PhidgetRFID Operating Systems: Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Windows CE, Linux, and Mac OS X Application Programming Interfaces (APIs): Visual Basic, VB.NET, C, C++, C#, Flash 9, Flex, Java, LabVIEW, and Matlab Examples: You will find program examples in the download section of www.phidgets.
What Can the PhidgetRFID Do? The PhidgetRFID allows you to read unique identification strings stored within RFID tags. It provides a generic, convenient way to use your PC for Radio Frequency IDentification. RFID Tags The PhidgetRFID can be used with any RFID tag designed for the EM4102 protocol. RFID tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit various applications.
Getting Started Installing the hardware The kit contains: You will also need: •A PhidgetRFID •A compatible RFID tag •A USB Cable 1 1. Connect the PhidgetRFID board to the computer using the USB cable.
Download and Install the software Go to www.phidgets.com >> downloads Select your operating system (Windows, Linux, MAC OS) Select the language you want to use and download the appropriate examples and Libraries. Install the Libraries and decompress the Example file. Testing the PhidgetRFID using Windows •Note that some examples are not available for Linux, Mac OSX or Windows CE. •Make sure that you have installed the libraries and decompressed your example file.
1 2 4 3 5 1. Run the program RFID-full and check that the box labelled Attached contains the word True. 2. Click on the Antenna Enabled box to enable the antenna. 3. Click on the LED Enabled box to turn the LED on. 4. The Output 0 box controls the +5V digital output and the Output 1 box controls the external LED digital output. 5. Bring an RFID tag close to the PhidgetRFID board and check that the identification string is displayed. Make sure that the Antenna is enabled for this step.
Programming a Phidget Where to get information •Go to www.phidgets.com >> downloads •Select the Operating System and the language you want to use. •Download the appropriate API manual and read the section under the RFID heading. •Have a look at the source code of the RFID-full program. •Have a look at the C# example below. •Modify an existing program or write your own program from scratch.
rfid.Antenna = true; rfid.LED = true; //keep waiting and outputting events until keyboard input is entered Console.WriteLine(“Press any key to end...”); Console.Read(); //turn off the led rfid.LED = false; //close the phidget and dispose of the object rfid.close(); rfid = null; Console.WriteLine(“ok”); } catch (PhidgetException ex) { Console.WriteLine(ex.Description); } } //attach event handler...
Technical Section RFID RFID (radio frequency identification) systems use data strings stored inside RFID tags (or transponders) to uniquely identify people or objects when they are scanned by an RFID reader. These types of systems are found in many applications such as passport protection, animal identification, inventory control systems, and secure access control systems. RFID Protocols In order for an RFID reader like the PhidgetRFID to communicate with an RFID tag, they must share a common protocol.
Multiple Tags The PhidgetRFID offers no capability for collision detection or collision avoidance. If two tags are brought within the read field of a PhidgetRFID reader at the same time, neither tag will be read. An RFID tag should be removed from the read field before a second tag is introduced. Controlled Outputs The PhidgetRFID has four outputs - two of which are available to the user, and two of which are for internal control of the Phidget board only.
Device Specifications Antenna Output Power (max, far field) Antenna Resonant Frequency Effective Read Range (typ) Communication Protocol Read Update Rate < 10 µW 125kHz - 140kHz 3” EM4102 30 updates / second External External External External External 5VDC 400mA 5VDC 16mA 250 Ohms +5V Supply Voltage +5V Supply Current Limit LED Supply Voltage LED Supply Current Limit LED Output Resistance Recommended Terminal Wire Size Terminal Wire Strip Length 16 - 26 AWG 5 - 6mm (0.196” - 0.
Product History Date Product Revision Comment June 2002 DeviceVersion 100 Product Release. April 2004 DeviceVersion 200 Onboard LED, 2 Digital Outputs added. Ability to enable/ disable Antenna added. Jan 2005 DeviceVersion 201 RF Circuitry upgraded to improve reliability. Jan 2006 DeviceVersion 202 Onboard microprocessor upgraded to Flash version. Jun 2006 DeviceVersion 204 Low Voltage Reset set at 4.
