Eccel C2R Pepper Module User Manual

Eccel C2R Pepper Module

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 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.

Operating conditions

Current consumption (V_DD = 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

Pinout description

*All digital signals are at 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 described below.
The Module also has secondary UART (UART2) available. Using this connection, the user can view output logs which contain additional information about temporary executing commands. The default configuration is : baud: 115200, Data: 8 bit, Parity: none, Stop bits: 1 bit, Flow Control: none. Data lines can be configured to work using any free GPIO’s available on the module. Additionally, it can be used to operate the RS485 interface with hardware flow control using the DE and Re lines (pin no. 15 and 16).

The Pepper C2 device can be connected directly to a host computer using a standard USB interface. 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 virtual com port or USB serial device and it should appear in Windows device manager as a COM port.

Figure 3-1. Typical connection
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 flashes red 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
All dimensions are in mm.

Configuration and functional description

• Here is the document describing configuration, communication protocol, commands, and all functions of the Pepper C2 reader: https://eccel.co.uk/wp-content/downloads/Pepper_C2/C2-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/

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 have 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 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.

FCC STATEMENT

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 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.

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:
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (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 The final end product must be labeled in a visible area with the following: “Contains FCC ID: 2ALHY-C2RMODULE”

Integration instructions for host product manufacturers according to KDB 996369 D03 OEM Manual v01r01

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 – Antenna Placement Within the Host Platform
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
The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirement. The device can be used in portable exposure condition without restriction.

Antenna Type and Gain
This radio transmitter FCC ID: 2ALHY-C2RMODULE 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.

End Product Labelling Compliance Information
When the module is installed in the host device, the FCC ID label must be visible through a window on the final device or it must be visible when an access panel, door or cover is easily removed. If not, a second label must be placed on the outside of the final device that contains the following text: “Contains FCC ID: 2ALHY-C2RMODULE”. The FCC ID can be used only when all FCC compliance requirements are met.

Information on Test Modes and Additional Testing Requirements
This transmitter is tested in a standalone portable RF exposure condition and any co-located or simultaneous transmission with other transmitter(s) or for mobile products class II permissive change re-evaluation or new FCC authorization. Host manufacturer installed this module with single modular approval. The test of radiated emission and spurious emission according to FCC part 15C, 15.209, 15.207 requirement, only if the test result comply with FCC part 15C, 15.209, 15.207 requirement, then the host can be sold legally.

Additional testing, Part 15 Subpart B Disclaimer
This transmitter modular us tested as a subsystem and its certification does not cover the FCC Part 15 Subpart B rules requirement applicable to the final host. The final host will still need to be reassessed for compliance to this portion of rules requirements if applicable. As long as all conditions above are met, further transmitter test will not be required. However, the OEM integrator is still responsible for testing their end-product for any additional compliance requirements required with this modular installed.

Note EMI Considerations
The OEM integrator has to be aware not to provide information to the end user regarding how to install or remove this RF module in the user’s manual of the end product that integrates this module. The host integrator must follow the integration instructions provided in this document and ensure that the composite system end product complies with the requirements by a technical assessment or evaluation to the rules and to KDB Publication 996369. The host integrator installing this module into their product must ensure that the final composite product complies with the requirements by a technical assessment or evaluation to the rules, including the transmitter operation and should refer to guidance in KDB Publication 996369. OEM/Host Manufacturer Responsibilities OEM/Host manufacturers are ultimately responsible for the compliance of the Host and Module. The final product must be reassessed against all the essential requirements of the FCC rule such as FCC Part 15 Subpart B before it can be placed on the US market. This includes reassessing the transmitter module for compliance with the Radio and RF Exposure essential requirements of the FCC rules.

How to Make Changes – 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.

Revision history

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 C2 readers.
• More information about the Pepper C2 reader and other products can be found on the website: http://www.eccel.co.uk  or alternatively contact Eccel Technology via e-mail at: sales@eccel.co.uk