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CONFIDENTIAL MASTIFF™ Tag - User Manual Page | 1 MASTIFF™ Tag Active RFID Tag for People Tracking and Monitoring User Manual
CONFIDENTIAL MASTIFF™ Tag - User Manual P a g e | 1
MASTIFF™ Tag
Active RFID Tag
for
People Tracking and Monitoring
User Manual
CONFIDENTIAL MASTIFF™ Tag - User Manual P a g e | 2
Confidential and Proprietary Information Reindeer Technologies Private Limited, 2014
This document contains confidential and proprietary information of Reindeer Technologies Private Limited and is protected by copyright laws. Its receipt or possession does not convey any rights to reproduce, manufacture, use or sell anything based on information contained within this document. Any product described in this document is subject to continuous developments and improvements. All particulars of the product and its use contained in this document are given by Reindeer Technologies Private Limited in good faith. However, all warranties implied or expressed, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, or fitness for purpose, are excluded. This document is intended only to assist the reader in the use of the product. Reindeer Technologies Private Limited shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of any information in this guide, any error or omission in such information, or any incorrect use of the product. Reindeer specifically disclaims any and all liability and warranties, implied or expressed, for uses requiring fail-safe performance in which failure of the product could lead to death, serious personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage such as, but not limited to, life support or medical devices or nuclear applications or on-line control of aircraft, aircraft navigation or communications systems or in air traffic control applications. This product is not designed for and should not be used in any of these applications.
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Document Revision History
Revision No. Date Description/Changes
1.0 21/09/2012 Initial Release
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Safety Instructions
WARNING: This is an electrostatic sensitive device. Proper ESD protection is required when handling bare boards. Do not handle the boards with bare hands.
WARNING: Showing magnet often to the tag hinders the tag ID transmission and depletes the battery quickly.
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Table of Contents Confidential and Proprietary Information .................................................................................................................................. 2
Document Revision History .............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2. System Block Diagram ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1. Mastiff Tag ................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3. Device Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.1. Environmental Specifications ............................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2. Physical Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3. Electrical Specifications ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.4. RF Specifications ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4. Functional Flow Diagram ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
5. Device Configuration .................................................................................................................................................................. 9
5.1. Overview ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.2. How to Use the Software ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
5.3. Devices Required .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.3.1. Mastiff Tag ........................................................................................................................................................................ 13
5.3.2. USB Dongle ....................................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.3.3. Coin Magnet ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.4. Programming Instructions ................................................................................................................................................. 15
5.4.1. Pre-requisites .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
5.4.2. How to Program ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
6. General Precautions .................................................................................................................................................................. 16
7. Ordering Information ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
8. Contact Us ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
8.1. Technical Support .................................................................................................................................................................. 17
8.2. Sales Support ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
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1. Introduction
Mastiff™ Tag is an active RFID tag ideal for locating and monitoring people inside the
buildings or in outdoors. This can be used across schools, colleges, hospitals, offices to locate and
monitor students, employees, support staff, contract workers, visitors etc.
It sends the address of the tag at periodic intervals which can be captured by a compatible
active Mastiff Active RFID reader. The tag comes along with custom software through which the
settings can be changed wirelessly. The in-built memory stores the modified settings and the
settings can be changed multiple times without any restrictions. The tag design has been
optimized for very low power consumption, so to give higher battery life of around 5 years with
its 1000 mAH battery.
The size of the tag almost matches the dimensions of a typical credit card but the thickness is
around 5 mm. The tag is completely sealed with IP67 ABS plastic enclosure which protects it
against dust and water. The tag is light-weight and it can be easily connected through a string like
a normal ID card.
2. System Block Diagram
2.1. Mastiff Tag
Figure 2: Block Diagram of Mastiff Tag
Processor RF Transceiver
Low Battery Monitor
Battery
Reed Switch Internal Memory
Internal Clock
Antenna
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The Mastiff Active RFID Tag is capable of operating in multiple frequency bands such as
865-867 MHz in India, 868-870 MHz for Europe and 902-928 MHz in North America with a single
hardware design. But the frequency bands are pre-programmed and the users are allowed to
choose a particular channel within the set frequency band. The tag operates through a 3V lithium
MnO2 battery with 1000 mAH capacity. The battery power can typically last for 5 years when
operated at ideal conditions.
The RF transceiver is capable of operating as transmitter and receiver. Once programmed,
the tag acts as a transmitter sending the signals at a pre-defined time interval. The typical data
transmitted are its unique address and low battery indication. The low battery indication is
triggered when the battery voltage drops below 2.2V. The battery can last for 1 to 2 months after
the low battery indication is triggered. The low battery indication captured by the reader will be
given out to the server which enables the users to take appropriate action.
The reed switch in the tag is used to change the battery from normal working mode to
configuration mode. The settings of the tag can be changed through custom software during the
configuration mode. More information on device configuration can be found in the section ‘5.
Device Configuration’. The device settings are stored inside the internal memory of the tag. The
tag comes with an optional internal clock for automatic wake-up and to perform other time
driven activities.
3. Device Specifications
3.1. Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature -20°C to + 50°C
3.2. Physical Specifications
Dimensions 85 x 55 x 5 (L x W x H) in mm Color White Casing Material ABS Plastic
3.3. Electrical Specifications
DC Source 3VDC, 1000mAH Battery Battery Life 5 Years*
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3.4. RF Specifications
Operating Frequency 865-867 MHz, 868-870 MHz or 902-928 MHz Modulation GFSK Bandwidth 200 KHz RF Baud Rate 38.4 kbps to 250 kbps (100 kbps default) Air Protocol Proprietary-Reindeer Technologies Pvt Ltd RFID Tag Compatibility Personal, Asset, Vehicle Range 60 meters line of sight Impedance 50 ohm Antenna Omni-directional Chip Antenna
* Indicates operating the tag at a RF baud rate of 100 kbps within the acceptable temperature range and with the tag transmit time interval of 10 seconds.
4. Functional Flow Diagram
When the reed switch in the RFID tag is activated through a magnet, the RFID tag starts
transmitting the current configuration data. The data is displayed in the ‘Read Configuration
Settings’ of RF Tag User Configuration Utility software. Also the ‘Write to Device’ button is
enabled for 20 Seconds for the user to write the configuration data. To avoid the time delay, users
are advised to enter the new data in the screen before activating the reed switch in the RFID Tag.
The RFID tag will wait only for 20 sec to receive the configuration settings from the USB dongle.
Figure 2: Operational Sequence - Flow Diagram
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Time Description T1 Time of Activation of the RFID tag for user configuration T2 Time of Data appeared in Read Settings T3 Time of Clicking Write to Device button T4 Time of Arrival of Write configuration Data to RF Tag T5 Time of Arrival of Ack Data (ie., Changed Configuration) to the USB Dongle The time difference between T1 and T5 should not exceeds 20 Seconds
5. Device Configuration
5.1. Overview
The user configuration utility software is an effective tool to program the settings of the
tag besides testing some of the features of the tag. It’s is a simple and easy to use tool which is
used to program the settings. It requires a USB dongle which acts as an interface device between
the software and the tag to read and update the settings.
The software can be used to read the settings of the tag as well as to write the settings.
During the operation which writes the settings to the tag, the tag needs to be first activated by a
magnet to convert it into configuration mode. The data to be written is then given to the USB
dongle based on user input. The USB dongle sends the data wirelessly to the tag. An
acknowledgment and new settings are sent by the tag once the data is successfully written. The
new settings are refreshed in the software indicating a successfully update.
Since there can be multiple users trying to program the tag, the distance between the USB
dongle and the tag must be maintained less than 30 cms.
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5.2. How to Use the Software
The tag user configuration utility software is easy to use custom software which is used to
program the settings. The software is easy to use and it’s self-explanatory.
Figure 3: Screen Shot of User Configuration Software
The user configuration utility software allows the users to create/modify certain
important settings of the tag during installation. This flexibility will allow the tag to operate in
different frequency channels and various RF baud rates and transmit power levels. RF baud rate
and power levels have a direct bearing on the wireless range covered by the tag.
The software is capable to program the following settings:
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Write Configuration Setting
a. Tag ID
a. This is a mandatory field. The active RFID tag must be programmed with a 7
character alphanumeric ID which will act as a unique identifier of the tag.
b. Time Interval
a. This is a mandatory field. The tag can be programmed to send its data once
every 5 seconds to 60 minutes. The default value is 10 seconds.
c. RF Baud Rate
a. This is a mandatory field. It indicates the rate at which the data communication
between the tag and the reader happens. The available values are 38.4, 76.8,
100, 200 and 250 kbps. The default value is 100 kbps. The lower the baud rate,
the longer will be the range and higher will be the battery consumption.
d. Channel
a. This is a mandatory field. It indicates the frequency channel at which the tag
sends its data to the reader. Since the tag can operate in multiple frequency
bands such as 865 to 867 MHz, 868 to 870 MHz, 902 to 928 MHz, the available
frequency channels differs for every band. But all the channels will be spread by
200 KHz or (0.2 MHz).
e. Go to Sleep State
a. Selecting this option will make the tag go into sleep mode after the settings is
created/modified and wakes up at the start of the next configuration. This
conserves the battery during the shelf time. The tag can be woken up by simply
showing the magnet on the tag.
f. Power Level
a. This indicates the level of the power transmitted by the tag. The available
options are from -30 dBm to +12 dBm with +12 dBm being the default value.
Higher the power level, longer will be the range and shorter will be the battery
life. The power level can be used along with the RF baud rate to increase or
decrease the range as low as 1 meter to as high as 200 meters.
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Read Configuration Setting
This section has the same set of fields and values as that of ‘Write Configuration Setting’.
The entire section is disabled and non-editable. This section is used to display the existing values
of the tag when the settings are read from the tag.
Menu Items
1. File
a. Default Values
i. This menu option can be triggered by pressing CTRL+D and is used to
populate the default values in the screen. Here are the default values for
various fields:
1. Tag ID: REINDEE
2. Time Interval: 10 (seconds)
3. RF Baud Rate: 100 kbps
4. Channel: 868.1 MHz (if the frequency band is 868-870 MHz)
5. Go to Sleep State: Enabled
6. Power Level: +12 dBm (Maximum)
b. Write to Device
i. This menu option can be triggered by pressing CTRL+W and is used to
write the settings to the tag. This operation is similar to clicking ‘Write to
Device’ button.
c. Exit
i. Selecting this menu option will exit the application.
2. Help
a. User Manual
i. This menu option will open the user manual which will help users
understand the complete functionality of the software and how to use it.
b. About
i. This menu option will open the ‘About’ box which will display
information about the company and the contact information.
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Other fields
a. Date and Time
a. This ‘read-only’ field displays the current date and time. The values are taken
from the system where the software is running.
b. Serial Port
a. The serial port is used by the software to communicate with the USB dongle.
This value is selected by the software automatically.
c. Write to Device Timeout (Sec)
a. This is a ’20 second count down’ window which will give an idea to the user on
the time window available to write the settings to the tag once the tag is
activated by a magnet.
d. Write to Device
a. Clicking the button will write the settings to the tag. This is similar to the menu
option File->Write to Device. Please ensure the tag and USB dongle are in use
while selecting this option.
e. Exit
Clicking this button will close the application. This is similar to the menu option File-
>Exit.
5.3. Devices Required
5.3.1. Mastiff Tag
Figure 4: Mastiff Tag with the location of Reed Switch
Reed Switch
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5.3.2. USB Dongle
USB dongle is an important device through which the settings of the tag are retrieved and modified wirelessly.
Figure 5: USB Dongle
USB dongle does not require a separate power supply and it draws power from the USB port of the host system.
5.3.3. Coin Magnet
The coin magnet is used to activate the reed switch thereby changing its mode to user
configuration mode. This will allow the software to communicate to the tag through the USB
dongle and change its settings wirelessly.
The reed switch can be activated by bringing the magnet closer (less than 1 cm) to the
reed switch and kept in the position for a very short duration (around 1 second). The reed switch
is quite sensitive and it can be activated even after fixing the tag in the enclosure.
Figure 6: Coin Magnet
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5.4. Programming Instructions
5.4.1. Pre-requisites
Ensure the following items are available before programming or testing:
a. Mastiff Tag
b. Magnet for activating the switch on the tag
c. USB dongle
d. PC/laptop installed with the ‘User Configuration Utility’ software
5.4.2. How to Program
Step 1: Connect the USB dongle to one of the functioning USB ports of the PC/laptop.
Step 2: Launch the software ’Mastiff Tag UC’ from the start bar or double-click ‘Mastiff Tag
uc.exe’.
Step 3: The serial port will be automatically selected once the USB dongle is plugged in. If
this does not happen, select the correct ‘Serial Port’ to which the USB reader is connected.
Please ensure the USB drivers are loaded in the system prior to this activity (The drivers
for USB dongle can be downloaded from http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm.
Check the section ‘Currently Supported VCP Drivers’ and download the drivers for the
appropriate OS. Most likely, you may need the drivers for 32-bit OS)
Step 4: To activate the tag, show the magnet on the reed switch populated on the tag. This
will activate a switch on the tag and convert it as a transmitter to enable it to communicate
with the USB dongle. The tag will wirelessly transfer the existing settings and the software
will display them under the section ‘Read Configuration Setting’.
Step 5: Place the cursor and type the tag ID you need to create/modify in the tag. Select or
type appropriate values in all the fields as indicated in the previous section.
There is a window of 20 seconds within which this operation has to be completed. You can
see the countdown in the field ‘Write to Device Timeout (Sec)’. The button ‘Write to
Device’ will be disabled after 20 seconds. But the user can restart the process and change
the settings by activating the tag by the magnet again.
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htmhttp://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
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Step 6: You will get a message ‘Write Successful’ when the values are successfully updated
to the tag. The modified values will be displayed in the section ‘Read Settings’ for
confirmation.
Repeat the steps 4 to 6 for all tags and complete the device configuration.
Please note the distance between the tag and USB dongle should be maintained less than
30 cms when the settings are modified wirelessly. This has been done deliberately to
avoid interference with other tags.
6. General Precautions
Please follow the following precautions while programing or using the tag.
1. Please install the FTDI drivers for smooth USB communication between the test bench
and the software. It can be downloaded from
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm. Check the section ‘Currently Supported
VCP Drivers’ and download the drivers for the appropriate OS. Most likely, you may
need the drivers for 32-bit OS.
2. Please ensure the battery power is above 2V.
3. Ensure all settings of the tag are done properly especially the tag ID, RF Baud Rate and
Frequency Channel and RF Power Level and Time Interval. Please ensure the RF Baud
Rate and Frequency Channel match with the Mastiff Reader.
7. Ordering Information
Product part Number Description
MASTIFF_STAG Active RFID Tag for People Tracking and Monitoring
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
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8. Contact Us
8.1. Technical Support
Reindeer Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has built a solid technical support infrastructure so that you
can get answers to your questions when you need them.
Our technical support engineers are available Mon-Fri between 9:00 am and 6:30 pm Indian
standard time. The best way to reach a technical support engineer is to send an email to
[email protected]. E-mail support requests are given priority because we can handle
them more efficiently than phone support requests.
8.2. Sales Support
Our sales department can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at
+91-44-45022335/42106907.
Our sales department is available Mon-Fri between 9:00 am and 6:30 pm.
Reindeer Technologies Pvt Ltd Excellence Through Innovation
B-1 ‘Shoba’ #26 10th Avenue, Ashok Nagar
Chennai – 600083. India.
Phone: 91-44-45022335, 91-44-42106907
Fax: 91-44-23710095 Website: www.reindeer-tech.com
