SIMATIC. RFID systems User application for RF610M Mobile Reader. Introduction. Description 2. Installing Software 3. Parameterization of the software

Transcription

1 SIMATIC RFID systems SIMATIC RFID systems User application for RF610M Mobile Reader Operating Instructions Introduction 1 Description 2 Installing Software 3 Parameterization of the software 4 Read and evaluate data 5 Troubleshooting 6 A Appendix Edition 12/2005 D0175-U001-A0-7618

2 Safety Guidelines This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are graded according to the degree of danger. Danger indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken. Warning indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken. Caution with a safety alert symbol, indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken. Caution without a safety alert symbol, indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken. Notice indicates that an unintended result or situation can occur if the corresponding information is not taken into account. If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to property damage. Qualified Personnel The device/system may only be set up and used in conjunction with this documentation. Commissioning and operation of a device/system may only be performed by qualified personnel. Within the context of the safety notes in this documentation qualified persons are defined as persons who are authorized to commission, ground and label devices, systems and circuits in accordance with established safety practices and standards. Prescribed Usage Trademarks Note the following: Warning This device may only be used for the applications described in the catalog or the technical description and only in connection with devices or components from other manufacturers which have been approved or recommended by Siemens. Correct, reliable operation of the product requires proper transport, storage, positioning and assembly as well as careful operation and maintenance. All names identified by are registered trademarks of the Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner. Disclaimer of Liability We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent editions. Siemens AG Automation and Drives Postfach NÜRNBERG GERMANY Order No.: D0175-U001-A Edition 11/2005 Copyright Siemens AG Technical data subject to change

3 Table of contents 1 Introduction Description Installing Software Parameterization of the software Read and evaluate data Start RFID scan and identify tags Assigning identified tags to a name or barcode Processing acquired data Troubleshooting A Appendix...A-1 A.1 Service & support...a-1 A.2 Contact partner...a-2 A.3 Training...A-2 Glossary... Glossary-1 Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A iii

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5 Introduction 1 Purpose of the Manual This manual contains all the information you need for installing and handling the user application for the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader. The manual is intended for commissioning personnel and machine operators who start up the application themselves, use it to identify RFID tags and to assign names or barcodes to them. Scope of this manual This documentation is valid for Version of the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader and describes the state of the product package as of December Position in the Information Landscape For supplementary instructions on how to handle the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader, please refer to the corresponding manuals. Conventions The abbreviation "reader" is also used within this documentation for the product name SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader. The user application for the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader is also referred to as the "application". History Version Remarks 12/2005 First edition Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

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7 Description 2 Application The user application for the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader allows you to identify RFID tags and to assign names or barcodes to them. The data obtained can be saved and evaluated for further processing. Notice Tag compatibility The SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader only recognizes RFID tags, that are described with an Electronic Product Code (EPC). Functionality Identification of RFID tags Assignment of names or barcodes to the identified RFID tags Saving and evaluating the data obtained in XML format Notice Operation of the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader is not permitted in Europe The RFID module of the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader operates in the North American UHF range of 902 to 928 MHz. Operation in Europe can interfere with the GSM network and is not permitted. Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

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9 Installing Software 3 Requirement To install the user application for the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader, you will need the following hardware and software components: Product CD "User application for SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader". Microsoft Active Sync from Version 3.4 PC with Windows 2000 / XP and integrated Microsoft.Net Framework Version 1.1 and higher Note Download of Microsoft Active Sync Microsoft Active Sync is not part of the scope of supply. However, the current version of the application can be downloaded from Notice Compatible Microsoft.Net Framework Version Check under Start > Settings > Control Panel > Software whether you have Microsoft.Net Framework of Version 1.1 or higher on your PC. If this is not the case, download an update from Procedure 1. Install Microsoft Active Sync on the PC 2. Install a USB driver for SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader on the PC 3. Establish a partnership between the PC and the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader 4. Install the user application for the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader Note Necessary Installation Steps If the user application is already installed on your reader, only perform installation steps 1 to 3. Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

10 Installing Software Install Microsoft Active Sync on the PC With Microsoft Active Sync, you can synchronize files between your PC and the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader and transfer applications to the reader. With an Active Sync connection, the reader can be accessed as a drive in Windows Explorer under "Mobile Device". For further information on Microsoft Active Sync, see the accompanying help file. If Microsoft Active Sync is not installed on your PC or if an earlier version than 3.4 is installed, you should install the current version available from Microsoft. Notice Update / Installation of Microsoft Active Sync Before you update or install Microsoft Active Sync, you must deinstall the old version. Proceed as follows when installing Microsoft Active Sync: 1. Start the installation program by double-clicking the file msasync.exe. 2. Follow the instructions on the screen. Note Standard Sync Folder When installation has been completed, Microsoft Active Sync creates the folder Workabout Pro My Documents on the desktop of your PC. In the Active Sync settings menu under Sync Options, when you select the option Data, the content of the desktop folder is synchronized on the reader for every Active Sync procedure with the content of the folder My Documents on the reader. 3-2 Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A0-7618

11 Installing Software Install a USB driver for SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader on the PC Note Windows XP: Ignore compatibility test During installation of the USB driver under Windows XP, a message may be displayed indicating that the driver has failed the compatibility test. Ignore this message and proceed with the installation. Proceed as follows to install the USB driver for the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader: 1. Connect the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader to a spare USB port of your PC through the USB cradle. 2. Switch the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader on. 3. Insert the product CD "User application for SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader" in the drive of your PC. 4. Start the installation program by double-clicking the file usbsetup.exe. 5. Under Select Device, select the option Workabout Pro. 6. Follow the instructions on the screen. Establish a partnership between the PC and the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader A relationship must be established between the PC and the reader so that Microsoft Active Sync recognizes the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader. 1. Proceed as follows to establish the partnership: 2. Connect the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader to a spare USB port of your PC through the USB cradle. 3. Switch the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader on. 4. Microsoft Active Sync starts automatically and recognizes the reader as a new device. Answer the prompt as to whether a partnership should be established between the PC and the reader with Yes. 5. Follow the instructions on the screen. Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

12 Installing Software Install the user application for the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader 1. Insert the product CD "User application for SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader" in the drive of your PC. 2. Connect the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader to your PC over the USB cradle. 3. Switch the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader on. Microsoft Active Sync starts automatically. 4. Start the installation program for the user application by double-clicking the file setup.exe. 5. Select the storage location for your files on your PC and click Next. Figure 3-1 Storage location PC 6. Select the storage location for the files on the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader: The installation program presents you with the default directory (Program Files) as the first option. If you require this option, click Yes. Figure 3-2 Default directory for reader 3-4 Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A0-7618

13 Installing Software 7. If you decide against the default directory, the installation program will offer the following options: Main Memory: The application is installed in main memory of the reader Network: The application is installed on a network drive to be specified Flash Disk: The application is installed on the flash disk of the reader. Confirm your selection by clicking OK. Figure 3-3 Alternative storage locations for reader 8. Microsoft Active Sync transfers the files of the user application from your PC to the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader. Note Storage location flash disk When the flash disk is selected as a storage location for the user application, the files will be retained even after a reader cold reset (Start > Shutdown > Cold Reset). Notice Update / reinstallation of the user application for SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader Before you update the user application or install it, you must deinstall the old version on your PC (Start > Settings > Control Panel > Software). With the next Active Sync connection, the application will be automatically deinstalled from your reader. Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

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15 Parameterization of the software 4 Before you read data using the SIMATIC RF610M Mobile Reader, you have to parameterize the user application. Procedure 1. Start the user application on the reader (Start > Programs > SIMATIC RF610M). The main window for the application is displayed. Figure 4-1 Main window of the application Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

16 Parameterization of the software 2. Open the settings menu (Tools > Properties). Figure 4-2 Properties menu 3. Set the parameters in accordance with your requirements. 4. Click OK. Your parameters are saved in the properties.xml file in the program directory of the application. The settings menu is exited. Parameter Name Meaning Range of values Start/Stop scan The RFID scan is controlled with the Start/Stop button of the Yes application. No The barcode scan is controlled by the trigger on the pistol handle. The scan is performed for the duration of operation of the trigger (5 seconds max.). Timer scan Manual scan The RFID scan is controlled with the Start/Stop button of the application. The scan can be stopped and started more than once. The elapsed time is visualized by a progress bar. The barcode scan is controlled by the trigger on the pistol handle. The scan is performed for the duration of operation of the trigger (5 seconds max.). The RFID scan and the barcode scan are controlled simultaneously by the trigger on the pistol handle. The scan is performed for the duration of operation of the trigger (5 seconds max.). 1 to 60 seconds Yes No RF power Read performance of the RFID module. 15 dbm to 27 dbm Working directory Directory in which the read out data are saved in XML format. Freely selectable. Protocol Transmission protocol used. Class1 Gen1 4-2 Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A0-7618

17 Parameterization of the software Name Meaning Range of values Device name Name or code of the reader. Freely selectable Language Language of the user interface. German English Note Parameterization of a working directory The Working Directory is set by default as the root directory xml. If you want to synchronize the data read via Microsoft Active Sync with your PC, select the directory My Documents as the working directory. Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

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19 Read and evaluate data Start RFID scan and identify tags Proceed as follows to start the RFID scan and tag identification: 1. Start the user application on the reader (Start > Programs > SIMATIC RF610M). The main window for the application is displayed. In the edit box below the menu bar, you can see the path of the XML file in which you can save the acquired data later. The XML files are stored automatically for each calendar day as separate files with a date stamp in the name. The file name is in the following form: RF610M_YYMMDD_Device Name.xml Alternatively, before scanning, you can create an empty XML file with any preferred name (File > New). This file is then filled with your scan data. Figure 5-1 Main window of the application 2. Select the required presentation format of the RFID tag under View. The following options are available for selection: Binary, Octal or Hexadecimal. Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

20 Read and evaluate data 5.1 Start RFID scan and identify tags 3. Select the required scan function using the main button of the window: Single Identification: A name or barcode is assigned to each identified RFID tag Accumulative Identification: A name or barcode is assigned to several identified RFID tags. Start the scan via the option that you specified in the settings menu (start/stop button of the application or pistol handle trigger). 4. After the RFID scan has started, the identified RFID tags are displayed in the application window: Figure 5-2 Identification of RFID tags 5-2 Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A0-7618

21 Read and evaluate data 5.2 Assigning identified tags to a name or barcode Assigning identified tags to a name or barcode Following the identification of RFID tags, you must assign a name or barcode to the tags. This code is displayed in the edit box Assign (name or code): Figure 5-3 Assignment of a name or barcode The application offers the following possibilities: Manual input of a name: Enter the name using the keyboard of the SIMATIC RF610M. Read in a barcode: Activate the integrated barcode module of the SIMATIC RF610M and read in the barcode. The barcode scan is performed for the duration of operation of the trigger (5 seconds max.). Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

22 Read and evaluate data 5.3 Processing acquired data Processing acquired data Rejecting scan data Following identification of RFID tags and assignment of a name or barcode, you can reject the acquired data. The application buttons offer the following possibilities: Button Clear all Clear Close Meaning All identified RFID tags and the assigned name or barcode are deleted. The marked RFID tag and the assigned name or barcode are deleted. All scan procedures are terminated without saving of data. The main window for the application is displayed. Saving scan data in an XML file Following identification of RFID tags and assignment of a name or barcode, you can save the acquired data in an XML file. The application buttons offer the following possibilities: Button Save Meaning The identified RFID tags and the assigned name or barcode are saved and stored in an XML file in the location that you specified on parameterizing the application. The acquired data are stored automatically for each calendar day as separate files with a date stamp in the file name. Finally, all input windows are emptied and the application is ready for another scan. 5-4 Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A0-7618

23 Read and evaluate data 5.3 Processing acquired data Evaluate XML file You can evaluate all saved XML files on your reader or PC. The following options are available: Evaluation with the user application (reader only): With File > Load, select the appropriate XML file. File > Read presents the contents of the file on the screen: Figure 5-4 Contents of an XML file The application buttons offer the following possibilities: Button Expand all Collapse all Close Meaning The tree topology opens. The barcode ID is visible in the form of a folder with a time stamp. Below this are the IDs of the associated RFID tags. The tree topology is closed again. Only the required barcode ID is visible as a folder. The view of the file content is closed. Evaluation using a text editor / browser (reader and PC): Open the corresponding XML file with the text editor or browser of your choice: <?xml version="1.0" encoding="windows-1252" standalone="no"?> - <barcodes application="simatic RF610M" version="1.2.0"> - <barcode id="1p" date="16:52:12"> <tag id="a0b100ff32c2a111" /> </barcode> - <barcode id="1p" date="17:3:53"> <tag id="a3020c010c912104" /> <tag id="a0b100ff32c2a111" /> </barcode> </barcodes> Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

24 Read and evaluate data 5.3 Processing acquired data Update XML file You can update existing XML files with new data. Load the relevant XML file in the application (File > Load) and perform new scans. Then select the option Save to add the new scan results of the selected XML file. 5-6 Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A0-7618

25 Troubleshooting 6 Error messages during data acquisition / processing Signal Cause Solution "Tag not found" A tag has not been detected Continue scanning "Only one tag can be assigned" "Code not specified" Single Identification was chosen but several tags have been detected A code was not specified when the data was saved Delete unwanted tags from the list Enter name using the keyboard or barcode using the barcode scanner Log file The application creates a log file in which all important status information and incidences of error are saved. This file is known as logfile.txt and is saved in the root directory of the readers. Whenever the application is started, the log file is generated again - the old contents are overwritten. If an unexpected error occurs, the application copies the log file into the subdirectory archive. An up-to-date time stamp is also appended to the file extension of logfile.txt (e.g. logfile.txt_ ). Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A

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27 A Appendix A A.1 A.1 Service & support Technical Support You can reach the Technical Support for all A&D products Phone: +49 (0) Fax: +49 (0) Internet Visit our site on the Internet at You can send a support query to: You can find the latest general information about our RFID systems on the Internet at: The online catalog and the online ordering system is available at: Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A A-1

28 Appendix A.2 Contact partner A.2 A.2 Contact partner If you have any further questions on the use of the products described in this manual, please contact one of our representatives at your local Siemens office. The addresses are found on the following pages: On the Internet at: In catalog CA 01 In Catalog FS 10 specially for factory automation sensors A.3 A.3 Training Training center We offer appropriate courses to get you started. Please contact your regional Training Center, or the central Training Center in D Nuremberg. Phone: +49 (911) A-2 Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A0-7618

29 Glossary Byte A group of eight bits. CE mark Communauté Européenne (product mark of the European Union) Data transmission rate Unit of measurement for the volume of data transmitted within a unit of time, e.g. bytes/s Electromagnetic compatibility Electromagnetic compatibility is the ability of an electrical or electronic device to operate satisfactorily in an electromagnetic environment without affecting or interfering with the environment over and above certain limits. EMC Directive Guidelines for electromagnetic compatibility This guideline relates to any electrical or electronic equipment, plant or system containing electric or electronic components. EPC Electronic Product Code. ESD Directive Directive for handling ESDs. Frequency hopping Automatic search for free channels. In frequency hopping, data packets are transferred between the communication partners on constantly changing carrier frequencies. This makes it possible to react to interference from devices transmitting signals in the same frequency range. If an attempt to send a data packet is unsuccessful, the packet can be transmitted again on a different carrier frequency. Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A Glossary-1

30 Glossary Interface modules (ASM) See communication modules IQ-Sense interface Simple interface on the IQ-Sense module, using a standard design for all types of sensors, enabling integrated data exchange between the sensor and control system. Limit distance The limit distance is the maximum clear distance between the upper surface of the read/write device and the transponder, at which the transmission can still function under normal conditions. Metal-free area Distance/area which must be maintained between the transponder and metal in order to prevent interference during data transfer between the transponder and read/write device. Mobile data memory (MDS) See transponder Multi-tag capability Multi-tag capability means the ability to use several read/write devices which communicate simultaneously with different data carriers. Programmable logic controller (PLC) The programmable logical controllers (PLCs) of the SIMATIC S5 systems consist of a central controller, one or more CPUs, and various other modules (e.g. I/O modules). Read/write devices (SLG) See readers Read/write distance See transmission distance Glossary-2 Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A0-7618

31 Glossary Readers Readers ensure fast, secure data transfer between mobile data memories and higher-level systems (PLCs, PCs, etc.). The data, energy included, are transmitted inductively across an electromagnetic alternating field or by radio. This principle enables contact-free data transmission, ensures high industrial compatibility and works reliably in the presence of contamination or through non-metallic materials. RFID systems SIMATIC RF identification systems control and optimize material flow and production sequences. They identify reliably, quickly and economically, use non-contact data communication technology, and store data directly on the product. They are also resistant to contamination. Static mode In static mode, the transponder is positioned at a fixed distance (maximum: limit distance) exactly over the read/write device. Tag See transponder Transmission distance Distance between communication module (read/write device) and transponder (mobile data memory) Transponder An invented word from transmitter and responder. Transponders are used on the product, the product carrier, the object, or its transport or packaging unit, and contain production and manufacturing data, i.e. all application-specific data. They follow the product through assembly lines, transfer and production lines and are used to control material flow. Because of their wireless design, transponders can be used, if necessary, at individual work locations or manufacturing stations, where their data can be read and updated. Ultra-high frequency (UHF) Frequency range North America : 902 MHz to 928 MHz. Frequency range Europe: 865 MHz to 868 MHz XML extensible Markup Language. Operating Instructions, Edition 12/2005, D0175-U001-A Glossary-3

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