CAENRFID Lepton x1 RFID Module User Guide
- June 1, 2024
- CAENRFID
Table of Contents
CAENRFID Lepton x1 RFID Module
Specifications
- Module Options : Lepton, Leptonx1, Leptonx4
- Power Options: Chip E310 (25dBm), E710 (30dBm), E910
- Antenna Ports: 1 or 4
- Mounting Mode: SMD Connectors
Product Usage Instructions
Choosing the Right Module:
If you are focusing on high-volume production and optimizing manufacturing
time and PCB space, consider using one of the base Lepton models. The choice
of the module should be based on the performance requirements of your final
product. For applications that need multiple antenna outputs, you may need to
add an antenna multiplexing circuit to your baseboard.
Base Modules vs. SMD Variants:
The base modules have a single antenna output and are suitable for standard
applications. If you opt for the SMD variant, ensure a precise design of the
baseboard PCB and consider using a heat sink for more powerful modules.
Detailed guidelines for correct usage and mounting are provided in the
technical manual.
LeptonX Variant:
Choose a LeptonX variant if your production volume does not require automatic
mounting or if you prefer manual module mounting due to specific mechanical
design requirements. While LeptonX variants can be used in portable devices,
the base version is recommended for its compact dimensions. LeptonX variants
are better suited for fixed or integrated readers.
Performance choice
Choosing between the Lepton³, Lepton⁷or Lepton⁹, in any of the variants, is
a decision based only on the performance needs in terms of output power, speed
and sensitivity that have impact on the reading distance, the ability
to read tags in complex environments and the reading speed.
Lepton³ series
Lepton³ is the lowest performance module with a maximum output power of
25dBm and a sensitivity of –72dBm. It is still a good performing reader, but
it is not indicated for long range readings like it is typically needed on
fixed readers. Lepton³ is best suited for desktop/countertop readers like in
POS applications, for short range mobile and wearable readers, for printersand
any other proximity reading applications.
Lepton⁷ series
Lepton⁷ is a high-performance module with a maximum output power of 30dBm
and a sensitivity of –85dBm and it is well suited for long range applications.
Lepton⁷ is the best choice for high-performance mobile readers like sleds or
integrated terminals for warehousing applications but it’s also a good choice
for fixed readers (especially the 4-port variant) and long-range integrated
readers (e.g. readers for vehicle access control).
Lepton⁹ series
Lepton⁹ is the highest performing module of the Lepton series with an
outstanding receiver sensitivity of –90dBm that makes it best suited for the
most demanding applications. Typical usage of the Lepton⁹ modules is to build
high-performance fixed reader or any application that needs long range reading
capability, high speed and reading accuracy in complex environments with large
population of tags.
SMD Variants
Lepton base models (Lepton³, Lepton⁷ and Lepton⁹) are SMD (Surface Mount
Devices) that means that they need to be soldered on a base board as the
majority of modern electronic components. SMD components, even if they can be
soldered manually, are best suited for automatic soldering machines and, for
this reason, the Lepton modules are provided in standard trays that are
accepted by pick and place machines. As a result, if you are looking for high
volume production where optimization of manufacturing time and PCB space is
important, the best choice is to use one of the base Lepton models. The choice
of the model depends on the performance needs of the final product. Using the
SMD variant of the modules on the other hand requires a more accurate design
of the base board PCB including the usage of a heat sink at least for the more
powerful Lepton⁷ or Lepton⁹ modules. All the guidelines for correct usage and
mounting of the modules are included in the respective technical manual. All
the base modules have a single antenna output so, if the final product requires
multiple antennas outputs, you need to add an antenna multiplexing circuit on
your base board, our technical support team will be happy to help with the
design. All the Lepton modules share the same pinout so you can design a
single base board and install a Lepton³, Lepton⁷ or Lepton⁹ to obtain variants
of your final product with different performance levels.
Connector Variants
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LeptonX models (Lepton³x1, ³x4, ⁷x1, ⁷x4, ⁹x1 and ⁹x4) are equipped with connectors for both data communication and antennas. The modules are all based on the respective base SMD models adding the connectors and, in the case of the x4 variant, the antenna multiplexing circuit to drive 4 antenna outputs.
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You should choose a LeptonX variant if your production volume does not require automatic mounting, space saving or if you prefer to mount the modules manually for any reason related to the mechanical architecture of your
final product. -
Although it is possible to use LeptonX variants for portable devices, it is preferable to use the base version mostly because of the reduced dimensions. LeptonX variants are more well-suited for fixed readers or integrated readers.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the SMD variant for portable devices?
A: While possible, it is advisable to use the base version due to its compact
size, making it more suitable for portable applications.
Q: How many antenna ports are available in the different Lepton models?
A: The base Lepton models have one antenna port, while the Leptonx1 and
Leptonx4 variants offer four antenna ports.