iControl iCHIME User manual

iControl Incorporated
http://www.iControl-Inc.com
iCHIME Module
iTAG Repeater for
iCHIME’s
iCHIME and iTAG Reader
iCHIME
iCHIME Module
Operating Manual
Background.
The iCHIME is 2.4GHz bi-directional radio transceiver. A User may configure the device to operate as a
Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) to support tracking shipping containers in a worldwide
supply chain using the Marine Asset Tag Tracking System (MATTS) communication protocol. An iCHIME
module utilizes a low power, wireless, radio operating in the 2.4 GHz band as its primary mode of
communication. The wireless radio operates in compliance with IEEE Standard 802.15.4-2006. The
iCHIME utilizes the same radio, processor, and User interface software as iControl’s iTAG . The iCHIME
also supports the same command list as iControl’s iTAG. The iCHIME is User configurable to periodically
transmit the iCHIME’s status via the MATTS radio network. The module may operate as stand alone
device or may be used as a radio transceiver for devices that communicate data as a part of a larger
system.
There are no physical connections to the iCHIME other than two charging contacts for the rechargeable
LI button cell battery.
Figure 1 iCHIME and Network Related Devices

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iCHIME Radio Operation.
The iCHIME is controlled via the radio network for initial configuration and checkout. All commands for
controlling the iCHIME radio are identified in the iTAG Command List. Once a User as completed the
initial iCHIME configuration, complete control and operation of the iCHIME can be accomplished
through the radio interface using the same commands available in the iTAG Command List.
The radio in the iCHIME is normally operated in a power saving mode with the receiver periodically
enabled and “listening” for commands or data requests. A key element to the power saving mode is
the principle of “tag-talks-last”. In this mode, battery power is conserved by only responding to
messages that are sent directly to the specific iCHIME MAC address or mutual broadcast address. For a
majority of iCHIME operation, the iCHIME is in a deep power saving mode (~98% of the time). The
iCHIME will only transmit when it receives a properly encrypted message while it’s receiver is active.
The encrypted message directed to the iCHIME may include information about which channel the
iCHIME uses for further transmissions. Once, the communication parameters are exchanged, there will
typically be a period a several seconds of active radio transmission as the iCHIME relays data. The data
transmitted may either be security data destined for government servers, and/or commercial data
destined for the end customer. This data may originate from internal flash storage or it may be received
and relayed from another compatible device.
Other Features.
In addition to the wireless radio, the iCHIME provides other features for system integration.
1. There is an onboard temperature sensor integrated with iCHIME. The default iCHIME data
packet includes the device temperature, radio signal strength, and battery status.
2. The ICHIME has non-volatile on board data storage which may collect data for later upload
3. iCHIME provide date time stamps for all data. The onboard clock for the iCHIME is set to UTC by
readers in the network or from the iTAG GPS by commands.

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Functional Block Diagram.
The iCHIME module integrates a low power microprocessor and a 2.4Ghz radio . The iCHIME includes a
software user interface for radio control and data transmission.
Please note that the iCHIME uses the same command list as the iTAG command list . For iCHIME
command and control, please refer to the iTAG Command List for a complete description of commands
that control the iCHIME module.
The iCHIME module is equipped with an integrated trace antenna rated at 3.0 dBi. All mobile
applications will utilize the integral antenna provided with the iCHIME module.
NOTE: Users may not modify the antenna or it’s connection in anyway or risk violating radio law.

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Absolute Maximum Ratings.
Under no circumstances must the absolute maximum ratings giving in this table be violated. Stress
exceeding one or more of the limiting values may cause permanent damage to the device.
Parameter
Min
Max
Units
Condition
Charger Supply Voltage
4.75
6.5
V
Users must utilize an iControl providing
charging station for the iCHIME
Voltage on any digital pin
-0.3
3.6
V
N/A
Input RF level
10
dBm
Storage temperature range
-50
150
C
Operating ambient temperature
-40
85
C
Figure 3 Maximum Ratings

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General Characteristics.
Programmable in 5MHz steps starting
at 2405MHz per IEEE 802.15.4

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iCHIME Radio Specification (Transmit).
3
5

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iCHIME Radio Specification (Receive).

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Module Unique Address Identification.
Each iCHIME module is assigned a unique 8 byte MAC address by iControl Incorporated. The MAC
address is used for radio network address identification. The MAC address can not be modified by the
User and is located in protected flash memory. Figure 5 depicts the communication protocol between
iControl iCHIME and the iGATE reader. The communication protocol utilizes a unique 8 byte MAC
address defined by the IEEE 802.15.4 standard.
In Figure 5,
The iCHIME address is (0x0035A923000000002).
The iGATE address is (0x0035A9230A010203)
Figure 5

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FCC Compliance:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
Troubleshooting:
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
Conditions:
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Markings:
To satisfy FCC exterior labeling requirements the following text must be placed on the exterior of the
product. FCC ID: FCC ID: W2E-ICHIME33

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FCC Warnings:
Modifications: Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment under FCC Rules.
Radio Frequency Exposure:
Notes:
1) For mobile or fixed location transmitters the minimum separation distance is 20cm, even if calculators
indicate the MPE distance is less.
2) This equipment has been evaluated in accordance with the FCC bulletin 56 “Hazards of radio
frequency and electromagnetic fields” and bulletin 65 “ Human exposure to radio frequency and
electromagnetic fields.
3) Safe operation in an uncontrolled environment will result if the following distances from the device
are maintained as a minimum.