In this page we describe the design of a RFID reader – equipped with IP interface, capable to communicate with REST Web Services and power using Power Over Ethernet (PoE). Our hardware design is divided in three part parts: The RFID front end, the CPU and the Power Over Ethernet adapted.
The RFID front end is based on Texas Instruments TRF7960 13,56MHz RFID – NFC transceiver. The transceiver is capable to communicate with most of the proximity sensors protocols, such as ISO14443A, ISO 14443B, ISO15693 and ISO18000-3. Also, due to high power mode that can be enabled, we can achieve clear communication distances up to 400mm. It is also capable to detect and communicate with multiple tags simultaneously. The following pictures describe the hardware design of our RFID transceiver:
TRF7960 Schematic Diagram
RFID Front end PCB
TRF7960 is communicating with our CPU using a 8bit synchronous parallel interface. For our application we will use the ARM based CPU module that is also used for our remote monitoring platform. A low cost robust CPU module, with embedded Ethernet interface based on Atmel AT91SAM7X512 processor. Software running on CPU board provides Web Services communication using REST and also many common IP protocols – such as web interface, SNMP management interface, SMTP mail notifications, DHCP auto configuration and more – that makes the module integration in IP environments very easy.
CPU board
In addition, a plugin module can be installed to provide PoE capabilities to our design in order to avoid needs for local power supply. The PoE design in based on LM5070 Texas Instruments Power Over Ethernet controller.
PoE Controller schematic diagram