RF Controls ITCSA104 RF ID Signal Acquisition & Source Location unit ITCS104 User Manual SASL Installation Guide v1 11 final
RF Controls, LLC RF ID Signal Acquisition & Source Location unit ITCS104 SASL Installation Guide v1 11 final
Contents
- 1. User Manual 1
- 2. User Manual 2
- 3. User Manual 3
User Manual 2
SASL Installation Guide V1.11 - Part # ITCS-A-100-001v1.11 May 2009
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User Guide
User GuideUser Guide
User Guide
SASL™ (Signal Acquisition & Source Location unit)
RF Controls Intelligent Tracking and Control System (ITCS™)
ITCS-A-1xx family
Models
ITCS-A-100
ITCS-A-102
ITCS-A-104
SASL Installation Guide V1.11 - Part # ITCS-A-100-001v1.11 May 2009
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Introduction
This SASL™ User Guide provides the basic information needed to install and set up an individual
SASL antenna unit. This guide is not intended to provide instructions for installing, configuring and
calibrating the RF Controls Intelligent Tracking and Control System (ITCS™). Detailed instructions
are provided in the Technical Manual (ITCS-A-100-002) and Programmer’s Reference Guide
(ITCS-A-100-003).
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This guide is intended for those who will install and set up the RF Controls SASL (Signal
Acquisition and Source Location) unit. Before attempting to install, configure and operate this
product, you should be familiar with the following:
• Windows based software installation and operation
• Device communication parameters including Ethernet and serial communications
• RFID reader configuration including antenna placement and RF Parameters
• Electrical and RF safety procedures.
CONTENTS
1. SASL overview
2. Installation
3. Software
4. Specifications
5. Safety instructions
FCC NOTICE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CONTACT INFORMATION
RF Controls, LLC
1141 S. 7
th
Street
St. Louis
MO 63104-3623
USA
Phone: +1 314 571-6200 Fax: +1 314 832-0029
e-mail: techsupport@rfcontrols-stl.com Web site: http://www.rfctrls.com
SASL Installation Guide V1.11 - Part # ITCS-A-100-001v1.11 May 2009
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SASL OVERVIEW
SASL is a multi-protocol, multi-regional Radio Frequency Signal Acquisition & Source Location unit,
which is used to Identify and locate RFID tags operating in the UHF 860 – 960 MHz frequency
band. A number of SASL units may be used together with an ITCS Location Processor to form an
Intelligent Tracking and Control System (ITCS). SASL comprises an embedded multi-protocol,
multi-regional RFID reader/writer transceiver connected to the patented steerable phased array
antenna system. SASL is designed to operate from AC mains power and communicates with a host
computer using standard Ethernet TCP/IP and UDP protocol. Figure 1 illustrates the three versions
of SASL currently available. All three versions are equipped with identical RFID reader and Array
Controller.
• ITCS-A-100 is constructed using four Bi-directional Electronically Steerable Phased Arrays
(BESPA™) arranged to provide a single array with a circularly polarized gain of 8.6dBi.
• ITCS-A-102 is constructed using two BESPAs arranged to provide a single array with a
circularly polarized gain of 7.5dBi.
• ITCS-A-104 is constructed from two pairs of BESPAs in the form of a ‘V’, each having a
circularly polarized gain of 7.5dBi. The arrays are mounted back to back so as to illuminate
a volume in opposite directions. The two arrays are fed from a single reader/writer and an
Array Controller, multiplexed so that opposite directions are alternately scanned. The
multiplexing of the separate arrays occurs at a sufficiently fast rate so to be indiscernible to
the user.
The particular units used in an installation will depend on the system design and determined by a
qualified applications engineer. For example, an ITCS-A-104 would typically be ceiling mounted in
the middle of a warehouse to extend the coverage of an ITCS system in two directions. The three
models may be intermixed as required in a single ITCS system.
ITCS-A-100 ITCS-A-102 ITCS-A-104
Figure 1
SASL (Signal Acquisition and Source Location) units
SASL Installation Guide V1.11 - Part # ITCS-A-100-001v1.11 May 2009
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INDICATOR LIGHTS
Reader Indicator Lights
There are four lights on the back of the SASL located on the SIRIT RFID reader.
The indicator lights on the SIRIT RFID reader are:
• Sense – Indicates that the reader has detected a tag in the RF field
• Transmit – indicates that the reader/writer transmitter is operating (RF on)
• Fault – Indicates that there is a fault
• Power – Indicates that power is applied to the reader
Note that when the SIRIT reader is performing power on auto-test, the indicator lights will flash
momentarily.
Figure 2
SIRIT RFID Reader Indicator Lights.
Array Controller Indicator Lights
There are two indicator lights on the Array Controller used to indicate the health of the system.
These are
• Status – The flash repetition rate indicates the status of the Array Controller. See the SASL
Technical Manual for further information
• Power – Indicates that the power supply is on and healthy.
Figure 3
Array Controller Indicator Lights
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Installation
MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
Each model of the ITCS-A-1xx family of SASL units is mounted slightly differently. SASL units
weigh up to 85 lbs (38.5kg), so it is important to ensure that the structure, to which the SASL is to
be attached, is of sufficient strength. The SASL may be ceiling mounted, wall mounted or attached
to a suitable stand. When ceiling mounted, a safety cable must be secured to a separate ceiling
fixture and attached to the SASL mounting bracket.
When mounting the SASL as a stand-alone unit, make sure that it is mounted the correct way up as
indicated by information in the Technical Manual, for the specific SASL. If the SASL is one of
several and is part of an ITCS network, then orient each SASL according to the ITCS system
installation drawings. If in doubt contact a member of our technical support team.
ITCS-A-100
The ITCS-A-100 SASL is provided in its standard configuration with a mounting bracket for
installation in a landscape orientation. An optional portrait mounting bracket is available if under
special circumstances an installation configuration requires the SASL to be installed in portrait
orientation. When mounting the SASL, the SIRIT RFID reader should be below the mounting tube
as shown in figure 5, to ensure that the center of gravity is below the axis of the mounting tube.
Consult the Technical Manual, for further information. Contact a member of our technical support
team for more information.
ITCS-A-102
The ITCS-A-102 SASL is only mounted in a landscape orientation because the array is symmetrical
there is no benefit to mounting the array in a portrait fashion. When mounting the SASL, the SIRIT
RFID reader should be below the mounting tube as shown in figure 6, to ensure that the center of
gravity is below the axis of the mounting tube. Consult the Technical Manual, for further
information. Contact a member of our technical support team for more information.
ITCS-A-104
The ITCS-A-104 SASL is designed to be mounted by hanging the array from above as shown in
figure 1. The SASL must be stabilized to ensure that the unit does not move once mounted.
Consult the Technical Manual, for further information. Contact a member of our technical support
team for more information.
The SASL mounting bracket incorporates a mounting tube which is designed to be attached to
industry standard
“UNISTRUT
®
”
industrial framing systems. (See: www.unistrut.com for more
information). Figure 4 shows the ITCS-A-100 and ITCS-A-102 mounting brackets. The ITCS-A-104
mounting is similar and uses the same “
UNISTRUT
” hardware.
When mounting the SASL as a stand-alone unit, make sure that it is mounted the correct way up as
indicated by information in the Technical Manual, for the specific SASL. If the SASL is one of
several and is part of an ITCS network, then orientate each SASL according to the ITCS system
installation drawings. If in doubt contact a member of our technical support team.
SASL Installation Guide V1.11 - Part # ITCS-A-100-001v1.11 May 2009
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ITCS-A-100 Bracket
ITCS-A-102 Bracket
Figure 4
ITCS-A-1xx Mounting Bracket
s
SAFETY WARNING
The ITCS-A-100 and ITCS-A-104 SASL weigh approximately 75 to 85 lbs (34- 38kg), and ITCS-A-
102 weighs approximately 50 lbs (23kg). These units should only be installed using suitable safety
and lifting equipment. Ensure that the wall fixings or mounting hardware is suitably rated.
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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
Electrical installation requires the connection of two plugs.
AC Mains Input
AC mains input is provided on an IEC connector on the power supply module as shown in figure 5.
Connect the provided IEC mains cord to the power supply and plug it in to a suitable mains outlet.
Note that the mains outlet must be located in close proximity to the SASL and must be accessible
to enable easy disconnection of the mains supply to the SASL in case of emergency or when
servicing.
Ethernet
The Ethernet LAN connection uses the industry standard RJ-45 connector. A suitable Ethernet
cable fitted with an RJ-45 plug is connected to the SASL RAID processor box as shown in figure 5.
The SASL is factory programmed with a fixed IP address which is shown on the label adjacent to
the Ethernet connector.
Figure 5
ITCS-A-100 Power and Ethernet Connections
SASL Installation Guide V1.11 - Part # ITCS-A-100-001v1.11 May 2009
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Figure 6
ITCS-A-102 Power and Ethernet Connections
Figure 7
ITCS-A-104 Power and Ethernet Connections
(Note: This figure is an exploded view looking through one antenna array)
SASL Installation Guide V1.11 - Part # ITCS-A-100-001v1.11 May 2009
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WARNING
The interconnect wiring and cables on the rear of the SASL are factory installed and are not
intended to be field serviceable. The RF cables are specially tuned. Any tampering or
modification of these cables or connections will invalidate type approval and may seriously
compromise the device performance. Note that the connectors are fitted with tamper evident
seals.
NON IONIZING RADIATION
This unit incorporates a Radio Frequency Transmitter and should therefore be installed and
operated so as to avoid exposure of any persons to unsafe emissions. The FCC requires that any
antenna, which includes the SASL, be mounted so that a separation distance of at least 20cm is
provided from all persons. See FCC Radiation Exposure Statement in the Safety Instructions
section of this guide.
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MULTIPLE SASL UNITS CONFIGURED AS AN ITCS
Figure 8 shows how two or more ITCS-A-1xx SASL units may be connected via an Ethernet
network to an ITCS Location Processor, one Location Processor and multiple distributed SASLs
operate collaboratively to form RF Controls’ Intelligent Tracking and Control System (ITCS™). In
this example one each of, ITCS-A-100, ITCS-A-102 and ITCS-A-104 SASL units have been
attached to the network. Combinations of the various model SASL units may be mixed and
matched as required to suit a particular installation. The RF Controls Technical Manual provides
details on how to install, configure and calibrate an ITCS. The Programmers Reference Guide
provides details of the Application Program Interface (API) used by the ITCS.
Figure 8
Intelligent Tracking and Control System comprising a number of SASL units connected via an
Ethernet Network to an ITCS Location Processor
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Software
The SASL is provided with a basic test program on a CD, to run on a Microsoft™ Windows
®
equipped Personal Computer. The program enables you to carry out a number of basic tests:
• Command the SASL to transmit
• Adjust the RF output power of the SASL as a percentage of maximum power. (Note: the
maximum output power is factory set to the maximum RF output power allowed for the
particular country of destination).
• Identify a tag by its UII (Unique Item Identifier) ISO18000-6C tag or EPC (Electronic Product
Code) in the case of an EPC UHF Gen 2 tag.
• Display the Received Signal Strength of each tag
• Display the Phi Φ and Theta θ values of the SASL beam direction.
The installation software should automatically install when the CD is inserted into the PC. If for any
reason it does not auto run, then browse for the setup.exe file on the installation CD and run it.
Once the program has been successfully installed it may be opened.
Figure 7 shows the basic test program control panel screen.
Figure 9
Test Program Control Panel Screen
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USING THE TEST PROGRAM
Set RF Output Power
Enter the desired RF output power as a percentage of the maximum power into the Set
Power box. Click the set Power button. Note: the actual maximum Radiated RF Power is
factory set to comply with the radio regulations in the country of use. In the USA and
Canada this is 4 Watts EiRP and under EN 302 208 this is 2 Watts ERP (3.2 W EiRP).
Set Beam
The beam direction may be pointed to any desired direction within ± 35º of a line
perpendicular to the centre of the SASL antenna panel. When looking in the direction of the
beam (as if through the SASL), and with the SASL orientated with the arrow upwards, Phi
+ve angles are up, -ve angles are down. Theta +ve is left and –ve is right. Enter the
steering angles Theta and Phi in the respective boxes and click set beam.
Read Tags
Click the Inventory button. Tag UII (EPC) followed by the Received Signal Strength in dBm
will be shown in the window for each tag identified. If there is more than one tag, then each
tag identified will be shown on a separate line. Click the Repeated_Inventory button to
repeatedly query for tags present in the SASL beam. This function is useful for identifying
tags that are moving.
APPLICATION INTERFACE
The SASL uses an International Standard, Application Program Interface (API) as defined in
ISO/IEC 24730-1. Further details of the API and commands are contained in the Programmer’s
Reference Guide.
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Specifications
General
ITCS
-
A
-
100
ITCS
-
A
-
102
ITCS
-
A
-
104
Frequency UHF band: 860 – 960 MHz
1
RF Radiated Output Power Adjustable from 0.1 to 4 Watts EiRP
Regulatory Compliance FCC, CFR47 Part 15.247
EN 302 208
Reading/writing Protocols ISO18000-6C / EPC UHF Gen 2
EM 4122 (TTO)
FCC ID WFQITCSA100 WFQITCSA102 WFQITCSA104
Application Interface ISO/IEC 24730-1
Environmental
Operating Temperature 0 to +55ºC
Storage Temperature -40 to +85ºC
Relative Humidity 5 to 95% non-condensing
Dimensions 64in x 32in x 8in
(163 x 81 x 20 cm) 32in x 32in x 8in
(81 x 81 x 20 cm) 30in x 32in x 28in
(76 x 81 x 72 cm)
Weight 75 lbs (34 kg) 50 lbs (23 kg) 85 lbs (39 kg)
Ethernet LAN
Connector RJ-45
Ethernet 10/100 BaseT
Indicators Yellow – link operational
Green – network traffic detected
Signals
Pin 1
TXD+
Pin 5
NC
Pin 2
TXD -
Pin 6
RXD -
Pin 3
RXD+ Pin 7 NC
Pin 4
NC
Pin 8
NC
Power Supply
Input Connector IEC/EN 60320 C14
Voltage 90 – 265 Volts AC
Frequency 47 – 63 Hz
Consumption 90VA
Antenna
Gain
2
(circularly polarized) 8.6 dBi
2
7.5 dBi
2
7.5 dBi
2
1
The SASL uses the SIRITSIRIT INfinity 510 RFID reader which will be factory set at time of shipping, to suit
the country of installation and use.
2
Nominal maximum value. Precise gain depends on transmit frequency
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Safety Instructions
This unit emits Radio Frequency non-ionizing radiation. The installer must ensure that the antenna
is located or pointed such that it does not create an RF field in excess of that permitted by the
Health and Safety Regulations applicable to the country of installation.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
The antenna used on this equipment must be installed to provide a separation distance of at
least 20cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with
another antenna or transmitter.
FCC Part 15 Notice
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Power Disconnect Device
The plug on the power supply cord is intended to be the power disconnect device. The power
source (socket or outlet) shall be located near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.
The SASL products and individual BESPA components are protected by one or more
US and International Patents pending
.
The “RF Controls” logo, and the words “RF Controls, Identify, Locate, Track”, “ITCS” and
“SASL” are registered Trademarks of RF Controls, LLC.
RF Controls, LLC
1141 S. 7
th
Street
St. Louis
MO 63104-3623
USA
Phone: +1 314 571 6200
Fax: +1 314 832 0029
e-mail: e-mail: techsupport@rfcontrols-stl.com
Web site: http://www.rfctrls.com