User's Manual

Subject to change without noticeSICK AGWaldkirchGermanywww.sick.com


The RFU63x interrogator is an intelligent sensor for automatic,
stationary identication and transfer of data from/to radio-
based data carriers on mobile or stationary objects. As a com-
pact read/write unit with an integrated antenna, the RFU63x
will process all conventional transponders compatible with
ISO/IEC-18000-6C in the frequency range 860 to 960 MHz,
either as a stand-alone solution or as part of a group in a
network. The RFU63x sends the read results to a higher-level
computer for further processing via its host interface or
receives corresponding commands for the processing of the
data carriers (writing, reading etc.).
The purpose of these operating instructions is to allow you
to take the RFU63x into operation quickly and easily and to
achive the rst read results with transponders. It describes
commissioning for an application with  RFU63x.
Further information concerning mechanical and electrical
installation is available in the Technical Information RFU63x.
Information concerning the conguration is available in the
online help of the conguration software SOPAS ET.
The information can be accessed on the enclosed data me-
dium (DVD) or on the web page for the product RFU63x
(www.mysick.com/en/rfu63x).

Read these instructions before commissioning the RFU63x
to familiarize yourself with the device and its functions.
For national-specic regulations when operating the
RFU63x see “Restrictions of RFU63x operation, page 4”.
Connect or disconnect electrical linkages between the
RFU63x and other devices only under de-energized condi-
tions. Otherwise, the devices could suffer damage.
Conducting cross sections of the supply cable from the
customer’s power system should be designed in accor-
dance with the applicable standards. If the voltage for the
RFU63x is supplied via the CDB620-001S02 connection
module, the usable voltage range (DC 22 to 30 V) is
restricted by the use of the internal 1.25 A fuse.
Otherwise, protect the RFU63x with DC 12 to 30 V using
a separate slow-blow fuse (max. 2.5 A) in the supplying
circuit at the beginning of the cable.
Only use the RFU63x under permitted ambient conditions
(e. g. designated region, temperature, ground potential)
( see “Technical specications, page 3”).
Ensure that the radiated power of the antenna(s) used
does/do not exceed maximum permissible values in each
case ( see “Continuing conguration, page 2”).
Protect the RFU63x from moisture and dust whenever the
USB socket/Micro SD card slot cover is open. The cover
on the housing must be secured with screws in order to
comply with enclosure rating IP 67. The same applies for
protective caps/plugs on unused electrical connections.
Opening the RFU63x housing locked by screws will invali-
date any warranty claims against SICK AG.


1. Connect the communication interface (e.g. Ethernet) of the
RFU63x to the PC.
2. Where other external antennas are used (max. 3, e.g.
RFA641-3440, part no. 6034316), connect these via suit-
able connecting cables (e.g. part no. 6034081, 2 m
(6.56 ft)) to the antenna inputs of the RFU63x.
Connection module
CDB620-001S02
SOPASSOPAS
RFU63x
1
2
DC 22 ... 30 V
GND
Configuration
Diagnosis
"Power" e.g. "Ethernet"
e.g. cable
no. 2055419
(2 m, 6.56 ft)
e.g. cable
no. 6034414
(2 m, 6.56 ft)
EthernetEthernet
SerialSerial
...
...
Electrical connections diagram for the RFU63x

1. Optional: Attach any mounting accessories ordered sepa-
rately (mounting kit 1,2 or 3) to the RFU63x; see the
chapter “Mounting” in the Technical Information.
2. Otherwise mount the RFU63x using three M5 screws or
4 M6 screws to a bracket (to be provided by customer).
Screw the M6 screws (max. 12 mm/0.49 in) or M5 screws
(max. 9 mm/0.35 in) into the blind hole threads
( see “Device structure, page 2”).
3. Align the surface of the RFU63x’s integrated antenna
(front) and any external antennas to the data carrier on the
object. In doing so, take into account the shape, alignment
and dimensions of the antenna lobes. Exclude any large
metal surfaces present on the front where possible. If this
is not possible, mount the antenna(s) so they are not
plane-parallel to the surface.
e.g. 5°
Metal surface
Choosing the adjustment angle for the RFU63x in case of a large metal
front surface
4. Supply the RFU63x with voltage.
Following successful initialization, the LED “Device Ready”
will light up green. The power supply unit must be able to
bridge a main power drop up to 20 ms during operation.
5. Ensure no objects (or persons) are situated between the
RFU63x/antennas and the transponder during the read/
write process. This will have a damping/reecting effect on
the UHF eld generated, reducing the range and process-
ing speed of the RFU63x.

The UHF eld is inuenced by its environment such that clear
delineation of the range is not possible. Reections due to the
application can result both the range being exceeded and in
read/write gaps. In addition to the read results, the RFU63x
can also output diagnostics data that provides an indicator of
reading/writing quality. This data can be used when setting
up the system to attain optimal read results.
Another, considerably more decisive factor is the quality of
the transponder (antenna gain, integrated Transponder-IC
and associated sensitivity, reective energy) and the object
itself (plastic, wood, metal). Below is an example of an an-
tenna lobe that has been recorded in a reproducible environ-
ment (HF chamber) with a reference transponder (Dogbone,
Monza4, on wood). This is therefore only signicant for
particular applications in certain conditions.
Radiation pattern for internal antenna

Parameters of the RFU63x are adapted to the application and
fault diagnostics is performed using the SOPAS ET congura-
tion software as standard.


1. Install the software on the enclosed “Software & Manuals
Auto Ident” DVD onto the PC (alternatively, you can download
it from the website www.sick.com/software and then
install it). When doing this, choose the “complete” option,
as suggested by the installer program. You may require
administrative rights on your PC to install the software.
2. After installation, start the program option “SOPAS ET-ET”.
Path: Start > Programs > SICK > SOPAS ET Engineering
Tool > SOPAS.
3. Establish a connection between SOPAS ET and RFU63x us-
ing the wizard that opens automatically. To do this, select
the RFU63x from the available devices depending on the
connected data interface e.g. Ethernet.
SOPAS ET will start communication with the RFU63x and
load the relevant device description le for the RFU63x.
The
Quick start tab will open up automatically.

1. Place one or more standard compatible UHF transponders
within the work area of the internal antenna/external
antennas of the RFU63x. The UII/EPC of the individual
transponders must be different to enable several tran-
sponders to be detected.
2. In SOPAS ET on the
Quickstart tab, select the start button.
SOPAS ET will generate an automatic reading pulse (1 Hz)
and list the transponders detected below one another in
the Quickstart window (example see next page).
RFID Interrogator (UHF)

0700

Summary of content (4 pages)