutput Get and Set the External Output pin values.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES Set AutoStopTrigger Set and Get the timer that will move the auto mode state from work mode to evaluate mode. Get AutoStopTimer Set AutoStopTimer Specify the value of the output pins when the auto mode evaluation returns a True condition. Get AutoTrueOutput Set AutoTrueOutput Set and Get the pause time after the auto mode evaluation returns a True condition.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES General Commands – Text Based General commands cover basic reader and antenna functions and information. HELP (H) This command lists all reader commands available. You may also type just the letter “h” to send this command. INFO (I) This provides a list of current reader settings. You may also type just the letter “i” to send this command. ! This command (exclamation mark) asks the reader to repeat the last command issued.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES GET READERVERSION The reader version can be retrieved using this command. The resulting text is a multi-line reply. Each line of the reply describes the version number of a major reader component. Example Command >Get ReaderVersion Response >Enterprise Software Version = 1.05.01 Micro Firmware Version = 02.04.18 DSP Firmware Version = 02.13.02 GET USERNAME SET USERNAME The reader can be operated over the network.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES GET ANTENNASEQUENCE SET ANTENNASEQUENCE The reader can support the use of multiple antennas. This command allows the user to select which antenna port(s) to use and in what sequence. NOTE: Currently, the reader supports only one set of antennas on port 0. • If using only one antenna, you will assign just one antenna port number.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES General Commands – Web Based General commands are issued via the Web page to manipulate reader and antenna functions and access information. Web view General tab covers all Get and Set general commands... ...
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES • Get | Set AntennaSequence • Reboot • Factory settings (see below) When you click on the “Reset reader factory settings” option at the bottom of the General tab screen, you will have an opportunity to change your mind before the command is accepted. At this second screen you may click -[CANCEL] to stop the reset, or you can click the [Reset Reader Factory Settings] button to proceed.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES Network Configuration Commands – Text Based These commands allow you to configure and retrieve settings related to reader communications with the network. GET DHCP SET DHCP The reader supports automatic network configuration using the widely available DHCP protocol. If DHCP is available at the reader installation site, this protocol can be switched on. If DHCP is not available or not desired the use of this protocol can be switched off.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES Example Command >Get Gateway Response >Gateway=34.56.78.90 Command >Set Gateway=12.56.23.01 Response >Gateway=12.56.23.01 GET NETMASK SET NETMASK If DHCP is not used for automatic configuration, the reader must be manually configured for use on a network. The subnet mask command pair allow the subnet mask to be assigned and retrieved. • A subnet mask must be specified as a numerical IP address.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES GET HEARTBEATPORT SET HEARTBEATPORT The reader can be configured to periodically send out a heartbeat message to the network. This heartbeat takes the form of a single UDP packet (Universal Datagram Packet) broadcast out to the entire subnet that the reader is configured for. The Set HeartbeatPort command allows you to configure the actual port number that this packet is sent out to.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES Example Command >Get HeartbeatTime Response >HeartbeatTime=30 Command >Set HeartbeatTime=60 Response >HeartbeatTime=60 GET COMMANDPORT SET COMMANDPORT The reader can be configured and operated over the network using standard network sockets. The CommandPort settings are used to assign and retrieve the exact port number used by the reader for this network connectivity.
CHAPTER 7 WEB BASED APPLICATION EXAMPLES • Set DHCP (toggles DHCP On and OFF) • Get | Set IPaddress • Get | Set Gateway • Get | Set Netmask • Get | Set DNS • Get | Set HeartbeatPort • Get | Set HearbeatTime • Get | Set CommandPort NANOSCANNER READER USERGUIDE • DOC ??? © 2003 Alien Technology™ 55
