KEBA XE020 RFID Module Manual

KEBA XE020 RFID Module Manual

Introduction: Non contact identification of industrial operation panels

In industrial automation scenarios with frequent human-computer interaction, traditional username and password login methods suffer from pain points such as easy forgetting, easy leakage, and low input efficiency. The KEMRO K2 XE020 RFID module launched by KEBA company uses 13.56MHz radio frequency identification technology that complies with the ISO15693 standard, allowing users to achieve contactless login and logout by simply placing the RFID card near the antenna area at the front of the operation panel. This module is permanently integrated into multiple KEBA operation panels (such as OP 350, OP 360, OP 362 series), and can also be designed and installed on third-party devices.

This article is based on the internal technical document V1.0, which systematically elaborates on the software and hardware architecture, installation requirements, wiring specifications, EMC measures, configuration methods, and status diagnosis of the XE020 RFID module, providing a complete technical reference for electrical engineers, system integrators, and maintenance personnel.

Product Overview and Core Features

1.1 Module Composition

The XE020 RFID system consists of two core components:

XE 020/A RFID evaluation unit: responsible for signal processing, protocol parsing, and communication with the main controller.

XE 020/ANT antenna module: permanently installed on the inside of the front panel of the operation panel, used for transmitting RF fields and receiving RFID card replies.

The two are connected through a coaxial antenna cable (maximum length 300mm). In addition, the module is connected to the EXT0 external interface of the control panel through an RJ45 interface to obtain 12V DC power supply and serial data channel.

1.2 Working principle

When a user holding an RFID card (recommended model RI-102112A-03) that complies with ISO15693 or ISO18000-3 standards places the card close to the antenna area (typical distance of 40mm, provided that the front panel is made of aluminum), the antenna captures the card ID information and transmits it to the XE 020/A evaluation unit. After decoding the evaluation unit, the data is sent to the KEBA controller (such as Kemro.view.standard program) through a serial interface. At the same time, the three color LED on the front panel will provide visual feedback: the green light will remain on for about 3 seconds when recognition is successful; If it fails, the red light will turn short.

Note: This module does not support simultaneous recognition of multiple RFID cards. If multiple cards are within range at the same time, there may be recognition errors, and the LED will turn red at this time.

1.3 Applicable Scenarios

Permission login for industrial operation panel (alternative password).

Identity tracking of equipment maintenance personnel.

Quick initiation of process formulas or production tasks (through associated card IDs).

According to the EU Euromap 65 standard, the communication protocol of this module is compatible with the human-machine recognition specifications of the injection molding machine industry.

Safety instructions and applicable personnel

2.1 Qualification Requirements

Only electrical technicians with VDE 1000-10 standard certification are allowed to install and maintain this equipment. The so-called qualified personnel refer to engineers who, based on their technical training, experience, and standard knowledge, are able to assess potential hazards in their work and take appropriate protective measures.

2.2 Safety symbol description

Four warning levels are used in the document:

DANGER: Direct danger, if not avoided, may result in death or serious injury.

Warning: Potential danger that may result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: May cause minor injuries or property damage.

NOTICE: May only cause property damage.

ESD sensitive symbol: Indicates that static electricity may damage components.

2.3 Usage Restrictions

It is strictly prohibited to use the XE020 RFID module for personal safety related functions (such as safety interlock, emergency stop). This device is only used for user identity recognition, and its malfunction will not directly cause security risks, but it should not be the only means of security protection.

Key points of installation and assembly

3.1 Minimum gap between antenna and metal substrate

To ensure a nominal reading distance of 40mm, sufficient spacing must be maintained between the antenna module (XE 020/ANT) and the aluminum front panel or other metal materials. Please refer to the "Minimum Gap" diagram in the original technical document for specific values (this article will not reproduce it, and in actual operation, it should be ensured that there is at least 5-10mm non-metallic gap between the back of the antenna and the metal shell, or raised with a shim).

Engineering Tip: If the panel is not made of aluminum (such as plastic or stainless steel), the reading distance may vary. Suggest testing with actual cards before integration.

In addition, there must be no metal cables or other conductors passing behind the antenna, otherwise it will cause antenna misalignment and significantly shorten the reading range. If unavoidable, a metal shielding cover or non-metal isolation plate should be installed on the back of the antenna.

3.2 Installation process

Factory pre installation: In the KEBA operation panel, the antenna is fixed on the inside of the front panel, and the evaluation unit is installed on the back shell of the panel. Users do not need to disassemble or assemble by themselves.

Third party equipment installation: It is necessary to open holes to fix the antenna module and ensure that the evaluation unit is away from strong electromagnetic interference sources (such as frequency converters and switch power supplies).

Interface, connector, and wiring guide

4.1 Connector Distribution

The XE 020/A evaluation unit and XE 020/ANT antenna module both have the following interfaces (refer to the original diagram):

Coaxial antenna cable connectors (positions 1 and 3) - used to connect the evaluation unit with the antenna module.

Status LED connectors (positions 2 and 5) - lead out three color LED signals to the front panel.

RJ45 socket (evaluation unit only, position 4) - connected to the EXT0 interface of the control panel, providing power and serial communication.

4.2 Pin Definition

Status LED connector (3-core): No specific pin list provided, but the original text states that using three unshielded core wires (corresponding to red, green, and common/ground) is sufficient.

RJ45 socket (XE 020/A side):

4：Data-

5：Data+

7：+12V DC（±5%）

8：GND

Other pins (1, 2, 3, 6): No connection.

Key constraint: The cable connecting the RFID module to the operation panel (OP 3xx) must be shielded and not exceed 1 meter in length. The grounding effect at both ends of the shielding layer is optimal.

4.3 Coaxial antenna cable

Maximum allowable length: 300 mm. Exceeding this length will cause RF signal attenuation, reduced reading distance, or even complete failure.

Use the recommended KEBA original cable (order number 71352) or the same specification 50 Ω/75 Ω coaxial cable.

4.4 Key points of EMC cabling

The original text emphasizes that electromagnetic interference is a common cause of intermittent system failures and is difficult to reproduce. The following measures must be taken for the XE020 module:

Shielding: The entire cable from the RFID module to OP 3xx is shielded.

Grounding: Ensure that the grounding point inside the control cabinet is reliable and avoid parallel laying with power lines (motor, frequency converter output).

Spacing: Coaxial cables should be kept away from high voltage and high current lines as much as possible, with a minimum spacing of no less than 100mm.

ESD protection: During installation or maintenance, first contact the grounded metal to release static electricity, and then touch the module circuit board.

Power supply and electrical characteristics

The XE 020/A evaluation unit is powered by 12V DC ± 5% through an RJ45 interface provided by the control panel. Its power consumption is not explicitly stated in the document, but can be estimated to be around 1-2W based on the maximum RF transmission power (250mW) and logic circuit.

It should be noted that this power supply belongs to the Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) standard, which complies with EN 60950-1, and therefore allows operators to touch the interface.

Configuration: DIP switch and hardware address

When there are multiple RFID modules in the same system (such as multiple operation panels sharing a controller), a unique hardware address must be assigned to each module. The XE 020/A is equipped with a 4-digit DIP switch (only two of which are actually used, and up to 4 types of addresses can be configured).

6.1 DIP Switch Setting Table

Adr0 Address Value Description

0 0 binary 00, corresponding to hexadecimal 17H (the original table may be incorrect, according to actual logic)

1 1 binary 01, 16H

2 2 binary 10, 15H

3 3 binary 11, 14H (factory default)

Note: The original table states "DIP switch Adr0" and "Address", and lists 0017H, 0116H, etc. In practical engineering, the DIP switch should be turned to the desired position and the module should be restarted (powered off and then on) to make the settings effective.

6.2 Precautions for Multimode Group

If only one RFID module is used, the factory default (address 14H) can be retained.

Address conflicts can cause the controller to be unable to distinguish RFID data from different operation panels, resulting in random recognition failures.

Status LED indication and fault diagnosis

The three color LED at the front of the operation panel is the primary basis for on-site troubleshooting. The following table summarizes the meaning and handling measures of LED status:

LED status meaning, reasons/solutions

Red (flashing) RFID card not recognized or unauthorized card damaged; Card data format error; Distance too far (over 40mm); Duoka Conflict

Green (about 3 seconds) recognition successful and normal

Contact KEBA for repair if the permanent red firmware is not running or there is a hardware malfunction

Permanent orange not connected to the controller. Check if the RJ45 cable is properly plugged in; Check the power supply of the controller and the configuration of the EXT0 interface

The LED is turned off and connected normally, and the standby state is normal. It will only briefly light up when the card approaches

7.1 Startup Process Behavior

After power on, the LED briefly turns red and then permanently orange, indicating that it is waiting to establish communication with the controller. After a successful connection, the orange color will turn off. If it remains red for more than 10 seconds after startup, it indicates that the firmware has failed to load and needs to be returned to the factory for maintenance.

7.2 Multi card detection errors

If multiple RFID cards are placed in front of the antenna at the same time, the LED will turn red (recognition error). The system design does not allow for simultaneous reading of multiple cards. Please ensure that only one card approaches at a time.

Detailed explanation of technical specifications

8.1 RF Parameters

Operating frequency: 13.56 MHz (global ISM band)

Transmission power: 200 mW (maximum 250 mW)

Sampling rate: configurable, default is 10 times/second

Supported protocols: ISO 15693, ISO 18000-3, compatible with Euromap 65

8.2 Reading distance

Nominal value: 40 mm (using RI-102112A-03 card, aluminum front panel)

Factors affecting distance: metal backplate distance, antenna tuning, card type, environmental electromagnetic noise.

8.3 Environmental conditions

Working temperature:+5 ° C to+55 ° C

Storage temperature: -30 ° C to+70 ° C

Relative humidity: 5%~95% (without condensation)

Anti vibration/impact: compliant with IEC 61131 standard (applicable to programmable controllers)

8.4 Mechanical dimensions

Antenna (printed circuit board): width 57mm x length 53mm

Evaluation unit (with casing): width 88mm x length 64mm x height 21mm

Protection level: Evaluation unit IP20, plastic shell of antenna module has no specific IP level but is usually used on the inside of the panel.

Certification and Compliance

9.1 EC Directive

R&TTE Directive (99/5/EG): Radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment.

9.2 Compliance Standards

To demonstrate compliance with R&TTE, based on the following standards:

Aspect standards

Personal safety (RF exposure) EN 50364:2001

Radio characteristics EN 300330-2 V1.3.1 (Class 3 receiver, Class 1 device)

EMC EN 301489-3 V1.4.1

Electrical safety EN 60950-1:2001+A1:2004

In addition, the environmental adaptability complies with EN 61131-2:2003.

9.3 FCC (US market)

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC regulations. It contains modules with FCC ID: U870001. If the label is not visible in the final product, it must be labeled "Contains FCC ID: U870001" on the outside of the product.

Usage conditions:

Do not use antennas other than those provided by KEBA.

Any changes or modifications not explicitly approved by KEBA may result in users losing their operational privileges.

Maintenance, repair, and waste disposal

10.1 Routine Maintenance

This device is designed for maintenance free use and does not require regular cleaning or calibration. Just keep the antenna surface free of metal shavings or dirt.

10.2 Maintenance Policy

Only technicians authorized by KEBA can repair faulty modules, otherwise the warranty is invalid. If encountering permanent red lights or unrecognized issues, it is recommended to first investigate cable connections, DIP address conflicts, and controller communication programs, and confirm before sending for repair.

10.3 Packaging and Transportation

When repairing, please use the original factory electrostatic protection packaging. This packaging is not suitable as a transport outer box and must be accompanied by a sturdy transport cardboard box and filled with shock-absorbing material.

10.4 Disposal of Waste

Dispose of electronic waste in accordance with domestic regulations (such as the EU WEEE Directive). Do not mix modules with household waste.

Attachment and spare parts list

Engineers can order the following components separately:

Component ordering number

XE 020/A RFID evaluation unit 70894

XE 020/ANT antenna module 71110

Coaxial antenna cable (300mm) 71352

RFID module/OP 3xx connection cable (shielded, 1m) 58033

RFID status LED connection cable 73149

RFID card (RI-102112A-03) to be determined

Recommend using KEBA original cards for optimal reading performance. Third party ISO15693 cards are theoretically compatible, but on-site testing is required.

Engineering Application and Troubleshooting Cases

12.1 Case 1: Insufficient reading distance

Phenomenon: The newly installed XE020 module can only recognize cards within 20mm, not the nominal 40mm.

Troubleshooting steps:

Check if there is a metal tag or cable attached to the back of the antenna - an unsecured network cable was found tightly attached to the back of the antenna.

Remove the cable and restore the distance to around 35mm, still below the nominal value.

Further inspection of the gap between the aluminum panel and the antenna: The original configuration missed the installation of insulation gaskets, causing the antenna to directly contact the aluminum plate, resulting in serious misalignment.

After adding a 1.5mm thick nylon gasket, the distance reaches 42mm, which meets the requirements.

12.2 Case 2: LED permanently orange, unable to recognize

Phenomenon: After power on, the LED remains orange and the controller cannot receive any RFID data.

Troubleshooting:

Measure the voltage of pins 7-8 of RJ45 with a multimeter: 12.1V is normal.

Check the signal line Data+/Data -: It was found that the shielded cable had virtual soldering at the joint.

After re soldering, the LED first turns red, then orange, and then turns off, returning to normal.

12.3 Case 3: Multiple operation panel address conflicts

Phenomenon: There are two OP 350 panels in the workshop, each with XE020 module. However, when swiping the card on panel A, it is sometimes interfered by the error prompt on panel B.

Reason: The DIP switches of both modules are factory default (address 14H), and the controller cannot distinguish them.

Solution: Turn the DIP switch Adr0 of the second module to "1" (address 16H), and configure the corresponding serial port channels in the controller program to solve the problem.

Integration suggestions with other systems

13.1 Software integration with KEBA controller

In the Kemro.view.standard development environment, the UID string of RFID cards can be read through the system API. The typical steps are as follows:

Initialize EXT0 serial port (baud rate is determined by firmware by default, usually 19200 or 115200).

Polling the receive buffer, when a card enters, it will receive a data frame in a specific format.

After verifying the integrity of the data, extract the card number and compare it with the local permission table to execute login or logout logic.

13.2 Access of third-party PLC or IPC

Due to the serial data output of XE020/A (via RJ45 Data+/Data -, essentially RS485 or TTL level), if it needs to be connected to the RS232/RS485 port of a standard PLC, level conversion may be required. Please refer to KEBA's "General Guide for RJ45 Cable Connections" for detailed pin timing diagrams. A simple approach is to purchase the original connecting cable (58033) and solder it to the DB9 connector according to the pin definition.