Identec Solutions ILR-916IP3 UHF Intelligent Long Range Interrogator System User Manual RevCiQiPORT III IM

Identec Solutions, Inc. UHF Intelligent Long Range Interrogator System RevCiQiPORT III IM

Contents

Manual 1

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i-PORT III Installation
Manual
IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, Inc.
Suite 102, 1860 Dayton Street
Kelowna, British Columbia
Canada V1Y 7W6
Tel: (250) 860-6567
Fax: (250) 860-6541
www.identecsolutions.com
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Document #7201-002, Rev C Page 2
Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, Inc. and its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors,
employees and agents provide the information contained in this Manual on an “as-is”
basis and do not make any express or implied warranties or representations with
respect to such information including, without limitation, warranties as to non-
infringement, reliability, fitness for a particular purpose, usefulness, completeness,
accuracy or currentness. IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, Inc. shall not in any circumstances be
liable to any person for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages,
including without limitation, damages resulting from use of or reliance on information
presented herein, or loss of profits or revenues or costs of replacement goods, even if
informed in advance of the possibility of such damages.
Trademarks
IDENTEC SOLUTIONS”, “Intelligent Long Range”, “ILR” and the stylized “i” are
registered trademarks and “i-Q”, “i-D”, “i-CARD”, “i-PORT”, “i-LINKS”, “Solutions. It’s
in our name.” are trademarks of IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, Inc. and/or IDENTEC
SOLUTIONS AG.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2002 IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any
means, photographic, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, or used in any information
storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of IDENTEC
SOLUTIONS, Inc.
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Document #7201-002, Rev C Page 3
Radio Frequency Compliance Statement
IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, Inc. is the responsible party for the compliance of the following devices:
MODEL: i-PORT III i-CARD i-D2 TAGS i-Qxx TAGS
FCC ID: O2E-ILR-916IP3 O2E-ICARD-NA OO4-ILR-ID2 OO4-ILR-IQ8T or
OO4-ILR-IQR
CANADA: Pending 35381032231 3538A12112 35381021756A or
35381021825
The user(s) of these products are cautioned to only use accessories and peripherals approved, in
advance, by IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, Inc. The use of accessories and peripherals, other than those
approved by IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, Inc., or unauthorized changes to approved products, may void
the compliance of these products and may result in the loss of the user(s) authority to operate the
equipment.
Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) these devices may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) these devices must accept any interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
FCC Compliance
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 radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communication.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Industry Canada Compliance
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel
brouilleur du Canada.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so
chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is not more than that required for
successful communication.
This device has been designed to operate with an antenna having a maximum gain of 8dBi. Antenna
having a higher gain is strictly prohibited per regulations of Industry Canada. The required antenna
impedance is 50 ohms.
Important Note
To comply with FCC radio frequency exposure compliance requirements, this device must be installed by
an IDENTEC SOLUTIONS certified technician. When installing antennas, a 20 centimeter passing distance
must be maintained from any body part of the user or nearby persons and the antenna.
The installer of this radio equipment must ensure that the antenna is located or pointed such that it
does not emit RF field in excess of Health Canada limits for the general population; consult Safety
Code 6, obtainable from Health Canada.
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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................5
1.1 FUNDAMENTALS .........................................................................................................................................5
1.2 SYSTEM OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................5
2.0 INSTALLATION AND START-UP...........................................................................................................6
2.1 INSTALLATION AND START-UP...................................................................................................................6
CABLE CONNECTIONS AND PLUG ALLOCATION....................................................................................................12
3.0 SOFTWARE, CONFIGURATION..........................................................................................................13
3.1 STANDARD SETTINGS, IP-ADDRESS, PASSWORD......................................................................................13
3.2 CONFIGURATION, SETTINGS .....................................................................................................................13
3.3 BOOT MENU (SERIAL)...............................................................................................................................24
3.4 INTERFACES.............................................................................................................................................26
3.5 PROTOCOLS .............................................................................................................................................26
4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................................27
4.1 TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................................................27
4.2 CONTACT ..................................................................................................................................................28
5.0 APPENDIX A - EFFECTIVE RADIATED POWER CALCULATION..............................................29
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Fundamentals
IDENTEC SOLUTIONS’ ILR® (Intelligent Long Range®) technology is the next generation of
long range RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). The objective is wireless and automated
data collection over large distances.
HOW RFID WORKS
Data is transmitted via high frequency radio waves between a tag and an interrogator.
Information stored on the tag can be read and modified. Data can be exchanged over long
distances, even in the presence of extreme operating conditions such as dust, dirt, paint or
oil.
The core element of the system is the active ILR tag, which can communicate large
amounts of data (up to 32 kBytes) at a rapid rate of transmission over very long distances
(up to 100 meters). A sophisticated anti-collision handling algorithm enables the
interrogator (i-PORT) to record data simultaneously from hundreds of these tags within
seconds. Connection of the interrogator to a host computer system permits global data
accessibility via a variety of software platforms.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ILR:
UHF Frequency (868 / 916 MHz)
Long read and write range of up to 100 meters
Variable read range from just a few meters up to 100 meters
Large storage capacity (8 kB or 32 kB)
Temperature monitoring and recording (optional)
Highly visible LED “pick-by-light” (optional)
Long battery lifetime (up to 6 years)
Anti-collision process and multi-tag handling
1.2 System Overview
IDENTEC SOLUTIONS’ ILR-System consists of 4 main components:
Active tags (also called transponders) with internal power supply, which are used to
identify goods or to store data and histories
Interrogator (i-PORT; fixed-mounted) and handheld devices (mobile), which exchange
information with the tags and host computer systems
Patch antenna for definition of the read zone
A central computer system as basis for control and monitoring
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2.0 INSTALLATION AND START-UP
2.1 Installation and Start-Up
Before installation, the installer shall have a thorough knowledge of the application. The
read locations need to be defined; whether the object is moving or stationary needs to be
determined. If the objects in question are moving objects, their speed is important for
determining the scan interval. The read locations need to be sufficiently spaced. A general
rule of thumb is that the distance between two i-PORTs should be at least double the read
range of the i-PORTs (or double the distance required) to prevent interference between the
i-PORTs.
Mounting Site:
The i-PORT should be mounted as close as possible to the read location as lengthy antenna
cables reduce the range of the system. For example, a typical 10-meter RG58 coaxial
cable causes a loss of 6 dB of RF power. This in turn means a reduction by 50% in output
power and range (see diagrams).
Cable loss as a function of cable length is displayed in the above diagram. The values are
based on an RG58 coaxial cable at a frequency of 900 MHz.
Cable Length vs. Cable Loss
0.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00
10.00
12.00
0.005.0010.0015.0020.00
Cable Length (m)
Cable Loss (dB)
Cable Loss / dB
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In the diagram above, the relative range is displayed as a function of the cable length.
Relative, because the range is dependent on the environment of the system. Under ideal
conditions (free field, high-sensitivity tags, high-sensitivity i-PORT, maximum output
power), ranges of up to 100 meters can be achieved. But if 20 meters of RG58 antenna
cabling are used, the cable loss of approximately 12 dB, will reduce the maximum range to
just one-quarter (25 meters)!
NOTE: The range losses as displayed in the diagram are independent of the original
range. If the range is 30 meters (free field, low-sensitivity tags, low-sensitivity i-PORT,
maximum output power) and 10 meters of RG58 antenna cabling are used, the range is
reduced by 50%.
Cable Length vs. Range
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
0.005.0010.0015.0020.00
Cable Length (m)
Range (%)
Range
c
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Mounting the i-PORT
Use the four mounting holes (diameter 5 mm) to attach the i-PORT. The amount of space
required to mount the i-PORT is 200mm x 250mm x 60mm (L x H x W). The i-PORT has a
mass of approximately 2 kg. A 3mm hex wrench is required to open the i-PORT access
door.
Use the rubber grommet with hole to feed cables through the housing to the outside (cable
diameter 4.75 mm to 6 mm); seal the unused feed-throughs with the blind plugs. These
feed-throughs are intended for RG58 (antenna), Ethernet or serial cables. Enclosure
rating IP64 is thus achieved. If a higher enclosure rating is required, the i-PORT must be
placed in an additional housing.
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After mounting the i-PORT, the antennas need to be installed and connected to the
appropriate antenna connectors.
Alignment of Antennas:
Align the antennas with the tags or the objects to be monitored. Linearly polarized
antennas must have the same polarization as the tags, either horizontal or vertical.
Circular polarized antennas are not dependent on the polarization of the tags.
Based on the Orientation Diagram, an initial estimate of the read zone is possible. First set
the send range of the i-PORT. To do this, use the i-PORT’s blink mode (Note: Inhibit Time
must be set to “0”). With a test tag (with LED) in hand, walk off the read zone. As long as
the tag blinks, you are still within the zone. Reduce the i-Q Tx Power parameter as
required until the read zone has reached the desired size.
System Test:
You can use the debug port to test the system and the range. Connect the i-PORT via
crossover network cable directly to a laptop computer. Create a Telnet connection by
dialing up on the debut port (Default IP-Address: 192.168.2.244, Port: 7090). Under
“Start” and “Execute”, type in “Telnet”. This terminal program will then be started.
Enter the IP-Address of the i-PORT, in order to connect with the i-PORT debug port. Debug
information will then be displayed on the monitor. The debug port must be activated (see
Debug Config).
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The result of the scan is displayed on the debug port. Each Tag-ID is listed with the
measured signal strength (depending on the number of active antennas).
No. Tags in List
Tag
-ID
Field Strength
Antenna 1
Field Strength
Antenna 2
Session Setup
(inactive)
Read data
(inactive)
Data
(inactive)
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LED Displays
Status LEDs:
a) POWER: Lights when power is applied to the i-PORT
b) RUN: Blinks (every 2 seconds) as soon as the i-PORT has booted (approx. 10
seconds after power-up)
c) HOST: Lights when a host is connected to the i-PORT
d) ERROR: Lights when an error occurs (see section: Troubleshooting)
COM LEDs:
a) RX: Lights when the i-PORT receives data on serial interface
b) TX: Lights when the i-PORT sends data on serial interface
INPUT LEDs:
a) 1-4: Light when Inputs 1-4 are set (Connection to Ground)
NOTE: This functionality has not been implemented at this time.
ANTENNA LEDs:
a) 1-4: Light when there is activity at corresponding Antennas 1-4
Green: Antenna is sending
Red: Antenna is receiving (Orange to red, depending on the strength of
the signal
b) W: Lights when there is activity at the Wake-up Antenna
OUTPUT LEDs:
a) 1-4: Light when the corresponding Outputs 1-4 are set
NOTE: This functionality has not been implemented at this time.
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Cable Connections and Plug Allocation
Antenna connectors:
ANT1-4: SMA sockets, send and receive antennas
ANT W: SMA socket, send antenna ONLY (WakeUp Antenna, for i-Q tags only)
Terminal Block 1: +10-30V Connection for power supply (10-30V DC) Supply
GND Connection for power supply (GND) Supply
Terminal Block 2: Functionality has not been implemented at this time.
Terminal Block 3: Functionality has not been implemented at this time.
Terminal Block 4: Functionality has not been implemented at this time.
Serial and Ethernet Interface:
RS 232 interface (up to 115 kb/s) (for setup and diagnostics only) and Ethernet interface
(10 / 100 Mbit/s)
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3.0 Software, Configuration
3.1 Standard Settings, IP-Address, Password
The i-PORT is supplied with the following factory settings:
IP-Address 192.168.2.244
Subnet-Mask: 255.255.255.0
User Name: user
Password: identec
To change the IP-Address, see “Boot Menu (Serial)”
3.2 Configuration, Settings
Direct Connection:
Connect the i-PORT directly to the network connection in your PC, laptop, etc. using a
crossover network cable.
Ensure that the PC’s IP-Address lies in the same subnet as that of the i-PORT.
Network Connection:
Connect the i-PORT with a straight network cable to the network.
To test the connection to the i-PORT, open a DOS window and type in the command <ping
192.168.2.244>. You should receive a reply from the i-PORT.
After successfully testing the i-PORT connection, you can start your browser and open the
i-PORT web interface. To do this, type in the i-PORT address http://192.168.2.244
In doing this, you will get to the Start page for the i-PORT. Several sub-menus are
available to you for configuration and for testing purposes.
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“Home” Menu:
Information about version numbers, firmware, serial numbers, etc. is contained in this
menu.
In the top line you can see an overview of all the menus. Click here to get to any of the
other menus.
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“Status” Menu:
Status information, which may be required in case maintenance is needed, is available in
this menu.
“Processor Activity” Menu:
Processor information, which may be required in case maintenance is needed, is available
in this menu.
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“Testing” Menu:
Several test possibilities are available in this menu. i-PORT operation is put on hold during
test mode (operation will resume after leaving test mode). The settings from the
Configuration Page (antenna settings, slots, etc.) apply here also.
Miscellaneous Settings:
Tag Type: i-Q8/32
Ant: Send antenna during test mode (for receive antenna, see Configuration)
Loop: Operation takes place in closed-loop action
Pressing the SCAN button triggers a scan. If tags are located in the zone, a list of these tags
will be displayed. Clicking on a tag selects that Tag ID (see “Tag-ID” field). Consequently,
data can be exchanged with this tag.
Session Setup: This command determines battery voltage (mV), i.e. tag status (tag
blinks).
Write EEPROM: Data can be written to the tags using this command. Enter the desired
address into the “Address” field; enter the data into the “Data” field
(Length = Amount/No. of Data Items).
Read EEPROM: Data can be read from the tags using this command. In the “Address”
field, enter the address FOLLOWING WHICH the data should be read.
Temp. Logging: Temperature progression of a temperature tag can be displayed using this
command. First execute “Session Setup”, and then click on “Temp.
Logging”! (Prerequisite: temperature tag; tag must have activated
Logger!)
Writeable Data Range for Tags (decimal):
Tag Type Start Address Stop Address Start Address Stop Address
i-Q8 132 8191
i-Q8T 132 5887 6144 8191
i-Q32T 132 5887 6144 32767
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“Graphics” Menu:
With this menu you have the ability to graphically display a tag’s field strength. This can
be useful for estimating the possible ranges i.e. to set the read zones.
The parameters from the Configuration Page (antennas, output power, scan-interval, etc.)
are to be used as settings.
Pressing the DO SCAN button triggers a scan. If tags are located in the zone, a list of
these tags will be displayed. Clicking on one or more tags transfers those Tag IDs to the
next field. Next, click on SET SELECTED TAGS.
Clicking on START APPLETS opens a window for each activated antenna (see
“Configuration”). In this window, the field strength progression is graphically displayed for
each tag that was selected. After every scan, the measured field strength from the tag
signal is entered into the diagram.
This feature allows you to estimate the size of the read zone at the given output power,
i.e. to roughly estimate the distance of the tag.
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“Configuration” Menu:
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i-PORT Configuration:
Standard i-PORT settings such as type, external devices, etc.
i-PORT Type “Fix”, “mobile VisuMC”, and “Client”
Enter the i-PORT type. “Fix” runs the I-PORT in host mode (external
device must connect to the I-PORT). “Client” runs the I-PORT in client
mode (I-PORT connects to external device). “MobileVisuMC” is a special
mode for mobile applications and will normally not be used.
i-PORT Main ID i-PORT identifier for event messages (Area ID). Allows users to attach
context-relevant reader identification to the event messages.
i-PORT SubID i-PORT identifier for event messages (Area SubID)
i-PORT SerDevice Used to select the type of device connected to the serial port. 4
possibilities: “No Device”, “GPS”, “Modem”, and “Serl Host” (Restart
after changes!)
“No Device” means the serial port is not used. There is an option to
connect a GPS device (i.e. Garmin) or a GSM Modem (i.e. Siemens
TC35). Furthermore, the i-PORT can be controlled serially (Serl
Host).i-PORT Longitude Longitude co-ordinates. Default value to
send if no GPS is connected (“Mobile VisuMC” mode).
i-PORT Latitude Latitude co-ordinates. Default value to send if no GPS is connected
(“Mobile VisuMC” mode).
Host Connection:
These are settings used if the i-PORT is to be connected to a host computer (“Client” or
“Mobile VisuMC” modes).
Host IPAddr Host computer IP address
Host Port Host computer port
Host TimeOut Connection retry interval if connection to the host is lost (“Client” mode)
Host SyncInterval Interval for synchronizing i-PORT time (if a GPS device is connected,
time is synchronized with GPS time) (“Mobile VisuMC” mode)
Host SendInterval Interval between retries if a message is not acknowledged by the host
Host ListSize Tag list is buffered until this value is reached, then sent to the host
computer (“Mobile VisuMC” mode)
Debug Config:
Settings for the Debug output (Port 7090). If a check-box is selected, that parameter is valid.
Debug HostMirror Output on Debug Port all data that is exchanged on the Host Interface
(serial or Ethernet).
Debug TagList Time after which a tag list is sent to the Debug Port (“0” means no
output)
Debug NewTag Output of newly-recognized tags (Note the Inhibit Time!!)
Debug ScanTag Output of tag list after sequence execution (see Page 28)
Synchronization:
Settings when several i-PORTs are located in a small space, necessitating synchronization of
transmissions to prevent RF interference. After marking the check-box, the IPs of the other
i-PORTs can be entered into the designated field.
Neighbour(s) IP Enter IP addresses of the neighbouring i-PORTs
Timeout Timeout for synchronization (not implemented at this time)
Scan:
i-PORT settings for the scan process.
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Mode: 3 possibilities: “Host Only”, “Continuous” and “Input 1”
“Host Only” means that the i-PORT waits for commands, processes them,
and is otherwise inactive. “Continuous” means that the i-PORT performs
continuous scans. “Input 1” mode not available at this time.
Slot Select Number of slots in which tags can answer. This is part of the anti-collision
process. Set at least double the amount of slots as the maximum number of
tags that can be expected in the zone at one time. The elapsed time per slot
in which tags can answer is 1.2 ms.
Num of Scans Number of consecutive scans completed when “Input 1” is asserted
(falling edge). In “Test Mode”, this is also the number of scans.
Scan Pause Pause inserted by i-PORT after each sequence (see page 28)
Blink:
Setting to cause tags entering the zone to blink (dependent on Inhibit Time!)
Blink If this check box is marked off, each newly-recognized tag will blink. If
Inhibit Time is activated (>0), it must first elapse for the tag (reentering the
zone) to blink again.
Read data:
Settings for i-PORT to read data from tags (mark off check box)
Start Address Address from which i-PORT begins to read data
Num of Bytes Number of bytes that are read starting from the Start Address
Power Boost Additional output power (in dB) used for data reads
Retries Maximum number of attempts to read data. Retries will all be attempted on
the antenna with the highest field strength from subject tag on the most
recent tag scan.
Tag power saving:
Settings for i-PORT to send tags into Sleep Mode (mark off check box)
Mode 3 possibilities: “Sleep”, “Mute” or “Both”
Sleep, Mute, Both (i-Q): All 3 settings have the same effect for i-Q tags (sleep).
For this duration, the tags cannot be communicated with by any reader (i-PORTs or
i-CARDs). After this time span has expired, the tags become available again.
Duration Duration of the Sleep/Mute mode
Detection:
i-PORT settings which determine which tag types to interrogate, and how.
Tag Type 3 possibilities: “i-Q”, “i-D” and “Both”
Depends on which tags need to be interrogated.
Mode 3 possibilities: “Normal”, “Max. Level” and “In/Out”
Normal: A tag is reported as soon as it enters the zone
Max. Level: Tag detection is reported when it is at maximum field strength
(see also “Detection Time”)
In/Out: Orientation recognition activated (Antenna 1…In, Antenna 2…Out,
Antenna 3…In, Antenna 4…Out)
Detection Time Max. Level Mode: Detection of tag at largest recorded field strength value
within the detection time interval
In/Out Mode: Detection of tag and calculation of orientation after detection
time interval
Inhibit Time If a previously interrogated tag leaves the zone for longer than the Inhibit
Time, it will be recognized as a new tag when it reenters the zone. If the tag
reenters the zone before expiration of the Inhibit Time, this time is reset as
if the tag had never left the zone. NOTE: This parameter needs careful
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consideration if there are likely to be tags stored for long periods in or near
the read zone!
Event message:
Settings to determine when an event message is to be sent and what the message will
contain:
Event reason A tag or an input can serve as a trigger for an event
Tag 3 possibilities: “Enter”, “Leave” or “Enter or Leave”
A message is generated when the tag enters the zone, when it leaves the
zone, or both when it enters AND when it leaves the zone.
Input This functionality has not been implemented at this time.
Message content Each message can contain up to 4 additional pieces of information. By
clicking on the check box, the corresponding information is added to the
message (in addition to the Tag ID): i-PORT ID, Time/Date, Tag Status
and Field Strength.
Antenna settings:
Settings for the antennas, power outputs, etc.
Enable By marking the check box, the corresponding antenna is activated
Scan Enable By marking the check box, the corresponding antenna is also able to
transmit
i-Q TxPower Power setting for i-Q tags at time of scan (send). Valid entries are –30 to
+6 dBm.
i-D TxPower Future option. Functionality not available at this time.
Rx Threshold Threshold (field strength of tag signal) required for tag recognition. Valid
entries are –100 to –20 dBm.
Sensitivity i-PORT receiver mode; this means that the Rx Threshold reaches –60dBm
in low sensitivity mode and –90dBm in high sensitivity mode
Cable Loss Differences in the various antenna types and cable lengths can be
adjusted here to net out the actual configuration to a “0dBm” reference
level. This facilitates the ability to enter the desired antenna output power
for scan transmit power (see example below).
Valid data for each parameter can be obtained from table in Appendix A.
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Sequence:
A sequence is defined as successive scans on one or several antennas.
Example: 2 antennas are connected (enabled and scan enabled)
“Scan” command is sent to the i-PORT
Scan is executed on Antenna 1 (Tx), Antennas 1 and 2 receive (Rx)
Scan is executed on Antenna 2 (Tx), Antennas 1 and 2 receive (Rx)
Results of the scan command / sequence are sent back
Calculation examples for “Cable Loss” field:
Coaxial cable RG58 has a loss of approximately 0.6dB/m (at 900 MHz). LMR-400 has a loss
of approximately 0.13dB/m. Loss across an SMA connector is approximately 0.2dB. Loss
across an N-to-SMA adapter (required to connect LMR-400 to the i-PORT) is 0.4dB.
1) 5dB gain antenna, 3-meter “pigtail” RG58 cable: –(Antenna Gain – Cable Loss - SMA
Connector Loss) = –(5dB – 3m x 0.6 dB/m – 0.2 dB) = –3.0 dB
2) 5dB gain antenna with N-connector on the antenna, 100-meter LMR-400 cable plus 2 -
meter RG58 adapter cable: –(Antenna Gain – N-connector Loss – LMR-400 Cable Loss –
N/SMA Adapter Loss – RG58 Cable Loss – SMA Connector Loss) = –(5dB – 0.2dB - 100m x
0.13dB/m – 0.4dB – 2 x 0.6dB/m – 0.2dB) = +10.0 dB
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“General” Menu:
With this menu, you can change the network settings of the i-PORT. Simply enter the new
values in the appropriate fields and click on the SET&REBOOT button. The i-PORT will then
reboot with the new network settings. You can write down the new IP address in the
designated spot inside the i-PORT door.
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3.3 Boot Menu (Serial)
It is possible to change basic settings such as IP address, passwords, etc. via the serial
interface. To accomplish this, the i-PORT has to be connected via the serial interface to a PC,
(with a null-modem serial cable). Next, you need to start a terminal program (Hyperterminal,
GanTerm, etc.) with the following settings:
Bits per second: 9600
Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bits: 1
Protocol: None
Start up the i-PORT as soon as there is a connection. Boot information appears on the screen
and you must press the ESCAPE key within 2 seconds to change the standard settings.
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You now have the ability to change various standard settings:
Project and Location Info: Location Assignment of i-PORT, Mounting Location
Project Assignment of i-PORT, Project
Password Settings: Password Enable/Disable Password on/off
Username and Password Username/Password
Network Interface Parameters: DHCP/IP Address DHCP or fixed IP
Subnet Mask Subnet mask
Gateway Gateway, if needed
Com1 PPP IP Necessary for GSM-Modem
Com1 PPP Peer IP Necessary for GSM-Modem
Hardware Parameters: Baud Rate Data transmission 1.2 to 57.6 kbit/s
Boot Delay Time to display Boot menu
After the changes have been made and confirmed, the i-PORT will boot up and go into the
designated mode. You can write down the new IP address in the designated spot inside the
i-PORT door.
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3.4 Interfaces
Ethernet Interface:
Rate of transmission: 10 / 100 Mbit/s
Protocols: TCP/IP, FTP, Telnet, HTTP, SNMP
Ports: Debugport 7090 for Debug data
Communication Port 7070 for communication (commands, messages)
WLAN:
It is possible to effect a WLAN connection by means of a converter, for example a Client
Bridge or Access Point.
3.5 Protocols
The protocol used by the i-PORT is an ASCII protocol. The protocol allows a host computer
to take control of the process or of the i-PORT. It is possible to execute scans, to read or
write data, to start temperature logs etc. on command.
For more information about the protocol, please refer to the i-PORT “Communication
Protocol”.
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Document #7201-002, Rev C Page 27
4.0 Troubleshooting
4.1 Troubleshooting
1) If the red Error LED blinks during the boot process and continues blinking after a
restart, contact the IDENTEC SOLUTIONS hotline.
2) If the Error LED lights up during operation, a system error has occurred (exception).
First execute a cold start (interrupt the power supply) and observe the system. If the
error occurs again, contact the IDENTEC SOLUTIONS hotline.
3) For other problems, follow the procedures as outlined below.
Problem Possible Cause Procedure Solution
No functionality after
turning on the power
supply
No power
- Measure the
voltage at the
terminal blocks
- If no voltage at terminal
blocks, check power supply
unit
- Measure directly at the outlet
for a power adaptor
- For a switching power supply,
measure voltage at both input
and output sides
Change power supply
unit, if necessary
No communication
between i-PORT and
network (PC) i.e.
cannot ping I-PORT
Wrong IP address - Double-check the i-PORT IP
address. Default-IP:
192.168.2.244
- Perform a ping on the IP (see
“Configuration, Settings”)
- If this is unsuccessful, connect
to the I-PORT via a null
modem cable and terminal
program, start the Boot menu
and check/change the IP
Change the IP address if
necessary and try to
ping the i-PORT
i-PORT IP and Host
IP are not in the
same subnet
- Double-check the subnet mask
Change the subnet mask
Wrong network
cable - Direct connection i-PORT /
Host: cross-over network cable
- i-PORT integrated into
network: network cable
Possibly change the
network cable
Defective network
cable - Do visual check on cable
Change network cable
Tags are not being
recognized Antennas are not
connected - Check if the antennas are
connected correctly
Fasten antenna cables
to the designated sites.
Use torque wrench, if
available, otherwise
tighten the SMA plug
lightly.
Antennas are not
being triggered - Check if antenna LEDs light up
(LED: ANT1, ANT2,
ANT3,
Activate the
corresponding antenna
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Document #7201-002, Rev C Page 28
ANT4, W)
(see “Configuration”)
Antenna is defective - Do visual check to see if
antenna is defective
Change antenna(s) if
necessary
Tag is out of read
zone - Hold a test tag in front of the
antenna and check if tag is
being recognized (blinks, i.e.
Debug port)
If necessary, adjust the
output power to the
requirements
Tag is too close to
antenna (Note: can
manifest if using
high power setting
and high sensitivity
tag setting)
- Move the tag away from the
antenna
If necessary, reduce the
output power to the
requirements
Tags are stationary
in an RF “dead” spot
- Move the tags. Move the antenna
slightly, add additional
antennas, or shield or
move nearby reflecting
surfaces
i-PORT does not scan
on various antennas Antennas are not
being triggered - Check if the antennas in
question are activated and
scan-enabled (see
“Configuration”)
Turn on the desired
antennas
No messages on Port
7090 (Debug port) DebugInfo has been
turned off (7090) - Check if Debug port is
activated (i.e. which data is
being transmitted)
Activate the Debug port
(“Configuration”)
File download
unsuccessful, i.e.
i-PORT does not
accept the file
No connection with
i-PORT - Check the IP address and the
network cable
Change the IP address if
required or change the
network cable
Internet browser
cannot display
i-PORT web page
Browser is trying to
access Proxy Server
- Deactivate your Internet
browser’s proxy function
4.2 Contact
In North America:
IDENTEC SOLUTIONS Inc.
#102 – 1860 Dayton Street
Kelowna, BC
V1Y 7W6
Canada
Tel: (250) 860
-6567
Fax: (250) 860-6541
In Europe
IDENTEC SOLUTIONS AG
Millennium Park 2
A-6890 Lustenau
Austria
Tel.: +43 (0)5577 87387
-0
Fax: +43 (0)5577 87387-15
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Document #7201-002, Rev C Page 29
5.0 Appendix A - Effective Radiated Power Calculation
The following is the licensed limit allowable by the appropriate regulatory bodies for
operation of IDENTEC’s RFID devices:
i-Q Operation
In North America, the approved frequency is 916.5 MHz. Our equipment is certified to
transmit an Effective Radiated Power (ERP) of 50mV/m @ 3m. This equates to transmitting
0.75mW from the antenna, or –1.25 dBm.
To calculate the power being transmitted from the antenna, the following formula may be
applied:
Effective Radiated Power (ERP) = [Output Setting] - [Cable/Connector Loss] + [Antenna
Gain]
The variables are defined as follows:
[Output Setting] = User defined;
[Cable/Connector Loss] = Variable depending on the type of cable and connectors being
used. A typical installation may use RG-58 cable with a loss of 0.2 dBm/ft. Typical
connector loss is around 0.2dB per junction;
[Antenna Gain] = 5 dBm for our antenna PN 210270-001.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that operation is within the limits of
the appropriate regulatory body where the equipment is being used.

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