caenrfid Lepton9 R9100C Technical document

TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL
Revision 0 - 22/12/2022
R9100C
Lepton9
30dBm 1-Port RAIN RFID Reader Module

Visit the Lepton9R9100C web page, 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 Manual
The goal of this manual is to provide the basic information to work with the Lepton9R9100C Reader and the
RHML37XEVB evaluation board.
This manual refers to:
•Lepton9R9100C firmware revision ≥ 1.0.0
Change Document Record
Date
Revision
Changes
Pages
22/12/2022
00
Preliminary revision
-
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 –2022
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.
Preliminary Product Information
This document contains information for a new product. CAEN RFID reserves the right to modify this product
without notice.
“Preliminary” product information describes products that are ready for production, but for which full
characterization data is not yet available. CAEN RFID believes that the information contained in this document
is accurate and reliable. However, the information is subject to change without notice and is provided “AS IS”
without warranty of any kind (Express or implied). You are advised to obtain the latest version of relevant
information to verify, before placing orders, that information being relied on is current and complete. All
products are sold subject to the terms and conditions of sale supplied at the time of order acknowledgement,
including those pertaining to warranty, patent infringement, and limitation of liability. No responsibility is
assumed by CAEN RFID for the use of this information, including use of this information as the basis for
manufacture or sale of any items, or for infringement of patents or other rights of third parties.

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 –Lepton9- Technical Information Manual 4
Index
Scope of Manual........................................................................................................................................................................2
Change Document Record.......................................................................................................................................................2
Reference Document................................................................................................................................................................2
1Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................................6
Description.................................................................................................................................................................................6
Reader ............................................................................................................................................................................6
Evaluation Board ..........................................................................................................................................................7
Development Kit...........................................................................................................................................................7
Ordering Options ......................................................................................................................................................................8
2Technical Specifications ................................................................................................................................................9
Technical Specifications ...........................................................................................................................................................9
Key Features ............................................................................................................................................................................10
3Hardware Interface.......................................................................................................................................................11
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................11
Power Supply ...........................................................................................................................................................................12
RF Connection..........................................................................................................................................................................12
UART Communication ............................................................................................................................................................12
Reset Pin...................................................................................................................................................................................13
GPIO Pins ..................................................................................................................................................................................13
Wakeup Pin ..............................................................................................................................................................................14
Pin Listing and Signal Definitions .........................................................................................................................................14
Electrical Specifications .........................................................................................................................................................15
Absolute Maximum Ratings......................................................................................................................................15
Operating Conditions ................................................................................................................................................16
Device Functional Specifications .............................................................................................................................16
UHF Gen 2 RFID Radio Specifications......................................................................................................................16
Device Input and Output Specifications .................................................................................................................17
EPC Class-1 Generation-2 Operation ...................................................................................................................................18
Supported RF modes..................................................................................................................................................18
4Layout and Components ..............................................................................................................................................19
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................19
PCB Layout for RF ...................................................................................................................................................................19
50 Ohm Characteristic Impedance...........................................................................................................................19
Package and Assembly Information.....................................................................................................................................20
Package Mass ..............................................................................................................................................................20
Package Dimensions ..................................................................................................................................................20
PCB Footprint..............................................................................................................................................................21
SMT Reflow Information ...........................................................................................................................................22
Moisture Sensitive Level 3 (MSL 3) ..........................................................................................................................23
5Evaluation Board...........................................................................................................................................................24
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................24
Technical Specifications .........................................................................................................................................................24
Evaluation Board Overview ...................................................................................................................................................25
Lepton9R9100C Evaluation Board Key Components........................................................................................................26
Integrated Circuit Component Descriptions..........................................................................................................26
Connector Descriptions.............................................................................................................................................27
Switch Descriptions ................................................................................................................................................................27
Evaluation Board Default Configuration.............................................................................................................................28
Evaluation Board USB-UART Details ....................................................................................................................................28
Evaluation Board Schematic..................................................................................................................................................28
Evaluation Board Layout........................................................................................................................................................29
Evaluation Board Bill of Materials (BOM)............................................................................................................................29
Connecting to the Lepton9R9100C reader.........................................................................................................................30
USB Communication Setup .......................................................................................................................................30
Easy Controller............................................................................................................................................................30
6Regulatory Compliance................................................................................................................................................33

INDEX –Lepton9- Technical Information Manual 5
RoHS Directive.........................................................................................................................................................................33
List of Figures
Fig. 1.1: Lepton9Reader –top view...................................................................................................................................................6
Fig. 1.2: Lepton9Reader –back view.................................................................................................................................................6
Fig. 1.3: WRHML37XEVBX Evaluation Board for Lepton9R9100C ...............................................................................................7
Fig. 1.4: Lepton9R9100C reader and WRHML37XDKEU-WRHML37XDKUS Accessories kit ....................................................7
Fig. 3.1: Lepton9R9100C - Example of Block Diagram .................................................................................................................11
Fig. 3.2: BSL sequence .......................................................................................................................................................................12
Fig. 3.3: Lepton9R9100C Pin Listing................................................................................................................................................14
Fig. 4.1: PCB Transmission Line Types.............................................................................................................................................19
Fig. 4.2: Package Dimensions, Top, Front, and Side Views ..........................................................................................................20
Fig. 4.3: Recommended Etched Copper Footprint –All Pads......................................................................................................21
Fig. 4.4: Pad size..................................................................................................................................................................................21
Fig. 4.5: Recommended Solder Reflow Profile for the Lepton9R9100C...................................................................................22
Fig. 5.1: WRHML37XEVBX Evaluation Board for R9100C ............................................................................................................24
Fig. 5.2: Evaluation Board Block Diagram.......................................................................................................................................25
Fig. 5.3: WRHML37XEVBX Evaluation Board Key Components..................................................................................................26
Fig. 5.4: SW2 and SW3 configuration ..............................................................................................................................................27
Fig. 5.5: Evaluation Board Schematic ..............................................................................................................................................28
Fig. 5.6: Evaluation Board Front and Backside(flipped) Layout ..................................................................................................29
Fig. 5.7: Evaluation Board Front and Backside(flipped) Layout - detail.....................................................................................29
List of Tables
Tab. 2.1: Lepton9R9100C Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................................9
Tab. 3.1: Pin Listing and Signal Definitions ....................................................................................................................................15
Tab. 3.2: Absolute Maximum Ratings..............................................................................................................................................15
Tab. 3.3: Operating Conditions ........................................................................................................................................................16
Tab. 3.4: Supply Current Specifications ..........................................................................................................................................16
Tab. 3.5: RF Receiver Specifications ................................................................................................................................................16
Tab. 3.6: RF Transmitter Specifications ..........................................................................................................................................16
Tab. 3.7: Digital Interface Specification..........................................................................................................................................17
Tab. 3.8: Analog Interface Specification .........................................................................................................................................18
Tab. 3.9: RF Modes –Forward and Reverse Link Profiles.............................................................................................................18
Tab. 5.1: WRHML37XEVBX Evaluation Board - Technical Specifications...................................................................................24

INTRODUCTION –Lepton9- Technical Information Manual 6
1INTRODUCTION
Description
Reader
The Lepton9(Model R9100C), an embedded reader of the easy2read©product line, is an ultra compact
reader for low power, high performance RAIN RFID applications.
With programmable output power from 10dBm to 30dBm, the reader can detect tags at more than 5 mt of
distance (depending on antenna and tag dimensions).
Due to its low power consumption, the module is specifically designed to be easily integrated in battery
powered devices.
The radio frequency core of the module is based on the Impinj E910 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 device and the surface mount technology allow to embed the Lepton9inside the
new small form factor industrial handhelds, smartphone accessories and other compact form factor
devices.
The Lepton9complies with and can operate in both European and US regulatory environments and, thanks
to its multiregional capabilities, it’s ideal for integration in devices requiring compliance to different
geographical regions.
The Lepton9is pin-to-pin compatible with the Impinj RS1000 and RS500 modules making it a perfect
replacement for these devices.
Fig. 1.1: Lepton9Reader –top view
Fig. 1.2: Lepton9Reader –back view

INTRODUCTION –Lepton9- Technical Information Manual 7
Evaluation Board
The Mod. RHML37XEVB allows managing the Lepton9R9100C reader directly via USB interface.
This board is particularly suited for Lepton9R9100C reader evaluation and SW development purpose.
Fig. 1.3: WRHML37XEVBX Evaluation Board for Lepton9R9100C
Development Kit
A development accessories kit (Mod. WRHML37XDKEU, WRHML37XDKUS) is available:
The kit includes:
•n. 1 WRHML37XEVBX - Lepton9R9100C - Evaluation Board
•n.1 Circular Polarized Quadrifilar Antenna SMA (ETSI or FCC)
•n. 1 Set of Labels
•n. 1 RT0012 - Dual frequency NFC/UHF temperature logger
•n. 1 RT0005 Temperature Logger Tag
•n. 1 Support for kit assembling
•n. 2 USB cables
•n. 1 WALIM0000005 Wall mount AC-DC power supply
The Lepton9R9100C reader and its development kit are a complete set up for a quick implementation of
RFID solutions.
Fig. 1.4: Lepton9R9100C reader and WRHML37XDKEU-WRHML37XDKUS Accessories kit

INTRODUCTION –Lepton9- Technical Information Manual 8
Ordering Options
Code
Description
Reader
WR9100CXAAAA
R9100C - Lepton9- 30dBm 1-Port RAIN RFID Reader
Module
Evaluation
Board
WRHML37XEVBX
Evaluation Board for R1271C, R3100C, R7100C and R9100C
Development
Kit
WRHML37XDKEU
R1271C, R3100C, R7100C and R9100C ETSI Dev Kit with
antenna, interface, pws and tags (reader not included)
WRHML37XDKUS
R1271C, R3100C, R7100C and R9100C FCC Dev Kit with
antenna, interface, pws and tags (reader not included)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS –Lepton9- Technical Information Manual 9
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 30 dBm (from 10 mW to 1W) conducted
power
RX Sensitivity
-90dBm –10%PER, assuming 20 dB antenna RL @ 30 dBm output
Antenna VSWR
Requirement
< 2:1 for optimum performances
Antenna Connectors
50 Ohm mono-static RF port on a single pin
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
4.75 ÷ 5.25 V DC
Power Consumption
-1.4 A @ 5 V - RF out = 30 dBm
-5 mA in idle mode - Ready to receive commands
Dimensions
(L) 32 x (W) 29 x (H) 4.1 mm3
1.26 x 1.14 x 0.16 inches3
Package Type
32 pin surface mount module (SMT compatible)
Operating Temperature
-20°C to +70°C
Weight
5.4 g
Tab. 2.1: Lepton9R9100C 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 –Lepton9- Technical Information Manual 10
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 30 dBm (1W) output power
•-90 dBm Rx sensitivity, assuming 20 dB antenna return loss
•Impinj RS500 and RS1000 pin-to-pin compatibility
•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
•29 mm by 32 mm by 4.1 mm surface mount package with SMT compatibility
•Single mono-static RF port
•Field upgradability via firmware updates
•UART serial interface using CAEN RFID easy2read©protocol