Zebra Technologies TFF-2000-00AA WhereTag IV User Manual
Zebra Technologies Corporation WhereTag IV Users Manual
Contents
- 1. Users Manual
- 2. Users Guide
Users Manual
©WhereNet Corp. TFF-2000-00AA_WhereTag IV Users Guide Page 1
WhereTag IV
User’s Guide
Document Number D1194r01 Preliminary, September 2006
Model Number: TFF-2000-00AA
WhereNet Corp.
2858 De La Cruz Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-845-8500
WWW.WhereNet.COM
©WhereNet Corp. TFF-2000-00AA_WhereTag IV Users Guide Page 2
FCC Requirements
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.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la class B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Radio Equipment Authorization: FCC ID: NSQTFF-2000-00AA
IC: 3586B-TFF2000
RF Notice
The antenna used for this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
Any changes or modifications to WhereNet Corp. equipment not expressly approved by WhereNet Corp. could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not attempt to open the unit to change batteries.
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Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................4
Installation and Activation................................................................................................7
Tag Mounting Options.......................................................................................................7
Specifications ......................................................................................................................8
©WhereNet Corp. TFF-2000-00AA_WhereTag IV Users Guide Page 4
Introduction
System overview
The WhereNet Real Time Locating System (RTLS) is designed to permit users to determine the position of tagged assets
in both indoor and outdoor facilities such as factories and freight yards. The system locates tagged assets by a process
involving redundant triangulation. Each tag autonomously emits a 2.4 GHz direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) radio
signal at predetermined blink rate. Each tag’s blink rate is randomized around its predetermined value to minimize the
number of collisions between transmissions made by different tags. The signal emitted by the tag is received by a
minimum of four Location Antennas. A typical transmission contains a preamble which is used to synchronize the
receiver, the tag’s serial number which identifies the tag, a status word which monitors various tag functions, data stored
in the tag’s memory and finally a CRC used to assure that the tag’s message is correct as received.
The principal components of WhereNet’s RTLS are shown in Figure 1.
WhereTag IV Device
The WhereTag IV is a key component of the WhereNet Real Time Locating System (RTLS). It is a small device that can
be attached to assets of many kinds, such as forklifts, containers, ULDs, hospital and test equipment as well as trailers and
container chassis's. It is used to manage those assets by allowing them to be identified and located by the system.
The WhereTag IV "blinks" an RF transmission at pre-programmed rates ranging from 0.5 seconds to one hour between
blinks. The WhereNet RTLS infrastructure receives these blinks and use sophisticated Differential Time of Arrival,
(DTOA), algorithms to determine the location of the tag. Accuracy of this determined location can be as low as 2 meters
and is nominally within 3 meters in most installations.
The WhereTag IV complies with the ISO 24730-2 RTLS standard. It operates in the globally accepted 2.4GHz frequency
band and transmits spread spectrum signals in accordance with the standard. The use of direct sequence spread spectrum
technology provides extremely long range; in excess of 1,000 meter locate range outdoors, and 300 meter locate range
indoors.
The WhereTag IV also incorporates an 802.11b transceiver for data communication and/or positioning by standard or
location-enabling 802.11 access points.
The combination of low average power consumption and good engineering allow the WhereTag IV to operate for long
periods of time without any maintenance. Battery life can be a long as 7 years depending upon blink rate.
A magnetic receiver is also built into the WhereTag IV. The tag can receive low frequency magnetic signals from an
exciter called a WherePort. The WherePort transmissions can be read at distances ranging from 1 to 7 meters.
Each WhereTag IV has a unique identification number that is transmitted via radio during each blink. When its battery is
running low, the tag alerts the WhereNet RTLS infrastructure so that the tag can be proactively replaced. WhereTag IVs
are configured with WhereNet’s WhereWand.
The WhereTag unique ID number is also printed as a Code 128 on the bar code labels affixed to the tag’s case. The bar
code enables seamless integration with existing inventory systems and delivers a cost effective total resource visibility
solution that extends beyond the range of the WhereNet RTLS.
Designed to operate in a wide range of applications, the WhereTag IV is fully sealed and will function in both indoor and
outdoor environments. The tag's case is also resistant to oils, solvents and hydraulic fluids.
©WhereNet Corp TFF-2000-00AA_WhereTag IV Users Guide Page 5
Figure 1: WhereNet Real Time Locating System Block Diagram
WhereTag IV
VSS Server VSS
Database
1-Way 2.4 GHz DSSS or 802.11b
(Range = 1000 ft indoors or 3000 ft
outdoors)
WherePort
III 1-Way 115 kHz FSK
(Range = 25 ft)
WhereWand
Hand-held
Computer with
Laser Barcode
Reader
115 kHz
FSK
2.4 GHz
OOK
(Range = 3 ft)
1-Way
2.4 GHz
DSSS
WhereLan WhereLan
WhereLan
WhereLan
Corporate LAN
Wired
Ethernet or
Wireless
802.11 Link
Wired
Ethernet or
Wireless
802.11 Link
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WhereLan Location Sensor (LOS) and Location Access Point (LAP)
The Location Sensor and Locating Access Point receive the tag transmissions and forwards the information to the
WhereNet Visibility Server Software which performs locations calculations, database functions and systems management.
The Location Sensors and Locating Access Points communicate with each other and the Visibility Server Software via
standard wired Ethernet cables or an 802.11b-compliant wireless LAN. Utilizing sophisticated DSP technology, the LOS
and LAP are able to track large populations of WhereTags simultaneously. They can be installed in a grid configuration
to provide ubiquitous coverage over large areas comprised of many cells. The Locating Access Point combines multiple
functions: an RTLS Location Sensor and a Wi-Fi certified access point for wireless LAN clients and applications
WherePort III
WherePort III is a proximity communication device that is used to trigger a WhereTag to transmit an alternate "blink"
pattern. When a WhereTag passes though the WherePort's field, the tag can initiate a pre-programmed and (typically)
faster blink rate to allow more location points as a tagged asset passes through a critical threshold, such as a
shipping/receiving dock door or from one zone to another. When the WhereTag is sending WherePort-initiated blinks, the
tag includes the identification number of the WherePort.
WhereWand Handheld Programmer
The WhereWand Handheld Programmer consists of a handheld computer with an integrated Type II PC card and an
antenna assembly. The WhereWand is capable of two-way wireless communication with WhereTag devices. The
WhereWand is also capable of wired communication with WherePort devices. The third capability of the WhereWand is
wireless communications with the WhereLan. The WhereWand communicates with WhereTag devices by sending
magnetic FSK data to the tag and receiving on-off keyed / frequency shift keyed (OOK/FSK) RF data from the tag.
Communication with the WhereTag allow the user to set tag configuration parameters such as DSSS blink intervals and
tag responses to such stimuli as WherePorts and/or switch/telemetry inputs. It also allows the user to read back
configuration and other data from the tag.
Visibility Server Software (VSS)
WhereNet's Visibility Server Software (VSS) is an integrated software package that provides all the tools required to
effectively manage assets and resources as well as the WhereNet Real-Time Locating System (RTLS). Visibility provides
all core software components to allow efficient resource management. Key among those software components is
WhereSoft Locate, which is a distributed Windows Service. When WhereSoft Locate is combined with Visibility and any
of the many applications available from WhereNet, it is possible to locate assets, know their status, and react to any
number of user configurable alert conditions. Visibility also provides the tools required to control and monitor the Real-
Time Location System (RTLS). It includes configuration tools, diagnostics, system alerts, an interface manager and
installation tools.
©WhereNet Corp TFF-2000-00AA_WhereTag IV Users Guide Page 7
Tag Installation and Activation
Tags are shipped with all radio emitters deactivated. Prior to installing a tag on an item to be tracked, the tag must be
activated. This is done using the WhereNet’s WhereWand. The WhereWand is used to configure and activate the tag, and
to confirm that the tag is properly configured and operational. The detailed procedure for tag activation is covered in
WhereWand User’s Manual.
Tag Mounting Options
Introduction
The WhereTag IV device has a variety of ways to be mounted depending on the user’s needs. The following mounting
methods can be used:
Built-in mounting ears for screws, rivets (ears are removable).
Tie wrap
Poly-lock
Adhesive tape
Vehicle rearview mirror mount
Trailer and ISO container mounts
©WhereNet Corp TFF-2000-00AA_WhereTag IV Users Guide Page 8
Specifications (Subject to change without notice)
WhereTag IV (Model #: TFF-2000-00AA)
CAPABILITIES
Frequency Range .......................................... 2.4 to 2.483 GHz
Typical Read Range, Indoors........................ 300 m (1000 ft)
Typical Read Range, Outdoors..................... 900 m (3000 ft)
User Configurable Blink Rate....................... 0.5 sec to 1 hr
WherePort Range.......................................... 6 m (20 ft) (With WherePort set for maximum power and optimum orientation.)
TAG MOUNTING OPTONS
Built-in mounting ears for screws, rivets (ears are removable)
Tie wrap
Poly-lock
Adhesive tape
Vehicle rearview mirror mount
Trailer and ISO container mounts
ELECTRICAL
Power............................................................ AA 3.6V Lithium Thionyl Chloride cell (The battery is not replaceable.)
Typical Battery Life...................................... 6.5 years (dependent on blink rate and operating temperature)
ENVIRONMENTAL / PHYSICAL
Operating Temperature Range...................... -40º C to +65º C (-40º F to +149º F)
Storage Temperature Range.......................... -40º C to +70º C (-40º F to +158º F)
Durability...................................................... 1.8 m (6 ft) drop to concrete
Height ........................................................... 2.1 cm (0.9 in)
Length, without mounting tabs ..................... 6.6 cm (2.6 in)
Width ............................................................ 4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Weight........................................................... 53 g (1.9 oz)
Environmental Sealing.................................. IP67 (dust tight, immersible)
Case Material................................................ Molded Plastic (polyester)
REGULATORY APPROVALS
North America:
FCC Part 15 Class B, Part 15.247
Industry Canada ICES-003, RSS-210, RSS-GEN
Europe:
R&TTE Directive 99/5/EC: EN 300328, EN 301489-17, EN 60950-1