AEG ARE i2.0x SEMI Compact Industrial Reader User Manual

May 15, 2024
AEG

AEG ARE i2.0x SEMI Compact Industrial Reader

AEG-ARE-i2.0x-SEMI-Compact-Industrial-Reader-product

Product Information

Specifications

  • Product Name: ARE i2.0x SEMI
  • Compatibility: SEMI applications
  • Interface: RS-232
  • Antenna: External, various form factors available
  • Transponder Compatibility: LF hdx transponders comply with SEMI standards 144-0312
  • Protection Class: IP 67 (with cable or dummy cap mounted)
  • Dimensions:
    • ARE i2.0x SEMI: 37.1mm x 57.7mm x 90.2mm x 114.5mm x 20mm x 30mm x 12mm
    • AAN Xi9F: 29.2mm x 50mm x 21mm

Product Usage Instructions

Mounting and Grounding
Mount the ARE i2.0x SEMI using the top hat rail connector on the back of the unit. Ensure proper grounding by connecting to the top hat rail or using the grounding pin as an alternative method.

Connectivity
The ARE i2.0x SEMI is connected via its M12, 5-Pin male A-coded plug. Use specified cables for power supply and communication. The LED on the front side indicates various states such as standby, reading, successful read, no read, and error. Customize LED colours as needed.

Read Range for SEMI Applications
The recommended read range for SEMI applications using an AAN Xi9F antenna is 90mm. The highest read range is achieved above the centre of the AAN Xi9F front side.

FAQ

  • Q: How do I customize the LED colors on the ARE i2.0x SEMI?
    A: The LED colours on the ARE i2.0x SEMI can be set by the user. Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to customize the LED colours based on specific states.

  • Q: What is the recommended method for grounding the ARE i2.0x SEMI?
    A: The recommended method for grounding the ARE i2.0x SEMI is by connecting it to the top hat rail connector or using the grounding pin as an alternative method.

  • Q: What is the connectivity interface for the ARE i2.0x SEMI?
    A: The ARE i2.0x SEMI is connected via its M12, 5-Pin male A-coded plug for power supply and communication.

AEG is a registered trademark used under license from AB Electrolux (publ)

Introduction

ARE i2.0x SEMI is a compact industrial reader based on an RS-232 interface. This version is compatible with SEMI applications. Does i2.0x SEMI use an external antenna for communication to the transponder? There are various antenna form factors available.

Typical system structure

AEG-ARE-i2.0x-SEMI-Compact-Industrial-Reader-fig-1

ARE i2.0x SEMI

ARE i2.0x SEMI works with LF hdx transponders that comply with SEMI standard 144-0312.

ARE i2.0x SEMI hardware

Dimensions ARE i2.0x SEMI

AEG-ARE-i2.0x-SEMI-Compact-Industrial-Reader-fig-2

Protection Class
The protection Class is IP 67, assuming a cable or dummy cap is mounted.

AAN Xi9F dimensions

AEG-ARE-i2.0x-SEMI-Compact-Industrial-Reader-fig-3

Mounting and grounding

AEG-ARE-i2.0x-SEMI-Compact-Industrial-Reader-fig-4

Mounting is recommended via the top hat rail connector on the back of the unit.

Note:
Grounding of the unit can be achieved by grounding the top hat rail. The top hat rail connector is hooked up to the internal system ground. Alternatively, mounting straps are optionally available.

Connectivity:
ARE i2.0x SEMI is connected via its M12, 5-Pin male A-coded plug. Power supply as well as communication is provided by the user. Do only use specified cables. ARE i2.0x SEMI uses a lit RFID symbol on its front side to visually communicate its various states (standby, reading, successful read, no read, error, and so on…). When ARE i2.0x SEMI is hooked up to power, the internal LED is switched to standby colour. LED colours can be set by the user.

AEG-ARE-i2.0x-SEMI-Compact-Industrial-Reader-fig-5

The antenna AAN Xi9F is connected via a 3-pin connector on top of ARE i2.0x SEMI.

AEG-ARE-i2.0x-SEMI-Compact-Industrial-Reader-fig-6

  • ARE i2.0x SEMI uses an external antenna AAN Xi9F. There are air-core coil transponders like disks and ferrite-core coil transponders like glass tube transponders. It is important to understand the impact of the orientation of transponders relative to AAN Xi9F. The optimum orientation is parallel to the top side of the antenna for glass tube transponders. In this orientation, the highest read range can be achieved.
  • If it is not possible to ensure such orientation, glass tube transponders can be oriented perpendicular to the outside of the antenna. This will result in some decrease in read range, but in most cases this is acceptable.
  • Reading distance depends a lot on the particular installation. Absolute values only make sense based on a particular transponder. Absolute values make no sense for transponder types because the values will vary too much. Above are the guiding principles to achieve the best possible read range.

Read Range for SEMI Applications using AAN Xi9F

  • Glass transponder acc. to SEMI E144-0312 standard
  • Glass transponder parallel (recommended)AEG-ARE-i2.0x-SEMI-Compact-Industrial-Reader-fig-7

The highest read range is achieved right above the centre of the AAN Xi9F front side.

Glass transponder 90° perpendicular

  • The highest read range is achieved right at the perimeter of the antenna housing.
  • Note: only one transponder in the field at a time. The above illustration only shows possible read ranges.
Firmware ARE i2.0x SEMI

Instruction Set
Communication with ARE i2.0x SEMI is based on a simple ASCII text-based protocol. The host sends text-based telegrams to ARE i2.0x SEMI and receives text-based telegrams back containing the answer to the query. Communication to ARE i2.0x SEMI is always triggered by the host.

General format of instruction set
The protocol format is as follows

  • Instruction for instructions without parameter
  • Instruction parameter for instructions with only 1 parameter
  • Instruction parameter data for instructions with parameter and data

The space character separates commands from parameters and data and the

character acts as a command line terminator.

instruction can be used to check the current parameter value for instructions that carry a parameter.

  • Input Instruction
  • Answer: Parameter

BD

BD – Baudrate parameter sets the baudrate for ARE i2.0x. Please Note: The standard parameter is 19.200 baud.

Input format:
BDParameter e.g. BD2

Hex: 42 44 20 32 0D
ASCII: ‘B’ ‘D’ ‘2’

Output (example): Baudrate 38.400 baud

Hex: 32 0D
ASCII: ‘2’

Parameter:

PARAMETER BAUDRATE
0 4.800
1 9.600
2 19.200
3 38.400
4 57.600
5 115.200

VER

  • VER – Reader firmware version
  • VER is used to get the actual reader firmware version.

Input format: VER

Hex: 56 45 52 0D
ASCII: ‘V’ ‘E’ ‘R’

Output (example): ARE i2.0x V_1.011

Hex: 21 00 15 31 0D
ASCII: ‘A’ ‘R’ ‘E’ ‘1’

TOR

TOR – Timeout Reading
After a read is triggered by GT, TOR is a time during which ARE i2.0x SEMI continuously tries to read a transponder UID without the need to be triggered by the host again. This limits bus traffic considerably. Once a successful read is performed, continuous reading stops immediately regardless of time and the transponder UID is transmitted to the host. If reading is not successful, a no read (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) is sent to the host after TOR time has expired.
The chosen parameter for TOR is sent as acknowledgement.

Input format: TOR50

Hex: 54 4F 52 20 35 30 0D
ASCII: ‘T’ ‘O’ ‘R’ ‘5’ ‘0’

Output (example): 50

Hex: 35 30 0D
ASCII: ‘5’ ‘0’

Parameter:

PARAMETER FUNCTION
0 limits the reading process duration to exactly one reading cycle
1 limits the reading process duration to a maximum of 1 time 100
2 limits the reading process duration to a maximum 2 times 100
255 limits the reading process duration to a maximum of 255 times 100

A TOR value of 50 equals 50 x 100ms = 5000ms = 5 sec.
It is recommended to set the TOR value to the amount of time it takes in a dynamic situation for the transponder to travel over ARE i2.0x SEMI. This maximizes the number of possible reads, to compensate for EMV noise in the vicinity.

GT

GT – Get Tag

  • GT is used to retrieve the transponder UID. GT uses the TOR parameter to define the time during which the reader continuously looks for a transponder without the need for the host to get involved.
  • In the SEMI application, this command can be used to retrieve the carrier ID stored in memory block 1 of the SEMI-compatible transponder.

Input format: GT

Hex: 47 54 0D
ASCII: ‘G’ ‘T’

Output (example): 1234567812345678

Hex: 31 32 33 38 0D
ASCII: ‘1’ ‘2’ ‘3’ ‘8’

Output (example in case of no transponder in the field): xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hex: 78 78 78 78 78 0D
ASCII: ‘x’ ‘x’ ‘x’ ‘x’ ‘x’

RD

RD – Read the transponder memory page

  • RD is used to read an individual memory page from a transponder in the field. RD uses the TOR parameter during which the reader continuously looks for a transponder without the need for the host to get involved.
  • Please see the datasheet of the transponder for a specific memory map. The page is input as a decimal.

Input format:

  • RDpage
  • RD 1
Hex: 52 44 20 31 0D
ASCII: ‘R’ ‘D’ ’1’

Output (example in case of a successful read): 1234567812345678

Hex: 31 32 33 38 0D
ASCII: ‘1’ ‘2’ ‘3’ ‘8’

Output (example in case of no transponder in the field): xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hex: 78 78 78 78 78 0D
ASCII: ‘x’ ‘x’ ‘x’ ‘x’ ‘x’

WD

WD – Write transponder memory page

  • WD is used to write to individual memory pages of a transponder in the field. WD uses a TOR parameter during which the reader continuously looks for a transponder without the need for the host to get involved.
  • Please see the datasheet of the transponder for a specific memory map. The page is input as a decimal.

Input format:

  • WDpagedata
  • WD 5 12345678ABCDEF78
Hex: 57 44 20 35 20 31 38 0D
ASCII: ‘W’ ‘D’ ‘5’ ‘1’ ’8’

Output (example in case of a successful write): ACK

Hex: 41 43 4B 0D
ASCII: ‘A’ ‘C’ ‘K’

Output (example in case of no transponder in the field): xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hex: 78 78 78 78 78 0D
ASCII: ‘x’ ‘x’ ‘x’ ‘x’ ‘x’

MD

MD – Read mode
MD is used to either read the chip UID once per trigger by the host (e.g GT command) or read the chip UID continuously after a trigger by the host until the mode is switched back to a single read

  • Parameters: 2 – single read (default)
  • 0 – continuous read mode

Input format:

  • MDparameterCR>
  • MD 0
Hex: 4D 44 20 30 0D
ASCII: ‘M’ ‘D’ ’0’

Output (example): 0x1

Hex: 30 0D
ASCII: ‘0’

NID

  • NID – Double reading of UID to ensure consistency in an EMV-polluted environment.
  • NID is used to double-read a transponder UID to ensure consistency in an EMV-polluted environment. The transponder UID is transmitted only after two consecutive reads of the same UID

Parameters:

  • 0 – every UID is transmitted
  • 1 – UID is only transmitted if read twice consecutively

Input format: NID 1

Hex: 4E 49 44 20 31
ASCII: ‘N’ ‘I’ ‘D’ ‘1’

Output (example): 1

Hex: 31 0D
ASCII: ‘1’

CID

  • CID – Filter same UID numbers to transmit only once via interface
  • CID is used to filter multiple read transponder UID to transmit only once via the interface. There needs to be one different Transponder UID read before the same number will be transmitted again.

Parameters:

  • 0 – no filter function
  • 1 – filter the same chip UID as previously read

Input format: CID1

Hex: 43 49 44 20 31
ASCII: ‘C’ ‘I’ ‘D’ ‘1’

Output (example): 0x1

Hex: 31 0D
ASCII: ‘1’
  • CN
  • CN – Filter no read from being transmitted via interface.
  • CN is used in those cases, where no read information ‘XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX’ is not to appear on the interface. Only valid transponder UID will be transmitted.

Parameters:

  • 0 – no filter function
  • 1 – filter no-read information from being transmitted

Input format: CID1

Hex: 43 4E 20 31
ASCII: ‘C’ ‘N’ ‘1’

Output (example): 0x1

Hex: 31 0D
ASCII: ‘1’

LD

  • LD – lock memory page
  • LD is used to lock a particular memory page from a transponder in the field.

Input format: LD 1

Hex: 4D 44 20 31 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘D’ ’1’

Output (example): 1234567812345678 (the content of the locked memory page)

Hex: 31 32 33 38 0D
ASCII: ‘1’ ‘2’ ‘3’ ‘8’

If there is an error during locking, the answer will be XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

VSAVE

  • VSAVE – Save parameter permanently in ARE i2.0 SEMI flash memory
  • VSAVE is used to save parameters permanently in the flash memory of ARE i2.0 SEMI to be available after power is on.

Input format: VSAVE

Hex: 56 53 41 56 45 0D
ASCII: ‘V’ ‘S’ ‘A’ ’V’ ‘E’

Output (example): ACK

Hex: 41 43 4B 0D
ASCII: ‘A’ ‘C’ ‘K’

INIT
INIT – Restore standard parameters. The command needs to be followed up by VSAVE to permanently store the parameters.

Input format: INIT

Hex: 49 4E 49 54 0D
ASCII: ‘I’ ‘N’ ‘I’ ’T’

Output (example): ACK

Hex: 41 43 4B 0D
ASCII: ‘A’ ‘C’ ‘K’

The following parameters are set:

  • BD 3 LRD 01001
  • TOR 50 LNRD 10001
  • CID 0 LERR 10011
  • CN 0 LRT 30
  • MD 2 LPA 00000
  • LSTB 01101 LED 1
  • LGT 01111

Error messages

  • Error messages and protocol errors are acknowledged by ARE i2.0x SEMI using an error code. The format is described below:
    • ‘#’

Example error #02 (wrong parameter)

Hex: 15 23 30 32 0D
ASCII: ‘#’ ‘0’ ’2’

The error code is comprised of a two-digit ASCII-coded number.

The following table displays possible error messages:

Error code Meaning
“00” Unknown instruction
“02” Wrong parameter

LED instruction set
ARE i2.0 SEMI employs a multi-colour LED to signal different modes?

Basically below colors can be created:

The user can choose any colour apart from white. This color is reserved for setup help functionality as described below.

The following modes use a distinct colour each.

  • Standby (LSTB)
  • Reading (LGT)
  • Transponder number successfully read (LRD)
  • No Read (LNRD)
  • Error (LERR)
  • Process active (LPA)
  • Process status (LPS)

In addition, the user can choose to switch on the LED permanently or flashing.

The following instruction set is used:
ModeRGBFX

  • R – Red
  • G – Green
  • B – Blue
  • F – Flash
  • X – LED functionality ON or OFF for this mode
  • Allowed parameters are 1 (on) or 0 (off)
  • Default colours are shown with the instructions.

LED Standby (LSTB)
The standby colour is Cyan, with no flash.

Input format: LSTB 01101

Hex: 4C 53 54 42 20 30 31 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘S’ ‘T’ ‘B’ ‘0’ ’1’

Output: 01101

Hex: 30 31 31 30 31 0D
ASCII: ‘0’ ‘1’ ‘1’ ‘0’ ‘1’
  • Standby mode is active if no other instructions are carried out.
  • If the Standby LED is switched off, the LED will be active for 10 seconds after reboot in its last colour scheme and then it will be switched off.

LED Reading (LGT)
The reading colour is Cyan, flashing

Input format: LGT 01111

Hex: 4C 47 54 20 30 31 31 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘G’ ‘T’ ‘0’ ‘1’ ’1’

Output: 01111

Hex: 30 31 31 31 31 0D
ASCII: ‘0’ ‘1’ ‘1’ ‘1’ ‘1’

Reading mode is active for the duration of the TOR parameter. It will stop prematurely only to show a successful read using the respective colour. At the end of the TOR parameter, it will show the no-read mode LED colour.

LED Transponder number successfully read (LRD)
Successful read colour is green, no flash

Input format: LRD 01001

Hex: 4C 52 44 20 30 31 31 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘R’ ‘D’ ‘0’ ‘1’ ’1’

Output: 01001

Hex: 30 31 30 30 31 0D
ASCII: ‘0’ ‘1’ ‘0’ ‘0’ ‘1’

Successful read mode is active for LRT seconds, after which the standby mode will be active again.

LED No Read (LNRD)
No Read colour is red, no flash

Input format: LNRD 10001

Hex: 4C 4E 52 44 20 31 31 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘N’ ‘R’ ‘D’ ‘1’ ’1’

Output: 10001

Hex: 31 30 30 30 31 0D
ASCII: ‘1’ ‘0’ ‘0’ ‘0’ ‘1’

No Read mode is active after TOR seconds for LRT seconds, after which the standby mode will be active again.

LED Return to standby (LRT)
Some modes require ARE i2.0x SEMI to go back to standby. The time until this happens is set by using the LRT command.

Input format: LRT time

Hex:| 4C| 52| 54| 20| 33| 30| 0D|  |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
ASCII:| ‘L’| ‘R’| ‘T’| | ‘3’| ‘0’| |  |

Output: 30

Hex: 33 30 0D
ASCII: ‘3’ ‘0’

LRT30 sets approx. 3 seconds as time for a return to standby (30x100ms)

LED Error (LERR)
The error colour is red, flashing

Input format: LERR 10011

Hex: 4C 45 52 52 20 31 31 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘E’ ‘R’ ‘R’ ‘1’ ’1’

Output: 10011

Hex: 31 30 30 31 31 0D
ASCII: ‘1’ ‘0’ ‘0’ ‘1’ ‘1’

Error mode is triggered by an error of ARE i2.0x SEMI and is active until a correct instruction is received.

LED Process active
In case of multiple commands being sent to the chip (e.g. rd and wd instructions), it may be necessary to control LED functionality manually. The LED Process active instruction sets the LED to a defined colour and mode. This colour and mode stay on as long as the LED Process active parameter is switched on. Normal LED functionality is discontinued during the activity of this parameter. LED functionality returns to normal only when the LED Process active is switched off via its X parameter.

Activating Process active
LED colour is yellow, flashing

Input format: LPA 11011

Hex: 4C 50 41 20 31 31 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘P’ ‘A’ ‘1’ ’1’

Output: 11011

Hex: 31 31 30 31 31 0D
ASCII: ‘1’ ‘1’ ‘0’ ‘1’ ‘1’

Deactivating Process active
LED colour doesn’t care, because the parameter is switched off using the X parameter

Input format: LPA 11010

Hex: 4C 50 41 20 31 30 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘P’ ‘A’ ‘1’ ’0’

Output: 11010

Hex: 31 31 30 31 30 0D
ASCII: ‘1’ ‘1’ ‘0’ ‘1’ ‘0’

LED Process status
LED Process status is used to indicate the status of a process after it is performed.

Successful Process
LED colour is green, not flashing

Input format: LPS 01001

Hex: 4C 53 54 20 30 31 31 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘P’ ‘S’ ‘0’ ’1’ ’1’

Output: 01001

Hex: 30 31 30 30 31 0D
ASCII: ‘0’ ‘1’ ‘0’ ‘0’ ‘1’

Not Successful Process
LED colour is red, not flashing

Input format: LPS 10001

Hex: 4C 53 54 20 31 30 31 0D
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘P’ ‘S’ ‘1’ ’0’ ’1’

Output: 10001

Hex: 31 30 30 30 31 0D
ASCII: ‘1’ ‘0’ ‘0’ ‘0’ ‘1’

LPS stays on for LRT seconds and then returns to standby.

LED Setup help (FLED)

  • To locate the respective ARE i2.0 SEMI hooked up to a particular RS 232 port, the instruction FLED is used.
  • This instruction flashes the LED in white for 10 seconds. The colour can not be changed.

Input format: FLED

Hex: 4C 53 54 42 0D
ASCII: ‘F’ ‘L’ ‘E’ ‘D’

Output: FLED

Hex: 4C 53 54 42 0D
ASCII: ‘F’ ‘L’ ‘E’ ‘D’

After flashing for 10 seconds ARE i2.0x SEMI returns to standby mode.

LED (De)activate LED functionality (LED)
To deactivate (or activate) the LED functionality, LED instruction is used.

Input format: LEDParameter

Hex: 53 54 42 20 30 OD
ASCII: ‘L’ ‘E’ ‘D’ ‘0’

Output: 0

Hex: 30 0D
ASCII: ‘0’
  • LED 0 deactivates LED functionality.
  • LED 1 activates LED functionality (default).
  • The above examples represent ARE i2.0 SEMI default values.

System Implementation

Power supply
SEMI industry uses hdx LF RFID technology. This particular method relies on field gaps, where the RFID field is switched off. In this gap, the transponder answers with its code. This method has the advantage of a high read range in laboratory conditions. However, in an EMV-polluted environment, the read range of hdx transponders is significantly reduced as even low noise signals have a direct impact on read range. Therefore system integration must make sure that the power supply for ARE i2.0x SEMI is stable and clean with no noise. It is recommended to use linear power supplies rather than switching power supplies. All other applications benefit from this as well.

Grounding
Please make sure that ARE i2.0x SEMI is properly grounded. This ensures proper functionality of the entire system comprising of ARE i2.0x SEMI and AAN Xi9F. Please see Chapter 2.1.4 for details on grounding.
Grounding can be achieved by grounding the DIN hat rail, as the clamp on the backside of ARE i2.0x SEMI is connected to the ground. Alternatively, the grounding pin on the front side of ARE i2.0x SEMI can be used to achieve this.

Mounting on metal
ARE i2.0x SEMI is typically mounted on a metal DIN hat rail in a metal electrical cabinet. There is no influence of metal on the performance of ARE i2.0x SEMI and therefore nothing to watch out for.
It is recommended to mount AAN Xi9F onto a non-conductive surface. However, AAAN Xi9F is designed to work when mounted on metal as well. There is a slight decrease in read/write range when compared to mounting on non-conductive surfaces, but in most cases the read/write range will still be plenty for the application.

Frequency converters
Frequency converters used in electronic motors are a source of significant EMV noise. Make sure to stay away as far as possible from those frequency converters when designing spots where ARE i2.0x SEMI is to be used. Noise from frequency converters significantly reduces the read range of ARE i2.0x SEMI.

FCC Statement

ARE i2.0x SEMI
Valid for ARE i2.0x SEMI

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement §15.21
You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the part responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

§15.105 Information to the user.

Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used under the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
  • Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Release, Change Protocol

Revision: Date: Changes: Author:
01 28.05.2023 Release first edition NK
02 09.06.2023 Details added NK

AEG Identifikationssysteme GmbH

AEG is a registered trademark used under license from AB Electrolux (publ).

References

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