Elatec TWN4 USB Front Reader Release Note
TWN4 USB Front Reader
Technical Handbook
DocRev1, February 5, 2019
Elatec GmbH
Contents
Contents
1Introduction............................................... 3
2 TWN4 USB Front Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.1 Functional Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Dimensions and Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4 Power states and current consumption breakdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5Disclaimer ............................................... 8
Page 2of 8
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
The TWN4 USB Front Reader is a configurable Reader/Writer for RFID transponders. This addition to
the TWN4 family offers the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface. The module has both low (125kHz,
134.2kHz) and high (13.56MHz) frequency antennas, allowing the User access to a wide range of RFID
standards.
This Technical Handbook provides the details needed to get started using the TWN4 USB Front Reader:
a functional overview of the board, listing the features and interface options available.
A custom User App can be loaded onto the module using the AppBlaster software. For more information
regarding the programming of the TWN4 module please see a dedicated User Guide for AppBlaster.
Page 3of 8
2 TWN4 USB Front Reader
2 TWN4 USB Front Reader
2.1 Functional Overview
The TWN4 USB Front Reader is a complete RFID Reader system which can be connected directly to a
USB-A host port. The majority of the circuitry responsible for processing the RFID card information and
executing the module firmware is shielded as shown on Figure 2.1. The TWN4 USB Front Reader also
offers an internal SAM slot and a speaker on board.
The TWN4 USB Front Reader can interact with the User via Bluetooth Low-Energy interface. This devel-
opment pack contains documentation on BLE protocol and API implemented on the module.
The TWN4 USB Front Reader contains a USB high-speed hub. The two downstream ports of the hub are
connecting to the TWN4 module and an additional USB-A port. The additional USB port may be used as
a "pass through", to connect USB devices like memory sticks, to the host system.
Figure 2.1: TWN4 USB Front Reader View Functional
Page 4of 8
3 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Feature
3 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Feature
The traditional Bluetooth standard is convenient for constant-flow media transfer applications such as video
streaming. The Bluetooth Low Energy standard was introduced for applications requiring a lower power
consumption profile. Data is sent in bursts, followed by periods of electrical idle.
The TWN4 MultiTech 3 BLE uses the BGM121 module from Silicon Labs. The chip implements the
Physical, Link and L2CAP Layers of the BLE Protocol. The API is implemented within the firmware of
the main TWN4 microcontroller. The two chips interact via the COM2 port and GPIO7 (connected to Reset
of BGM121) of the TWN4 microcontroller, thereby making COM2 and GPIO7 unavailable for custom user
functions.
For more information about the BLE implementation see document TWN4 BLE Protocol Specification.
For more information regarding the Bluetooth Low Energy Standard please see document "Designing for
Bluetooth Low Energy" from Silicon Labs.
For the description of all the BLE-related commands available, please see the TWN4 API document.
Page 6of 8
4 Power states and current consumption breakdown
4 Power states and current consumption
breakdown
The first section of Table 4.1 shows the expected typical current draw. The second section of the table lists
the maximum additional current drawn by the device’s peripherals; these values are to be added to those
in the "Normal Idle" base state. It is assumed that a +5V DC Power Source is used.
Typical Consumption in Base System States
Normal Idle 135
Maximum Consumption by Function wrt. Normal Idle System State
SearchTag-HF +140
SearchTag-LF +25
BLE Active Packet Reception +9
BLE Active Transmission (0 dBm output power) +9
BLE Active Transmission (8 dBm output power) +24
Speaker Constant Tone +80
LED (Red) +2
LED (Green) +6
Front USB port (w/o current of connected device) +10
Table 4.1: Current Consumption Breakdown given +5V DC Supply (mA)
Page 7of 8
5 Disclaimer
5 Disclaimer
Elatec reserves the right to change any information or data in this document without prior notice. The
distribution and the update of this document is not controlled. Elatec declines all responsibility for the use
of product with any other specifications but the ones mentioned above. Any additional requirement for a
specific custom application has to be validated by the customer himself at his own responsibility. Where
application information is given, it is only advisory and does not form part of the specification.
All referenced brands, product names, service names and trademarks mentioned in this document are the
property of their respective owners.
Page 8of 8
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