Alien Nexus ALX-2530 User manual

Nexus Multiplexor
& Controller
ALX-2525
ALX-2530
User Guide
Nexus
Multiplexor &
Controller

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEXUS MULTIPLEXOR & CONTROLLER USER GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102548-000 REV A
i
Alien Technology®
User Guide
Nexus Multiplexor & Controller
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
1.1. Who should read this manual? 1
1.2. Nexus System 1
1.3. Software 1
2. Hardware Setup 2
2.1. Block Diagram 2
2.2. Powering the MUX Controller 2
2.3. Connecting the Nexus System 4
2.4. Connecting Power to the System 4
3. Mux Controller GPIO Interface 5
4. Reader Commands 5

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
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1. Introduction
This manual provides safety information, technical support information, and sources for additional
product information.
1.1. Who should read this manual?
This manual is written for personnel responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining the
Alien Nexus Multiplexor & Controller. This manual provides information about the features of
the Nexus Multiplexor & Controller, and how to install, configure, operate, and maintain it.
Before operating Nexus Multiplexor & Controller, please read through and become familiar with
the contents of this manual and also the Alien Reader Interface Guide.
It is assumed that the user is familiar with the use and operation of the Alien ALR-F800 series
reader, has knowledge of the Alien Reader Protocol which is outlined in the Reader Interface
Guide as well as having ability to communicate with the reader over Ethernet, Serial or USB
Console ports.
Please refer to 8101938-000 GUIDE, READER INTERFACE, ALL FIXED READERS for more
detail on Alien Reader Protocol commands, functions and features.
1.2. Nexus System
The Alien Nexus Multiplexor & Controller is an RF antenna multiplexor (MUX) that enables one
RFID reader antenna port to interface with up to 8 antennas, increasing the total number of
antennas and also RFID coverage available from a single RFID reader.
The Nexus Multiplexor & Controller are plug-and-play compatible with all Alien F800-series fixed
readers utilizing standard command set.
1.3. Software
The Nexus Multiplexer System requires firmware v19.10.24 or later be installed on the ALR-F800.
Refer to the Alien Hardware Setup Guide for instructions on upgrading the firmware.

CONFIGURATION APPENDIX
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2. Hardware Setup
Multiplexors, ALX-2525, receive control signals and power from the MUX controller, ALX-2530.
The MUX controller sources power from either the ALR-F800 series reader USB Host port, the
ALR-F800 GPIO +12VDC through the DB15 connector or an external power supply. Power source
is determined by jumper inside of the MUX controller.
2.1. Block Diagram
The physical interface between controller, MUX and reader is depicted in the example below:
2.2. Powering the MUX Controller
2.2.1. There are 3 ways to power the MUX controller as shown in the table below:
Options F800 Power
GPIO DB15
Cable USB Cable
Ext AC/DC
Power Supply
USB +5V
PoE or AC/DC
*
Required
Required
N/A
GPIO +12V
AC/DC
*
Required
N/A
N/A
Ext 6
-
24V
PoE or AC/DC
*
Required
N/A
Required
* To comply with FCC requirements, when using the +12 VDC AC/DC power supply, you
must use the Alien supplied +12 VDC AC/DC power supply. If this power supply does
not include a ferrite installed near the DC jack you must order and install Alien Model
ALX-2040 ferrite to it

CHAPTER 4 BARCODE SCANNER
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2.2.2. Power Options
Power connection options include:
 USB Connect the ALR-F800 to the MUX Controller with a Type A to
Type A USB cable. Power the reader from PoE or the Alien
supplied AC/DC power adapter
 GPIO +12 VDC Power is provided to the MUX Controller from the reader GPIO
port through the GPIO DB15 Cable. The reader must be
powered by the Alien supplied AC/DC power adapter.
 External Connect the output of the user supplied DC power supply (6 – 24
VDC) to the MUX Controller V IN and GND of the green
connector.
2.2.3. Power Source Selection
Default power settings and procedure to change
The MUX Controller default power setting is USB +5 VDC. To change Controller power
source setting, open the Controller case by removing the 4 screws holding case together.
Select the jumper for desired power source.

CONFIGURATION APPENDIX
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2.3. Connecting the Nexus System
2.3.1. Plug the supplied F800 GPIO to DB15 adapter into the F800 GPIO port. Tighten the
screws to hold the adapter to the F800.
2.3.2. Plug the supplied GPIO DB15 cable connector closest to the ferrite into the MUX GPIO
to DB15 adapter and DB15 connector of the MUX Controller. Tighten the screws to
hold the cables on the connectors.
2.3.3. If operation from 5V USB is required, plug the supplied USB cable into the F800 USB
port and into the Controller USB port
2.3.4. Connect a RF coax cable between desired F800 antenna port and the MUX RF IN
connector.
2.3.5. Connect the MUX units to the Controller using standard (non-crossover) Ethernet patch
cable as follows:
 MUX connected to F800 Antenna Port 0  MUX Controller MUX 1
 MUX connected to F800 Antenna Port 1  MUX Controller MUX 2
 MUX connected to F800 Antenna Port 2  MUX Controller MUX 3
 MUX connected to F800 Antenna Port 3  MUX Controller MUX 4
2.3.6. Connect antennas to MUX RF Ports (Ant 0-7) using appropriate RF coax cables. To
minimize signal loss, use the shortest RF cables that meet the physical installation
needs.
2.4. Connecting Power to the System
Power connection may be PoE or DC power source.
2.4.1. PoE connection: Connect Ethernet cable between PoE Power Sourcing Equipment and
F800
2.4.2. DC connection:
2.4.2.1. Verify the DC supply includes a ferrite. If it does not, install the required ferrite
(available from Alien) as follows”
 Open the hinged ferrite
 Place dc connector against one edge of the ferrite
 Wrap three turns of the DC lead around the ferrite
 Snap the ferrite closed
2.4.3. Ensure AC Plug is DISCONNECTED
2.4.4. Connect the DC power jack to F800 and tighten locking collar
2.4.5. Connect the power supply AC plug to AC power adapter
2.5. Communications Interface
User serial or network interface to communicate with reader
2.6. Connect earth ground to the reader.
The earth connection to the reader can be made by mounting the reader on a grounded
surface or connecting a ground wire using the reader mounting features.

CHAPTER 4 BARCODE SCANNER
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3. Mux Controller GPIO Interface
There are 4 inputs and 2 outputs available to the user on the MUX Controller GPIO Connector.
The MUX Controller provides its power source at the V OUT pin of the GPIO connector for use by
external GPIO circuits.
3.1. Inputs: GPIO inputs of the MUX Controller are directly connected to the F800 inputs. External
input circuits may be connected between V OUT and IN 0-3.
3.2. Outputs: GPIO outputs of the MUX Controller GPIO Connector are directly connected to the
F800 outputs. External output circuits can be connected between V OUT and OUT 0 or OUT
1. External output circuit current draw must be limited in accordance with the specification,
otherwise the system may limit the current, reboot the reader and/or may cause damage.
4. Reader Commands
Operation of the Nexus Multiplexer System requires FW v19.10.24 or later be installed on the ALR-
F800. The following standard Alien Reader Protocol (ARP) commands may be used to configure
and operate the MUX:
4.1. AntennaSequence: This command specifies a sequence of up to 32 antennas to be used by
the reader. The allowable values are as follows:
0-3 Use these if antenna is connected directly to the F800 antenna ports (ANT 0-3)
10-17 ANT0-7 of Multiplexer 1 connected to F800 ANT0 port
20-27 ANT0-7 of Multiplexer 2 connected to F800 ANT1 port
30-37 ANT0-7 of Multiplexer 3 connected to F800 ANT2 port
40-47 ANT0-7 of Multiplexer 4 connected to F800 ANT3 port
4.2. Antenna initialization is performed when the AntennaSequence command is issued.
Antennas must be physically connected prior to issuing the AntennaSequence command.
AntennaSequence Examples
Command
Response
Alien> AntennaSequence?
AntennaSequence = 0
Command
Response
// use F800 antenna 1 (connected to F800 reader port ANT1)
Alien> AntennaSequence = 1
AntennaSequence = 1
Command
Response
// use F800 antennas 0 and 1 (connected to F800 ports ANT0 and
ANT1):
Alien> AntennaSequence = 0 1
AntennaSequence = 0 1
Command
Response
// use all antennas of MUX1 connected to F800 port ANT0
Alien> AntennaSequence = 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
AntennaSequence = 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Command
Response
// use F800 antenna 0 connected to F800 port ANT0 and all antennas
of MUX2 connected to F800 port ANT1
Alien> AntennaSequence = 0 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
AntennaSequence = 0 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27