Jadac THINGMAGIC M6e User manual

THINGMAGIC M6e USER GUIDE
TM_M6e-UG
Rev 01292019

www.JADAKtech.com
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
© Copyright 2018-2019 Novanta Corporation. All rights reserved.
Version 01292019
This product or document is protected by copyright and distributed under licenses restricting its use,
copying, distribution, and decompilation. No part of this product or document may be reproduced in any
form by any means without prior written authorization of Novanta Corporation and its licensors, if any.
CryptoRF is a registered trademark of Atmel Corporation.
MIFARE and NXP is a registered trademark of Royal Philips Electronics.
Tag-it is a trademark of Texas Instruments, Incorporated.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone: [phone]
www.JADAKtech.com
Email: [email protected]

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REVISION HISTORY
Date Version Description
4/2010 01 RevA • First Draft for beta release.
8/2010 01 RevB • Updated GPIO content.
• Added FCC regulation info section.
12/2010
02 Rev1 • New development kit content.
• Added approved antennas list.
• Updated power consumption data.
• Updated Gen2 settings.
2/2011
02 Rev2 • Updated Regulatory info.
5/2011 03 RevA • Added M6e-A info.
• Updated ESD info.
1/2012
04 RevA • Updated development kit getting started section.
• Added new M6e-PRC frequency range info.
• New ISO6b settings, including delimiter specific info.
2/2012
05 RevA • Fixed ISO6b delimiter information.
7/2012 06 RevA • Added warnings about using TTL interface in
continuous reading mode.
• Added new 128-byte limit to tag read data metadata.
• Added info on new Universal Reader Assistant 2.
2/2013 07 RevA • Corrected default bootloader/RESET mode baud rate
to115200.
• Corrected RESET line pull-down resistance to
1.5kohms.
9/2013 08 RevA • Added antenna detection requirements info.
3/2016 09 RevA • Incorporated more information about module variants
- M6e-A, M6e-PRC, M6e-JIC.
• Mentioned antenna detection via return loss
measurement, introduced in FW 1.19.0.
• Mentioned saving settings and autonomous operation,
introduced in FW 1.19.0.
• Removed notes on limitations, which have since been
eliminated by subsequent firmware revisions (see
release notes for details).
• Updated address in cover copyright.
• All references to “CN” region changed to “PRC2”.
6/2017 09 RevB • RED Declaration of Conformity added.
01/31/2018 875-0053-09
RevB
• Updated with Novanta Corporation information.
12/2/2018 TM_M6e-UG Rev
12022018
• Updated to user documentation standards.
• Incorporated M6e firmware v1.21.2 release notes.
1/29/2019 TM_M6e-UG Rev
01292019
• Updated warnings to specify M6e-A module.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright Information ................................................................................................................i
Technical Support and Contact Information .............................................................................. i
Revision History ....................................................................................................................... ii
Chapter 1 - Introduction ............................................................................................................................1
M6e Variations .........................................................................................................................1
M6e ....................................................................................................................................1
M6e-A ................................................................................................................................1
M6e-PRC ...........................................................................................................................1
M6e-JIC .............................................................................................................................1
Release Notes ..........................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2 - Hardware Overview ...............................................................................................................2
Hardware Interfaces .................................................................................................................2
Antenna Connections ........................................................................................................2
Antenna Requirements ......................................................................................................2
Antenna Detection .............................................................................................................2
Digital/Power Connector ..........................................................................................................3
Control Signal Specification ...............................................................................................4
TTL Level UART Interface .................................................................................................4
Supported Baud Rates ......................................................................................................4
USB Interface ...........................................................................................................................5
Serial Number Added to USB Device Descriptor ...............................................................5
General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) .....................................................................................5
Configuring GPIO Settings ................................................................................................6
Reset Line ..........................................................................................................................6
Power Requirements ................................................................................................................6
RF Power Output ...............................................................................................................6
Special RF Power Output Requirements for the M6e-A ...........................................................6
Power Settings for Authorized Antennas and Cables ........................................................7
Power Supply Ripple .........................................................................................................7
Power Consumption ..........................................................................................................7
Environmental Specifications ...................................................................................................8
Operating Temperature ......................................................................................................8
Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Specification ..........................................................................9
Mounting Screw Clearance ......................................................................................................9
Assembly Information ...............................................................................................................9
Cables and Connectors .....................................................................................................9
Antennas ..................................................................................................................................9
M6e Mechanical Drawing .......................................................................................................10

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Authorized Antennas .............................................................................................................. 11
M6e-A Authorized Cables .......................................................................................................11
Chapter 3 - Firmware Overview ..............................................................................................................12
New Features - Version 1.21.2 ...............................................................................................12
Margin Read Support for Monza6 Tags ...........................................................................12
NXP UCODE7 Configuration Support .............................................................................12
Gen2 Parameters in Metadata .........................................................................................13
Support for Acura Gen2V2 Tags ......................................................................................13
Support for GEN2V2 Embedded Tag Ops .......................................................................13
Gen2V2 Support ..............................................................................................................13
Denatran Tag Support ......................................................................................................14
Configurable T4 for Gen2 Protocol ..................................................................................14
Ability to “Read Data” Immediately After Sending a “Write EPC” or “Write Data” Command 15
Decoupling Antenna Selection from AsyncOnTime .........................................................15
Support for Additional Regions ........................................................................................17
Support for Set/get Quantization Value and Minimum Frequency in Open Region .........18
Operational Notes ..................................................................................................................19
No Ability to “Get” Saved Value of Settings .....................................................................19
Boot Loader ............................................................................................................................20
Application Firmware ..............................................................................................................20
Programming the M6e .....................................................................................................20
Upgrading the M6e ..........................................................................................................20
Verifying Application Firmware Image ..............................................................................20
Custom On-Reader Applications ............................................................................................20
Autonomous Operation Support ......................................................................................20
Chapter 4 - Communication Protocol ....................................................................................................21
Serial Communication Protocol ..............................................................................................21
Host-to-Reader Communication ......................................................................................21
Reader-to-Host Communication ......................................................................................21
CCITT CRC-16 Calculation .............................................................................................21
User Programming Interface ..................................................................................................21
Chapter 5 - Functionality ........................................................................................................................23
Supported Regions ................................................................................................................23
Frequency Setting ..................................................................................................................24
Frequency Units ...............................................................................................................25
Frequency Hop Table .......................................................................................................25
Antenna Ports ........................................................................................................................26
Using a Multiplexer ..........................................................................................................26
Multiplexing up to 32 Ports ..............................................................................................28
Port Power and Settling Time ..........................................................................................29

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Support for Return Loss Measurement ............................................................................30
Protocol Support ....................................................................................................................30
ISO 18000-6C (Gen2) ............................................................................................................31
Protocol-Specific Functionality .........................................................................................31
IP-X ........................................................................................................................................32
ISO 18000-6B ........................................................................................................................32
Delimiter ...........................................................................................................................32
AEI ATA ..................................................................................................................................33
AEI ATA Protocol with Stop Trigger Read Plan ................................................................33
Tag Handling ..........................................................................................................................33
Tag Buffer ........................................................................................................................33
Tag Streaming/Continuous Reading ................................................................................34
Tag Read Metadata .........................................................................................................34
Meta-data Control at Module Level ..................................................................................35
Filtering on Tag Length and EPC Truncation ...................................................................35
Power Management ...............................................................................................................35
Power Modes ...................................................................................................................35
Transmit Modes ...............................................................................................................35
Event Response Times ....................................................................................................36
Save and Restore Configuration ......................................................................................36
Set the Duty Cycle for Continuous Reading ....................................................................37
Change Settings During Continuous Reading .................................................................37
License Handling ....................................................................................................................38
Chapter 6 - Specifications ......................................................................................................................39
M6e Specifications .................................................................................................................39
Chapter 7 - Compliance and IP Notices .................................................................................................41
M6e Communication Regulation Information .........................................................................41
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Interference Statement .............................41
User Manual Requirement ...............................................................................................42
End Product Labeling ......................................................................................................42
Industry Canada .....................................................................................................................42
End Product Labeling ......................................................................................................43
Industrie Canada (French Canadian) .....................................................................................43
Authorized Antennas ..............................................................................................................44
M6e-A Communication Regulation Information ......................................................................44
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Interference Statement .............................44
User Manual Requirement ...............................................................................................45
End Product Labeling ......................................................................................................45
Industry Canada .....................................................................................................................45
End Product Labeling ......................................................................................................46

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Industrie Canada (French Canadian) .....................................................................................46
EU RED Declaration of Conformity ........................................................................................48
Appendix A - Error Messages .................................................................................................................49
Appendix B - Getting Started – Development Kit and Carrier Board ..................................................57
Development Kit Hardware ....................................................................................................57
Set Up the Development Kit ...................................................................................................57
Connecting the Antenna ..................................................................................................57
Powering Up and Connecting to a PC .............................................................................57
Development Kit USB Interfaces ............................................................................................58
USB/RS232 .....................................................................................................................58
Native USB ......................................................................................................................58
Development Kit Jumpers ......................................................................................................58
Development Kit Schematics .................................................................................................59
Demo Application ...................................................................................................................59
Notice on Restricted Use of the Development Kit ..................................................................59
Appendix C - Environmental Considerations .......................................................................................61
ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) Considerations ......................................................................61
ESD Damage Overview ...................................................................................................61
Identifying ESD as the Cause of Damaged Readers .......................................................61
Common Installation Best Practices ................................................................................62
Raising the ESD Threshold .............................................................................................62
Further ESD Protection for Reduced RF Power Applications ..........................................63
Variables Affecting Performance ............................................................................................63
Environmental ..................................................................................................................63
Tag Considerations ..........................................................................................................63
Multiple Readers ..............................................................................................................64

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LIST OF TABLES
M6e Digital Connector Signal Definition ......................................................................................................3
M6e Power Consumption ............................................................................................................................7
M6e Authorized Antennas .........................................................................................................................11
M6e-A Authorized Cables ..........................................................................................................................11
Additional Regions .....................................................................................................................................17
Host-To-Reader Communication ...............................................................................................................21
Reader-To-Host Communication ...............................................................................................................21
Supported Regions ....................................................................................................................................23
Regional Frequency Quantization .............................................................................................................25
GPIO 1 & 2 Used for Antenna Switching ...................................................................................................26
Only GPIO 1 Used for Antenna Switching .................................................................................................27
Only GPIO 2 Used for Antenna Switching .................................................................................................27
Mapping of Logical Antenna Numbers to GPO Lines and RF Ports ..........................................................28
ISO 18000-6C (Gen 2) Protocol Configuration Options ............................................................................31
IP-X Protocol Configuration Options ..........................................................................................................32
ISO 18000-6B Protocol Configuration Options ..........................................................................................32
Tag Buffer ..................................................................................................................................................33
Tag Read Metadata ...................................................................................................................................34
Event Response Times .............................................................................................................................36
Common Fault Errors ................................................................................................................................49
Bootloader Fault Errors .............................................................................................................................50
Flash Fault Errors ......................................................................................................................................51
Protocol Fault Errors ..................................................................................................................................52
Analog Hardware Abstraction Layer Fault Errors ......................................................................................54
Tag ID Buffer Fault Errors .........................................................................................................................55
System Fault Errors ...................................................................................................................................56

ThingMagic M6e User Guide 1
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1 Introduction
This document applies to the ThingMagic M6e high-performance, 4-port Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
RAIN® Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) module, as well as the M6e-A, M6e-PRC, and M6e-JIC
modules. All versions are referred to as M6e in this manual, with any exceptions expressly noted.
ThingMagic M6e is a high performance, embedded module that you can integrate with other systems to
create RFID-enabled products. This document is for hardware designers and software developers.
Applications to control the M6e module and derivative products can be written using the high level
MercuryAPI Ver. 1.29.4 and later. The MercuryAPI supports Java, .NET and C programming environments.
The MercuryAPI Software Development Kit (SDK) contains sample applications and source code to help
developers get started demoing and developing functionality. For more information on the MercuryAPI see
the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide and the MercuryAPI SDK, available on www.jadaktech.com. Note that
the M6e-JIC module requires firmware version 1.21.0 or higher.
M6e Variations
There are four hardware variations of this module.
M6e
Designed to operate in the North American (902-928 MHz) and European (865-858 MHz) regulatory
regions. The North American region is limited to a transmit power of +30 dBm to conform to FCC
regulations for unrestricted use of a module of this type.
M6e-A
Operates in the same bands as the M6e module but will transmit at power levels up to +31.5 dBm in the
North American region. There are additional restrictions that a user must adhere to operate a module of this
power level in regions that adhere to FCC regulations.
M6e-PRC
Obsolete. This module was designed for the Chinese market and operates in both the high China band
(920 to 925 MHz) and the low China band (840 to 845 MHz). It has been replaced by the M6e-JIC module.
M6e-JIC
This module is designed to meet the demanding requirements for high power UHF RFID modules in China
(920 to 925 MHz), Japan (916.8 to 920.8 MHz), and Israel (915 to 917 MHz) bands.
Release Notes
The information in this document is relevant to M6e modules with Firmware Ver. 1.21.2 and later. This
firmware is compatible with the M6e, M6e-A and M6e-JIC modules. This firmware is not compatible with
any other ThingMagic modules such as the Micro or Nano modules.
M6e firmware version 1.21.2 has been developed in conjunction with version 1.29.4 of the MercuryAPI and
should be used with that version (or higher) to achieve best results. Previous versions of the API will not
support all the features of this firmware release. See the API release notes and MercuryAPI Programmers
Guide for further information on its features and functions.

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2 Hardware Overview
Hardware Interfaces
Antenna Connections
The M6e supports four monostatic bidirectional RF antennas through four MMCX connectors: labeled J1
through J4 on the module. See Cables and Connectors for more information on antenna connector parts.
The maximum RF power that can be delivered to a 50 ohm load from each port is 1.4 Watts, or +31.5 dBm
(regulatory requirements permitting).
NOTE: The RF ports can only be energized one at a time.
NOTE: FCC/NA Region max RF power is 30 dBm for the M6e module. For 31.5 dBm operation in the FCC/
NA Region the M6e-A module must be purchased.
Antenna Requirements
The performance of the M6e is affected by antenna quality. Antennas that provide good 50 ohm match at
the operating frequency band perform best. Specified sensitivity performance is achieved with antennas
providing 17 dB return loss or better across the operating band. (A higher numerical value indicates a better
match.) Damage to the module will not occur for any return loss of 1 dB or greater. Damage may occur if
antennas are disconnected during operation or if the module sees an open or short circuit at its antenna
port.
Antenna Detection
To minimize the chance of damage due to antenna disconnection, the M6e supports antenna detection.
Detection can be done automatically or manually, the choice of which is configured through API calls.
• Automatically if the antenna passes DC current.
• Manually by doing periodic checks of the ability of ports to pass DC.
• Manually by doing periodic checks to determine if the return loss is below a value that indicates an
antenna is present (a value of -10 dBm is a good threshold).
Regardless of how the reader is used, it is generally recommended that antenna detection be enabled as it
helps protect the module from possible damage.
For antennas to be detected automatically by DC current, the M6e antenna must pass some DC current
across the center pin and ground, i.e., must present between 0 Ohms and 10 kOhms DC resistance.

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Digital/Power Connector
The digital connector provides power, serial communications signals, shutdown and reset signals to the
M6e module, and access to the GPIO inputs and outputs. These signals are provided through connector
part number: Molex 53261-1571 - 1.25mm pin centers, 1 amp per pin rating, which mates with Molex
housing p/n 51021 -1500 with crimps p/n 63811-0300. See Cables and Connectors for more information on
typical cable parts.
Reconnection to the module may not possible if the host PC is restarted while auto read is in progress. To
reconnect to the module, the user must either reboot the module or unplug and re-plug the USB cable.
M6e Digital Connector Signal Definition
Molex
53261-1571
Pin Number
Signal Signal Direction
(In/Out of M6e) Notes
1 GND P/S Return Must connect both GND pins to ground
2 GND P/S Return
3 +5VDC P/S Input Must connect both 5V supplies
4 +5 VDC P/S Input
5 GPIO1 Bi-directional Input 5VDC tolerant, 16mA Source/Sink
6 GPIO2 Bi-directional
7 GPIO3 Bi-directional
8 GPIO4 Bi-directional
9 UART_RX_TTL In In (Pull-down with +10k Ohm to Ground)
10 UART_TX_TTL Out Out
11 USB_DM Bi-directional USB Data (D-) signal
12 USB_DP Bi-directional USB Data (D+) signal
13 USB_5VSENSE In Input 5V to tell module to talk on USB
14 SHUTDOWN In Pull LOW to enable module. Set HIGH to
disable all 5V Inputs and shutdown module.
15 RESET Bi-directional HIGH output indicates Boot Loader is
running. LOW output indicates Application
Firmware is running.
Note: Not 5V tolerant.

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Control Signal Specification
The module communicates to a host processor via a TTL logic level UART serial port or via a USB port.
Both ports are accessed on the 15-pin Digital/Power Connector. The TTL logic level UART supports
complete functionality. The USB port supports complete functionality, except the lowest power operational
mode.
NOTE: Power Consumption specifications apply to control via the TTL UART.
NOTE: It is not recommended to use the UART interface when planning to operate the module in Tag
Streaming/Continuous Reading mode. The UART interface (both the module side and the host side)
cannot detect physical disconnections, as can the USB Interface, simplifying reconnection.
TTL Level UART Interface
TTL Level TX
• V-Low: Max 0.4 VDC
• V-High: 2.1 to 3.3 VDC
• 8 mA max
TTL Level RX
• V-Low: -0.3 to 0.6 VDC
• V-High: 2.2 to 5 VDC
• (Tied to ground through a 10k ohm pull-down resistor)
A level converter could be necessary to interface to other devices that use standard 12V RS232. Only three
pins are used for serial communication (TX, RX, and GND). Hardware handshaking is not supported. The
M6e serial port has an interrupt-driven FIFO that empties into a circular buffer.
The connected host processor’s receiver must have the capability to receive up to 256 bytes of data at a
time without overflowing.
Supported Baud Rates
• 9600
• 19200
• 38400
• 115200
• 230400
• 460800
• 921600
NOTE: The baud rate in the Boot Loader mode depends on whether the module entered the bootloader
mode after a power-up or through an assert or “boot bootloader” user command. Upon power
up if the Reset Line is LOW then the default baud rate of 115200 will be used. If the module returns
to the bootloader from Application Firmware mode, then the current state and baud rate will be
retained.

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USB Interface
Supports USB 2.0 full speed device port (12 Megabits per second) using the two USB pins (USB_DM and
USB_DP).
Serial Number Added to USB Device Descriptor
Adding a serial number to the USB device descriptor allows the host to assign a COM port number which
follows the device regardless of which physical USB port it is plugged into.
General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO)
The four GPIO connections, provided through the M6e Digital Connector Signal Definition, may be
configured as inputs or outputs using the MercuryAPI. The GPIO pins connect through 100 ohm resistors to
the high current PA0 to PA3 pins of the AT91SAM7X processor. Consult the M6e Specifications for
additional details.
Pins configured as inputs must not have input voltages that exceed voltage range of -0.3 volts to +5.5 volts.
In addition, during reset the input voltages should not exceed 3.3V.
Outputs may source and sink 16 mA. Voltage drop in the series 100 ohm resistor will reduce the delivered
voltage swing for output loads that draw significant current.
Input Mode
• TTL compatible inputs
• Logic low < 0.8 V
• Logic high > 2.0V
• 5V tolerant
Output Mode
• 3.3 Volt CMOS Logic Output with 100 ohms in series
• Greater than 1.9 Volts when sourcing 8 mA
• Greater than 2.9 Volts when sourcing 0.3 mA
• Less than 1.2 Volts when sinking 8 mA
• Less than 0.2 Volts when sinking 0.3 mA
Module power consumption can be adversely affected by incorrect GPIO configuration. Similarly, the power
consumption of external equipment connected to the GPIOs can also be adversely affected. The following
instructions will yield specification-compliant operation.
On power up, the M6e module configures its GPIOs as inputs to avoid contention from user equipment that
may be driving those lines. The input configuration is as a 3.3 volt logic CMOS input and will have a
leakage current not in excess of 400 nA. The input is in an undetermined logic level unless pulled externally
to a logic high or low. Module power consumption for floating inputs is unspecified. With the GPIOs
configured as inputs and individually pulled externally to either high or low logic level, module power
consumption is as listed in the M6e Power Consumption table.
GPIOs may be reconfigured individually after power-up to become outputs. This configuration takes effect
either at API execution or a few tens of milliseconds after power up if the configuration is stored in
nonvolatile memory. The automated configuration into outputs is prevented if the module is held in the boot

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loader by Reset Line being held low. Lines configured as outputs consume no excess power if the output is
left open. Specified module power consumption is achieved for one or more GPIO lines set as output and
left open. Users who are not able to provide external pull ups or pull downs on any given input, and who do
not need that GPIO line, may configure it as an output and leave it open to achieve specified module power
consumption.
Configuring GPIO Settings
The GPIO lines are configured as inputs or outputs through the MercuryAPI by setting the reader
configuration parameters /reader/gpio/inputList and /reader/gpio/outputList. Once configured as inputs or
outputs the state of the lines can be Get or Set using the gpiGet() and gpoSet() methods, respectively. See
the language specific reference guide for more details.
Reset Line
Upon power up, the RESET line (pin 15) is configured as an input. The input value will determine whether
the Boot Loader will wait for user commands (if pulled LOW) or immediately load the Application Firmware
image and enter application mode (if left open or pulled up). After that action is completed, the line is
configured by the firmware as an output line. Whenever the module is in bootloader the line is in the
bootloader state and driven high.
Once in application mode, the RESET line is driven low. If the module returns to the bootloader mode,
either due to an assert or “boot bootloader,” the RESET line will again be driven high.
To minimize power consumption in the application, the RESET line should be either left open or pulled
weakly low (1.5k ohm to ground).
See Note about baud rate applicable when using TTL Level UART Interface.
Power Requirements
RF Power Output
The M6e supports separate read and write power levels which are command adjustable via the
MercuryAPI. Power levels must be between:
• Minimum RF Power = +5 dBm
• Maximum RF Power = +31.5 dBm (+/- 0.5 dB accuracy above +15 dBm)
NOTE: Maximum power may have to be reduced to meet regulatory limits, which specify the combined
effect of the module, antenna, cable and enclosure shielding of the integrated product.
NOTE: FCC regulations limit the maximum RF Power to 30 dBm in NA Region. For 31.5 dBm operation
in the NA Region the M6e-A must be purchased.
Special RF Power Output Requirements for the M6e-A
Warning: Operation of the M6e-A requires professional installation to correctly set the TX power for
the RF cable and antenna selected.

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Power Settings for Authorized Antennas and Cables
The M6e-A has been designed to operate with the antennas listed in Authorized Antennas list using the
cables in the M6e-A Authorized Cables list. For any combination of antenna and cable the maximum RF
power is determined from antenna gain (Max Linear Gain value from antenna list) and antenna cable loss
(Insertion Loss value from cable list) using the formula:
Pmax = 36 dBm - Antenna Gain + Cable Loss
For example, for the Laird S8658WPL and the ThingMagic CBL-P6 6ft cable the following calculation can
be performed:
Max linear antenna gain = 6 dBiL
Minimum cable insertion loss = 0.8 dB
Pmax = 36 - 6 + 0.8 = 30.8 dBm
The maximum RF power that may be set using this configuration is 30.8 dBm (see Warning above).
Power Supply Ripple
The following are the minimum requirements to avoid module damage and ensure performance and
regulatory specifications are met. Certain local regulatory specifications may require tighter specifications.
• 5 Volt +/- 5%.
• Less than 25 mV pk-pk ripple all frequencies.
• Less than 11 mV pk-pk ripple for frequencies less than 100 kHz.
• No spectral spike greater than 5 mV pk-pk in any 1 kHz band.
• Power supply switching frequency equal or greater than 500 kHz.
Power Consumption
The following table the power/transmit mode settings and power consumption specifications for the M6e.
Additional details about Power/Transmit Modes can be found in the Power Management section.
Caution: Operation in the EU Region (under ETSI regulatory specs) may need tighter ripple
specifications to meet ETSI mask requirements.
M6e Power Consumption
Operation
Power/Transmit Mode
RF Transmit
Power
Setting
(dBm)
Max
Power1
(Watts)
Voltage
(Volts)
Current
(mA)
Transmit CW
Transmit Mode=DRM
+31.5 7.525.0 +/- 5% 1400
Tag Reading
Transmit Mode=DRM
+31.5 7.525.0 +/- 5% 1400

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Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature
The M6e module may be considered as a single electronic component. It is designed so that all the internal
components have safe margins to their thermal limits when the heat spreading plate (bottom, non-labeled
side) does not exceed 70°C. The heat spreading plate temperature must not exceed 70° C. Heat sinking
will be required for high duty cycle applications.
When heat spreading plate reaches 70°C, the RF Shield (top, antenna connector side) may exceed 70°C,
which is acceptable.
Tag Reading
Transmit Mode=Power Save
+30 5.8 5.0 +/- 5% 1060
Tag Reading
Transmit Mode = DRM + PreDistortion
+30 6.2 5.0 +/- 5% 1200
Tag Reading
Transmit Mode = DRM
+17 and below 4 5.0 +/- 5% 800
No Tag Reading (M6e idle)
Power Mode = FULL
N/A 0.35 5.0 +/- 5% 60
No Tag Reading (M6e idle)
Power Mode = MINSAVE
N/A 0.12 5.0 +/- 5% 20
No Tag Reading (M6e idle)
Power Mode = SLEEP
N/A 0.005 5.0 +/- 5% 1.0
Boot N/A 0.12 5.0 +/- 5% 20
Shut Down N/A < 0.001 5.0 +/- 5% < 200uA
In Rush Current and Power, M6e
Power up and/or any state change
N/A 7.5 5.0 +/- 5% 1500 Max
1Power consumption is defined for TTL RS232 operation. Power consumption may vary if the USB interface is con-
nected.
2 Power consumption is defined for operation into a 17dB return loss load or better. Power consumption may
increase, up to 8.2W, during operation into return losses worse than 17dB and high ambient temperatures.
M6e Power Consumption
Operation
Power/Transmit Mode
RF Transmit
Power
Setting
(dBm)
Max
Power1
(Watts)
Voltage
(Volts)
Current
(mA)

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Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Specification
IEC-61000-4-2 and MIL-883 3015.7 discharges direct to operational antenna port tolerates max 1200 volt
pulse.
NOTE: Survival level varies with antenna return loss and antenna characteristics. See ElectroStatic
Discharge (ESD) Considerations for methods to increase ESD tolerances.
Mounting Screw Clearance
The M6e requires clearance for #2-56 or 2.5mm socket head screws in 4 places.
Assembly Information
Cables and Connectors
The following are the cables and connectors used in the M6e Developer’s Kit interface board:
Digital Interface
The cable assembly used consists of the following parts:
• 2 Connector Shells [Molex 51021-1500] with 15 Crimp Contacts each [Molex 50079-8100]
• 1 Wire (#28 AWG 7x36 - Black, Teflon) for Pin 1 connection [Alpha 284/7-2]
• 14 Wires (#28 AWG 7x36 - White, Teflon) for other connections [Alpha 284/7-1]
NOTE: Pin numbers and assignments are shown in the M6e Digital Connector Signal Definition table.
Antennas
The cable assembly used to connect the “external” RP-TNC connectors on the M6e Development kit to the
M6e MMCX connectors consists of the following parts:
• 1 Reverse TNC Bulkhead Jack Connector
• 1 LMR-100A Coaxial Cable
• 1 MMCX Right Angle Plug Connector
Warning: The M6e antenna ports may be susceptible to damage from Electrostatic Discharge
(ESD). Equipment failure can result if the antenna or communication ports are
subjected to ESD. Standard ESD precautions should be taken during installation and
operation to avoid static discharge when handling or making connections to the M6e
reader antenna or communication ports. Environmental analysis should also be
performed to ensure static is not building up on and around the antennas, possibly
causing discharges during operation.

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M6e Mechanical Drawing

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Authorized Antennas
This device has been designed to operate with the antennas listed below, and having a maximum gain of 6
dBiL. Antennas not included in this list or having a gain greater than 6 dBiLare strictly prohibited for use
with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.
M6e-A Authorized Cables
The following table contains the cable loss values for authorized shielded coaxial cables provided by
ThingMagic:
M6e Authorized Antennas
Vendor Model Linear Gain1 (dBi)
ThingMagic ANT-WB-6-2025 5.1
ThingMagic ANT-NA-9025 (obsolete) 3.4
ThingMagic ANT-NB-7-2031 6.0
ThingMagic ANT-WB-12-2043 6.0
ThingMagic ANT-WB-10-2048 6.0
1 These are circularly polarized antennas, but since most tag antennas are linearly polarized, the
equivalent linear gain of the antenna should be used for all calculations.
M6e-AAuthorized Cables
Cable Description ThingMagic Part Number Insertion Loss
6' RTNC to RTNC Cable CBL-P6 0.8 dB
12' RTNC to RTNC Cable CBL-P12 (obsolete) 1.5 dB
20' RTNC to RTNC Cable CBL-P20 2.4 dB
20' RTNC to RTNC Plenum Cable CBL-P20-PL (obsolete) 2.4 dB
25' RTNC to RTNC Cable CBL-P25 (obsolete) 3.0 dB

ThingMagic M6e User Guide 12
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3 Firmware Overview
New Features - Version 1.21.2
Margin Read Support for Monza6 Tags
MarginRead is an EPC Gen2 compliant custom command supported by tag chips with the “Integra” feature.
This command allows a reader to explicitly verify that the non-volatile memory (NVM) in the tag chip is not
weakly written, guaranteeing a minimum margin on NVM. It is used for quality control to ensure data
integrity and for failure analysis.
There are several ways that the MarginRead command could be used with Monza 6. A recommended use
of MarginRead is independent verification of the encoding quality, either on a sample basis or for diagnosis
during failure analysis.
MarginRead Description
When data is written to a tag using the Gen2 protocol, charge is built up in the memory cells until they
reach the appropriate level. Once that happens, the tag returns a "done" signal telling the interrogator
(reader) or encoding system that the write operation has completed successfully.
It is a known field issue that not all encoding systems properly wait for the "done" signal and instead
issue a read operation to check if the data is correct. A read operation may return correct data even if
the write operation did not complete successfully.
A partially charged memory cell might retain data for a limited time but then it will lose data integrity
over time. Data retention could be for an unpredictable amount of time from a few minutes to several
years.
A fully charged memory cell will retain data for a long period of time. Specifically, the Monza 6 tag is
expected to retain data for up to 50 years.
The MarginRead command allows customers to check if Monza 6 tag chip memory cells are fully
charged.
MarginRead may be used for diagnostics for data integrity issues in the field. If MarginRead indicates
an issue, then the encoding method should be investigated.
Refer Mercury API v1.29.4 release notes for API commands to work with this functionality.
NXP UCODE7 Configuration Support
Prior to UCODE 7, NXP supported a set of custom commands that could change the configuration word
values. Unfortunately, these commands that were developed for the G2i line of tags do not work for the
UCODE 7 tags. A new custom command has been implemented in M6e FW to change NXP UCODE7
configuration word for M6e modules (Nano does not support custom commands).
UCODE7 no longer supports ChangeConfig commands. An alternative way to change the configuration
word for UCODE7 tags has been developed.
UCODE7 configuration word contains 2 different types of bits: