Eccel C1 MUX UART FCC RFID Reader User Manual

The Pepper C1 MUX FCC Approved is a versatile RFID module designed to simplify RFID integration into various systems. It features a 32-bit microcontroller for RFID configuration setup, providing users with a powerful yet simple command interface for read/write access to supported transponders.

Electrical Specification

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Parameter	Min	Max	Unit
Storage temperature (TS)	-40	+125	°C
Supply voltage (VDDMAX)	3	5.5	V

Operating Conditions

Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Unit

DC Characteristics

Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Unit

Current Consumption (VDD = 5V)

Parameter	Typ	Max	Unit

Product Usage Instructions

Getting Started

To get started with the Pepper C1 MUX FCC Approved, follow these steps:

IO and Peripherals:

J3 header +5V output

RS232/485 J2 header*
Micro USB* (only in USB version)

J1 Header Description:

UART2 TX/GPIO27 (3.3V level)
UART2 RX/GPIO25 (3.3V level)

J2 Header Description (RS232 version only) / J2 Header Description (RS485 version only):

Note: For half duplex communication, pins A+Y and B+Z should be connected together.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find the latest user manual for Pepper C1 MUX FCC Approved?
- A: The newest user manual can be found on our website: Link to User Manual

Introduction

Device Overview

Features

Low cost RFID Reader with MIFARE® Classic® in 1K, 4K memory, ICODE, MIFARE Ultralight®, MIFARE DESFire® EV1/EV2, MIFARE Plus® support

Wireless connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 2.4GHz wireless communication (WPAN)
- can be disabled by the user
Built in Web Interface
Over-the-Air lifetime updates
UART baud rate up to 921600 bps
Configurable RGB LED indicator for RFID or Wi-Fi events
Stand-alone mode (polling) up to 8 external antennas
Antenna selection by one simple command
IoT interfaces: MQTT, WebSocket
High transponder read and write speed
-25°C to 85°C operating range
Multiple internal reference voltages
RoHS compliant
FCC and CE (RED) compliant

Applications

Access control
Monitoring goods
Approval and monitoring consumables

Pre-payment systems
Managing resources
Contact-less data storage systems

Evaluation and development of RFID systems

Description

The Pepper C1 MUX module is the multiplexed version of the Pepper C1 – the first Eccel Technology Ltd product with wireless connectivity connectivity by Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and WPAN (2.4GHz). The user can connect up to 8 external RFID antennas. Thanks to the wireless connectivity, the customer receives free lifetime Over-the-Air updates, and of course the communication protocol can be used over TCP instead of the traditional UART/USB interface. Combining these features with standalone mode provides a “straight out of the box” ready to use device for many application. In standalone mode, the module can be easily integrated with IoT systems thanks to many IoT protocols like MQTT, REST API, TCP sockets and more.

So, this is an ideal design choice if the user wishes to add RFID capability to their design quickly and without requiring extensive RFID and embedded software expertise and time. An advanced and powerful 32-bit microcontroller handles the RFID configuration setup and provides the user with a powerful yet simple command interface. This facilitates fast and easy read/write access to the memory and features of the various transponders supported by this module.

Electrical specification

Absolute maximum ratings

Stresses beyond the absolute maximum ratings listed in the table 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.

Table 2-1. Absolute maximum ratings

Symbol	Parameter	Min	Max	Unit
TS	Storage temperature	-40	+125	°C
VDDMAX	Supply voltage (USB or J4 header)	3	5.5	V

Operating conditions

Table 2-2. Operating conditions

Symbol	Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Unit
TOp	Operating temperature	-25	25	+85	°C
H	Humidity	5	60	95	%
VDD	Supply voltage (USB or J4 header)	3	5	5.5	V

DC characteristics (VDD = 5 V, TS = 25 °C)

Table 2-3. DC characteristics

Symbol	Parameter	Min	Typ	Max	Unit
VOUT	Output voltage (regulator output, 3V3 pin on the J1 header)	3.23	3.3	3.37	V
VIH	High-level input voltage (J1 header)	0.75 x VOUT	–	VOUT + 0.3	V
VIL	Low-level input voltage (J1 header)	0	–	0.3 x VOUT	V
VOH	High-level output voltage (J1 header)	0.8 x VOUT	–	–	V
VOL	Low-level output voltage (J1 header)	–	–	0.3 x VOUT	V
VORS232	V output RS232 (J2 header, RS232_TX pin)	–	5	5.4	V
VIRS232	V input RS232 (J2 header, RS232_RX pin)	-25	–	+25	V

Current consumption (VDD = 5V)

Table 2-4. Current consumption

Symbol			Parameter	Typ	Max	Unit
Wi-Fi enabled	Access Point mode	IPN_RFOFF_AP	RF field off (AP)	150	170	mA
	Access Point mode	IPN_RFON_AP	RF field on (AP)	190	210	mA
	Station mode	IPN_RFOFF_STA	RF field off (STA)	75	95	mA
	Station mode	IPN_RFON_STA	RF field on (STA)	130	150	mA
Wi-Fi disabled	IPN_RFOFF		RF field off	65	70	mA
Wi-Fi disabled	IPN_RFON		RF field on	120	140	mA

Getting Started

IO and peripherals

*Micro USB – only in USB version. Connected internally to the built in USB to TTL converter. This converter is routed to the UART0 header.
*RS232/RS485 header – this connection is for optional built in RS232/RS485 converter.

These options are available here:

https://eccel.co.uk/product/pepper-c1-mux-fcc-rs232/

https://eccel.co.uk/product/pepper-c1-mux-fcc-rs485/

J1 header description

UART2 TX/GPIO27 (3.3V level)
UART2 RX/GPIO25 (3.3V level)
GPI 34 (input only)

GPI 35 (input only)
GND
3.3V otuput

J2 header description (RS232 version only)

Not connected

Not connected
RS232 RX (from host to the C1, max input voltage level ±25V)
RS232 TX (from the C1 to host, max output voltage level ±5V)

J2 header description (RS485 version only)

By default, the Pepper C1 reader is working in full duplex mode using all four wires for RS485 communication. For half duplex communication pins A+Y and B+Z should be connected together.

A Noninverting Receiver Input
B Inverting Receiver Input
Z Inverting Driver Output

Y Noninverting Driver Output

J3 header description

The J3 header is an additional power supply output socket. The maximum output current depends on the power supply connected to the J4 Vin pin, and is estimated as 100mA.

+5V output (100mA)
GND

J4 UART0 header description

This is the UART0 header in the TTL standard with 3.3V levels. This is the same UART as it available on the USB port in the USB version.

Vin – Power supply, 3.3V – 5V
UART0 TX – UART TX data from the module
UART0 RX – UART RX data to the module

J6 External antenna header

The user has the possibility to work with up to 8 external RFID antennas simultaneously. Eccel Technology Ltd provides a variety of RFID antennas which the user can use together with this device: https://eccel.co.uk/product-category/antennas/ (only red ones).

GND
TX1 – Antenna driver output

TX2 – Antenna driver output

Typical connection

The Pepper C1 MUX device can be connected to a host computer using a standard USB Micro cable. In the same way it can be powered to operate as a standalone device by using power sources such as a USB charger or power bank.
The computer operating system should recognize this device as a USB to TTL bridge or a USB to Serial port converter and it should appear in Windows Device Manager as a new COM port (for example COM3). By default this COM port can be used for communication using the binary protocol described below.

The Reader also has the UART2 connector (J1 header) where the user can view output logs which contain additional information about temporary executing commands. The default configuration: baud: 115200, Data: 8 bit, Parity: none, Stop bits: 1 bit, Flow Control: none.

Hint – If you don’t have a USB-UART converter to see the logs on the UART2 (J1 header), you can temporary change the default log interface from UART2 to UART0 in the Web Interface (Communication->UART tab). Then, the logs should be available on the USB port (in case of the Pepper C1 MUX USB reader).

Mechanical Dimension

All dimensions are in mm.

Configuration and functional description

Here is the document describing configuration, communication protocol, commands and all functions of the Pepper C1 MUX FCC reader: https://eccel.co.uk/wp-content/downloads/Pepper_C1/C1_software_manual.pdf
Eccel provides a variety of free tools & libraries ready to be downloaded from this link: https://eccel.co.uk/support-free-libraries/

FCC STATEMENT

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

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

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: 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 antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
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 help important announcement Important Note:

Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator and your body.
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 20cm is maintained between the antenna and users, and
The transmitter module may not be co-located with any other transmitter or antenna,

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 Labelling

The final end product must be labelled in a visible area with the following” Contains FCC ID: 2ALHY-PEPPERMUX”

Integration instructions for host product manufacturers according to KDB 996369 D03 OEM Manual v01

List of applicable FCC rules

CFR 47 FCC PART 15 SUBPART C has been investigated. It is applicable to the modular transmitter

Specific operational use conditions

This module is stand-alone modular. If the end product will involve the Multiple simultaneously transmitting condition or different operational conditions for a stand-alone modular transmitter in a host, host manufacturer have to consult with module manufacturer for the installation method in end system.

Limited module procedures

Not applicable

Trace antenna designs

Not applicable

RF exposure considerations

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Antennas

This radio transmitter FCC ID:2ALHY-PEPPERMUX has been approved by 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.

Internal Identification	Antenna type and antenna number	Operate frequency band	Maximum antenna gain	Note
Antenna	PCB Antenna	2400MHz-2500MHz	1.88dBi	Track antenna

Label and compliance information

The final end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following “Contains FCC ID:2ALHY-PEPPERMUX”.

Information on test modes and additional testing requirements

Host manufacturer which install this modular with single modular approval should perform the test of radiated emission and spurious emission according to FCC part 15C:15.247 and 15.209 requirement, only if the test result comply with FCC part 15.247 and 15.209 requirement, then the host can be sold legally.

Additional testing, Part 15 Subpart B disclaimer

Host manufacturer is responsible for compliance of the host system with module installed with all other applicable requirements for the system such as Part 15 B.

More Information

Revision history

Revision	Date	Changes
2.17	29-Jul-2024	First release

More Info

MIFARE, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE Plus, MIFARE Classic, and MIFARE DESFire are trademarks of NXP B.V.
No responsibility is taken for the method of integration or final use of the Pepper C1 readers
More information about the Pepper C1 MUX reader and other products can be found at the Internet site: http://www.eccel.co.uk or alternatively contact ECCEL Technology (IB Technology) by e-mail at: sales@eccel.co.uk

1 The newest User manual can be found on our website: https://eccel.co.uk/wp-content/downloads/Pepper_C1/C1_MUX_FCC_User_manual.pdf

Documents / Resources

Eccel C1 MUX UART FCC RFID Reader [pdf] User Manual
C1, C1 MUX UART FCC RFID Reader, MUX UART FCC RFID Reader, RFID Reader, Reader

References

User Manual

Eccel C1 MUX UART FCC RFID Reader

Product Information