RFID reader hardware
General notes
- Assembly instructions as well as information on transponder reader handling and reading speeds etc. can be found in the manufacturer's own product manuals.
- RFID readers sometimes offer an external trigger or a switching output. This does not have to be used for the functionality of the TwinCAT RFID library.
- The TwinCAT RFID library does not cover the complete scope of the manufacturer's own RFID communication protocols. Further information can be found in the description of the instruction set of the library function block (see RFID command set). In addition, the integrated option to send and receive raw data can be used (see command eRFC_Send_RawData).
RFID reader models
The TwinCAT RFID library supports different RFID reader models.
The following table shows which RFID reader models from which manufacturers are supported. The sample photos illustrate the various RFID reader models. They may differ from the actual models that are listed. Also, not every supported model is illustrated by a photo. In some cases, outdated reader firmware versions are not supported.
RFID reader manufacturer | RFID reader model | Sample photo |
|---|---|---|
Balluff | BIS M-400-007 (RS232) |
|
Baltech | ID-engine SD-M1415-ANT1F (RS232 or USB) |
|
Deister electronic | RDL90 (deBus) (RS232, RS485) |
|
Leuze electronic | RFM12 (SL200) (RS232) |
|
Pepperl+Fuchs | IDENTControl Compact (2 read heads) [ IC-KP2-2HRX-2V1 ] (RS232) |
|
The following table shows which RFID reader models are compatible according to the manufacturer's description and protocol. The compatibility of the listed models as well as other models is, however, not confirmed by Beckhoff. The devices are not officially supported. We recommend contacting Beckhoff Automation before using them.
RFID reader manufacturer | Reader models |
|---|---|
Balluff | BIS M-6000 |
Baltech | ID-engine series (BRP) |
Deister electronic | RDL30; RDL150; RDL160; UDL 50; UDL 100; UDL 120; UDL 150; UDL 160; PRM5 |
Leuze electronic | RFM62 (SL200) |
Pepperl+Fuchs | IDENTControl Compact (1 read head) |
Other models from the above-mentioned manufacturers, which Beckhoff Automation may not be aware of, may be supported implicitly. According to Deister electronic, the same protocol (deBus) is implemented in other models. It may be the case that some of these models can only be used with limited functionality.
Furthermore, some manufacturers offer their own software to make their devices accessible for Beckhoff TwinCAT systems.
 | TwinCAT PLC library "Serial Communication" Further RFID readers are supported with the TwinCAT PLC library "Serial Communication". This library makes it possible to exchange data bytes with any serial device. |
| Use of the Beckhoff Compact RFID Reader (iDTRONIC) The Beckhoff Compact RFID Reader is a possibility to integrate an RFID device from the manufacturer iDTRONIC in a push button extension for Beckhoff Multitouch Control Panels. Contrary to the integration of Baltech devices in Beckhoff Panels, the PLC library Tc2_SerialCom (TF6340) is used instead of the PLC library Tc2_RFID (TF6600). |
Transponder types
For a complete list of all supported transponder types, please refer to the manual for the respective RFID reader. If necessary, clarify with the manufacturer of the RFID reader or transponder which transponder type is appropriate for the application.
The TwinCAT RFID library uses the data obtained from the serial interface. The manufacturer’s serial transmission protocol is therefore decisive for support by the library. The radio frequency used, for example, is irrelevant.
The following table indicates which transponder types are supported for the respective RFID reader models according to the manufacturer. This list is not complete. For complete and more detailed information, please contact the manufacturer of the RFID reader model. Please note that some RFID readers only accept transponders with certain manufacturer IDs. Unfortunately, this restriction cannot be influenced.
RFID reader model | RFID transponder types |
|---|---|
Balluff M-401 | [13.56 MHz] Fujitsu MB89R118; I-Code SLI; Infineon My-D SRF55(1024 Bytes); Mifare Classic (752 Bytes); TI TagIT HFI (256 Bytes), ... |
Balluff L-6000 | [125kHz] |
Baltech ID-engine SD ANT1F (M1415, LP) | [13.56 MHz] Infineon My-D, Legic Prime, Mifare Classic, ... |
Deister electronic RDL90 | [13.56 MHz] I-Code SLI; Infineon My-D SRF55(1024 Bytes), ... |
Deister electronic UDL 500 | [868 MHz] EPCclass1gen2 (12 Bytes), ... |
Deister electronic PRM5 | [13.56 MHz] Mifare Classic (752 Bytes), ... |
Leuze electronic RFM12, RFM32, RFM32ex | [13.56 MHz] I-Code SLI; Infineon My-D SRF55(1024 Bytes); TI TagIT HFI (256 Bytes), ... |
Pepperl+Fuchs IDENTControl Compact | [125 kHz; 250 kHz; 13.56 MHz; 2.45 GHz (depends on read head)] |
These transponder types are additionally available with other memory capacities. Compatibility is hardware-dependent and is not guaranteed. A test is recommended.
Special factory programming of the transponders is sometimes possible. This has no effect on the protocol and must therefore be decided on according to the application in consultation with the manufacturer.
Specific transponder parameters used in the TwinCAT RFID library can be adapted by the user using a special transponder (see ST_RFID_AccessData).
The TwinCAT RFID library supports transponders up to a maximum size of 64 kilobytes.
Frequency | Transponder Types | HF standards | range | metallic influence | fluid influence | data rate | radio interaction | hardware positioning | temperature influence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LF 125-135 kHz | ... | ISO 11784/5, | < 2m | + + | + | - | - | + + | ++ |
HF 13,56 MHz | Fujitsu MB89R118, I-Code SLI, Infineon My-D, Legic, Mifare, TI TagIT HFI, ... | ISO 14443, | < 1m | + | + | + | + | + + | + |
UHF 865-868 MHz (EU), 902-928 MHz (USA) | EPCclass1gen2, ... | ISO 18000-6, | < 10m | - | - | + | + | + | + |
MW 2.45 GHz | ... |
| < 12m | - | - | + + | + + | - | - |
[++ very good; + good; - bad]