SparkFun
Simultaneous RFID Reader - M7E Hecto
· MPN: WRL-24738
This UHF RFID reader brings long-range, multi-tag RFID reading and writing to embedded projects, desktop testing and inventory-style applications. Built arou...
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This UHF RFID reader brings long-range, multi-tag RFID reading and writing to embedded projects, desktop testing and inventory-style applications. Built around the JADAK M7E Hecto module, it works with standard EPCglobal Gen 2 passive UHF tags.
The board can read many tags at once, making it useful for logistics, asset tracking, race timing and access control projects where tap-to-read low-frequency RFID is not enough. Output power is adjustable so you can tune the read range to suit your environment.
For quick testing, the integrated PCB trace antenna provides a short-range option straight out of the box. For longer range, connect an external antenna to the U.FL connector. You can talk to the board over USB-C via the onboard CH340C converter, or use the broken-out serial pins on the 0.1" header for microcontroller projects.
SparkFun provides supporting documentation including schematic, Eagle files, board dimensions, hookup guide, M7E Hecto user guide, RFID guides, an Arduino library and a GitHub hardware repository.
Features:
- UHF RAIN RFID: Built around the M7E Hecto UHF RAIN® RFID Reader.
- Tag support: Reads and writes standard EPCglobal Gen 2 tags.
- Simultaneous reading: Can scan multiple tags simultaneously.
- Read performance: Achieves up to 300 tags per second.
- Write performance: Typical write time of 80 milliseconds for standard 96-bit EPC tags.
- Adjustable power: Power output is adjustable from 0dBm to 27dBm.
- Onboard antenna: Built-in PCB trace antenna provides a read range of roughly one to two feet.
- External antenna: U.FL connector supports an external antenna, sold separately, for read distances of up to 16 feet (4.9 meters).
- Plug-and-Play USB: Built-in USB-C connector via a CH340C converter allows direct connection to a computer with no soldering required.
- Embedded Serial: Serial lines are broken out to a standard 0.1" header.
- Easy Switching: 2-way switch toggles between the USB interface and the hardware serial pins.
- Current protection: Internal current limiting circuit.
- Thermal protection: Built-in thermal-management.
- GPIO access: Enable & GPIO PTH Pins.
Specifications:
- RFID reader: M7E Hecto UHF RAIN® RFID Reader
- Protocol: EPCglobal Gen 2 (ISO 18000-6C) with nominal backscatter rate of 250kbps
- Read and write power levels: Separate read and write power levels, command adjustable from 0dBm to 27dBm in 0.01 dB steps
- Read rate: Up to 300 tags/sec to read 96-bit EPC
- Write time: 80msec typical for standard write of 96-bit EPC
- Supply Voltage: 3.3V-5V
- Supply Current: 1A Max
- Current limiting: Internal current limiting circuit
- Full power mode consumption (@5V): 0.665W
- Minsave power mode consumption (@5V): 0.140W
- Sleep power mode consumption (@5V): 0.080W
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 60°C
- Thermal management: Built-in thermal-management
- Serial interface: USB-C Connector
- Serial interface: 0.1"-Spaced PTH Header (3.3V logic)
- Serial interface selection: 2-way Switch for Serial Interface Selection
- PTH pins: Enable & GPIO PTH Pins
- Antenna option: Integrated PCB Trace Antenna (Default)
- Antenna option: U.FL Connector for External Antenna Connection
- Onboard antenna read range: roughly one to two feet
- External antenna read distance: up to 16 feet (4.9 meters)
- RF exposure warning: Ensure personnel do not stand in the antenna's radiation beam unless they are more than 21cm from the antenna's face (to comply with FCC limits for long-term exposure).
A good fit for makers and engineers building UHF RFID projects that need fast tag reads, adjustable range and a choice of USB-C or embedded serial control.
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- GPIO
- General-purpose input/output pins are microcontroller pins you can set in software to read signals, switch devices on and off, or connect to peripherals. The number of GPIO pins matters because it limits how many buttons, LEDs, sensors, and other parts you can wire directly to the board.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.
- PCB
- A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board, usually rigid, with etched copper tracks that connect electronic components together without loose wiring. Components are mounted on the board and signals route between them through the copper layout.
- PTH
- Plated through-hole means the pin holes are metal-lined so solder connects the pad on both sides of the board. It is useful for connectors and headers that need a strong mechanical and electrical connection.
- RF
- RF means radio frequency, referring to signals used for wireless communication and other high-frequency electronics. A low-noise, stable power supply is important for RF circuits because power noise can affect signal quality and measurements.
- u.FL
- u.FL is a tiny snap-on antenna connector often used on compact wireless boards. A board with u.FL usually needs an external antenna, which matters if the product will be inside an enclosure or needs better antenna placement.
- USB-C
- USB-C is a small, reversible USB connector that can carry power, data and, on some devices, video over a single cable. The same connector can range from charging only to high-speed data, so the functions a given port actually supports vary.
Find this product in
M7E Hecto User Guide
User Guide · 1.6 MB · Click any page to view full size
M7E Hecto Schematic
Schematic · 156.6 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 885.6 KB · Click any page to view full size
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