875-0051-01 Rev1 M5e Accessory Hardware Guide
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Contents Accessory Board Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 Port Multiplexer Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 External MUX Control (Block 23) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessory Board Configuration Introduction This document describes the ThingMagic M5e Module Accessory hardware and how to configure them for use with the M5e Embedded Module. These accessories are primarily designed for use with the M5e Module but can also be used with the M5e-Compact (except the heatsink) with minor modifications to the instructions. These accessories allow developers to quickly create prototypes and products to meet a wide variety of applications.
4 Port Multiplexer Board 4 Port Multiplexer Board The multiplexer board contains the following important I/O and control components: Multiplexer Components The physical antenna port in use, labeled J1 through J4 on the board, is controlled by the MUX1 and MUX2 input lines on the input terminal connector.
4 Port Multiplexer Board Antenna Port Control Lines MUX1 MUX2 J1 0 0 J2 0 1 J3 1 0 J4 1 1 Note Interpreting the control lines as binary “numbers” gives an incorrect order relative to the physical order of the ports. A key printed on the board serves as a reminder that, from left to right when looking down at the board, the port order is J1 – J2 – J4 – J3. These lines can be controlled directly by an external controller/motherboard providing TTL signals or by using signals from the M5e.
4 Port Multiplexer Board M5e Control (Block 23) The Multiplexer can be controlled using the M5e GPOutput lines by connecting the ribbon cable between the M5e and the Multiplexer board and adding jumpers on the terminal pins, connecting MUX2 with OUT2 and MUX1 with OUT1. This method allows the M5e to use its built-in support for (up to 8) multiplexed antennas.
4 Port Multiplexer Board Logical Port Configuration The reason for numbering the logical ports in this way was so that “logical port 1” would stay associated with physical port 1 on the module whether there was a multiplexer connected to it or not and, similarly, “logical port 2” would stay associated with physical port 2 whether there was a multiplexer connected to it or not.
4 Port Multiplexer Board Terminal Block 23 Pins The following Block 23 Pin Function Summary table contains a detailed list of the terminal block 23 pins and their function based on the overall board configuration, whether the multiplexer to M5e ribbon cable is connected and whether the jumper blocks are connecting the multiplexer to a controller motherboard. A printed key on the multiplexer board below the terminal pins also indicates which jumper pins are connected to which internal function.
4 Port Multiplexer Board MUX1 Mux switch control Jumper to OUT1 (GPIO Output #1) if multiplexer is to be controlled by module. Use this pin to bring in external control from motherboard if multiplexer is not controlled through ribbon cable. +5 +5V source to multiplexer Ignore Use this pin to bring in +5V from motherboard if multiplexer is not connected to power source through ribbon cable.
Power/Interface Board Power/Interface Board The Power/Interface board has one set of jumper blocks and three sets of terminal blocks as shown in the Power/Interface Components image below.
Power/Interface Board USB Interface The power/interface board uses the FTDI FT232R IC for its USB interface. Drivers and installation guides for installing the necessary device drivers along with source code to build the drivers for many other operating systems can be found at: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.
Power/Interface Board Alternate GPIO Interface (Block J7) Terminal block J7 provides a TTL interface for reading and controlling the GPIO lines of the module (via Molex-style connectors). Alternate Power Input (Block J1) Terminal block J1 is used to bring DC power (7 to 24 V) into the module through a Molexstyle connector as an alternative to using the round 2.1mm jack.
Accessory Parts Kit Accessory Parts Kit The following parts are included in the optional parts kit which provides all the necessary parts to build up an 8-port multiplexer using two 4 Port Multiplexer Board, a Power/Interface Board, a heat sink and an M5e. The label before each part refers to its location in the full assembly as show in theAccessory Parts Kit Diagram. A, B, C: M/F Standoffs, M3, 10 mm Notes: Stand-offs for first multiplexer, second multiplexer and power/interface board.
Accessory Parts Kit Accessory Parts Kit Diagram 14 Accessory Board Configuration
Connecting the Accessory Boards Connecting the Accessory Boards The multiplexer is designed so that it can be mounted above or to the side of the M5e module. Either way, it is best to connect the modules to each other side by side, and then, if desired, rotate one module above the other. Refer to the section that explains how the boards are installed for detailed information. The multiplexer is connected to the module as shown below. (The contacts on the ribbon cable are facing down).
Connecting the Accessory Boards 16 Accessory Board Configuration
Appendix A: Accessory Specifications Appendix A: Accessory Specifications 17
4 Port Multiplexer 4 Port Multiplexer Compatibility M5e, M5e-EU or M5e-Compact Modules RF Ports One 50 Ohm U.FL Common port; 4 SMA Switched Ports Control Ports Two module TTL GPIO lines on two “Pass Through” 12-Pin ZIF Ribbon cable connectors or TTL on terminal block Insertion Loss 1 dB max Frequency Range 840 – 960 MHz with DC pass-through for antenna detection Power 3 to 5.5 V, 1 mA max Operating Temp. -40o to +85oC Dimensions 82 mm L x 64 mm W (including connector overhang) x 8.
Power Interface Power Interface Interfaces Power Input: 2.1mm DC input jack; Interface Input: USB mini-B jack or TTL on terminal block; Interface and Power Output: 12-pin ZIF ribbon cable connector Output Power 5 V +/- 0.25 V at 2 A max Input Power 8 to 24 VDC (12.5 W max, max current depends on voltage) (USB 5V is used only to detect port is active, not to power module) Operating Temperature -40o to +65oC Dimensions 82 mm L x 56 mm W (including connector overhang) x 15 mm H USB Interface Up to 921.
Heatsink Heatsink Compatibility Supports M5e and M5e-EU Modules Dimensions 82 mm L x 54 mm W x 10 mm H Mounting M5e module is mounted to the heatsink using off-the-shelf M3 hardware (not included). Heatsink can be mounted to chassis via M3 screws or M3 threaded mounting posts & nut. Thermal pads are included.
