SIMATIC RF300

The RFID system SIMATIC RF300 is particularly suitable for use in industrial production in the areas of production control, assembly lines and conveyors.

SIMATIC RF300 is used to implement identification tasks with medium to high performance in the HF range (13.56 MHz).

Depending on the performance of the identification system, two versions of the system are available:

• Medium performance: System configuration with SIMATIC RF300 readers in ISO 15963 mode and low-cost MOBY D transponders.
• High performance: System configuration with SIMATIC RF300 readers in RF300 mode and SIMATIC RF300 transponders.

The new generation of SIMATIC RF18xC/CI communications modules facilitates simple and secure connection of SIMATIC RF300 systems to cloud applications via an industrial IoT gateway, thus enhancing the range of potential uses for the data supplied by the RFID transponders.

New generation RF300 readers

RF300 reader, 2nd generation

For simple migration of existing MOBY E installations, the new RF300 readers of the latest SIMATIC RF310R, RF340R, RF350R and RF380R generation also make it possible to operate MOBY E transponders (MDS E6xx). The readers can be operated in the "mixed transponder mode". This means that MOBY E transponders can continue to be used in the system and do not need to be replaced. MOBY I installations, too, are easy to migrate with the new SIMATIC RF310R, RF340R, RF350R and RF380R generation of readers: All that is required is to replace readers and transponders with SIMATIC RF300 products. Interface modules, control components and application software can be retained. The new generation of readers (6GT2801-xBA10) is 100% replacement compatible with readers of the first generation (6GT2801-xAB10). Another performance feature is the integrated LED set-up help. Two bright LED display elements on opposite sides considerable improve all-round visibility of the operating state.

This allows the user to position readers and transponders optimally in relation to each other. This enables design without the need for additional tools or equipment, especially in complex installation conditions (e.g. in a highly metallic environment). Benefits:

• Cost savings and easier migration of older systems with MOBY I and MOBY E (not for RF360R)
• Time savings und avoidance of errors during configuration and parameter assignment in the TIA Portal using Ident technology objects (as of V14 SP1)
• Enhanced process stability for challenging installation conditions right from the start thanks to optimum positioning of components using integrated set-up help.

The SIMATIC RF300 identification system offers the following performance features:

• 13.56 MHz operating frequency
• For operating with ISO 15693 mode or RF300 mode
• Operation with MOBY E transponders (only with new generation RF310R / RF340R / RF350R / RF380R readers, not for RF360R)
• Passive (no battery), maintenance-free transponder (MDS Dxxx and RF3xxT) with memory up to 64 KB
• Rugged, compact components with degree of protection IP67 / IP68
• Very high immunity to noise
• Detection of data corruption on the transponder (ECC mode)
• Extensive diagnostic functions
• Extremely fast data transmission
• Easy to integrate into SIMATIC, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and TCP/IP

• Rugged, compact components with high degree of protection (up to IP68).
• Data communication that is highly resistant to interference with a high degree of data security.
• Maintenance-free transponders up to 64 KB.
• Extremely high-speed data transmission between reader and transponder (up to 7.8 KBps).
• Flexible and economic solutions thanks to the complete and scalable portfolio for the field of industrial identification.
• Simplified engineering, commissioning, diagnostics and maintenance through seamless integration into Totally Integrated Automation (TIA):
  • Integrated bus connection to automation systems such as SIMATIC, SIMOTION or SINUMERIK via communication modules with PROFIBUS and PROFINET. Direct connection to the fieldbuses (without additional communication modules) with RF360R readers.
  • Simple S7 software integration via ready-to-use function blocks.
  • Extensive status and diagnostic functions.
• High degree of investment protection thanks to:
  • Open standard in accordance with ISO standard 15693.
  • Software compatibility between the RFID systems of Siemens.
  • Standardized communication interfaces.
• Openness through connection possibilities to various bus systems from different manufacturers and PC environments via communication modules.
• Worldwide service and support.

The RFID system SIMATIC RF300 is used primarily for contact-free identification of containers, pallets and workpiece holders in a closed production cycle. This means that the data storage medium (transponders, SmartLabels) remain in the production chain and are not shipped out with the products. Due to the compact enclosure dimensions of both the transponders and the readers (read/write devices), SIMATIC RF300 is particularly suitable for (small) assembly lines where space is at a premium.

The main application areas for SIMATIC RF300 are:

• Assembly and handling systems, assembly lines (identification of workpiece carriers)
• Production logistics (material flow control, identification of containers and other vessels)
• Parts identification (e.g. transponder is attached to product or pallet)
• Conveyor technology (e.g. suspended monorails)
• Automated guided vehicle systems (AGV), mobile robots

The high degree of protection (up to IP68) of the SIMATIC RF300 Reader enables it to be used in harsh industrial environments.

The SIMATIC RF310R, RF340R, RF360R and RF380R devices have an integrated antenna. The SIMATIC RF350R Reader is operated with an external antenna.

Each SIMATIC RF300 Reader has a multicolor LED which indicates the function and status of the reader as well as of the transponder.

The interface to the automation level can be implemented by means of communications modules. For quick and easy cabling, pre-assembled cables with M12 connectors are available in various lengths. The RF360R reader is equipped with an integrated communications module.

All readers can be operated either according to RFID standard ISO 15693, or in high-performance RF300 mode.

Depending on the mode of the reader, a comprehensive range of transponders is available for a wide variety of requirements.

For use in accordance with the ISO 15693 standard there are various versions available, e.g. inexpensive SmartLabels for simple identification tasks in rugged credit card format, or screw-fit transponders that can be automatically attached by robots.

Additional transponders are available for the high-performance RF300 mode, e.g. special heat-resistant transponders for temperatures up to +220 °C, or particularly compact rectangular designs for use on small workpiece holders.

The new generation of readers (SIMATIC RF310R, RF340R, RF350R and RF380R) readers can also be operated with MOBY E transponders. Mixed operation with ISO 15693 and/or RF300 transponders is possible with the new generation of readers.

All of the SIMATIC RF300 readers are suitable for reliable reading and writing tasks in the HF range of 13.56 MHz. In the ISO 15693 operating mode, identification tasks in the medium-performance range are possible.

The RF300 mode permits high-performance operation with a high-speed data transmission of up to 7.8 kbyte/s and is therefore one of the fastest RFID systems in the HF range.

Connection of readers to the automation level (e.g. SIMATIC S7) via standard fieldbuses (e.g. PROFIBUS or PROFINET) is by means of communications modules to which the readers can be connected via an RS422 interface. The fieldbus interface is integrated in the SIMATIC RF360R Reader, meaning that no additional communications module is required.

User-friendly function blocks are available for the S7 programming.

In the event of an error, the S7 application receives a detailed error message from the communications module via the function block.

In addition, SIMATIC RF380R readers with an RS232 interface for connection to PC-based systems are also available.

The SIMATIC RF382R and RF310R readers are available as scan mode variants (read only) for identification tasks without special command control. In these variants, the reader reads each detected transponder (UID or user data) automatically and outputs this data via the serial interface to be received by a PC, for example.

Extended diagnostics functions in RF300 mode, such as the field strength measured variable or the signature error counter, enable the HF field or the quality of the air interface to be measured.

With the "ECC" (Error Correction Code) function, bit errors are automatically detected in the transponder memory and signaled to the user. If there is just one bit error, the read data is corrected.

A wide range of communication modules, function blocks and function libraries permits quick and easy integration into the application.

And best of all: SIMATIC RF300 is part of Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) and can be integrated easily and cost-effectively into the SIMATIC world with minimal effort.

For more details on the connection possibilities, see the section "Communication Modules".

SIMATIC Ident Configuration Guide

You can find a compact configuration guide for setting up RFID systems here:

http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/view/en/67384964

¹⁾ All current wireless approvals can be found on the Internet at:

http://www.siemens.com/rfid-approvals