Siemens SIMATIC RF615A User manual

___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
SIMATIC Ident
RFID systems
SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions
09/2018
C79000
-G8976-C511-01
Characteristics
1
Ordering data
2
Installing and mounting
3
Connecting the antenna
4
Antenna parameter
assignment
5
Antenna patterns
6
Maximum read/write ranges
7
Technical data
8
Dimension drawing
9
Certificates & approvals
10

Siemens AG
Division Process Industries and Drives
Postfach 48 48
90026 NÜRNBERG
GERMANY
C79000-G8976-C511-01
Ⓟ
08/2018 Subject to change
Copyright © Siemens AG 2018.
All rights reserved
Legal information
Warning notice system
This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent
damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert
symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are
graded according to the degree of danger.
DANGER
indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.
WARNING
indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.
CAUTION
indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.
NOTICE
indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.
If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will
be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to
property damage.
Qualified Personnel
The product/system described in this documentation may be operated only by
personnel qualified
for the specific
task in accordance with the relevant documentation, in particular its warning notices and safety instructions.
Qualified personnel are those who, based on their training and experience, are capable of identifying risks and
avoiding potential hazards when working with these products/systems.
Proper use of Siemens products
Note the following:
WARNING
Siemens products may only be used for the applications described in the catalog and in the relevant technical
documentation. If products and components from other manufacturers are used, these must be recommended
or approved by Siemens. Proper transport, storage, installation, assembly, commissioning, operation and
maintenance are required to ensure that the products operate safely and without any problems. The permissible
ambient conditions must be complied with. The information in the relevant documentation must be observed.
Trademarks
All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this publication
may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner.
Disclaimer of Liability
We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software
described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the
information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent
editions.

SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01 3
Table of contents
1 Characteristics ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2 Ordering data.......................................................................................................................................... 7
3 Installing and mounting ........................................................................................................................... 9
4 Connecting the antenna ........................................................................................................................ 11
4.1 Connecting the antenna..........................................................................................................11
4.2 Bending radii and bending cycles of the cable .......................................................................12
5 Antenna parameter assignment............................................................................................................. 13
6 Antenna patterns................................................................................................................................... 15
6.1 Alignment of transponders to the antenna..............................................................................15
6.2 Antenna pattern ETSI .............................................................................................................18
6.3 Antenna pattern FCC..............................................................................................................21
6.4 Interpretation of directional radiation patterns ........................................................................24
7 Maximum read/write ranges .................................................................................................................. 25
8 Technical data ...................................................................................................................................... 27
9 Dimension drawing ............................................................................................................................... 31
10 Certificates & approvals ........................................................................................................................ 33

Table of contents
SIMATIC RF615A
4Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01

SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01 5
Characteristics
1
SIMATIC RF615A
Characteristics
Area of application The SIMATIC RF615A is a universal
UHF antenna in a compact size for
industrial applications, e.g. for instal-
lation directly on the robot arm.
Frequency range •865 to 868 MHz (RF615A ETSI)
•902 to 928 MHz (RF615A FCC)
Read range
Max. 2 m
Polarization
Linear
Degree of protection IP67
(IP rating is not investigated by UL)
Mounting
2 x M4
Connection 30 cm connecting cable (connected
permanently to the antenna) and
RP-TNC coupling
An antenna cable is required for
connection to the reader (e.g.
6GT2815-0BH30).
Frequency ranges
The antenna is a narrowband antenna and is available in the following two frequency range
variants.
●RF615A ETSI: 865 to 868 MHz
●RF615A FCC: 902 to 928 MHz
Function
The SIMATIC RF615A is used for transmitting and receiving data in the UHF range. The
antennas are connected to the SIMATIC RF600 readers via antenna cables that are
available in different lengths.

Characteristics
SIMATIC RF615A
6Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01

SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01 7
Ordering data
2
Table 2- 1 RF615A ordering data
Product
Article number
SIMATIC RF615A (ETSI)
6GT2812-0EA00
SIMATIC RF615A (FCC)
6GT2812-0EA01
Table 2- 2 Ordering data accessories
Product
Article number
Connecting cable between
reader and antenna
1 m (cable loss 0.5 dB)
6GT2815-0BH10
3 m (cable loss 1.0 dB)
6GT2815-0BH30
5 m, suitable for drag chains
(cable loss 1.5 dB)
6GT2815-2BH50
10 m (cable loss 2.0 dB)
6GT2815-1BN10
10 m (cable loss 4.0 dB)
6GT2815-0BN10
15 m, suitable for drag chains
(cable loss 4.0 dB)
6GT2815-2BN15
20 m (cable loss 4.0 dB)
6GT2815-0BN20
40 m (cable loss 5.0 dB) 6GT2815-0BN40

Ordering data
SIMATIC RF615A
8Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01

SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01 9
Installing and mounting
3
Two holes for M4 screws are provided for mounting the antenna. The antenna is suitable for
mounting on metallic and non-metallic surfaces.
Note
Maximum read/write range
The maximum read/write ranges are only reached w
hen the antenna is mounted on a
metallic surface with a minimum size of 150 x 150
mm.
Note
Antenna gain depends on the mounting surface
Note that the antenna gain depends on the material of the mounting surface. If the antenna
is mounted on a metallic surface, the antenna gain is
-5 dBi. If the antenna is mounted on a
non
-metallic surface, the antenna gain is -13 dBi.

Installing and mounting
SIMATIC RF615A
10 Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01

SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01 11
Connecting the antenna
4
4.1
Connecting the antenna
The SIMATIC RF615A antenna must be connected to the reader using an antenna cable.
Preassembled standard cables in lengths of 1 m, 3 m, 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m and 40 m are
available to connect the antenna.
The range of the antenna is limited by the cable loss. The maximum range can be achieved
with the cable 6GT2815-0BH10 (length 1 m), since this cable has the lowest cable loss.
Requirement
Note
Use of Siemens antenna cable
To ensure optimum functioning of the antenna, it is recommended that a Siemens antenna
cable is used in accordance with the list of accessories.
Strain relief
To protect the antenna connecting cable from strain, you can attach strain relief, e.g. in the
form of a strain relief clamp. The following graphic shows the optimum mounting point for
attaching strain relief.
①
RF615A antenna connecting cable
②
RF600 antenna cable
③
Mounting point for strain relief
Figure 4-1 Strain relief

Connecting the antenna
4.2 Bending radii and bending cycles of the cable
SIMATIC RF615A
12 Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01
4.2
Bending radii and bending cycles of the cable
Table 4- 1 Bending radii and bending cycles of the antenna cable
Cable designa-
tion
Article number
Length [m]
Cable loss [dB]
Bending radius
[mm] 1)
Antenna cable
6GT2815-0BH10
1
0.5
51
Antenna cable 6GT2815-0BH30 3 1 51
Antenna cable
(suitable for drag
chains)
6GT2815-2BH50 5 1.5 44 2)
Antenna cable
6GT2815-1BN10
10
2
77
Antenna cable
6GT2815-0BN10
10
4
51
Antenna cable
(suitable for drag
chains)
6GT2815-2BN15 15 4 44 2)
Antenna cable
6GT2815-0BN20
20
4
77
Antenna cable
6GT2815-0BN40
40
5
77
1)
Permissible minimum bending radius with multiple bending.
2)
With cables capable of being used in drag chains, 100,000 bending cycles at a bending radius of
100 mm and a bend of ± 180° or 3 million torsion cycles with a bend of ± 180° on a cable length of
1 m are permitted.

SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01 13
Antenna parameter assignment
5
Depending on the country or region in which the antenna is being operated, it is subject to
regional limitations with respect to the radiated power.
Limitations in the EU, EFTA, or Turkey
Note
Limitation of the radiated power according to EN 302 208 V1.4.1 (ETSI)
RF600 systems that are put into operation in the EU, EFTA or Turkey must not exceed the
following radiated power with an RF615A antenna:
•
500 mW ERP (or 27 dBm ERP)
Converted into EIRP: 820 mW EIRP (or 29 dBm EIRP)
Make the following settings to ensure that the maximum permitted radiated power of the
antenna is not exceeded:
●Antenna gain: -5 dBi
●Radiated power: ≤340 mW ERP (or 25.35 dBm ERP)
Converted into EIRP: ≤560 mW EIRP (or 27.5 dBm EIRP)
●Use of cable loss associated with the antenna cable.
Limitations in the USA and Canada
Note
Limitation of the radiated power (FCC)
RF600 systems that are put into operation in the USA and Canada must not exceed the
following radiated power with an RF615A antenna:
•
4000 mW EIRP (or 36 dBm EIRP)
Make the following settings to ensure that the maximum permitted radiated power of the
antenna is not exceeded:
●Conducted power P (dBm) of the RF600 reader: < 30 dBm
●Antenna gain Gi(dBi) in the FCC frequency band: ≤-5 dBi
●Cable loss ak(dB): ≥1 dB
P (dBm) ≤30 dBm - (Gi- 6 dBi) + ak

Antenna parameter assignment
SIMATIC RF615A
14 Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01
Limitations in China
Note
Limitation of the radiated power (CMIIT)
RF600 systems that are put into operation in China must not exceed the following radiated
power with an RF615A antenna:
•
2000 mW ERP (or 33 dBm ERP)
Converted into EIRP: 3250 mW EIRP (or 35 dBm EIRP)
Make the following settings to ensure that the maximum permitted radiated power of the
antenna is not exceeded:
●Radiated power: ≤2000 mW ERP (or 33 dBm ERP)
Converted into EIRP: ≤3250 mW EIRP (or 35 dBm EIRP)
●Use of cable loss associated with the antenna cable.
Limitations in Japan
Note
Limitation of the radiated power (ARIB)
RF600 systems that are put into operation in Japan must not exceed the fo
llowing radiated
power with an RF615A antenna:
•
500 mW EIRP (or 27 dBm EIRP) for operation with RF650R (ARIB STD-T107)
•
4000 mW EIRP (or 36 dBm EIRP) for operation with RF680R/RF685R (ARIB STD-T106)
The maximum permissible radiated power of the antenna cannot be reached or exceeded
due to the negative antenna gain.

SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01 15
Antenna patterns
6
6.1
Alignment of transponders to the antenna
Polarization axis
Since the RF615A antenna has linear polarization, it is necessary to consider the alignment
of the transponders with regard to the polarization axis of the antenna.
The polarization axes of antenna and transponder must always be parallel. The symbol on
the antenna indicates the polarization axis.
Figure 6-1 Polarization axis

Antenna patterns
6.1 Alignment of transponders to the antenna
SIMATIC RF615A
16 Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01
Alignment
The following diagram shows the optimum alignment of the RF600 transponders to the
RF615A antenna.
Figure 6-2 Optimum alignment of transponders to the antenna

Antenna patterns
6.1 Alignment of transponders to the antenna
SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01 17
Angle deviation diagram for alignment
The following diagram shows the dependence of the following factors:
●Alignment angle of transponder to antenna
●Maximum range of antenna
Figure 6-3 Effect on the read/write range depending on the antenna alignment

Antenna patterns
6.2 Antenna pattern ETSI
SIMATIC RF615A
18 Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01
6.2
Antenna pattern ETSI
Directional radiation pattern
ETSI
The directional radiation pattern is shown for nominal alignment and a center frequency of
866.3 MHz. The nominal antenna alignment is given when the antenna elevation is provided
as shown in the following figure.
Figure 6-4 Reference system
The half-power beam width of the antenna is defined by the angle between the two -3 dB
points. Which range (in %) corresponds to the dB values in the patterns can be obtained
from this table (Page 24).
Note that the measurements presented graphically below were carried out in a low-reflection
environment. Deviations can therefore occur in a normally reflecting environment.

Antenna patterns
6.2 Antenna pattern ETSI
SIMATIC RF615A
Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01 19
Directional radiation pattern ETSI on metallic mounting surface (15 cm x 15 cm)
Pattern of the vertical plane of the antenna
Pattern of the horizontal plane of the antenna
Figure 6-5 Directional radiation pattern RF615A ETSI on metallic mounting surface

Antenna patterns
6.2 Antenna pattern ETSI
SIMATIC RF615A
20 Operating Instructions, 09/2018, C79000-G8976-C511-01
Directional radiation pattern ETSI on non-metallic mounting surface
Pattern of the vertical plane of the antenna
Pattern of the horizontal plane of the antenna
Figure 6-6 Directional radiation pattern RF615A ETSI on non-metallic mounting surface