TWN4 MultiTech 2

Technical Handbook

DocRev10, November 7, 2022

ELATEC GmbH
Contents

Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.1 Functional Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3.1 Generic Interface (X1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3.2 Main Interface (X2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.4 Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4 TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1 Functional Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.3 Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3.1 Generic Interface (X2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3.2 Main Interface (X1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5 Power states and current consumption breakdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6 Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7 Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Page 2 of 18
1 Introduction

1 Introduction

The TWN4 MultiTech 2 Module is a configurable Reader/Writer of RFID transponders. The Module has
both the low (125kHz, 134.2kHz) and high (13.56MHz) frequency antennas, allowing the user access to a
wide range of RFID standards. Some versions also offer the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface.
This Technical Handbook provides the details needed to get started using the TWN4 MultiTech 2. We
begin with a functional overview of the board, listing the features and interface options available. We then
proceed with short introduction to the BLE Standard itself and the details of its implementation on the
board.
The custom User App can be loaded onto the module using the AppBlaster software. For more information
regarding the programming of the TWN4 module please see a dedicated User Guide for AppBlaster.

Page 3 of 18
2 TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE PCB

2 TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE PCB

2.1 Functional Overview

The TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE is a complete RFID Reader system that requires a 5V power source and
connection to a host to work. The majority of the circuitry responsible for processing the RFID card
information and executing the module firmware is shielded as shown on Figure 2.1. The device can be
connected to the host via USB or RS232 interface; both use the same connector (DF11). The cable can
be simply connected with no extra configuration required. The pinout for the DF11 connector is described
in Table 2.2. A more generic breakout interface to the main controller is available; its pinout is shown on
Table 2.1. The TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE also offers 2 SAM slots and a speaker on board.
The TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE can also interact with the User via Bluetooth Low-Energy interface. This
development pack contains documentation on BLE protocol and API implemented on the module.

Figure 2.1: TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE View Functional

Page 4 of 18
2 TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE PCB

2.2 Dimensions

Figure 2.2 provides the physical dimensions of the TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE. All dimensions in mm unless
otherwise stated.

Figure 2.2: PCB Dimensions

Page 5 of 18
2 TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE PCB

2.3 Pinout

2.3.1 Generic Interface (X1)

The module provides a generic access port that allows the User to bypass the main DF11 connector and
interact with the TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE microcontroller directly. The port name is DRP2 and the polarity
of its pins is shown on Figure 2.3. The pinout is provided in Table 2.1.

Figure 2.3: Generic Port Polarity

Page 6 of 18
2 TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE PCB

Pin Pin Name Function

1 GND Ground
2 USB_D+ USB Data +
3 Supply 5V Powers the 5V circuitry on board. Input to 3.3V Regulator.
4 USB_D- USB Data -
5 VCC 3.3V Direct access to 3.3V supply net after Regulator. Microcontroller and majority of
circuitry is powered by this.
6 COM1_RX COM1 RX Single-ended port
7 I2C_SCL I2C Clock
8 COM1_TX COM1 TX Single-ended port
9 I2C_SDA I2C Data
10 GPIO3 direct access to microcontroller
11 RESET- Active-low reset to the microcontroller
12 GPIO4 direct access to microcontroller
13 PWRDWN- Active-low powerdown to 3.3V Converter/Regulator
14 GPIO5 direct access to microcontroller
15 GPIO6 direct access to microcontroller
16 GPIO7 Active-low reset to BLE module

Table 2.1: Generic Interface DRP2 Port (X1) Pin Configuration

2.3.2 Main Interface (X2)

Pin Pin Name Function

1 UGND USB Ground. Fed to main Ground through noise-reduction circuit.
2 USB_D+ USB Data +
3 UVCC USB VCC (5V). When using RS232, connect this to external 5V supply.
4 USB_D- USB Data -
5 V24_RXD RS232 RXD (Input)
6 GND Ground
7 V24_TXD RS232 TXD (Output)
8 Hostsense Active-low, enables RS232 transceiver. Short to Pin 6 (GND) when using RS232.

Table 2.2: Main Interface DF11 Port (X2) Pin Configuration

Page 7 of 18
2 TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE PCB

2.4 Versions

Various versions of TWN4 MultiTech 2 are available: One full-featured version and three cost-optimized
versions which support LF (125kHz, 134.2kHz) and/or HF (13.56MHz) transponders. Table 2.3 lists the
different features of the corresponding model:

Feature TWN4 TWN4 TWN4 TWN4

MultiTech 2 BLE MultiTech 2 MultiTech 2 LF MultiTech 2 HF
√ √ √
LF -
√ √ √
HF -
√
BLE - - -
Nr of SAM-Slots 2 2 - 1

Table 2.3: Different features of TWN4 MultiTech 2 Versions

Page 8 of 18
3 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Feature

3 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Feature

The traditional Bluetooth standard is convenient for constant-flow media transfer applications such as video
streaming. The Bluetooth Low Energy standard was introduced for applications requiring a lower power
consumption profile. Data is sent in bursts, followed by periods of electrical idle.
The TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE uses the BGM111 module from Silicon Labs. The chip implements the
Physical, Link and L2CAP Layers of the BLE Protocol. The API is implemented within the firmware of
the main TWN4 microcontroller. The 2 chips interact via the COM2 port of the microcontroller, thereby
rendering this port unavailable for custom user functions.
Devices supporting the BLE standard communicate using a protocol named Generic Attribute Profile
(GATT). GATT defines two roles: Server and Client. A GATT Server stores attributes of the device and
sends them to a Client upon request. The TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE acts as a GATT server, receiving re-
quests for information from the link partner (ex. cellphone) and transmitting relevant attributes back.
For more information regarding the Bluetooth Low Energy Standard please see document "Designing for
Bluetooth Low Energy"[1] from Silicon Labs.
For the description of all the BLE-related commands available, please see the TWN4 API document.

Page 9 of 18
4 TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC PCB

4 TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC PCB

The TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC is the LEGIC version of the TWN4 MultiTech 2. The device can be con-
nected to the host via USB or RS232 interface; both use the same connector (DF11). The cable can be
simply connected with no extra configuration required. The pinout for the DF11 connector is described
in Table 4.2. A more generic breakout interface to the main controller is available; its pinout is shown on
Table 4.1. The TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC also offers 2 SAM slots and a speaker on board.

Page 10 of 18
4 TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC PCB

4.1 Functional Overview

TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC

Top view
HF antenna LF antenna
13.56 MHz 125 kHz

TWN4 MultiTech 2
Main Circuitry
LEDs
(shielded) (GPIO0..2)

TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC

Bottom view DF11
connector

DRP2
connector

Speaker

SAM slot 2 SAM slot 1

Figure 4.1: TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC Functional Overview

Page 11 of 18
4 TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC PCB

4.2 Dimensions

Figure 4.2 provides the physical dimensions of the TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC. All dimensions in mm unless
otherwise stated.

Top view

Bottom view

Figure 4.2: PCB Dimensions

Page 12 of 18
4 TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC PCB

4.3 Pinout

4.3.1 Generic Interface (X2)

The module provides a generic access port that allows the User to bypass the main DF11 connector and
interact with the TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC microcontroller directly. The port name is DRP2 and the polarity
of its pins is shown on Figure 4.3. The pinout is provided in Table 4.1.

Figure 4.3: Generic Port Polarity

Page 13 of 18
4 TWN4 MultiTech 2 LEGIC PCB

Pin Pin Name Function

1 GND Ground
2 USB_D+ USB Data +
3 Supply 5V Powers the 5V circuitry on board. Input to 3.3V Regulator.
4 USB_D- USB Data -
5 VCC 3.3V Direct access to 3.3V supply net after Regulator. Microcontroller and majority of
circuitry is powered by this.
6 COM1_RX COM1 RX Single-ended port
7 I2C_SCL I2C Clock
8 COM1_TX COM1 TX Single-ended port
9 I2C_SDA I2C Data
10 GPIO3 direct access to microcontroller
11 RESET- Active-low reset to the microcontroller
12 GPIO4 direct access to microcontroller
13 PWRDWN- Active-low powerdown to 3.3V Converter/Regulator
14 GPIO5 direct access to microcontroller
15 GPIO6 direct access to microcontroller
16 GPIO7 Active-low reset to BLE module

Table 4.1: Generic Interface DRP2 Port (X1) Pin Configuration

4.3.2 Main Interface (X1)

Pin Pin Name Function

1 UGND USB Ground. Fed to main Ground through noise-reduction circuit.
2 USB_D+ USB Data +
3 UVCC USB VCC (5V). When using RS232, connect this to external 5V supply.
4 USB_D- USB Data -
5 V24_RXD RS232 RXD (Input)
6 GND Ground
7 V24_TXD RS232 TXD (Output)
8 Hostsense Active-low, enables RS232 transceiver. Short to Pin 6 (GND) when using RS232.

Table 4.2: Main Interface DF11 Port (X2) Pin Configuration

Page 14 of 18
5 Power states and current consumption breakdown

5 Power states and current consumption

breakdown

The TWN4 MultiTech 2 BLE supports 3 power states that can be used to reduce the current consumption
of the reader when the application calls for it.
In Normal state the reader can accommodate a request to search for a high-/low-frequency tag, perform
a BLE action or interact with peripherals on short notice; the current consumption in this state is the
highest.
In Sleep state the reader is not capable of any of the above, but consumes considerably less current. The
reader can be woken by communication on USB/COM ports, predefined timeout, or a Low-Power-Card-
Detection (LPCD) event and taken to Normal state.
In Stop state the reader consumes the least current and can be woken up via external/internal interrupt, or
a Low-Power-Card-Detection (LPCD) event and taken to Normal state.
Changing the LPCD poll time will change the current consumption, which can be estimated with the fol-
lowing formula:

0.1mAs
ILP CD = 0.5mA +
tP oll [s]

The first section of Table 5.1 shows the expected typical current draw in the 3 states described above,
depending on the reader interface used. The second section of the table lists the maximum additional
current drawn by the device’s peripherals; these values are to be added to those in the "Normal Idle" base
state. It is assumed that a +5V DC Power Source is used.

Page 15 of 18
5 Power states and current consumption breakdown

Host Connection USB UART-TTL

Typical Consumption in Base System States
Normal Idle 65 59
Sleep 15 6,8
Sleep LPCD Option 15,3 7,0
Stop N/A 0,45
Stop LPCD Option N/A 0,8
Maximum Consumption by Function wrt. Normal Idle System State
SearchTag-HF +140
SearchTag-LF +25
RS232 +4
BLE Active Packet Reception +9
BLE Active Transmission (0 dBm output power) +9
BLE Active Transmission (8 dBm output power) +24
Speaker Constant Tone +80
LED (Red) +2
LED (Green) +6
LED (Yellow) +8

Table 5.1: Current Consumption Breakdown given +5V DC Supply (mA)

Page 16 of 18
6 Disclaimer

6 Disclaimer

ELATEC reserves the right to change any information or data in this document without prior notice. The
distribution and the update of this document is not controlled. ELATEC declines all responsibility for the
use of product with any other specifications but the ones mentioned above. Any additional requirement for
a specific custom application has to be validated by the customer himself at his own responsibility. Where
application information is given, it is only advisory and does not form part of the specification.
All referenced brands, product names, service names and trademarks mentioned in this document are the
property of their respective owners.

Page 17 of 18
7 Bibliography

7 Bibliography

1. Silicon Labs Website. Application Note "Designing for Bluetooth Low Energy Applications", taken from
http://www.silabs.com on 24. January, 2017

Page 18 of 18