Eccel Technology Pepper C2R RFID Reader Module User Manual

Eccel Technology Pepper C2R RFID Reader Module

Introduction

Device Overview

Features

• Low cost RFID Reader with MIFARE® Classic® in 1K, 4K memory, ICODE, MIFARE Ultralight®, NTAG21x
• lifetime firmware updates
• Command interface via UART and USB
• UART baud rate up to 921600 bps
• High-speed USB-UART emulated interface
• USB HID keyboard emulation
• Configurable RGB LED indicator for RFID events
• 6 configurable GPIOs
• Stand-alone mode (polling)
• High transponder read and write speed
• -25°C to 85°C operating range
• Multiple internal reference voltages
• RoHS compliant
• CE (RED) and FCC compliant. ISED/PSE and other approvals were easily obtained

Applications

• Access control
• Monitoring goods
• Approval and monitoring of consumables
• Pre-payment systems
• Managing resources
• Contactless data storage systems
• Evaluation and development of RFID systems

Description

The Pepper C2 Module RFID reader is the advanced successor to the Pepper C1 Module, maintaining full compatibility with most of the tag types and protocols supported by its predecessor. It offers lifetime firmware updates, ensuring continuous improvements and security. The device features a configurable USB interface capable of emulating either a UART interface or functioning as a HID profile, such as keyboard emulation. Additionally, the Pepper C2 Module is cost-optimized compared to previous C1 modules, providing enhanced functionality at a competitive price point.

Electrical specification

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Stresses beyond the absolute maximum ratings listed below may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and do not refer to the functional operation of the device that should follow the recommended operating conditions.

Operating Conditions

Current Consumption (VDD = 5V)

*A metal environment near the antenna can increase the current consumption of the RFID Reader. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure a minimum 500mA of current from the power supply.

Getting started

IO and peripherals

Usage Instructions

Pinout Description

*All digital signals are at a 3.3V level

Typical Connection

The Pepper C2R Module can be connected to a host (computer or another device) using USB or UART0. Both interfaces can be used for communication using the binary protocol. The device can be powered as a standalone unit using power sources like a USB charger or power bank. When connected to a computer, it should be recognized as a virtual COM port or USB serial device.

Hint: If you don’t have a USB-UART converter to see the logs on the UART2, you can temporarily change the default log interface from UART2 to UART0 in the Cx-client UART configuration button. Then, the logs should be available on the USB port

HID keyboard emulation

• The RFID reader can be configured to enable USB port emulation of the HID Keyboard profile. With this functionality, UID numbers of tags read during polling are transmitted as a keyboard input stream to any host device that accepts USB keyboards. To activate this profile, the Cx-client application should be used to select the HID Keyboard profile for the USB port within the USB/UART configuration menu.
• Once the device is configured via the USB/UART0 interface in HID Keyboard mode, further connection to this port using the Cx-client application becomes unavailable. In order to temporarily restore the binary protocol, the BUTTON pin should be held at the LOW state for 3 seconds. During this process, the device’s RGB LED blinks once every second, and 7 flashes red seven times when the default UART emulation profile has been temporarily restored. Additionally, configuration options allow enabling automatic transmission of the ENTER key after each UID is sent.

Factory reset

• To restore the device to its factory default settings, the button pin must be held at LOW state for 10 seconds. The device will indicate the completion of the factory reset process by flashing the RGB LED in white.

Mechanical dimension
Pepper C2R Module

Configuration and Functional Description

• Detailed configuration, communication protocol, commands, and all functions of the Pepper C2 reader are described in the C2 software manual.
• Eccel provides a variety of free tools & libraries ready to be downloaded from this link: https://eccel.co.uk/support-free-libraries/

Note: Should you experience any difficulties integrating our readers into your device, please contact us at technical@eccel.co.uk. Our team can provide integration support and, where required, adapt the software and/or hardware to meet specific customer requirements. We specialize in developing custom solutions. Further information is available at: https://eccel.co.uk/custom-design/

RF Emissions and Susceptibility Approvals

• Eccel has tested and declared that this product meets all the requirements of the relevant RF directives (RED) to be declared CE (European Union) and UKCA (United Kingdom) compliant. Please see our declaration of conformity for this on the downloads tab of the product webpage.
• This product is designed to be incorporated into products easily and quickly, such that those products can pass any national or regional statutory RF requirements and certifications, such as FCC (USA), ISED (Canada), and PSE (Japan), for example.
• This product is designed to meet all statutory RF requirements applicable worldwide using the most cost-effective but robust design methodology.
• Eccel is pleased to offer customers a very cost-effective certification for their end equipment that incorporates this product. Prices start from £3K per approval/ certification. Please contact us for more details at sales@eccel.co.uk.

Antenna Type and Gain

This radio transmitter, FCC ID: 2ALHY-C2RMODULE, has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission to operate with the antenna types listed below, with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device.

Revision history

FCC Warning

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for

Caution: Any changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by the manufacturer could void your authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference,
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Country Code selection feature to be disabled for products marketed to the US/Canada. This device is intended only for OEM integrators under the following conditions:

• The antenna must be installed such that 5mm is maintained between the antenna and users, and the transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or antenna.
• As long as the two conditions above are met, further transmitter testing will not be required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this module installed.

Important Note: In the event that these conditions cannot be met (for example, certain laptop configurations or co-location with another transmitter), then the FCC authorization is no longer considered valid, and the FCC ID cannot be used on the final product. In these circumstances, the OEM integrator will be responsible for re-evaluating the end product (including the transmitter) and obtaining a separate FCC authorization. End Product Labeling