caenrfid Lepton3x1 Technical document

TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL
Revision 1 –03/04/2023
R3101C
Lepton3x1
25dBm 1-Port RAIN
RFID Reader Module
R3104C
Lepton3x4
25dBm 4-Port RAIN
RFID Reader Module

Visit the Lepton3x1 R3101C and Lepton3x4 R3104C web pages,
you will find the latest revision of data sheets, manuals,
certifications, technical drawings, software and firmware.
All you need to start using your reader in a few clicks!
Scope of the Manual
The goal of this manual is to provide the basic information to work with the Lepton3x1 R3101C and Lepton3x4
R3104C Readers.
Change Document Record
Date
Revision
Changes
Pages
23/06/2022
00
Preliminary revision
-
03/04/2023
01
Added CE Declaration of Conformity and UKCA Declaration of
Conformity in the Regulatory Compliance chapter
30÷35
Modified Key Features paragraph
9
Removed Tab: Startup and Wakeup Time and Tab.: Inventory
Performance
Modified Tab. 3.4: Supply Current Specifications
15
Modified Evaluation Board chapter
17÷29
Modified Fig. 1.3: Evaluation Board for Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4
readers
7
Removed WKUP pin information in Hardware Interface chapter
10÷16
Reference Document
[RD1] EPCglobal: EPC Radio-Frequency Identity Protocols Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID Protocol for
Communications at 860 MHz –960 MHz, Version 2.0.1 (April 2015).
CAEN RFID srl
Via Vetraia, 11 55049 Viareggio (LU) - ITALY
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
inf[email protected]
www.caenrfid.com
© CAEN RFID srl –2023
Disclaimer
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of CAEN RFID.
The information contained herein has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no
responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. CAEN RFID reserves the right to modify its products specifications
without giving any notice; for up to date information please visit www.caenrfid.com.

Disposal of the product
Do not dispose the product in municipal or household waste. Please check your local
regulations for disposal/recycle of electronic products.

INDEX - Lepton3x1 - Lepton3x4 - Technical Information Manual 4
Index
Scope of the Manual .................................................................................................................................................................2
Change Document Record.......................................................................................................................................................2
Reference Document................................................................................................................................................................2
1Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................................6
Description.................................................................................................................................................................................6
Readers ..........................................................................................................................................................................6
Evaluation Board ..........................................................................................................................................................7
Ordering Options ......................................................................................................................................................................7
2Technical Specifications ................................................................................................................................................8
Technical Specifications ...........................................................................................................................................................8
Key Features ..............................................................................................................................................................................9
3Hardware Interface.......................................................................................................................................................10
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................10
Power Supply ...........................................................................................................................................................................11
RF Connection..........................................................................................................................................................................11
UART Communication ............................................................................................................................................................11
Reset Pin...................................................................................................................................................................................12
GPIO Pins ..................................................................................................................................................................................12
External Connections and Mechanical Drawings ...............................................................................................................13
Electrical Specifications .........................................................................................................................................................14
Absolute Maximum Ratings......................................................................................................................................14
Operating Conditions ................................................................................................................................................14
Device Functional Specifications .............................................................................................................................15
UHF Gen 2 RFID Radio Specifications......................................................................................................................15
Device Input and Output Specifications .................................................................................................................16
EPC Class-1 Generation-2 Operation ...................................................................................................................................16
Supported RF modes..................................................................................................................................................16
4Evaluation Board...........................................................................................................................................................17
Technical Specifications Table ..............................................................................................................................................17
Connection Diagram ...............................................................................................................................................................17
Installation Notice ......................................................................................................................................................20
Connecting to the R3101C Lepton3x1/R3104C Lepton3x4 reader..................................................................................22
USB Communication Setup .......................................................................................................................................22
Easy Controller............................................................................................................................................................22
Technical Drawings .................................................................................................................................................................25
Electrical Schematic................................................................................................................................................................26
External Connections .............................................................................................................................................................27
Jumpers and Switches............................................................................................................................................................27
LEDs...........................................................................................................................................................................................29
5Regulatory Compliance................................................................................................................................................30
CE Compliance (mod. R3101C)..............................................................................................................................................30
CE Compliance (mod. R3104C)..............................................................................................................................................30
UKCA Compliance (mod. R3101C) ........................................................................................................................................31
UKCA Compliance (mod. R3104C) ........................................................................................................................................31
RoHS Directive.........................................................................................................................................................................31
R3101C Lepton3x1 CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .................................................................................................32
R3104C Lepton3x4 CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .................................................................................................33
R3101C Lepton3x1 UKCA DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY............................................................................................34
R3104C Lepton3x4 UKCA DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY............................................................................................35

INDEX - Lepton3x1 - Lepton3x4 - Technical Information Manual 5
List of Figures
Fig. 1.1: Lepton3x1 (Model R3101C) Reader –top view .................................................................................................................6
Fig. 1.2: Lepton3x4 (Model R3104C) Reader –top view .................................................................................................................7
Fig. 1.3: Evaluation Board for Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4 readers ................................................................................................7
Fig. 3.1: Lepton3x1 R3101C/Lepton3x4 R3104C - Example of Block Diagram ..........................................................................10
Fig. 3.2: BSL Sequence .......................................................................................................................................................................11
Fig. 3.3: R3101C Lepton3x1 mechanical drawings and connectors locations (units: mm) ......................................................13
Fig. 3.4: R3104C Lepton3x4 mechanical drawings and connector locations (units: mm)........................................................13
Fig. 4.1: Evaluation Board R4320CEVB –R3101C Reader Connection Diagram.......................................................................17
Fig. 4.2: Evaluation Board R4320CEVB –R3104C Reader Connection Diagram.......................................................................18
Fig. 4.3: Evaluation Board R4320CEVB –R3101C Reader Interface Connectors .....................................................................18
Fig. 4.4: Evaluation Board R4320CEVB –R3104C Reader Interface Connectors .....................................................................19
Fig. 4.5: Connection of the R3101C module to the R4320CEVB evaluation board .................................................................20
Fig. 4.6: Connection of the R3104C module to the R4320CEVB evaluation board .................................................................21
Fig. 4.7: R4320CEVB Technical Drawing .........................................................................................................................................25
Fig. 4.8: R4320CEVB Electrical Schematic ......................................................................................................................................26
Fig. 4.9: SW2 configuration...............................................................................................................................................................27
Fig. 4.10: SW3 configuration.............................................................................................................................................................28
Fig. 4.11: J8 jumper block configurations.......................................................................................................................................28
List of Tables
Tab. 2.1: Lepton3x1 - Lepton3x4 Technical Specifications .............................................................................................................8
Tab. 3.1: Power supply and interface connector pin listing and signal definitions..................................................................14
Tab. 3.2: Absolute Maximum Ratings..............................................................................................................................................14
Tab. 3.3: Operating Conditions ........................................................................................................................................................14
Tab. 3.4: Supply Current Specifications ..........................................................................................................................................15
Tab. 3.5: RF Receiver Specifications ................................................................................................................................................15
Tab. 3.6: RF Transmitter Specifications ..........................................................................................................................................15
Tab. 3.7: Digital Interface Specification..........................................................................................................................................16
Tab. 3.8: RF Modes –Forward and Reverse Link Profiles.............................................................................................................16
Tab. 4.1: R4320CEVB - Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4 Evaluation Board - Technical Specifications ............................................17

INTRODUCTION - Lepton3x1 - Lepton3x4 - Technical Information Manual 6
1INTRODUCTION
Description
Readers
The Lepton3x1 (Model R3101C) and Lepton3x4 (Model R3104C), embedded readers of the easy2read©
product line, are ultra compact readers for low power, high performance RAIN RFID applications.
With programmable output power from 10 dBm to 25 dBm, the readers can detect tags at more than 2 m
of distance (depending on antenna and tag dimensions).
Due to their low power consumption, the modules are specifically designed to be easily integrated in
battery powered devices.
The radio frequency core of the modules is based on the Impinj E310 IC that permits to achieve fast reading
speed and to be used in dense reader and dense tag environments for top-class rated performances.
The compactness of the devices allows to embed the Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4 inside industrial handhelds,
smartphone accessories and other compact form factor devices.
The Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4 comply with and can operate in both European and US regulatory
environments and, thanks to their multiregional capabilities, they are ideal for integration in devices
requiring compliance to different geographical regions.
The Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4 are designed on the basis of the Lepton3with the aim to facilitate the
integration for those who prefer to use connectors instead of automatic manufacturing required by the
SMD form factor. In addition, Lepton3x4 is a turnkey solution for systems requiring up to 4 antenna ports.
Fig. 1.1: Lepton3x1 (Model R3101C) Reader –top view

INTRODUCTION - Lepton3x1 - Lepton3x4 - Technical Information Manual 7
Fig. 1.2: Lepton3x4 (Model R3104C) Reader –top view
Evaluation Board
The Mod. R4320CEVB - Evaluation Board allows managing the Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4 readers directly
using an USB interface (via the embedded USB to UART converter). This board is particularly suited for
Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4 readers evaluation and SW development purpose.
For more information, please refer to § Evaluation Board chapter page 17.
Fig. 1.3: Evaluation Board for Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4 readers
Ordering Options
Code
Description
Reader
WR3101CXAAAA
Lepton3x1 - 25dBm Reader Module
WR3104CXAAAA
Lepton3x4 - 25dBm Reader Module
Accessories
WALIM0000005
Power Supply for R4320CEVB
WR4320CXEVBX
Lepton3x1 and Lepton3x4 - Evaluation Board

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - Lepton3x1 - Lepton3x4 - Technical Information Manual 8
2TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Technical Specifications
Frequency Range
865.600÷867.600 MHz (ETSI EN 302 208 v3.3.1)
902÷928 MHz (FCC part 15.247)
RF Power
Configurable from 10 dBm to 25 dBm (from 10 mW to 316 mW)
conducted power
RX Sensitivity
-72dBm –10%PER, assuming 20 dB antenna RL @ 25 dBm output
Antenna VSWR
Requirement
< 2:1 for optimum performances
Antenna Connectors
-1 MMCX jack (Model R3101C Lepton3x1)
-4 MMCX jack (Model R3104C Lepton3x4)
Frequency Tolerance
±10ppm over the entire temperature range
Number of Channels
4 channels (compliant to ETSI EN 302 208 v3.3.1)
50 hopping channels (compliant to FCC part 15.247)
Standard Compliance
EPC C1G2 / ISO18000-63
I/O Interface
4 I/O lines 3.3V level
Iout = 8mA max
Connectivity
−UART Serial Port
•Baudrate: from 9.6 to 921.6 kbps, default 921.6 kbps
•Databits: 8
•Stopbits:1
•Parity: none
•Flow control: none
−3.3 V I/O voltage level
Power Supply
3.2 ÷ 5.25 V DC
Power Consumption
−800 mA @ RF out = 25 dBm
−5 mA in idle mode - Ready to receive commands
Dimensions
-Model R3101C Lepton3x1:
(L) 51 x (W) 42 x (H) 8 mm3
(2.01 x 1.65 x 0.32) inches3
-Model R3104C Lepton3x4:
(L) 60 x (W) 42 x (H) 8 mm3
(2.36 x 1.65 x 0.32) inches3
Operating Temperature
-20°C to +70°C
Weight
-30 g (Model R3101C Lepton3x1)
-34 g (Model R3104C Lepton3x4)
Tab. 2.1: Lepton3x1 - Lepton3x4 Technical Specifications
Warning: The RF settings must match the operating country/region to comply with local laws
and regulations.
The usage of the reader in different countries/regions from the one in which the device has
been sold is not allowed.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - Lepton3x1 - Lepton3x4 - Technical Information Manual 9
Key Features
•RAIN RFID (UHF EPC Class1 Gen2, ISO 18000-63) compliant
•Both ETSI and FCC support in the same module
•Ultra compact size
•Up to 25 dBm (316mW) output power
•-72 dBm Rx sensitivity, assuming 20 dB antenna return loss
•Inventory (FastID, Tag Population Estimate, Select, Session, Target)
•Access (Read, Write, Lock, Kill, BlockPermalock, and QT)
•Shielded to prevent unwanted radiation and provide noise immunity in embedded environments
•Single mono-static RF port (mod. R3101C Lepton3x1)
•Four mono-static RF ports (mod. R3104C Lepton3x4)
•Field upgradability via firmware updates
•UART serial interface using CAEN RFID easy2read©protocol

HARDWARE INTERFACE - Lepton3x1 - Lepton3x4 - Technical Information Manual 10
3HARDWARE INTERFACE
Introduction
An example R3101C Lepton3x1/R3104C Lepton3x4 system-level block diagram for an embedded system is
shown in Fig. 3.1: Lepton3x1 R3101C/Lepton3x4 R3104C - Example of Block Diagram. This figure shows the
electrical connections that may and must be made to control the R3101C Lepton3x1/R3104C Lepton3x4. In
the figure, the required connections are illustrated with solid lines. Recommended and optional
connections are illustrated with different dotted and dashed line patterns. More details for each
connection are listed in the following paragraphs.
Fig. 3.1: Lepton3x1 R3101C/Lepton3x4 R3104C - Example of Block Diagram
Required connections:
•VDC_IN and GND are required to power the R3101C Lepton3x1/R3104C Lepton3x4.
•RF is required to connect to the UHF RFID antenna/antennas.
•UART Tx and Rx are required to communicate with the system host.
Recommended connections:
•nRST is used to reset the R3101C Lepton3x1/R3104C Lepton3x4 if UART communication is not
available. This connection is highly recommended. This pin is internally driven strong low during
software resets, so it should only be driven externally by an open drain signal. It must not be driven
strong high.
•TST and BSL_SEL shall be used for the FW recovery/upgrade procedure.
In order to start the Boot Strap Loader of Lepton3 internal microcontroller NRST, TST and BSL_SEL
signals shall be driven as in the picture below: