Pepper C1 PoE User Manual

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Electrical Specification
• 3. Getting Started
• 4. Mechanical Dimension
• 5. Configuration and Functional Description
• 6. Custom Integration Services
• 7. RF Emissions and Susceptibility Approvals
• 8. Revision History

1. Introduction

1.1 Device Overview

Features

• Low cost RFID Reader with MIFARE® Classic® in 1K, 4K memory, ICODE, MIFARE Ultralight®, MIFARE DESFire® EV1/EV2, MIFARE Plus® support
• Ethernet + PoE
• USB interface (USB-C socket)
• Wireless connectivity:
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  • 2.4GHz wireless communication (BR/EDR and Low Energy)
  • Can be disabled by the user
• Built-in Web Interface
• Over-The-Air lifetime updates
• Command interface via UART and TCP sockets
• Configurable RGB LED indicator for RFID events
• 1 configurable IO pin, 2 x input pins
• Stand-alone mode (polling)
• IoT interfaces: MQTT, WebSocket, REST API
• High transponder read and write speed
• -25°C to 85°C operating range
• RoHS compliant
• CE (RED) and UKCA compliant. FCC/ISED/PSE and other approvals easily obtained (see section 7)

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 PoE reader is the first Eccel Technology Ltd product with wired connectivity by Ethernet interface, as well as wireless Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and WPAN (BR/EDR + LE). This provides the customer with free lifetime Over-the-Air updates. The communication protocol can be used over TCP instead of traditional serial interface. Combining these features with standalone mode provides a ready-to-use device in many applications "straight out of the box." 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.

This is an ideal design choice for users wishing 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 a powerful yet simple command interface for fast and easy read/write access to the memory and features of the various transponders supported by this module.

Diagram Description: An image shows the Pepper C1 PoE PCB. Key components labeled include the RJ45 socket, USB-C socket, J3 header, a button, the ANT2 socket for external 2.4GHz antenna, and an RGB LED. The main RFID antenna is also visible.

2. Electrical Specification

2.1 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.

2.2 Operating Conditions

2.3 DC Characteristics (V_DD = 5 V, T_S = 25 °C)

2.4 Current Consumption (V_DD = 5V)

3. Getting Started

3.1 IO and Peripherals

Diagram Description: An image shows the Pepper C1 PoE PCB with various connectors and components labeled. These include the RJ45 socket, USB-C socket, J3 header, a button, the ANT2 socket for external 2.4GHz antenna, and an RGB LED. The main RFID antenna is also visible.

3.1.1 J3 Header Description

The J3 header provides access to various I/O and power pins:

1. Ground
2. +5V output (300mA max.)
3. IO32 – UART2 TX, debug TX, general purpose IO pin
4. IO20 – (NC, RFU)
5. Ground
6. I34 – UART2 RX
7. +3.3V output (500mA max.)
8. I35 – general purpose input pin

3.1.2 J6 External Antenna Header

The J6 connector allows for the connection of an external RFID antenna. Some soldering is required to make it functional. Eccel Technology Ltd offers a variety of RFID antennas.

See the range of external PCB antennas: https://eccel.co.uk/product-category/antennas/hf-13-56-mhz-antennas/

J6 Pinout:

1. GND
2. Antenna TX1 – RFID driver output
3. Antenna TX2 – RFID driver output
4. GND

Diagram Description: Two views of the J6 connector area on the PCB are shown. The 'Top view' indicates four capacitors to be removed. The 'Bottom view' shows pads where solder should be applied to connect the external antenna connector.

3.2 Ethernet + PoE Interface

The Pepper C1 PoE reader features a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface using the LAN8720A PHY chip for reliable network communication. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality, delivering both data and power over a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a separate power supply.

PoE functionality is implemented using the Si3402-C-GM power management IC, compliant with IEEE 802.3af. It is compatible with IEEE 802.3 Type 1 (Class 3 and below) Powered Device applications, supporting up to 15.4 W at the PSE and up to 12.95 W at the PD. The integrated RJ45 connector (Würth Elektronik 74984104400) includes built-in magnetics for Ethernet data and PoE power delivery.

For optimal performance, standard-compliant PoE switches or injectors are recommended. Examples include:

• Ubiquiti UniFi Switch (e.g., US-8-60W)
• TP-Link TL-SF1008P – 8-port switch with 4 PoE ports
• TP-Link TL-POE150S – standalone PoE injector

Using IEEE-compliant PoE equipment ensures proper power negotiation, safe operation, and long-term reliability.

3.3 Typical Connection

The Pepper C1 PoE can be powered and communicate via a PoE + LAN circuit to a host server. It can also connect to a host computer via USB-C. Alternatively, it can be powered by USB chargers or power banks for standalone operation.

The device appears as a USB to TTL bridge or USB to Serial port converter in Windows Device Manager (COM port). By default, this COM port is used for communication via the binary protocol.

The UART2 interface (J3 header) can be used for console logs. The default configuration is: baud: 115200, Data: 8 bit, Parity: none, Stop bits: 1 bit, Flow Control: none.

Diagram Description: Three diagrams illustrate connection methods:

• Figure 2: Ethernet + PoE connection: Shows the Pepper C1 PoE reader connected via an Ethernet cable carrying both data and power.
• Figure 3: USB-C connection: Shows the reader connected via USB-C, providing binary protocol communication and power.
• Figure 4: Ethernet (no PoE) + USB power supply: Shows the reader connected via Ethernet for data and a separate USB-C cable for power.

Diagram Description: Figure 5 shows the setup for console/debug logs, connecting the Pepper C1 PoE via Ethernet+PoE and a USB-UART converter to the UART2 TX pin.

Hint: If a USB-UART converter is unavailable, the log interface can be temporarily changed from UART2 to UART0 in the Web Interface (Communication->UART tab) to access logs via the USB port.

Diagram Description: Figure 6 shows a screenshot of the Pepper C1 Configuration web interface, specifically the 'Communication' tab, detailing settings for UART0/USB and UART2, including protocol selection and baud rate.

3.4 Plastic Enclosure

Diagram Description: An image shows the Pepper C1 PoE reader powered by a power bank, with wireless communication indicated by Wi-Fi symbols.

By default, both LAN and Wi-Fi interfaces are enabled. If only the USB-C cable is connected (without LAN), Wi-Fi is available (Access Point or Client mode). Inserting the LAN cable disables Wi-Fi, and unplugging it re-enables Wi-Fi. This ensures the reader is always accessible via the Web Interface. LAN is always enabled and can be configured in the Web Interface and saved to non-volatile memory. More information is available in the Pepper C1 software manual.

Upon request, the Pepper C1 PoE reader can be supplied with a dedicated enclosure designed to protect the electronics and facilitate easy installation. Eccel Technology also offers PCB redesign options to match specific customer mechanical requirements for seamless integration into custom housings.

Diagram Description: Images show the Pepper C1 PoE reader inside a grey plastic enclosure, both open and closed.

4. Mechanical Dimension

All dimensions are in mm.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the Pepper C1 PoE PCB with dimensions marked in millimeters. Key dimensions include lengths of 110.0 mm, 118.0 mm, 138.5 mm, and widths of 44.0 mm, 55.0 mm, 67.0 mm.

5. Configuration and Functional Description

For detailed information on configuration, communication protocols, commands, and functions of the Pepper C1 PoE reader, refer to the document:

https://eccel.co.uk/wp-content/downloads/Pepper_C1/C1_software_manual.pdf

Eccel provides a variety of free tools and libraries for download:

https://eccel.co.uk/support-free-libraries/

6. Custom Integration Services

Eccel Technology offers integration services for embedding RFID readers into customer end devices or systems. Their engineering team assists with antenna tuning in the target environment for optimal performance and reliability.

Services also include custom firmware development and mechanical modifications (e.g., shape, mounting format, enclosure design) to meet specific technical and design requirements.

For more information, please contact Eccel Technology at sales@eccel.co.uk.

7. RF Emissions and Susceptibility Approvals

Eccel has tested the Pepper C1 PoE reader and declares compliance with relevant RF directives (RED) for CE (European Union) and UKCA (United Kingdom) certification. The declaration of conformity is available on the product webpage.

The product is designed for easy incorporation into other products, enabling them to pass national or regional statutory RF requirements and certifications such as FCC (USA), ISED (Canada), and PSE (Japan).

The product meets worldwide statutory RF requirements using a cost-effective yet robust design methodology.

Eccel offers cost-effective certification services for end equipment incorporating this product. Prices start from £3K per approval/certification. For details, contact Eccel Technology at sales@eccel.co.uk.

8. Revision History

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 reader and other products can be found at the Internet site:

http://www.eccel.co.uk

Alternatively, contact Eccel Technology by e-mail at: sales@eccel.co.uk.