THINGMAGIC M6e USER GUIDE TM_M6e-UG Rev 01292019
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION © Copyright 2018-2019 Novanta Corporation. All rights reserved. Version 01292019 This product or document is protected by copyright and distributed under licenses restricting its use, copying, distribution, and decompilation. No part of this product or document may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written authorization of Novanta Corporation and its licensors, if any. CryptoRF is a registered trademark of Atmel Corporation.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide ii REVISION HISTORY Date Version Description 4/2010 01RevA • First Draft for beta release. 8/2010 01RevB • • Updated GPIO content. Added FCC regulation info section. 12/2010 02Rev1 • • • • New development kit content. Added approved antennas list. Updated power consumption data. Updated Gen2 settings. 2/2011 02 Rev2 • Updated Regulatory info. 5/2011 03 RevA • • Added M6e-A info. Updated ESD info.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Copyright Information ................................................................................................................ i Technical Support and Contact Information .............................................................................. i Revision History ....................................................................................................................... ii Chapter 1 - Introduction .....................................................................
Authorized Antennas .............................................................................................................. 11 M6e-A Authorized Cables ....................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 3 - Firmware Overview ..............................................................................................................12 New Features - Version 1.21.2 ..........................................................................
Support for Return Loss Measurement ............................................................................30 Protocol Support ....................................................................................................................30 ISO 18000-6C (Gen2) ............................................................................................................31 Protocol-Specific Functionality .........................................................................................31 IP-X .
Industrie Canada (French Canadian) .....................................................................................46 EU RED Declaration of Conformity ........................................................................................48 Appendix A - Error Messages .................................................................................................................49 Appendix B - Getting Started – Development Kit and Carrier Board ..................................................
LIST OF TABLES M6e Digital Connector Signal Definition ......................................................................................................3 M6e Power Consumption ............................................................................................................................7 M6e Authorized Antennas .........................................................................................................................11 M6e-A Authorized Cables .................................
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 1 1 Introduction This document applies to the ThingMagic M6e high-performance, 4-port Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RAIN® Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) module, as well as the M6e-A, M6e-PRC, and M6e-JIC modules. All versions are referred to as M6e in this manual, with any exceptions expressly noted. ThingMagic M6e is a high performance, embedded module that you can integrate with other systems to create RFID-enabled products.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 2 2 Hardware Overview Hardware Interfaces Antenna Connections The M6e supports four monostatic bidirectional RF antennas through four MMCX connectors: labeled J1 through J4 on the module. See Cables and Connectors for more information on antenna connector parts. The maximum RF power that can be delivered to a 50 ohm load from each port is 1.4 Watts, or +31.5 dBm (regulatory requirements permitting). NOTE: The RF ports can only be energized one at a time.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 3 Digital/Power Connector The digital connector provides power, serial communications signals, shutdown and reset signals to the M6e module, and access to the GPIO inputs and outputs. These signals are provided through connector part number: Molex 53261-1571 - 1.25mm pin centers, 1 amp per pin rating, which mates with Molex housing p/n 51021 -1500 with crimps p/n 63811-0300. See Cables and Connectors for more information on typical cable parts.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 4 Control Signal Specification The module communicates to a host processor via a TTL logic level UART serial port or via a USB port. Both ports are accessed on the 15-pin Digital/Power Connector. The TTL logic level UART supports complete functionality. The USB port supports complete functionality, except the lowest power operational mode. NOTE: Power Consumption specifications apply to control via the TTL UART.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 5 USB Interface Supports USB 2.0 full speed device port (12 Megabits per second) using the two USB pins (USB_DM and USB_DP). Serial Number Added to USB Device Descriptor Adding a serial number to the USB device descriptor allows the host to assign a COM port number which follows the device regardless of which physical USB port it is plugged into.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 6 loader by Reset Line being held low. Lines configured as outputs consume no excess power if the output is left open. Specified module power consumption is achieved for one or more GPIO lines set as output and left open. Users who are not able to provide external pull ups or pull downs on any given input, and who do not need that GPIO line, may configure it as an output and leave it open to achieve specified module power consumption.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 7 Power Settings for Authorized Antennas and Cables The M6e-A has been designed to operate with the antennas listed in Authorized Antennas list using the cables in the M6e-A Authorized Cables list.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 8 M6e Power Consumption RF Transmit Power Setting (dBm) Max Power1 (Watts) Voltage (Volts) Current (mA) Tag Reading Transmit Mode=Power Save +30 5.8 5.0 +/- 5% 1060 Tag Reading Transmit Mode = DRM + PreDistortion +30 6.2 5.0 +/- 5% 1200 Tag Reading Transmit Mode = DRM +17 and below 4 5.0 +/- 5% 800 No Tag Reading (M6e idle) Power Mode = FULL N/A 0.35 5.0 +/- 5% 60 No Tag Reading (M6e idle) Power Mode = MINSAVE N/A 0.12 5.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 9 Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Specification IEC-61000-4-2 and MIL-883 3015.7 discharges direct to operational antenna port tolerates max 1200 volt pulse. NOTE: Survival level varies with antenna return loss and antenna characteristics. See ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) Considerations for methods to increase ESD tolerances. Warning: The M6e antenna ports may be susceptible to damage from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 10 M6e Mechanical Drawing www.JADAKtech.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 11 Authorized Antennas This device has been designed to operate with the antennas listed below, and having a maximum gain of 6 dBiL. Antennas not included in this list or having a gain greater than 6 dBiLare strictly prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms. M6e Authorized Antennas Vendor Model Linear Gain1 (dBi) ThingMagic ANT-WB-6-2025 5.1 ThingMagic ANT-NA-9025 (obsolete) 3.4 ThingMagic ANT-NB-7-2031 6.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 12 3 Firmware Overview New Features - Version 1.21.2 Margin Read Support for Monza6 Tags MarginRead is an EPC Gen2 compliant custom command supported by tag chips with the “Integra” feature. This command allows a reader to explicitly verify that the non-volatile memory (NVM) in the tag chip is not weakly written, guaranteeing a minimum margin on NVM. It is used for quality control to ensure data integrity and for failure analysis.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 13 1. Action bits: meant to trigger a feature upon a SELECT command on the related bit: Parallel encoding (at address 0x202) Tag Power indicator (at address 0x204) 2. Permanent bits: permanently stored bits in the memory Max. Backscatter Strength (at address 0x209) PSF Alarm bit (at address 0x20F) Refer Mercury API v1.29.4 release notes for API commands to work with this functionality.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 14 • “Untraceable”. Ability to limit reading of all or part of EPC, TID and User memory fields by unauthorized readers. • Ability to download and activate security keys. • Ability to authenticate tag using random challenge strings and AES encryption. • Ability to obtain memory data in encrypted form, which can be successfully decoded if the host knows the key that has been activated on the tag.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 15 Refer Mercury API v1.29.4 release notes for API commands to work with this functionality. Ability to “Read Data” Immediately After Sending a “Write EPC” or “Write Data” Command Some sensor tags require the module to write to a memory bank to trigger the sensor measurement, then read the sensor data field without dropping power between if the two operations are done as separate commands.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 16 The antenna selection algorithm has been changed to recall the last antenna that was active in the previous read cycle and start with that antenna for the next AsyncOnTime cycle. This way, the active antenna cycles through the list with regularity and the AsynchOnTime can be optimized so on-the-fly settings take effect as quickly as possible. The ReadAsync code sample can be run to see the effect of this change. Refer Mercury API v1.29.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 17 Support for Additional Regions To achieve the optimum channel frequencies to permit the greatest number of channels while still meeting out-of-band emissions standards for Asian regions and Russia, the following additional channels have been added. Regions that are added in current firmware version have the following characteristics.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 18 Additional Regions Region Region Number Region Number Low Channel Boundary High Channel Boundary Min Step Size (Quantization) Hop Table Macao MO 0x14 920 MHz 925 MHz 250 kHz 923250, 921750, 924250, 922750, 920250, 923750, 921250, 924750, 922250, 920750 31.5 dBm Russia RU 0x15 866 MHz 868 MHz 200 kHz 866600, 867800, 866200, 867000, 866400, 867600, 866800, 867200 31.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 19 table of existing regions, because such a small step size will result in lower channel frequency stability. (This setting not only defines the minimum step size that can be set, but also represents how often the channel is nudged back to its desired value, with more frequent nudges creating a more stable channel.) To allow the Open region to be used more flexibly, the setting of the quantization value is now permitted.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 20 Boot Loader The boot loader provides low-level functionality and hardware support for configuring communication settings, loading Application Firmware, and storing and retrieving data to/from flash. When a module is powered up or reset, the boot loader code is automatically loaded and executed. The M6e bootloader should effectively be invisible to the user.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 21 4 Communication Protocol Serial Communication Protocol The serial communication between a computer (host) and the M6e is based on a synchronized commandresponse/master-slave mechanism. Whenever the host sends a message to the reader, it cannot send another message until after it receives a response. The reader never initiates a communication session; only the host initiates a communication session.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 22 The MercuryAPI supports Java, .NET and C programming environments. The MercuryAPI Software Development Kit (SDK) contains sample applications and source code to help developers get started demoing and developing functionality. For more information on the MercuryAPI see the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide and the MercuryAPI SDK, available on www.jadaktech.com. www.JADAKtech.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 23 5 Functionality Supported Regions The M6e has differing levels of support for operation and use under the laws and guidelines of several regions. The regional support is shown in the following table. Supported Regions Region Regulatory Support Notes North America (NA) FCC 47 CFG Ch. 1 Part 15 Industrie Canada RSS-210 Supported in M6e and M6e-A modules only. European Union (EU3) Revised ETSI EN 302 208 Supported in M6e and M6e-A modules only.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 24 Supported Regions Region Regulatory Support Notes Peopleʼs Republic of China (PRC & PR2) SRRC, MII The PRC specifications limits channels 920 to 920.5MHz and 924.5 to 925.0MHz to transmitting at 100mW or below. The default hop table uses only the center channels which allow 2W ERP, 1W conducted, power output. If the hop table is modified to use the outer, lower power channels the RF level will be limited to the outer channels limit, 100mW or +20dBm.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 25 Frequency Units All frequencies in the M6e are expressed in kHz using unsigned 32-bit integers. For instance, a carrier frequency of 915 MHz is expressed as 915000 kHz. The hop table for any region may consist of any permitted channels within the frequency limits for that region. A permitted channel is one that is at the lowest permitted frequency or is a multiple of the minimum channel step size, up to the highest permitted frequency.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide • 26 Frequencies used in the order of entries in the table. If regulatory requirements state that channels must be hopped in random order, then the frequency list of channels must be randomized before downloading the hop table into the module. Antenna Ports The M6e has four monostatic antenna ports. Each port is capable of both transmitting and receiving.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 27 GPIO 1 & 2 Used for Antenna Switching (Continued) Logical Antenna Setting GPIO Output 1 State GPIO Output 2 State Active M6e Physical Port 11 High Low J3 12 High Low J4 13 High High J1 14 High High J2 15 High High J3 16 High High J4 If only one GPIO Output line is used for antenna control, the combinations of the available output control line states (the GPIO line in use and the module port) result in a subset of logical antenna settings which can b
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 28 Only GPIO 2 Used for Antenna Switching Logical Antenna Setting GPIO Output 2 State Active M6e Physical Port 2 Low J2 3 Low J3 4 Low J4 5 High J1 6 High J2 7 High J3 8 High J4 Multiplexing up to 32 Ports The M6e module can use 3 GPO lines to control an external multiplexer which expands one RF port to 8 RF ports.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 29 Mapping of Logical Antenna Numbers to GPO Lines and RF Ports Logical Antenna Number GPO 3 GPO 1 GPO 2 Physical Antenna Number 10 Low High Low 2 11 Low High Low 3 12 Low High Low 4 13 Low High High 1 14 Low High High 2 15 Low High High 3 16 Low High High 4 17 High Low Low 1 18 High Low Low 2 19 High Low Low 3 20 High Low Low 4 21 High Low High 1 22 High Low High 2 23 High Low High 3 24 High Low High
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 30 Support for Return Loss Measurement The firmware estimates the return loss of individual antenna ports, based on multiple readings at multiple channels within the active region. (For the North American region, with 50 channels, this measurement can take as long as 600 msec). The return loss value can be obtained through the API by getting the “/reader/ antenna/returnloss” parameter value as well as by using the “CmdGetAntennaReturnLoss” method.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 31 ISO 18000-6C (Gen2) The M6e supports multiple ISO-18000-6C profiles including the ability to specify the Link Frequency, encoding schemes, Tari value and modulation scheme. The protocol options are set in the MercuryAPI Reader Configuration Parameters (/reader/gen2/*). The following table shows the supported combinations: ISO 18000-6C (Gen 2) Protocol Configuration Options Backscatter Link Frequency (kHz) Encoding Tari (usec) Modulation Scheme 250 Miller (M=8) 12.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 32 IP-X The M6e supports multiple IP-X profiles including the ability to specify the Return Link Frequency, encoding and modulation scheme. The two profiles are treated as distinct protocols, the individual parameters are not configurable as with the other protocols. The following table shows the supported combinations: IP-X Protocol Configuration Options Return Link Freq (kHz) Modulation Scheme Notes 64 PWM Protocol ID = TagProtocol.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 33 In addition to setting the delimiter to 1, a TagFilter of the class ISO180006b.Select must be used in order to read certain ISO18000-6b tags, specifically one of the following options must be used: GROUP_SELECT_EQ GROUP_SELECT_NE GROUP_SELECT_GT GROUP_SELECT_LT GROUP_UNSELECT_EQ GROUP_UNSELECT_NE GROUP_UNSELECT_GT GROUP_UNSELECT_LT AEI ATA AEI ATA Protocol with Stop Trigger Read Plan The AEI ATA protocol is supported on the M6e module with an optional license key.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 34 The Tag buffer acts as a First In First Out (FIFO) — the first Tag found by the reader is the first one to be read out. Tag Streaming/Continuous Reading When reading tags during asynchronous inventory operations (MercuryAPI Reader.StartReading()) using an /reader/read/asyncOffTime=0 the M6e “streams” the tag results back to the host processor. This means that tags are pushed out of the buffer as soon as they are processed by the M6e and put into the buffer.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 35 Meta-data Control at Module Level The meta-data selection information is transferred to the module and the module only reports desired values, resulting in a small increase in performance under some circumstances. No additional configuration parameters are necessary to take advantage of this feature.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 36 DRM Compliant Mode This mode maximizes performance in dense reader environments, minimizing interference when used with other M6e or similar DRM-compliant readers, and is fully compliant with the Gen2 DRM spectral mask. Power Save Mode (non-DRM Compliant) This mode reduces the power consumption during RF operations but is not 100% compliant with the DRM spectral mask. This can result increased interference with other readers and reduce overall systems performance.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 37 • Gen2 Session • Gen2 target • Gen2 Q • Gen2 TARI • Autonomous Trigger • Autonomous Read Plan • Hop Table (necessary to operate legally in some regions) • Hop Time Dwell Time (maximum time reader can occupy a channel) • Duty Cycle for Autonomous Read Plan (to limit temperature rise given that only continuous reading is supported for a saved Autonomous Read Plan) See the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide and sample applications for details on saving and restoring r
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 38 Changes to the power levels are applied silently. Changes to Gen2 parameters result in a pop-up progress bar which disables further changes until the one you made is applied. License Handling The M6e module supports protocols and features that are activated by installation of a license key. The Universal Reader Assistant Firmware Update panel is used to install license keys. www.JADAKtech.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 39 6 Specifications M6e Specifications Ordering Information M6e +30 dBm North America, +31.5 dBM Europe M6e-A +31.5 dBM in all regions, requires contract M6e-JIC PRC high and low bands M6e-LIC-2F License for optional IPX and ISO 18K-6B protocols (Gen2 standard) M6e-DEVKIT Development Kit North/South America, EU, IN, KR Physical Dimensions 69 mm L x 43 mm W x 7.5 mm H (2.7 in L x 1.7 in W x 0.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 40 Storage Temp. -40°C to +85°C Shock and Vibration Designed to be installed in host devices which are required to survive 5 foot drops to concrete Performance Max Read Rate Up to 750 tags/second using high-performance settings Max Tag Read Distance Over 9 meters (30 feet) with 6 dBiL antenna (36 dBm EIRP) Specifications subject to change without notice.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 41 7 Compliance and IP Notices The M6e module is available in two North American variants. The corresponding regulatory information follows: M6e: This module is covered under an FCC Modular Approval license and is limited to 30dBm RF Output power when used in the FCC/NA Region. M6e-A: This module is covered under an FCC Limited Modular Approval license and can be operated at the full 31.5dBm RF Output Power with certain restrictions.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 42 As long as the two conditions above are met, further transmitter testing will not be required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this module installed (for example, digital device emissions, PC peripheral requirements, etc.).
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 43 This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number, or model number if Category II) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 44 Au but de conformer aux limites d'exposition RF pour la population générale (exposition non-contrôlée), les antennes utilisés doivent être installés à une distance d'au moins 35cm de toute personne et ne doivent pas être installé en proximité ou utilisé en conjonction avec un autre antenne ou transmetteur.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 45 As long as the two conditions above are met, further transmitter testing will not be required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this module installed (for example, digital device emissions, PC peripheral requirements, etc.).
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 46 This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number, or model number if Category II) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 47 Au but de conformer aux limites d'exposition RF pour la population générale (exposition non-contrôlée), les antennes utilisés doivent être installés à une distance d'au moins 35cm de toute personne et ne doivent pas être installé en proximité ou utilisé en conjonction avec un autre antenne ou transmetteur. Marquage sur l’ étiquette du produit complet dans un endroit visible: "Contient ThingMagic transmetteur, FCC ID: QV5MERCURY6E-A (IC:5407A-MERCURY6EA)" www.JADAKtech.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 48 EU RED Declaration of Conformity European Union Declaration of Conformity for M6E RFID Reader Module Manufacturer: Novanta Corporation Address: 125, Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA 01730 M6E, M6E-A Object of the declaration: Product Model Numbers: Object description: 865-869 MHz and 902 to 928 MHz Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Product Description: Reader / Interrogator Module.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 49 Appendix A: Error Messages Common Fault Errors Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_MSG_WRONG_NUM BER_OF_DATA 100h If the data length in any of the messages is less than or more than the number of arguments in the message, the reader returns this message. Make sure the number of arguments matches the data length.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 50 Common Fault Errors (Continued) Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_MSG_INVALID_PAR AMETER_VALUE 105h The reader received a valid command with an unsupported or invalid value within this command. For example, currently the module supports four antennas. If the module receives a message with an antenna value other than 1 to 4, it returns this error. Make sure the host sets all the values in a command according to the values published in this document.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 51 Flash Fault Errors Message Code Cause FAULT_FLASH_BAD_ER ASE_PASSWORD 300h A command was received to erase some part of the flash but the password supplied with the command was incorrect. FAULT_FLASH_BAD_WR ITE_PASSWORD 301h A command was received to write some part of the flash but the password supplied with the command was not correct. FAULT_FLASH_UNDEFIN ED_ERROR 302h This is an internal error and it is caused by a software problem in module.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 52 Protocol Fault Errors Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_NO_TAGS_FOUN D 400h A command was received (such as read, write, or lock) but the operation failed. There are many reasons that can cause this error to occur, including: • No tag in the RF field • Read/write power too low • Antenna not connected • Tag is weak or dead Make sure there is a good tag in the field and all parameters are set up correctly.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 53 Protocol Fault Errors (Continued) Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_PROTOCOL_INV ALID_WRITE_DATA 408h An ID write was attempted with an unsupported/incorrect ID length. Verify the Tag ID length being written. FAULT_PROTOCOL_INV ALID_ADDRESS 409h A command was received attempting to access an invalid address in the tag data address space. Make sure that the address specified is within the scope of the tag data address space and available for the specific operation.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 54 Protocol Fault Errors (Continued) Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_GEN2 PROTOCOL_OTHER_ER ROR 420h This is an error returned by Gen2 tags. It is a catch-all for error not covered by other codes. Check the data that is being passed in the command resulting in this error. Try with a different tag. FAULT_GEN2_PROTOC OL_MEMORY_OVERRUN _BAD_PC 423h This is an error returned by Gen2 tags.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 55 Analog Hardware Abstraction Layer Fault Errors (Continued) Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_ANTENNA_NOT_ CONNECTED 503h An attempt was made to transmit on an antenna which did not pass the antenna detection when antenna detection was turned on. Connect a detectable antenna (antenna must have some DC resistance).
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 56 Tag ID Buffer Fault Errors (Continued) Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_TAG_ID_BUFFER _NUM_TAG_TOO_LARG E 603h The module received a request to retrieve more tags than is supported by the current version of the software. Send a test case reproducing the behavior to rfidsupport@jadaktech.com. Message Code Cause Solution FAULT_SYSTEM_UNKNO WN_ERROR 7F00h The error is internal. Send a test case reproducing the behavior to rfidsupport@jadaktech.com.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 57 Appendix B: Getting Started – Development Kit and Carrier Board Development Kit Hardware Components Included in the development kit: • The M6e module • Power/interface developer’s board • One USB cable • One antenna • One coax cable • One 9V power supply • International power adapter kit • Sample tags • The Quick Start Guide that details which documents and software to download to get up and running quickly, along with details on how to register for and contac
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 58 Development Kit USB Interfaces USB/RS232 The USB interface (connector labeled USB/RS232) closest to the power plug is to the RS232 interface of the M6e through an FTDI USB to serial converter. The drivers for it are available at http://www.ftdichip.com/ Drivers/VCP.htm. Follow the instructions in the installation guide appropriate for your operating system.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 59 Jump pins OUT to GPIO# to connect M6e GPIO lines to output LEDs. Jump pins IN to GPIO# to connect M6e GPIO to corresponding input switches SW[3-6]GPIO#. Make sure GPIO lines are correspondingly configured as input or outputs (see Configuring GPIO Settings). J14 Can be used to connect GPIO lines to external circuits. If used jumpers should be removed from J10, J11, J13, J15. J16 Jump pins 1 and 2 or 2 and 3 to reset development kit power supply.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 60 Distribution and sale of the Dev Kit is intended solely for use in future development of devices which may be subject to regional regulatory authorities governing radio emission. This Dev Kit may not be resold by users for any purpose.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 61 Appendix C: Environmental Considerations ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) Considerations Warning: The M6e antenna ports may be susceptible to damage from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Equipment failure can result if the antenna or communication ports are subjected to ESD. Standard ESD precautions should be taken during installation to avoid static discharge when handling or making connections to the M6 reader antenna or communication ports.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 62 • Return failed units for analysis. Analysis should determine if it is the power amplifier that has failed, but won’t be able to definitively identify that the cause is ESD. However, ESD is one of the more common causes of PA failure. • Measure ambient static levels with static meter, for example, AlphaLabs SVM2. Note the static potentials floating detected. High static doesn’t mean discharges, but should be considered cause for further investigation.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 63 characteristic that attenuates discharge events. (This also makes the antenna compatible with the M6e antenna detect methods.) • Install a Minicircuits SHP600+ high pass filter in the cable run at the M6e (or Vega or other finished reader) end. This additional component will reduce transmit power by 0.4 dB which may affect read range in some critical applications. However the filter will significantly attenuate discharges and improve the M6e ESD survival level.
ThingMagic M6e User Guide 64 • Application Surface: Some materials, including metal and moisture, interfere with tag performance. Tags applied to items made from or containing these materials may not perform as expected. • Tag Orientation: Reader performance is affected by the orientation of the tag in the antenna field. The ThingMagic antenna is circularly polarized, so it reads face-to but not edge-to. • Tag Model: Many tag models are available, each with its own performance characteristics.
™ TM_M6e-UG Rev 01292019
