SIEMENS SIMATIC RF120C Communication Module Comprehensive Analysis and Application Guide

(1) ISO 15693 labels (such as RF200, MOBY D)

MDS D139:44 bytes, addresses 0x0000-0x002B

ISO-MDS (Tag It HF-1): 256 bytes, addresses 0x0000-0x00FF

Identification area: Fixed address 0xFFFF, length 8 bytes, read-only.

(2) RF300 series labels

EEPROM user memory: can be used as read/write (R/W) or write once (OTP) storage.

OTP area: Address 0xFF80-0xFF93, cannot be changed after writing, suitable for permanent data such as serial number and production date.

(3) RF600 series (compliant with EPC Gen2 standard)

User memory: The length varies depending on the chip model, such as 96 bits for Impinj Monza 2 and up to 480 bits for Alien Higgs 3.

System area: includes protection functions such as EPC, TID, reserved password, and deactivated password (KILL-PW).

(4) MOBY U series

Data storage: 2KB or 32KB, with addresses starting from 0x0000.

OTP memory: 16 bytes, address 0xFFFF, only allows one-time writing.

Diagnosis, Error Handling, and Maintenance

5.1 LED status indication

RF120C provides multi-level LED status display:

Front panel DIAG LED: green constant light (normal), green flashing (started/not configured), red flashing (error), red constant light (fault needs to be replaced).

Internal LED group (need to open the cover to view):

DC 24V (green): External power supply is normal

PRE (green): The responder is present

Rx (yellow): In data communication

ERROR (flashing red): The specific error code can be identified through the flashing pattern

5.2 Error Message Analysis

Detailed error information can be obtained through the STATUS output parameter of the function block, with the following structure:

Byte 0: Error category (e.g. E1: Label related; E4: Hardware malfunction)

Byte 1: Error number (0x80-0x8F indicates controller parameter error)

Byte 2: Specific error code

Byte 3: Warning message (RF120C has no warning function)

Typical error examples:

E1 FE 01: Writing to tag memory failed (possibly due to memory lock or depleted lifespan)

E4 FE 01:24V output short circuit or overload

E5 FE 08: Command buffer full, waiting or initialization required

5.3 Module replacement and reset

The configuration data of RF120C is stored in the CPU, and after replacing the module, the CPU automatically retransmits the parameters. If communication abnormalities occur, the following operations can be performed:

Power off and restart the module.

Call the Reset-Reader function block.

Check the power supply and cable connections.

Technical data and certification

6.1 Main specifications

Power supply: 24V DC (20-30V range), backplane bus power consumption ≤ 250mA, maximum external output 1A

Communication speed: up to 115.2 kbps (RS422)

Working temperature: 0-55 ° C for horizontal installation, 0-45 ° C for vertical installation

Protection level: IP20

Size: 30 × 100 × 75mm (width × height × depth)

6.2 Certification and Standards

CE: Compliant with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU

Explosion proof certification: ATEX (II 3G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc), IECEx (Ex nA IIC T4 Gc)

Industrial standards: EN 61000-6-2/4, EN 55011, UL 508, cULus Listed

MTBF: Approximately 196 years at 40 ° C environment

Cable and accessory selection

7.1 Standard Cable

Connection cable (RF120C to reader): 2m/5m/10m optional (order number such as 6GT2091-4LH20)

Extension cable (M12 to M12): up to 50m, suitable for long-distance deployment

MOBY dedicated cable: suitable for D/U series label systems

7.2 Suggestions for self-assembled cables

If standard cables are not applicable, a 7 × 0.25mm ² shielded cable (LiYC11Y type) can be used in conjunction with a D-type or M12 connector to be self-made. Pin definitions can be found on page 20 of the document.