Kathrein ARU 3 Series User manual

User Guide ARU2400
ARU3xxx
RRU4xxx
English
Kathrein RFID UHF Readers
IMPORTANT
Read carefully
before use!

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Copyright © 2019 Kathrein Solutions GmbH
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, distributed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into
any language or computer language or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Kathrein Solutions GmbH.
Kathrein Solutions GmbH accepts no liability for omissions or inaccuracies in this document or in relation to the provi-
sion or use of the information contained in this document. Kathrein Solutions GmbH reserves the right to change the
products described in this document at any time without notice and does not accept any liability in relation to the appli-
cation or usage of the products described in this manual. The latest version of this manual is available at our website
www.kathrein-solutions.com.
Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable. However, Kathrein Solutions GmbH
assumes no responsibility for its use; nor for any infringements of rights of third parties which may result from its use.
This document and the information contained in it are proprietary information of Kathrein Solutions GmbH and must be
treated as confidential. Kathrein Solutions GmbH provides this document to its customers in connection with contacts
of sale for the products described therein. If the person in possession of this document, being a legal or natural person,
is not a contractual sales partner of Kathrein Solutions GmbH, or Kathrein Solutions GmbH has not intended him by
other means as the recipient of the document and the information contained therein, the person in possession is hereby
informed that the use of this document is unlawful and a violation of the rights of Kathrein Solutions GmbH.

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Contents
1 Preface 6
2 About This Guide 6
3 Explanation of Symbols and Signal Words 7
3.1 Symbols 7
3.2 Signal Words 7
3.3 Other Symbols 7
4 Professional Installation Guidelines for the U.S. 8
4.1 Installation Personnel 8
4.2 External Antenna 8
4.3 Final Output Power 8
5 Safety Instructions 9
5.1 General Safety Instructions 9
5.2 CE Marking for the Kathrein RFID Readers with the Type Designation ETSI 10
5.3 FCC and ISED Canada Regulatory Information 10
5.3.1 Radiation Exposure Statements 11
5.4 Anatel Brazil Regulatory Information 11
5.4.1 Safety Instructions 12
5.4.2 Recommended Antenna Types 12
6 Warranty Information 13
7 Introduction to the RIFD System 14
7.1 RFID System 14
7.2 Kathrein RFID Antenna Interface ©KRAI 15
7.2.1 WIRA 70 ©KRAI Polarisation Switch Antenna (PLS) 15
7.2.2 ©KRAI SMSH (Smart Shelf) Antenna 17
7.3 Further Reference Material 18
8 The Reader 19
8.1 Functional Specification 19
8.2 Features 19
8.3 Scope of Delivery 19
8.4 Accessories 20
8.4.1 Antennas 20
8.4.2 Antenna Cables 20
8.4.3 Antenna Adapters 20
8.4.4 Antenna Mounting Accessories 20
8.4.5 Antenna Protective Cover 21
8.4.6 Reader Connecting Cables 21
8.4.7 Reader AC/DC Adapters 21
8.4.8 PoE+ Power Supply Unit 21
8.4.9 Reader and Antenna Wall/Pole Mounting Kit 22
8.4.10 Reader Protective Covers and Caps 22
9 Connections and Displays 23
9.1 RRU 4xxx and ARU 3xxx 23
9.1.1 Front View 23
9.1.2 Rear View 24
9.2 ARU 2400 27
9.2.1 Front View 27
9.2.2 Rear View 28
10 Installing the Reader 31
10.1 Selecting the Installation Site 31
10.2 Installing the RRU 4xxx and ARU 3xxx Readers 32
10.2.1 Wall Mounting 32

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10.2.2 Wall/Pole Mounting 33
10.3 Installing the ARU 2400 Reader 34
10.3.1 Wall Mounting 34
10.3.2 Shelf Mounting 35
11 Transmission Methods 36
11.1 UART transmission (RS232, RS422, RS485 or similar) 36
11.1.1 Physical Layer 36
11.1.2 Data Link Layer 36
11.2 LLRP Protocol 37
11.3 Ethernet Transmission 38
11.3.1 Ethernet Transmission Generation 2 Readers 38
11.3.2 Ethernet Transmission Generation 3 Readers 38
12 Connecting the Reader 40
12.1 Connecting Digital Inputs and Outputs of the RRU 4xxx and ARU 3xxx Readers 40
12.2 Connecting Digital Inputs and Outputs of the ARU 2400 Reader 43
12.3 Connecting the Antenna 44
12.4 Turning the Reader On and O 44
12.5 Reading the PWR LED Indications 44
13 Operating ReaderStart Software 45
13.1 System Requirements 45
13.2 Installing the Software 45
13.3 Connecting the Reader in the ReaderStart Software 48
13.3.1 Requirements 48
13.4 Navigating in the ReaderStart User Interface 51
13.4.1 Menu Bar 51
13.4.2 Status Field 65
14 Operating the Reader Using the ReaderStart Software 66
14.1 Communication 66
14.1.1 Ethernet Section 66
14.1.2 Communication Configuration Linux Module 69
14.2 Application 77
14.2.1 Available Applications 79
14.3 Basic Reading 80
14.3.1 Mode 81
14.3.2 Starting and Stopping the Reading 81
14.3.3 Statistics 82
14.3.4 Options 83
14.3.5 Grouping 84
14.3.6 Expert settings 84
14.3.7 ARU-CSB-ELC Antenna Reader Unit 85
14.4 LED 86
14.4.1 Selecting Functions 87
14.5 RSSI LED Bar (received signal strength indicator) 88
14.6 GPIO Functions 89
14.6.1 IO Configuration 89
14.6.2 Test Input and Output 90
14.6.3 Action List and Assign Input to Action List 91
14.7 Expert Settings 1 93
14.7.1 Port Power 95
14.8 Expert Settings 2 96
14.8.1 Default Parameter Set 96
14.8.2 Copy Parameter Set 96
14.8.3 Change Reader Parameter 97
14.8.4 Select Filter Settings 97
14.8.5 Applying a Select Filter (Example) 98

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14.9 Test Gen 2 Functions 99
14.9.1 Get All Tags 99
14.9.2 Password for Operation 100
14.9.3 Write EPC 100
14.9.4 Read Data 101
14.9.5 Write Data 102
14.9.6 Change Password 103
14.9.7 Lock 104
14.9.8 Kill 105
14.10 @KRAI 106
14.10.1 Polarisation 107
14.10.2 LED 107
14.10.3 Jumper Cable Attenuation 108
14.10.4 Direction 108
14.11 AppManager 109
14.11.1 Currently Available Apps 109
14.11.2 Installing an App 110
14.12 TagScan 111
14.13 Spectral Scan 113
14.14 Authentication 114
14.14.1 Key 114
14.14.2 Functions 115
15 High Security Module (HSM) 118
16 Contact Information 119
17 Waste Disposal 120

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Preface
1 Preface
Dear customer,
Please follow all the information given in this GUIDE. KATHREIN Solutions GmbH has made every eort to ensure the
information and descriptions are correct and complete.
We reserve the right to make changes to this guide without prior notice. In particular, this applies to changes made due
to technical advancements.
2 About This Guide
This document describes installation, configuration and operation of the reader. Furthermore, it provides detailed tech-
nical data in order to better familiarise the user with the features of the reader.
The target group of this guide is specialist personal who install, configure and put the reader into operation.
This document is valid for all Generation 3 Kathrein RFID readers.
Tip This document applies to all Generation 3 Kathrein RFID readers. Even if it’s referred to in the text as
RRU4xxx, it is possible to control all other readers of the RRU4xxx, ARU3xxx and ARU2xxx series using the
same commands.
Tip Keep these instructions for further reference, and if the device passes to another owner, pass them on to
the new owner.
ŹFor more information, visit our website www.kathrein-solutions.com.
ᇜThe manuals are available for download at the internet product page.

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3 Explanation of Symbols and Signal Words
3.1 Symbols
General warning sign
Fire hazard
Radiation hazard
Risk of material damage or malfunction in safety instructions or call for attention
3.2 Signal Words
Warning This signal word indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which can lead to death or severe
injuries.
Caution This signal word indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which can lead to minor or moderate
injuries.
Notice This signal word indicates a hazard which can lead to damage to property or malfunction.
Tip This signal word indicates useful tips and recommendations.
3.3 Other Symbols
Symbol Meaning
ႫOperating instruction
1, 2, 3...n Operating instructions in a fixed order
ᇜResult of an operating instruction
ᅛCondition for the execution of an operating instruction
ჀList/list entry
Program connections on the reader; push buttons in the user interface of the ReaderStart
dbfdfbdfb commands and file names
Putty cross references within the text, proper names or titles of other documents
www.putty.org hyperlinks
Browse homepage/Windows elements

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Professional Installation Guidelines for the U.S.
4 Professional Installation Guidelines for the U.S.
4.1 Installation Personnel
UHF RFID readers require professional installation!
ŹYou must be a professional installer with RF and related rule knowledge.
ŹThe installation requires special trained professionals to access and setup the system.
ŹThe system is not to be installed by the general public, general user shall not attempt to install
the device or change the settings.
4.2 External Antenna
ŹYou must follow Part 15 of the FCC rules, and specifically Part 15.203 pertaining antenna require-
ments of an intentional radiator.
ŹMake sure to use a 13dBi or less patch antenna.
ŹOnly use antennas which have been approved by the applicant. The use of none-approved anten-
na(s) may produce unwanted spurious emissions or excessive RF transmitting power which may
lead to the violation of the FCC/ISED limit and is prohibited.
4.3 Final Output Power
WARNING
ŹCarefully select the installation position.
ŹMake sure that the final output power does not exceed the limit set in relevant rules. The viola-
tion of the rule could lead to serious federal penalty!
If you are not a professional installer, STOP.
ŹDo not proceed any further with the installation.
ŹDo not install the unit or change the settings.

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5 Safety Instructions
5.1 General Safety Instructions
WARNING
Danger to life from electric shock! Fire hazard!
Improper interventions in the device may jeopardise its electrical safety. Unauthorized changes to the
unit and the use of spare parts and peripheral devices which are not sold or recommended by the man-
ufacturer can result in fire, electric shock and injuries.
The manufacturer accepts no liability for accidents caused by the user opening or changing the device.
Opening the device and attempting to repair it yourself voids all warranty and guarantee claims. The
applicable version of the manufacturer's guarantee is that which was valid at the time of purchase. We
accept no liability for unsuitable manual or automatic adjustments made to the unit's parameters and
inappropriate use of the unit.
ŹMake sure that all the connection, installation and maintenance work as well as all other work on
the unit is carried out by properly qualified and trained sta.
ŹMake sure that the installation team is properly qualified, familiar with and comply with the safety
regulations applicable in the respective country.
ŹDo not open, change or damage the device and its components.
ŹMake sure that any repairs on the device are carried out by personnel authorised to perform them.
ŹKeep and operate the device out of reach of children.
ŹDo not modify, remove or disfigure the notices and markings applied by the manufacturer.
ŹOnly use the unit for the purpose intended by the manufacturer.
ŹBefore each use, make sure that the device is not damaged.
ŹOnly use the power supply unit supplied.
ŹMake sure that the power supply cable is not damaged.
ŹMake sure that a unit with a damaged power supply cable is repaired by an electrical specialist
before being used again.
WARNING
Danger to life from electric shock or fire hazard due to incorrect voltage, insucient ventilation,
moisture, direct sunlight, heat or naked flames!
If the supply voltage is too high, there is a risk of fire.
ŹMake sure the unit is operated only at the stated supply voltage; see the rear of the device or the
external power supply unit.
ŹWhen installing the unit in cabinets or shelves, make sure there is sucient ventilation.
ŹDo not cover the ventilation slots on the unit.
ŹProtect the unit from moisture, dripping and splash water.
ŹDo not operate the unit in damp areas.
ŹOnly use the unit in a moderate climate, not in tropical conditions.
ŹDo not place any liquid-filled items on top of the unit.
ŹDo not expose the unit to inadmissible heat, direct sunlight or fire.
ŹDo not install the device close to the sources of heat, e.g. heating.
ŹDo not place anything with a naked flame on the device.

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Safety Instructions
NOTICE
Risk of malfunction!
ŹMake sure the reader is properly grounded according to the corresponding national standards.
ŹMake sure that the diameter of the ground cable is min. 6 mm2 (typ. 10 mm2).
ŹMake sure to ground the reader such that the distance between the reader ground point and the
ground point in the building is as short as possible.
ŹNote that the equipotential bonding does not replace lighting protection.
5.2
CE Marking for the Kathrein RFID Readers with the Type Designation ETSI
WARNING
Danger to life due to radiation electromagnetic field!
This reader is designed ETSI
for operation according to EN302208. In some circumstances, heart
pacemakers may suer interference if wearers are close to the antenna when the unit is in operation
(reader and antenna).
ŹWhen the unit is operated with antennas connected, comply with the human exposure regulations
in accordance with EN 50364.
ŹEnsure a minimum clearance of 35cm between the antenna and the human body.
ŹComply with the operating instructions for RFID antennas.
ŹIn case of doubt, make sure people with peacemakers contact the manufacturer of their peace-
maker or their doctor.
5.3
FCC and ISED Canada Regulatory Information
The operator and the specialist company which carries out the installation are responsible for ensuring that
only certified systems are used in the United States. Use of this system in any other combination (e.g. sev-
eral antennas which transmit the same information in the same location) is expressly prohibited. Changes
or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
To meet the certification regulations according to Part 15 of the FCC regulations in the United States:
ŹMake sure the operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
ŹMake sure the unit is properly installed, see
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement, p.11 and ISED RF Radiation
Exposure Statement, p.11
.
The readers with the grantee code WJ9 are designed to operate under FCC Part 15 and can be found at the FCC home-
page. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with ISED license-exempt RSS standard(s).
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference;
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
ISDE
Cet appareil contient des émetteurs / récepteurs exemptés de licence conformes aux RSS (RSS) d'Innovation, Sciences
et Développement économique Canada. Le fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) Cet appareil ne doit pas causer d'interférences;
(2) Cet appareil doit accepter toutes les interférences, y compris celles susceptibles de provoquer un fonctionnement
indésirable de l'appareil.

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Under ISED regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser)
gain approved for the transmitter by ISED.
ŹTo reduce potential radio interference to other users, choose the antenna type and its gain such that the equivalent
isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
En vertu des réglementations d'ISDE, cet émetteur radio ne peut être utilisé qu'avec une antenne de type et un gain
maximum (ou inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par ISDE.
ŹPour réduire les interférences radio potentielles avec d'autres utilisateurs, choisissez le type d'antenne et le gain de
sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (PIRE) ne soit pas supérieure à celle nécessaire pour une com-
munication réussie.
This radio transmitter has been approved by ISED to operate with the antenna types listed in
Recommended Antenna Types,
p.12
with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated.
Cet émetteur radio a été approuvé par ISDE pour être utilisé avec les types d'antennes énumérés dans
Recommended
Antenna Types, p.12
avec le gain maximum admissible et l'impédance d'antenne requise pour chaque type d'antenne
indiqué.
Modifications or conversions which are carried out on this unit without the express permission of Kathrein may
invalidate the FCC permit for the operation of this unit.
5.3.1 Radiation Exposure Statements
WARNING
Danger to life due to radiation electromagnetic field!
ŹAs a result of the RF exposure information given in the
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement, p.11 and
ISED RF Radiation Exposure Statement, p.11.
Ensure a minimum clearance of 35cm between the antenna
and the human body.
ŹComply with the operating instructions for RFID antennas.
ŹIn case of doubt, make sure people with peacemakers contact the manufacturer of their peace-
maker or their doctor.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This transmitter must not be co-location or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
ŹMake sure this equipment is installed and operated with a minimum distance of 23 centimetres between the radiator
and your body.
ŹDue to the fact that the ARU3560 contains a WLAN module, make sure to keep the minimum distance of 24
centimetres between the radiator and your body.
ŹDue to the fact that the ARU3570 contains a cellular module, make sure to keep the minimum distance of 37
centimentres between the radiator and your body.
ISED RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with ISED RSS-102 radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
ŹMake sure this equipment is installed and operated with a minimum distance of 34 centimetres between the radiator
and your body.
ŹDue to the fact that the ARU3560 contains a WLAN module, make sure to keep the minimum distance of 35
centimetres between the radiator and your body.
ŹDue to the fact that the ARU3570 contains a cellular module, make sure to keep the minimum distance of 54
centimentres between the radiator and your body.

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Safety Instructions
ISDE Déclaration d'exposition aux radiofréquences
Le présent appareil est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux radiofréquences d'ISDE CNR-102 définies pour un environ-
nement non contrôlé.
ŹAssurez-vous que cet équipement est installé et utilisé avec une distance minimale de 34 centimètres entre le radia-
teur et votre corps.
ŹComme l'ARU 3560 contient un module WLAN, assurez-vous que cet équipement est utilisé avec une distance mini-
male de 35 centimètres entre le radiateur et votre corps.
ŹComme l'ARU 3570 contient un module cellulaire, assurez-vous que cet équipement est utilisé avec une distance
minimale de 54 centimètres entre le radiateur et votre corps.
5.4 Anatel Brazil Regulatory Information
Anatel RF Exposure Statement
This device complies with the RF exposure guidelines when positioned at least 34 cm away from the body. For more
information, see the website of ANATEL at www.anatel.gov.br.
Anatel Declaração de exposição à radiofrequência
Este dispositivo está em conformidade com as diretrizes de exposição à radiofrequência quando posicionado a pelo
menos 34 centímetros de distância do corpo. Para maiores informações, consulte o site da Anatel – www.anatel.gov.br.
Declaration about the Frequency Range
For the Brazil market, the product will be provided with the frequency range 915 to 928 MHz.
Declaração sobre a Configuraçao de Frequência
Para o Mercado Brasileiro o produto será fornecido com a configuração de frequência 915 a 928 MHz.
5.4.1 Safety Instructions
NOTICE
Risk of harmful radio communication interference!
Following corresponding tests, it has been ascertained that this unit adheres to the limit values for
class B digital units in accordance with Part 15 of the FCC regulations. These limit values are intended
to provide private user's systems with appropriate protection against harmful radio interference. This
unit generates and uses energy in the radio frequency range and is also able to radiate this; if it is not
installed and used in accordance with the regulations, the unit may cause harmful radio communica-
tion interference. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a specific system.
If this unit causes harmful radio or television reception interference, which can be ascertained by
switching the unit on and o, we recommend that the user attempts to rectify this interference via one
or more of the following measures.
ŹTurn the unit on and o to make sure the radio or television reception interference is caused by the
unit.
ŹRealign the receive antenna or change its position.
ŹIncrease the distance between the unit and the receiver.
ŹPlug the unit into a socket in a current circuit other than that to which the receiver is connected.
ŹSeek advice from the retailer or an experienced radio/television technician.
5.4.2 Recommended Antenna Types
Antenna types not included in this list or having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type are
strictly prohibited for use with this device.

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Les types d'antennes non inclus dans cette liste ou avec un gain supérieur au gain maximum indiqué pour ce type sont
strictement interdits pour l'utilisation avec cet appareil.
Order number Type Shortened designation Gain
circular linear
52010087 WIRA-30-circular-FCC wide-range 30° antenna FCC,
902–928 MHz, 30° circular 11dBiC 8dBi
52010228 WIRA-30-CSB-KRAI-FCC wide-range 30° CSB KRAI antenna
FCC, 902–928 MHz, 30° circular 6dBiC 3dBi
52010249 WIRA-30-linear-FCC wide-range 30° antenna FCC,
902–928 MHz, 30° linear n.a. 11dBi
52010252 WIRA-40-linear-FCC wide-range 40° antenna FCC,
902–928 MHz, 40° linear n.a. 13dBi
52010079 WIRA-70-circular-FCC wide-range 70° antenna FCC,
902–928 MHz, 70° circular 8.3dBiC 5.3dBi
52010194 WIRA-70-KRAI-FCC wide-range 70° KRAI antenna FCC,
902–928 MHz, 70° circular
7/7/n.a./n.a.
4.5/4.5/
7.5/7.5
52010083 MIRA-100-circular-FCC mid-range antenna FCC,
902–928 MHz, 100° circular 2.5dBiC –0.5dBi
52010172 S-MIRA-100-circular-ETSI-FCC short m id-range antenna ETSI/FCC,
865–928 MHz, 100° circular –10dBiC –13dBi
52010085 LORA-FCC low-range antenna FCC,
902–928 MHz n.a. –15dBi
52010092 U-LORA-ETSI-FCC ultra low-range antenna FCC,
865–928 MHz n.a. –30dBi
52010219 SMSH-30-30-ETSI-FCC
antenna modul
SMSH antenna/-module,
865–928 MHz, circular –7dBiC –10dBi
52010258 SMSH-30-30-KRAI-ETSI-FCC
antenna
SMSH KRAI antenna/-module,
865–928 MHz, circular –7dBiC –10dBi
52010318 SMSH-HighGain-30-30-
KRAI-FCC
SMSH antenna/-module,
902–928 MHz, circular 5dBiC 2dBi
52010319 SMSH-HighGain-30-30-FCC
SMSH antenna/-module,
902–928 MHz, circular 5dBiC 2dBi
52010334 WRA 7070 antenna unit wide-range antenna,
902–928 MHz, circular 8.5dBiC 5.5dBi
52010336 WRA 7070 KRAI antenna unit wide-range antenna,
902–928 MHz, circular/linear 7/7/n.a./n.a.
4.5/4.5/
7.5/7.5
52010424 WRA6060 wide-range antenna FCC,
902–928, circular 5.5dBiC 2.5 dBi

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Warranty Information
6 Warranty Information
Switching on the AC or DC power supply prior to connecting the LAN cable is considered incorrect installa-
tion. Any functional defect arising as a result is excluded from the warranty/guarantee. Kathrein accepts no
liability if the customer fails to implement the precautions listed here. In such cases, any claims under the
warranty/guarantee are void.
ŹBefore installing or servicing the reader, make sure that the person concerned has read the manual and
understood its contents.

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7 Introduction to the RIFD System
7.1 RFID System
An RFID system is comprised of the control computer of the reader, antennas, antenna connection cables and the tags.
The figure below shows the schematic structure of the system:
Ethernet
or
serial interface
RFID UHF
Gen2 Tag
Fig. 1: RFID system (example)
The tags consist of an antenna and a small chip. The chip is the true carrier of the information, the EPC (
Electronic Product
Code
) number. This number can identify products or product groups. Alternatively, the EPC can be overwritten with new
information.
To read the tag information, the reader switches on an RF carrier by means of a selected antenna, thus supplying the
tags in the RF field with energy.
To read the information from a tag, it is necessary to inventory the tags and then select a tag from the population of
tags. Upon successful completion of the inventory, the EPC number of each tag can be read and sent to the PC. It is
possible to attach additional information to the EPC, for example, the antenna which read it or the time at which it was
read.
NOTICE
The reader operates using the frequency hopping process to avoid faults and interference between readers.
Within the FCC area, this procedure is mandatory. The reader changes its transmission frequency randomly,
with equal distribution across the 52 available channels. Each channel is used for max. 400ms in an interval
of 20s.
The ReaderStart v3 software can be used for testing and parametrising.
The communication between the
ReaderStart v3 and the reader is based on the DLL ( Dynamic Link Library ), which includes the
communication protocol, see
Communication Protocol Kathrein RFID UHF Readers . For specific applications, the user can build its
own control software based on the reader DLL. The DLL includes all the relevant commands and functions required to
control the reader.
It is necessary for the user to create his own control software. The user-specific control software can run directly on the
reader. Therefore, a stand-alone operation without permanent network connection is possible.

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Introduction to the RIFD System
To be able to use the complete range of the reader performance in customer applications, we recommend
using the readers ARU3500 or RRU4500. It is not possible to run any customer applications on the basic
readers, i.e. ARU2400, ARU3400 and RRU4400.
7.2 Kathrein RFID Antenna Interface ©KRAI
With the ©KRAI product series, Kathrein has introduced a revolutionary system. By using Kathrein ©KRAI antennas, it is
possible to increase the flexibility due to having several antenna properties at one installation point (in case of PLS and
CSB antennas) and functionality (when cascading SMSH antennas).
©KRAI consists of a digital control bus which enables connection between the RFID reader and the RFID antennas to
allow control and regulation tasks in remote antennas
7.2.1 WIRA 70 ©KRAI Polarisation Switch Antenna (PLS)
Fig. 2: PLS antennas connected to the reader
With the ©KRAI PLS antenna, built as a WiRa 70° antenna, the polarisation can be switched statically or dynamically. The
following settings are possible in any combination:
Ɣcircular LHCP
Ɣcircular RHCP
Ɣlinear horizontal
Ɣlinear vertical.
It is possible to select the best polarisation for wide-range application and to carry out a flexible adjustment of the
antenna on site.
Furthermore, it is possible to increase the read rate via the switching circular LHCP/RHCP by up to 33%.

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Type Order number Far-field half-power beam width Polarisation Frequency range
WIRA 70 ©KRAI ETSI 52010193 70°/70° circular 865–868 MHz
WIRA 70 ©KRAI FCC 52010194 70°/70° circular 902–928 MHz
WRA 7070 ©KRAI ETSI 52010335 70°/70° circular 865–868 MHz
WRA 7070 ©KRAI FCC 52010336 70°/70° circular 902–928 MHz
Tip PLS antennas have 4 LEDs to visualise customer applications.
The LEDs will be supplied and controlled by the RRU4xxx reader via the existing antenna cable.
Tip Note that for the internal antenna, the ARU3560 reader has all four polarisations already built in. The
ARU3560 reader cannot switch polarisation for external antennas.
Fig. 3: Circular and linear polarisation

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Introduction to the RIFD System
7.2.2 ©KRAI SMSH (Smart Shelf) Antenna
Fig. 4: ©KRAI smart shelf antennas connected to the reader (cascaded)
Up to 8 ©KRAI smart shelf (SMSH) antennas can be cascaded per reader port; 8 antennas x 4 ports = 32 SMSH antennas
in total.
The SMSH 3030 @KRAI slave antenna was developed for applications in the field of point of sale, smart shelf applica-
tions and Kanban solutions. The antenna is characterised by an extremely homogeneous read zone, which is emitted by
the high front-to-back ratio. Therefore, it is suitable for static detection of multiple transponders. Due to the extremely
thin design, the antenna module can be integrated into dierent applications.
The antenna is equipped with an intelligent bypass circuit that allows for cascading up to 8 SMSH antennas per reader
port. The control is done by a RRU4xxx Kathrein RFID reader. The ©KRAI control signals are transmitted via the standard
antenna cable.
Type Order number Far-field half-power beam width Polarisation Frequency range
SMSH 3030 ©KRAI ETSI
FCC antenna 52010258 60°/60° circular 865–928 MHz
SMSH high-gain 3030
©KRAI ETSI antenna 52010259 60°/60° circular 865–868 MHz
SMSH high-gain 3030
©KRAI FCC antenna 52010318 60°/60° circular 902–928 MHz
Tip Note that the ©KRAI SMSH high-gain antennas have a read range of up to 3m.
The ©KRAI SMSH standard antennas read transponders at a distance of up to 1m.
Tip Note that the SMSH high-gain antennas (order no. 52010260) and SMSH standard antennas (order no.
52010219) do not have ©KRAI and cannot be cascaded.

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7.3 Further Reference Material
In order to configure the reader correctly and adapt it to the respective application, it is necessary to have detailed
knowledge of the EPCglobal standards of GS. This standard describes the principle of operation of the interface between
the tag and the reader.
The parameters available for the configuration of the reader are described in the
Configuration Manual for Kathrein RFID UHF
Readers
.
The reader is controlled via the Kathrein reader protocoll (KBRP), the current version of which is described in detail in the
Communication Protocol Kathrein RFID UHF Readers .
Document Application
Communication Protocol Kathrein RFID UHF Readers software development
Configuration Manual for Kathrein RFID UHF Readers commissioning
Installation Manual for Kathrein Antennas setup and installation
EPCglobal Gen2 Specification
1)
software development
Putty – SSH Client (http://www.putty.org) software development
Make sure the version of the document matches the software version of the reader, see
https://www.kathrein-solutions.com/get-started.
1) EPCTM Radio-Frequency Identity Protocols Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID Version 2.0.1 at
https://www.gs1.org/epcrfid/epc-rfid-uhf-air-interface-protocol/2-0-1.

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The Reader
8 The Reader
8.1 Functional Specification
The Kathrein RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader of the RRU 4xxx and ARU3xxx series is a multi-protocol-ca-
pable device for reading active and passive RFID tags in the frequency range from 865 to 868 MHz for Europe and 902
to 928 MHz for the American market. Based on the latest RFID standards, such as
EPC Gen2v2 /ISO 18000-63, the Kathrein
RRU 4xxx series support all market leading transponder chip features for security, authentication and encoding. As sup-
plied, the unit can read and write tags in accordance with the
EPC Gen2v2 standard.
It is possible to load additional protocols using software updates.
The device has a maximum of four external antenna ports for connection of the transmission/reception antennas for
communication with RFID tags.
For integration into a variety of infrastructures, the device has dierent communication interfaces, depending on the
variant. The power supply is provided either by a 4-pin M12 panel connector in A coding or by PoE+ according to 802.3at
(10–57)1).
The Kathrein UHF RFID reader system RRU 4xxx is characterised by great flexibility in regard to RFID applications. One
reason for it is the wide variety of reading devices compatible to each other, which allows to select a reader from the
Kathrein product portfolio ideally suited for the respective application. Another reason for this flexibility is the wide
range of parameters for configuring the reader firmware.
8.2 Features
Ɣbasic computing module
Ɣdual-core embedded PC
Ɣ1 Ethernet port (RRU 4400, ARU3400 and ARU2400)
Ɣ2nd Ethernet port (with the intelligent switch) (RRU 45xx, ARU 35xx)
ƔGPIO
Ɣ©KRAI (RRU4xxx and ARU2400)
ƔPoE+
ƔLED visualisation
ƔWi-Fi (RRU 4560 and ARU3560)
ƔBluetooth (RRU 4560 and ARU3560)
Ɣ2G/3G (RRU 4570 and ARU3570)
8.3 Scope of Delivery
ƔRRU 4xxx reader
ƔQR code to the Kathrein Solutions GmbH homepage
1) Internal supply of GPIO VCC pin is not possible with PoE+