I²C smartRFID Smart Sensor
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This project is shared with the fischertechnik Corner website, as the second smart sensor is intended for the fischertechnik Robo TX controller.
This part in more technical oriented. |
Smart Sensor
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I call smart sensor a device which includes its own MCU. The MCU acquires and processes the raw data provided by the sensor, performs the required calculations and delivers ready-to-use measures to the master.
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smartRFID
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The second smart sensor I'm working on is a RFID reader, called smartRFID.
Based on the functional specifications, the main choices are about the sensor and the MCU. Because I'm a hobbyist, I'd prefer to deal with DIP packages rather than SOIC or, even worse, SSOP. |
Selecting the Sensor
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After an extensive research, I came with two short-lists, one for RFID readers and the other for MCUs.
RFID readers are available in a very integrated package with, on one side side, connection to the coil and, on the other side, digital output. One key specification is the range. As additional benefits, there's no need for a MCU and thus, no programming required! However, the digital output requires a protocol adapter to convert the signal into I²C bus. |
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I²C Commands
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Based on the functional specifications and after extensive tests on a prototype based on an Arduino board, I defined two sets commands:
Learn more about the commands. |
Building the Prototype
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Contrary the the smartColours sensor, the RFID reader comes ready to use.
Only a protocol adapter with logic level converter is required. So there's no need for a prototype! |
Finalised and Working Sensor
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Here is the finalised sensor, which works as expected!
It allows reading the RFID tags at 3 cm. |
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