EM3+ Manual V2 - 01

EM3 & EM3+
Version 2.01
Service
Manual
Fuse
MM33
EE
Counter Aux Lamp2 Lamp 1 TxL TxH
reset
On / Off key
RS232 Alarm Net in Net Out Rx1 Rx0
++
On / Off key
M
M33 Aux X
Lamp
H L
EE
Counter
reset
L H X
Transmit
RS232 Alarm Network Receiver
IN OUT H L
Dual EM3
X X
Table of content
1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................1-6
1.1 PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT .................................................................................................1-6
1.2 WHAT IS AN EAS SYSTEM? ....................................................................................................1-6
1.3 METO ELECTRO MAGNETIC (EM) SYSTEMS .........................................................................1-7
1.3.1 What is Intermodulation? ..............................................................................................1-7
1.3.2 Second harmonic. ..........................................................................................................1-7
1.4 OVERVIEW OF METO ELECTRO MAGNETIC SYSTEMS............................................................1-7
1.4.1 The EM3+ unit...............................................................................................................1-7
1.4.2 Antennas. .......................................................................................................................1-7
1.5 THE EM3+ UNITS ..................................................................................................................1-8
1.6 EM3+ SINGLE AISLE (S/A) UNIT ...........................................................................................1-8
1.6.1 Explanation of the Connectors ......................................................................................1-9
1.6.2 Internal Construction of the EM3+ Single Aisle Unit ...................................................1-9
1.7 EM3+ DUAL AISLE (D/A) UNIT ...........................................................................................1-10
1.7.1 Explanation of the Connectors ....................................................................................1-10
1.7.2 Internal Construction of the EM3+ Dual Aisle Unit ...................................................1-11
1.8 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION OPTIONS ......................................................................................1-11
1.8.1 Single Aisle Configuration...........................................................................................1-12
1.8.2 Dual Aisle Configuration.............................................................................................1-12
1.8.3 Multiple Aisle Configuration .......................................................................................1-13
1.9 EM3+ NETWORK .................................................................................................................1-13
1.9.1 Data lines.....................................................................................................................1-13
1.9.2 Synchronisation ...........................................................................................................1-13
1.10 ANTENNAS ...........................................................................................................................1-14
1.10.1 System 2200 .................................................................................................................1-14
1.10.2 System 2300 .................................................................................................................1-15
1.10.3 System 2310 (tall) ........................................................................................................1-15
1.10.4 System 2320 (wide) ......................................................................................................1-16
1.10.5 System 2330 (round) ....................................................................................................1-16
1.10.6 System 2380 .................................................................................................................1-17
1.10.7 System 2600 .................................................................................................................1-22
1.10.8 System 2700 .................................................................................................................1-17
1.10.9 System 2800 .................................................................................................................1-18
1.10.10 System 2800 tall.......................................................................................................1-19
1.10.11 Floor Mat.................................................................................................................1-19
1.11 OPTIONS ...............................................................................................................................1-20
1.11.1 Remote Alarm unit .......................................................................................................1-20
1.11.2 Peoples detector ..........................................................................................................1-20
1.11.3 Hand held detector ......................................................................................................1-20
1.11.4 Controlling external devices........................................................................................1-20
1.12 DEACTIVATION/REACTIVATION ...........................................................................................1-20
1.13 DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS ...................................................................................................1-21
1.13.1 EM3 .............................................................................................................................1-21
1.13.2 System 2100 .................................................................................................................1-21
1.13.3 System 2500/2500FAS .................................................................................................1-22
1.14 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................1-23
1.14.1 EM3+ Fuse Ratings.....................................................................................................1-23
1.14.2 EM3 Power Consumption............................................................................................1-23
1.15 EM3+ STANDARDS ..............................................................................................................1-23
1.15.1 EMC.............................................................................................................................1-23
1.15.2 Safety ...........................................................................................................................1-23
1.15.3 European Requirements...............................................................................................1-23
2 THEORY OF OPERATION ....................................................................................................2-24
2.1 OVERVIEW OF ELECTROMAGNETIC TECHNOLOGY ...............................................................2-24
2.1.1 The linear magneto-mechanical system.......................................................................2-24
2.1.2 Non-linear magnetic system.........................................................................................2-24
2.2 INTERMODULATION ..............................................................................................................2-25
1-2
2.2.1 What is Intermodulation? ............................................................................................2-25
2.2.2 Benefits of Intermodulation .........................................................................................2-27
2.3 SECOND HARMONIC .............................................................................................................2-27
2.3.1 What is Second Harmonic?..........................................................................................2-27
2.3.2 The Benefits of Second Harmonic................................................................................2-27
2.4 THE COMPETITION................................................................................................................2-28
2.5 TAGS AND LABELS ...............................................................................................................2-28
2.5.1 Strip-Label Construction .............................................................................................2-29
2.5.2 Thin Film Construction................................................................................................2-29
2.5.3 Label Design and Differences......................................................................................2-30
2.5.4 Orientation...................................................................................................................2-31
2.5.5 Tag Coupling ...............................................................................................................2-31
2.5.6 The Dead Angle ...........................................................................................................2-32
2.5.7 The Aisle Widths ..........................................................................................................2-33
2.6 ANTENNAS DESIGN ..............................................................................................................2-34
2.6.1 Transmitter coils in general.........................................................................................2-34
2.6.2 Receiver Coils in General............................................................................................2-34
2.6.3 The System 2100 Antennas ..........................................................................................2-35
2.6.5 System 2300 Antennas .................................................................................................2-36
2.6.6 The System 2500 Antenna ............................................................................................2-37
2.6.7 The 2600/2500FAS Antenna ........................................................................................2-38
2.6.9 System 2800 Antennas .................................................................................................2-39
2.6.10 Floor Mat.....................................................................................................................2-40
2.7 DESCRIPTION OF EM3+ ELECTRONICS .................................................................................2-40
2.7.1 Explanation of Transmitter circuitry ...........................................................................2-43
2.7.2 Explanation of Analogue Receiver and signal Processing. .........................................2-43
2.7.3 Explanation of Network and RS232 port. ....................................................................2-45
2.7.4 Explanation of the EM3+ Tests and Set-Ups...............................................................2-45
2.7.5 Start-Up .......................................................................................................................2-45
2.7.6 The Default System Setting ..........................................................................................2-48
2.7.7 Tuning Output Filters ..................................................................................................2-49
2.7.8 Setting New Drive Levels.............................................................................................2-50
2.7.9 The Delay Test .............................................................................................................2-52
2.7.10 The Input Test ..............................................................................................................2-52
2.7.11 The Noise Test .............................................................................................................2-54
2.7.12 The PLL Test................................................................................................................2-55
2.7.13 The Power Amplifier Test ............................................................................................2-55
2.8 UNWANTED ALARMS ...........................................................................................................2-56
2.8.1 Phantom Alarms ..........................................................................................................2-56
2.8.2 False Alarms................................................................................................................2-56
2.8.3 Foreign Label Alarms..................................................................................................2-56
2.9 HOW THE EM3 IS AFFECTED BY THE ENVIRONMENT ...........................................................2-56
2.9.1 Electromagnetic Disturbance, HF ...............................................................................2-57
2.9.2 Electromagnetic Disturbance, LF................................................................................2-57
2.9.3 Metal Near the Gate ....................................................................................................2-57
2.10 HOW THE EM3 AFFECTS THE ENVIRONMENT ......................................................................2-58
3 SOFTWARE VERSION R3.3 ..................................................................................................3-59
3.1 INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................3-59
3.2 MONITOR PROGRAM (MONITOR.EXE) V3.26.5 .....................................................................3-59
3.2.1 Connecting computer to EM3+ ...................................................................................3-59
3.2.2 Starting Monitor program ...........................................................................................3-59
3.2.3 Monitor Help screen ....................................................................................................3-60
3.3 S/W R3.3 .............................................................................................................................3-61
3.3.1 The Power up...............................................................................................................3-61
3.3.2 EM3+ Menu Levels .....................................................................................................3-65
3.3.3 User Interface ..............................................................................................................3-66
3.3.4 Top Menu.....................................................................................................................3-66
3.4 INSTALLATION MENU ...........................................................................................................3-66
1-3
3.4.1 Installation procedure .................................................................................................3-67
3.5 SETTINGS MENU ...................................................................................................................3-71
3.5.1 <I> : Initialise Non-Volatile RAM ..............................................................................3-72
3.5.2 <V>: View Settings .....................................................................................................3-72
3.5.3 <Shift F7>: Save Settings to File ................................................................................3-73
3.5.4 <C>: Clear Alarm Count ............................................................................................3-74
3.5.5 <G>: Gain...................................................................................................................3-74
3.5.6 <D>: Delay .................................................................................................................3-74
3.5.7 <N>: Channel Delays .................................................................................................3-74
3.5.8 <L>: Drive Wave Form...............................................................................................3-75
3.5.9 <M>: Mains Frequency ..............................................................................................3-76
3.5.10 <T>: Tag Type ............................................................................................................3-76
3.5.11 <B >: Background Mode.............................................................................................3-77
3.5.12 <P>: Power Amplifier.................................................................................................3-77
3.5.13 <Y>: Sync Mode..........................................................................................................3-78
3.5.14 <A>: Alarm .................................................................................................................3-79
3.5.15 <Z>: HF Frequency....................................................................................................3-79
3.5.16 <F>: Frame Type........................................................................................................3-80
3.5.17 <S>: Configuration.....................................................................................................3-80
3.5.18 <E>: Lamp Mode........................................................................................................3-80
3.5.19 <O>: People Detect Time-Out ....................................................................................3-81
3.5.20 <W>: Re-tune Interval ................................................................................................3-81
3.5.21 <R >: Tune Output Filters ..........................................................................................3-81
3.5.22 <U> RS232 baud rate .................................................................................................3-82
3.6 TEST MENU ..........................................................................................................................3-82
3.6.1 <D>: Delay .................................................................................................................3-82
3.6.2 <I>: Input Tests...........................................................................................................3-84
3.6.3 <N>: Noise Tests.........................................................................................................3-85
3.6.4 <P>: Power Amplifier Tests .......................................................................................3-87
3.6.5 <F>: PLL Frequency Test...........................................................................................3-87
3.7 DETECT MENU .....................................................................................................................3-89
3.7.1 <D>: Detect Tags .......................................................................................................3-89
3.7.2 <L>: Background Logging..........................................................................................3-90
3.7.3 <S>: Stop Conditions..................................................................................................3-90
3.7.4 <F2>: Display Background ........................................................................................3-91
3.7.5 <F3>: Display Current Channel.................................................................................3-91
3.7.6 <Shift F5>: Get Current Channel Parameters ...........................................................3-92
3.7.7 <F9>: Display all Channels .......................................................................................3-92
3.7.8 <I>: Initialise Background..........................................................................................3-93
3.7.9 <C>: Current Channel................................................................................................3-93
3.8 GRAPH MENU .......................................................................................................................3-93
3.8.1 <N>: Number of Cycles ..............................................................................................3-94
3.8.2 <C>: Channel Number................................................................................................3-94
3.8.3 <F4>: Continuous Processed Data ............................................................................3-94
3.8.4 <F5>: Display Raw Cycles .........................................................................................3-95
3.8.5 <F6>: Display Processed Cycles................................................................................3-96
3.8.6 <F7>: Continuous Raw Data......................................................................................3-97
3.8.7 <Shift F9>: Continuous Six-Channel Raw..................................................................3-98
3.8.8 <F10>: Static Six Channel Raw..................................................................................3-98
3.9 NETWORK MENU ..................................................................................................................3-98
3.9.1 Network Addressing.....................................................................................................3-98
3.9.2 <A>: Aux Connect.......................................................................................................3-99
3.9.3 <C>: Connect..............................................................................................................3-99
3.9.4 <N>: Count Units .....................................................................................................3-100
3.9.5 <I>: Identify Yourself................................................................................................3-100
3.9.6 <D>: Disconnect.......................................................................................................3-100
3.10 LOOP MENU ........................................................................................................................3-100
3.11 FEATURE MENU. .................................................................................................................3-100
4 NETWORKING ......................................................................................................................4-101
4.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................4-101
1-4
4.2 WHEN TO SYNCHRONISE? ...................................................................................................4-102
4.3 THE NETWORK DESIGN .......................................................................................................4-102
4.4 SETTING UP THE NETWORK ................................................................................................4-102
4.5 NETWORK FAILSAFE FUNCTION .........................................................................................4-103
4.6 NETWORK ADDRESSING .....................................................................................................4-103
4.7 CONNECTING TO A REMOTE UNIT ......................................................................................4-103
4.8 COMPATIBILITY WITH EM3 ................................................................................................4-105
4.8.1 Synchronisation .........................................................................................................4-105
4.8.2 Data transfer..............................................................................................................4-105
4.9 COMPATIBILITY WITH SYSTEM 2500 ..................................................................................4-105
4.9.1 Connecting EM3+ Units to System 2500 Units .........................................................4-105
1-5
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of this document

This service manual is aimed at the field technicians/engineers that install, commission and
maintain the METO EM (ElectroMagnetic) EAS ( Electronic Article Surveillance ) systems.
The manual describes the following
! How the system works ( Theory of operation )

! The EM3+ electronics unit
! Existing frames (antennas) and their applications
! Configurations
! Physical installation
! S/W
! Commissioning procedures
! Options
! Environmental considerations
! Troubleshooting
1.2 What is an EAS system?

An EAS system, regardless of technology used, consists of one or more antennas and an
electronics unit protecting a zone (detection zone).
The antennas have both transmitter and receiver coils so-called transceivers. The transmitter
coils generate a field which affects a security element brought through the detection zone, so
1-6
as to emit a specific signal. The receiver coils pick up this signal, the electronics unit identifies
the signal and sounds an alarm.
1.3 METO Electro Magnetic (EM) systems

METO EM systems use a unique technique called INTERMODULATION. Intermodulation
enables the use of alarm labels as small as 16x26mm. This technique is patented, by METO,
world wide.
1.3.1 What is Intermodulation?
The two antennas in an aisle are transmitting three different frequencies.

! Both antennas transmit 16Hz
! One antenna transmits, in addition to 16Hz, also 5kHz
! The other antenna transmits, in addition to 16Hz, also 7.5kHz
A unique signal is generated by the label when it is moved through the fields generated by the
three frequencies. This signal, seen by Receiver coils in the antennas, is examined very
thoroughly by the EM3+ unit. The Intermodulation technique gives us a system that is virtually
free from false alarms and other unwanted alarms. In addition it enables the use of alarm
elements much smaller than what is used by the competition.
1.3.2 Second harmonic.

Second harmonic is an alternative to Intermodulation. It is basically the same as
Intermodulation, it only uses different frequencies.
! Both antennas transmit 16Hz, same as Intermodulation,
! Both antennas transmit, in addition to 16Hz, also 6.25kHz
Advantages: Better detection at large aisle widths.
Disadvantages: Sensitive to metal near the antennas.
1.4 Overview of METO Electro Magnetic systems.

1.4.1 The EM3+ unit
EM3+ is the electronics unit used in all METO EM systems. It is available in two versions
! EM3+ Single aisle (S/A) unit. It drives two antennas, making up one aisle.
! EM3+ Dual Aisle (D/A) unit. It drives three antennas, making up two aisles
1.4.2 Antennas.
The EM3+ units, S/A and D/A, have been designed to work with all existing antennas:
! System 2100 (Discontinued). Entry/Exit system.
! System 2200 (Replacement for System 2100) Entry/Exit system.
! System 2300Transparent antenna. Entry/Exit system.
! System 2310 Transparent tall antenna. Entry/Exit and non metallic-checkout system.
! System 2320 Transparent wide antenna. Entry/Exit and non metallic-checkout system.
! System 2330 Transparent round antenna. Entry/Exit and non metallic-checkout system.
1-7
! System 2380 Transparent 2800 antenna. Entry/Exit and middle frame in D/A-metallic
checkout installation.
! System 2500 (Discontinued) Checkout system.
! System 2500FAS (Discontinued) Checkout system. Backside screened, can be installed
close to metal.
! System 2600 Checkout system. Backside screened, can be installed close to metal. Also
available without screening.
! System 2700 Checkout and Entry/Exit system. Backside screened, can be installed close
to metal. Also available without screening.
! System 2800 Checkout system. Backside screened, can be installed close to metal. Also
available without screening. This is a higher version of 2600.
! System 2800 tall. Metallic checkout system.
! Floor antenna (in combination with system 2200 or 2700). Enables good detection close to
the floor.
1.5 The EM3+ Units

The EM3+ electronics are housed in a single box. Access to the electronics is straight
forward, however this unit has been designed, so as to remove the need to open the EM3+
Unit during installation and commissioning. All installation settings are taken care of by the
software, which an engineer can access via the RS232 port (COM1) on their portable
computers.
All cable connection points are at the front panel of the EM3+. The connections for the
transmitter, receiver, network, alarm lamp, RS232 and auxiliary lamp cables can be found
here. Each connector is clearly marked.
1.6 EM3+ Single Aisle (S/A) Unit

The two-channel or Single Aisle EM3+ unit is pictured below
Figure 1-1: EM3+ Single Aisle unit front panel
On / Off key
Lamp
Aux H L
Counter
reset
L H
Transmit
RS232 Alarm Network Receiver
Single EM3 IN OUT H L
1-8
1.6.1 Explanation of the Connectors
These are the operating elements:
Element Function
Rocker switch Power ON/OFF
Counter Reset Keeping this button depressed while switching the unit
on will reset the alarm counter of a Remote Alarm unit
Lamp AUX connector Output for an extra alarm lamp or control for external
device.
Lamp H/L connectors Alarm lamp connectors for High and Low frames
Transmit H/L Transmit cable connections for High and Low frames
connectors-
RS232 connector PC link or People detector link
Alarm connector Connection for remote alarm unit
Network IN/OUT Network cable connectors
Receiver H/L Receiver cable connections for High and Low frames
# Note: The network cable for EM3+ has one male and one female connector. The first
unit in a series of systems is where the “Synchronisation” signal originates and the
network cable connects from its "OUT" connector to the "IN" connector of the
following unit etc.
1.6.2 Internal Construction of the EM3+ Single Aisle Unit

The Single Aisle EM3+ consists of two main blocks.
! Power Amplifier. This is the block that generates power for the Transmit coils in the two
frames connected to the unit. Part of this circuitry, one inductance per Transmit coil, is
located in the heat sink on the top of the unit. The rest of the circuitry is located on the
Power Amplifier PCB, located under the heat sink.
The Power supply, +/-24VDC, is also found on Power Amplifier PCB. Mains transformer
and Mains fuse are in the heat sink.
Power Amplifier PCB is located under the heat sink. It is partially populated in the S/A
version.
! Receiver/Processor. The Receiver/Processor PCB performs a number of tasks.
– Generates all timing signals for the system
– The Receiver section contains analogue circuitry for filtering signals and removing HF
components coming from the Receiver coils in the two antennas.
– Converts the received, analogue, signals to digital form
– Digital Signal processor cleans up received signals
– Microprocessor performs 40 different tests on label signals and decides whether to
sound the alarm or not.
– Handles transmit waveform generation.
– Handles Network data transfer and synchronisation.
The Receiver/Processor board is located in the bottom of the unit. It is accessed by removing
the bottom cover.
1-9
1.7 EM3+ Dual Aisle (D/A) Unit
Figure 1-2: EM3+ dual-aisle front panel
1.7.1 Explanation of the Connectors

Figure 1-2: EM3+ dual-aisle front panel shows the front panel of the three channel EM3+ Unit.
These are its operating elements:
Element Function
Rocker switch Power ON/OFF
Counter Reset Keeping this button depressed while switching the unit
on will reset the alarm counter of a Remote Alarm unit
Lamp Aux. connector Output for an extra alarm lamp or control for external
device.
Lamp H/L connectors The alarm lamp connector for each frame
Lamp X connector Lamp connector for the Auxiliary frame (X) when the
unit has three frames connected to it
Transmit H/L connectors Transmit cable connections for High and Low frames
Transmit X connector Transmit output for the Auxiliary frame (X) when the
unit has three frames connected to it
RS232 connector PC link or People detector link
Alarm connector Connector for remote alarm unit
Alarm X connector Connector for the remote alarm unit for the aisle that
the extra frame is sited in
Network IN/OUT Network cable connectors
Receiver H/L Receiver cable connections for High and Low frames
Receiver X connector Receiver cable connection for the Auxiliary frame (X),
when the unit has three frames connected to it
1-10
# Note: The network cable for EM3+ has one male and one female connector. The first
unit in a series of systems is where the “Synchronisation”-signal originates and the
network cable connects from its "OUT" connector to the "IN" connector of the
following unit etc.
1.7.2 Internal Construction of the EM3+ Dual Aisle Unit
The EM3+ Dual Aisle unit has the same housing as the Single Aisle unit. The differences, as
compared to a Single Aisle unit, are as follows.
! A larger Mains transformer is fitted in the heat sink.

! Inside the heat sink, an additional inductance is fitted for the third antenna (X antenna).
! Power Amplifier PCB is fully populated with the components needed for the third antenna
(X antenna).
! A second Receiver/Processor PCB, the Aux(Auxiliary) board, is fitted on top of the
standard PCB. This second PCB is identical to the standard PCB, except it has analogue
receiver circuitry for one antenna only. The two boards connect together via internal
Network connectors.
! Front panel is fitted with Transmit, Receiver and Lamp connectors for a third antenna (X
antenna).
! A second Alarm connector is fitted
1.8 System Configuration Options

With the EM3+ units, a number of configurations can be achieved. They are described in the
following sections.
The mnemonics used in the configuration diagrams are:
! H/L = High (Hi) and Low (Lo) antenna respectively. H and L refers to the frequency
transmitted by the antenna in Intermodulation mode: H=7.5 kHz; L=5kHz. When in Second
Harmonic mode both antennas transmit 6.25kHz, but are still referred to as H and L
antenna according to their connection to the EM3+ unit.
! X = X antenna. This is the third antenna in a Dual Aisle configuration. It is actually an H
antenna, since it is transmitting 7.5 kHz in Intermodulation mode (6.25kHz in Second
Harmonic mode).
! TXH/TXL/TXX = Transmitter H, L and X connectors
! RXH/RXL/RXX = Receiver H, L and X connectors
! LAMP H/LAMP L/LAMP X = Alarm lamp H, L and X connectors
1-11
1.8.1 Single Aisle Configuration
The Single Aisle configuration allows one exit or entrance with a pair of frames and one
EM3+. This is also the configuration normally used when installing between checkouts.
1.8.2 Dual Aisle Configuration

Figure 1-3: EM3+ dual-aisle in different configurations
H L H L X
X
TXH
RXH
LAMP H
TXH
RXH
LAMP H
TXL
RXL
LAMP L
TXL
RXL
LAMP L
TXH
RXH
LAMP H
TXL
RXL
LAMP L
TXX
RXX
LAMP X
NW OUT
NW IN
EM3+ D/A EM3+ S/A EM3+ S/A
NETWORK
CABLE
A Dual Aisle configuration means a system with three antennas making up two aisles, with
equally good detection in both aisles. It can be used as an entry/exit system when a larger
area needs to be covered. It can also be used in checkout installations, when the aisle
between checkouts is serving two checkouts.
There are two alternative configurations, as shown in Fig 1-3
! One EM3+ D/A (Dual Aisle) unit with three antennas. This is the normal, recommended,
configuration.
! Two EM3+ S/A (Single Aisle) units with three antennas. The two units must be connected
together with a Network cable. This alternative should only be used when a Dual Aisle unit
is not available.
1-12
# Note: An inconsistency, the X antenna Lamp cable is connected to Lamp L
connector.
1.8.3 Multiple Aisle Configuration

H L H L H L X
TXH
RXH
LAMP H
TXH
RXH
LAMP H
TXH
RXH
LAMP H
TXL
RXL
LAMP L
TXL
RXL
LAMP L
TXL
RXL
LAMP L
TXX
RXX
LAMP X
NW OUT
NW OUT
NW IN
NW IN
EM3+ S/A EM3+ S/A EM3+ D/A
NETWORK NETWORK
CABLE CABLE
When covering a wide entrance/exit, a combination of multiple Single Aisle and/or Dual Aisle
units can be used. The aisles in between systems are functional. The EM3+ units must be
connected together by a network cable.
1.9 EM3+ Network

Installations with multiple EM3+ units can, and often must, be connected together by Network
cables. The Network cable carries following information:
! Data In: Data from neighbouring EM3+
! Data Out: Data to neighbouring EM3+
! Synchronisation signals: Used for synchronising the 16Hz fields in adjacent systems.
1.9.1 Data lines

The Data lines are used for two purposes.
! In a Dual Aisle system, detect data is transferred between the two processors that are
used in this type of configuration.
! In a large installation, i.e. super- or hypermarket, you can, by connecting a computer to
any of the EM3+ units, troubleshoot and commission any of the other systems via the
Network.
# Note: When a unit is switched off, a fail-safe function maintains the connection
along the network.
1.9.2 Synchronisation
The 16Hz field generated by the Transmitter coils must often be synchronised with adjacent
systems. If not synchronised, they will interfere with each other and detection will suffer. In
configurations where systems are working together, like Dual Aisle or Multiple Aisle,
synchronisation is an absolute must.
For more information, see Chapter 4, Networking, page 4-101.
1-13
1.10 Antennas
This section summarises the antennas available for installation with EM3+ electronics. There
are two basic types of antennas.
! Shielded antennas. These antennas have an aluminium shielding covering the entire
backside of the antenna. This makes it suitable for installation close to metal, i.e. check out
counters. Such antennas are System 2600, 2700, 2800 and 2800 tall.
In Dual and Multi aisle configurations, the shielded antennas can be used as the two
outside antennas. All intermediate antennas must be unshielded versions.
! Unshielded antennas. As the name suggests, these antennas have no shielding on the
backside and are, consequently, sensitive to metal nearby. Therefore, they are normally
only used as Entry/Exit systems. System 2200, 2300, 2310, 2320, 2330 and 2380 belong
to this category.
1.10.1 System 2200
System 2200 antenna is an Entry/Exit system. It is unshielded and consequently sensitive to

metal nearby.
! Application. Entry/Exit system
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1535 x 785 x 30 mm
! Aisle width. Depending on label type used, good detection will be achieved in aisles with
a width of 95 – 120 cm.
! Configurations. Single aisle/Dual aisle/Multi aisle/ Floor Mat.
! Accessories needed. 2200 comes complete for installation.
! Environment. Sensitive to metal within up to 50 cm. Tagged items should be kept 1 metre
away from antennas in order to avoid unwanted alarms.
1-14
1.10.2 System 2300
System 2300 is performance wise very similar to System 2200. Recommended frequency
mode is intermodulation.
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1586 x 654 x 20 excl. feet, 103mm incl. feet
! Configurations. Single aisle/Dual aisle/Multi aisle.
1.10.3 System 2310 (tall)
System 2310 transparent antenna is primarily intended for entry/exit systems without metallic
checkouts. Performance wise very similar to System 2700. Recommended frequency mode is
intermodulation.
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1756 x 515 (541) x 20 (103) mm
a width of 85 – 105 cm (intermodulation).
1-15
1.10.4 System 2320 (wide)
System 2320 is performance wise slightly better than System 2300. Recommended frequency
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1526 x 850 x 20 (103)mm
1.10.5 System 2330 (round)
System 2330 is performance wise slightly better than system 2320. Recommended frequency
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1373 x 1278 x 20 (103) mm
1-16
1.10.6 System 2380
System 2380 is performance wise very similar to System 2800.

! Application. 2800 Dual aisle installation, entry/exit system
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1272 x 505 (541) x 20 (103) mm
1.10.7 System 2700
2700 is a shielded antenna and can be used as check out system as well as entry/exit
system.
! Application. Checkout and Entry/Exit system
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1550 x 654excl feet, 749 incl. feet x 56mm
! Aisle width. Depending on type and size of label used, up to 120 cm.
! Configurations. Single aisle/Floor Mat. For Dual aisle/Multi aisle configuration, the
unshielded 2700 version must be used for intermediate antennas.
1-17
! Accessories needed. None.
! Environment. Can be installed directly against metal. No detection on backside.
1.10.8 System 2800
System 2800 antenna is shielded on the backside and can be installed close to metal. It is
also available in an unshielded version for Dual and Multi aisle configurations. It is similar to
System 2600.
! Application. Checkout system
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1280 x 487 (585) x 38,2 mm
! Aisle width. S/A and D/A: 65-70 cm in Intermodulation, 75 – 85 cm in Second harmonic.
! Configurations. Single aisle. For Dual aisle/Multi aisle configuration, the unshielded 2800
version must be used for intermediate antennas.
! Accessories needed. None, it comes complete for installation.
! Environment. Can be installed 1 cm from large metal surfaces. No detection on backside.
1-18
1.10.9 System 2800 tall
System 2800 tall antenna is shielded on the backside and can be installed close to metal. It is
also available in an unshielded version for Dual and Multi aisle configurations. It is similar to
System 2600.
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1450 x 487 (585) x 38,2mm
! Aisle width. S/A and D/A: 65-70 cm in Intermodulation, 75 – 85 cm in Second harmonic.
tall version must be used for intermediate antennas.
1.10.10 Floor Mat
Floor Mat is an additional antenna with Transmitter coils only. It works in combination with
2200 and 2700 systems. It is designed to generate a field close to the floor in order to detect
tagged shoes.
! Application. Entry/Exit system in shoe stores, or where shoes need to be protected.
Source labelled shoes have a 50mm strip label across the shoe and this is the type
labelling needed to give good detection.
! Dimensions (Length x Width x Thickness). 600 x 1000 x 15 mm
! Aisle width. 100 – 120 cm
! Configurations. Single aisle/Dual aisle in combination with System 2200 or 2700.
! Environment. Bottom of Floor Mat is shielded in order to avoid interference from metal
reinforcement in the floor.
1-19
1.11 Options
1.11.1 Remote Alarm unit
A Remote Alarm unit can be connected to the EM3+. It connects to the AUX Lamp connector
and the ALARM connector on the front panel of the EM3+.
The Remote Alarm unit is equipped with alarm lamp, alarm buzzer and LCD display showing
the alarm count.
1.11.2 People detector

The people detector is a passive infrared detector that connects to the RS-232 connector of
the EM3+.
When nobody is going through the aisle, transmit power and detection is switched off.
1.11.3 Hand held detector
The Hand held detector is used for scanning the body of a person who has triggered the
alarm. It is delivered with a wall mounted docking station for charging the batteries
.
1.11.4 Controlling external devices

External devices can be controlled from the AUX Lamp output.
1.12 Deactivation/Reactivation
METO EAS labels are available as de-activatable and non de-activatable. A de-activatable
label can be deactivated and reactivated unlimited number of times. Further details can be
found in “Theory of operation” and “Installation”
1-20
1.13 Discontinued products
1.13.1 EM3
Fuse
Counter Aux Lamp2 Lamp 1 TxL TxH

reset
On / Off key
RS232 Alarm Net in Net Out Rx1 Rx0
EM3 is the predecessor to the EM3+ unit. Basically the EM3 and EM3+ are identical apart
from the casing. PCB’s are, except for some modifications, the same in both units. The rear
section is the heat sink containing inductances for the transmitter circuitry. Some of the
connectors are labelled differently as described below.
EM3 label EM3+ label

Lamp 1 Lamp L
Lamp 2 Lamp H
Rx0 Receiver L
Rx1 Receiver H
EM3 and EM3+ are compatible and can both be used for all antenna types. However, the
EM3 unit does not dissipate heat as well as EM3+ and caution should be taken with frame
types that require high transmitter currents.
1.13.2 System 2100
The system 2100 antennas were primarily used as entry/exit antennas. They have been
replaced by system 2200 antennas.
1-21
1.13.3 System 2500/2500FAS
2500 and 2500FAS antennas look almost identical externally. However, Transmitter and
Receiver coil design is different. Also, 2500FAS have aluminium screening on the backside to
allow installation close to metal.
2500/2500FAS have been replaced by 2600, 2700 and 2800.
1.13.4 System 2600
also available in an unshielded version for Dual and Multi aisle configurations.
! Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness). 1115 x 486 x 36 mm
! Aisle width. 65 – 70 cm. At aisle widths larger than 70 cm, detection will decrease.
version must be used for intermediate antennas.
! Accessories needed. Narrow base for checkout installation, Extended base for free-
standing installation
1-22
1.14 Technical Specifications
1.14.1 EM3+ Fuse Ratings
Fuse Rating Protects
Mains 3.15A
F1 5A slow blow +24V transmitter power
F2 5A slow blow -24V transmitter power
F3 1A slow blow +24V people detector
F4 1A slow blow Single aisle +24V Processor/RCV
F5 1A slow blow -24V Processor/RCV
F6 4A slow blow Alarm lamps
1.14.2 EM3+ Power Consumption

Maximum power consumption is 250 Watts
1.15 EM3+ Standards

1.15.1 EMC
! EN 55022, Class B
! ETS 300 683, June 1997
! EC Type Examination Certificate from:
! EN 300330, May 1999
1.15.2 Safety
! EN 60950, Class I equipment
! IEC 950, CB-Certificate
1.15.3 European Requirements

! CE approval
! National Type approval
Germany
STD FTz 17TR2100
Reg mark: BZT G750819J
1-23
2 Theory of Operation
2.1 Overview of Electromagnetic Technology

There are two basic types of electromagnetic system on the market. Non linear magnetic
systems, which function under 9kHz and linear magneto-mechanical systems, which function
at approximately 58kHz.
2.1.1 The linear magneto-mechanical system

The linear magneto-mechanical systems are also called acousto-magnetic. The system
consists of two antennas, a transmitter and a receiver. The tag is made up of two strips of
metal which, when passed through the magnetic field generated by the antennas, physically
vibrate. As the tag vibrates it emits its own signal, causing the system to alarm. Due to the
need to vibrate this type of tag can be bulky.
2.1.2 Non-linear magnetic system
Figure 2-1: A typical METO non-linear EM system

Non-linear magnetic systems consist of two antennas, which are transceivers (i.e. a
transmitter and receiver combined). These create a magnetic field, which cause a tag, when
passed through, to transmit a signal so activating the alarm. Meto uses a non-linear system
type.
The Meto system, however, is different to other systems of this type. The Meto tag gives a
quite unique signal with an extra dimension of sensitivity. The technique used in Meto
systems is called Intermodulation. Intermodulation uses three frequencies, which affect the
tag or label in such a way as to produce a unique signal from the security element in the tag
or label.
2-24
As is illustrated in Figure 2-2: A typical METO non-linear EM system, the frequencies
transmitted by the two antennas will affect the security element of the label in the following
way.
! 16 Hz is transmitted by both antennas and will generate a field covering the area between
antennas. When a security label is moved through this field, the 16Hz field will change the
direction of the magnetic flux in the active element of the label. The 16Hz will push the
security element from saturated in one direction to saturated in the opposite direction. This
will happen every time the 16Hz field changes direction.
! 5/7.5kHz transmitted by Hi and Lo antenna respectively (alternatively 6.25/6.25kHz in
second harmonic mode) will be added together in the active element when it goes from
saturated condition in one direction to saturated in the opposite direction and thus
producing a signal which is the sum of the two frequencies, 12.5kHz.
Below is a typical example of a label signal generation.
A complete 16Hz cycle
Zero crossing
HF:5/6.25
or 7.5kHz
12.5 kHz
label signal
Label signal
HF removed
(by mixer)
Fig 2-2 Signal generation

As can be seen above, just before and after zero crossing time a 12.5 kHz burst is generated
by the active element in the label. The 12.5 kHz is removed in the analogue receiver circuitry
and the remaining LF component is handed over to the processor to be analysed. This
process is described in detail in the following paragraphs.
2.2 Intermodulation
2.2.1 What is Intermodulation?
Intermodulation is the electromagnetic effect which produces the signal, from a specially
constructed security tag, that is recognised by the Meto systems. This technology is patented
by Meto and it is the process used within all Electro-Magnetic EAS systems sold by the
company.
2-25
Figure 2-3: Tag-signal production
Intermodulation employs three frequencies, transmitted by the transmitter coils in the two
antennas.
! One antenna transmits 16Hz and 5kHz.
! The other antenna transmits 16Hz and 7.5kHz
The two higher frequencies, 5 and 7.5kHz, are mixed together (added) by the tag producing a
12.5kHz signal, as the third (16Hz) changes the bias of the tag's magnetic field. Near the
point that the tag has zero bias (magnetic field), the label will emit a signal (the combination of
the two other frequencies, 12.5kHz) that is received by the processor unit and digitally
analysed. The characteristics that the label displays are unique due to its crystalline structure,
which behaves unlike other metals. This aids the accuracy of the systems detection.
Figure 2-4: Typical B-M curve

At the point that the flux is near zero the tag changes from being saturated in one direction to
unsaturated and then back to saturated in the opposite direction. It is at this point the tag
material goes through what is called a B-M curve (see Figure 2-4: Typical B-M curve). It is the
16Hz field that changes the amplitude and direction of the tag's magnetic flux.
2-26
Figure 2-5: B-M curve with a superimposed tag signal
At the non-linear points of this curve the tag combines the two frequencies (7.5kHz and 5kHz)
and generates 12.5kHz. It is this response that the processor is looking for, though to confirm
accuracy the signal is filtered, digitised and then subjected to approx. 40 separate tests
before the alarm will sound. Figure 2-5: B-M curve with a superimposed tag signal shows the
B-M curve with a tag signal artificially placed on top (these curves are only graphic
representations). It also shows how the transmitted tag signal matches the non-linear part of
the tag's B-H curve.
2.2.2 Benefits of Intermodulation

The way in which Intermodulation functions, it allows a METO EAS system to very precisely
define if a label is present even if it has a small surface area. Therefore the customer can use
small labels that do not affect the way he displays his merchandise, that are easy to dispense
and that give accurate detection with negligible false alarms. Detection is also mostly confined
between the antennas so giving a small "bleed area" (area around the system that a tag can
be detected in) unlike some competition systems, which have large "bleed areas". Due to the
aisle width of such systems, they allow easy identification of a customer carrying goods with
un-deactivated labels or tags.
2.3 Second Harmonic

2.3.1 What is Second Harmonic?
Second harmonic is an alternative to Intermodulation. It is identical to Intermodulation, except
for the frequencies transmitted. Both frames are still transmitting 16Hz (as in Intermodulation).
But, the higher frequency transmitted is 6.25kHz for both frames (instead of 5 and 7.5kHz in
Intermodulation). When a label couples with the electromagnetic field of the system it will emit
6.25kHz and the harmonics of this frequency. This occurs in the non-linear part of the B-M
curve (exactly as described for Intermodulation). Our receivers are looking only for the second
harmonic, 12.5kHz. The 12.5kHz signal generated by the tag is the same for Second
Harmonic as with Intermodulation. Any frequency below 11kHz and above 14kHz is filtered
out by the receiver input band pass filters. The processor unit will still digitise and analyse this
tag signal, as it would with Intermodulation, before alarming.
2.3.2 The Benefits of Second Harmonic

Second harmonic offers a very high detection (this will depend on the label used) at aisle
widths wider than that of Intermodulation. It is however more prone to being affected by
ferrous elements around the installation. Since a ferrous element may also produce a
12.5kHz second harmonic, this will come straight into the processor and give very high
background noise levels and consequently reduce tag detection.
2-27
Second harmonic is more suitable for use with shielded antennas (2600, 2700 and 2800), so
being less affected by the problems caused by ferrous metals around the installation. Second
harmonic can be used, but is not recommended, for open antennas (2100, 2200, 2300 series)
and 2500 antennas.
2.4 The Competition

Generally with the electromagnetic systems they look for several harmonics emitted by a tag
or label and compare their relative amplitude and see if they are of a similar magnitude to the
tag that they are looking for. It is due to decreasing amplitudes of these harmonics that leads
to the need for a larger label length. The information they analyse is only a small amount of
the information given out by the tag. With the Meto system we can in fact look at a much
higher amount of tag information, so giving the Meto system higher accuracy.
2.5 Tags and Labels
Figure 2-6: Strip label/Thin film label design
Three types of labels are used in the METO EM security systems. Both types are available as
de-activatable and non-de-activatable labels.
! Strip label
! Simple Strip label. This is a new version of the Strip label. The deactivator pieces are the
same width as the strip and thus, the label is more discreet as compared to the Strip label.
! Thin Film label
The materials used in the two types of labels are different, but the characteristics are basically
the same. A de-activatable label consists of three components.
! Active material/Active spin melt ribbon: This is a soft magnetic material and can not be
permanently magnetised. When positioned between antennas in an EM system, magnetic
flux changes direction with the 16Hz field. During the flux change in the active material, a
signal is produced. This signal is the sum of the HF frequencies, 12.5kHz, and is detected
by the electronics unit for further processing.
2-28
! Deactivator mesh/Deactivator pieces: A semi-hard magnetic material. To deactivate a
label, it is passed through a static magnetic field, which will permanently magnetise the
deactivator mesh/pieces. The field surrounding the deactivator component of the label is
stronger than the 16Hz field between antennas. It overrides the 16Hz field and the flux of
the active material can not change. Consequently no label signal is produced. The label is
deactivated.
The label can easily be reactivated by passing it through an alternating magnetic field. This
will demagnetise the deactivator component and the label is active again. The
deactivation/reactivation process can be repeated an unlimited number of times.
! Backing paper: The active and deactivator components are glued to the face paper. Price
information etc. is printed on the face paper.
2.5.1 Strip-Label Construction

The strip labels come in two types, de-activatable and non-de-activatable. Both types are
available in a range of sizes. Strip material is either combined with a paper to form a label
capable of being dispensed in a standard Meto HLS price-marking tool or on a plastic carrier
as a strip label, to be dispensed from a carton or from a jumbo roll.
Figure 2-7: Construction of a de-activatable strip label
2.5.2 Thin Film Construction

Thin Film material is made by a splattering technique and can either cover the full surface of a
label, a strip or band of the label or a particular spot or area of the label.
2-29
Figure 2-8: Construction of a de-activatable thin-film label
2.5.3 Label Design and Differences

If you look in the EAS label consumable manual you will find several terms listed: thin film,
thin film band, thin film spot, strip, de-activatable and non-de-activatable. All of these labels
come in a range of sizes and all have a signal strength listed, either standard, high or very
high. Each label is tested for signal strength in a Magnetometer and it is this signal strength
that defines that label as being standard, high or very high. The variables that affect the
performance in a thin film label are label size, thin film quality used (quality A is used on the
2
majority of thin film labels and has a higher signal strength per 1cm than quality B, which is
used mainly in transfer labels where there is a larger surface area) thin film coverage and if a
deactivating mesh is used or not. Also if you look at the back of a thin film label you will see
several scratch marks.
Figure 2-9: Scratches on a thin-film label

These scratches are made on the thin film to reduce the size of the domain area
(magnetisable area) and hence increase the affect that the field, from the frames, has on it.
Therefore a thin film label with no scratches will have lower signal strength than a label with
scratches on it. The optimum width between scratches is 8mm, which may be increased
slightly depending on the size of the label.
A strip label is affected by the actual length that the material has been cut to. The minimum
length that a strip should be cut to is 32mm. If a strip is shorter than this length the system will
not recognise it as a label, unless it is very close to the frames. This is due to the signal
amplitude obtained by the label.
2-30
2.5.4 Orientation
The angles that the tag must be positioned at for the system to detect do not differ from a
system using intermodulation to a system using second harmonic.
2.5.5 Tag Coupling

These diagrams show the electromagnetic fields for uncoupled and coupled tags:
Figure 2-10: Tag uncoupled from gate field
Figure 2-11: Tag coupled to gate field

A tag couples with the electromagnetic field when it is parallel to the lines of flux (field lines).
No coupling will occur when the tag is perpendicular to the lines of flux (see Figure 2-10: Tag
uncoupled from gate field and Figure 2-11: Tag coupled to gate field).
2-31
2.5.6 The Dead Angle
Figure 2-12: Dead angle between frames

With intermodulation and second harmonic, using normal gate configurations and aisle
widths, you will have a dead angle in the centre of the aisle (see Figure 2-12: Dead angle
between frames). This is caused when the tag does not couple sufficiently with the antenna's
fields. The dead angle should not exceed +/-35° in a normal installation. The dead angle
varies depending on the environment (interference), aisle widths and label size.
2-32
2.5.7 The Aisle Widths
Figure 2-13: Aisle width with no dead zone
Figure 2-14: Aisle width with a dead zone

The aisle width of each system is specified for optimum detection (see Figure 2-13: Aisle
width with no dead zone). Each Meto System is designed for optimum performance in
differing environments and the transmit and receiver coil design differ from antenna to
antenna. If the aisle width of the system, is increased past its designed width the system will
have what is called a dead zone in the centre (see Figure 2-14: Aisle width with a dead zone).
2-33
This affect is due to the distance the low frequency (16Hz) will travel compared with the
higher frequencies 5.0kHz and 7.5kHz and still be affective. The higher frequencies reach
both sides of the aisle, so Intermodulation is possible. However the 16Hz field must be strong
enough to push the tag material through the B-M curve from -ve saturation to +ve saturation.
Since the 16Hz does not travel well, the further from the gate the smaller its affect on the
label. So as you move the antennas wider apart you will end up with a dead zone, in the
centre of the aisle, where either there is no detection or very poor detection.
2.6 Antennas Design

As stated previously, the antennas are designed differently for different environments. This
section will give a brief description of how the antenna transmitters and receivers differ.
2.6.1 Transmitter coils in general

One of the factors that decide what aisle width an antenna is capable of is the size of the
Transmitter coil. The larger the coil is, the further the fields will reach. Consequently, an
antenna with large dimensions accommodates a large transmitter coil and will cover wider
aisles.
2.6.2 Receiver Coils in General
Interference
signal
+ =
L3/H3
Direction
of winding
L2/H2
L1/H1
Figure 2-15: Receiver coil arrangement
An antenna has three sets of receiver coils. They are numbered from bottom to top of the
antenna: L1, L2, L3 for the Low (5kHz) antenna and H1, H2, H3 for the High (7.5kHz)
antenna. Each coil is wound in a figure of eight shape. This is to give a good rejection of
interference signals. As shown in Figure 2-14, the two halves of the coil are wound in
opposite directions. Any interference signal picked up will be seen in the two halves as being
in anti-phase and will be cancelled out.
# Note: The receiver coil (channel) numbering is shown in various tests during
commissioning. When commissioning EM3/EM3+ units having older S/W versions a
different numbering, 0 – 5, is used. L1=0, L2=1, L3=2, H1=3, H2=4, H3=5
2-34
2.6.3 The System 2100 Antennas
Figure 2-16: System 2100 antenna receiver windings

Each System 2100 antennas has one transmitter coil, which is wound around the very outside
of the antennas and five receiver coils. The transmitter coils are driven with a 16Hz plus either
5kHz or 7.5kHz, depending on if it is a high or low frame. The receiver coils are wound in a
series of five figures of eight with 14 turns in each. Each output channel is made up of two of
these coils connected in parallel to make a clover leaf pattern. The diagram shows actual
winding of the receiver coils and how they relate to the 2100 antennas (see Figure 2-16:
System 2100 antenna receiver windings).
# Note: Production of System 2100 antennas has been discontinued and they are no
longer available
Receiver
coils
Transmitter
coil around
outside edge
Figure 2-17: System 2200 receiver and transmitter coils

Each System 2200 antenna has one transmitter coil, which is wound round the outside of the
antenna and three receiver coils, placed in the centre section of the antenna.
2-35
Figure 2-18: System 2200 receiver coils
The receiver coil arrangement in a 2200 antenna differs from other antennas. All three coils
are placed on top of each other (sandwiched) in the centre section of the antenna (see Figure
2-17: System 2200 receiver and transmitter coils). This means that there are no bottom,
centre and top coils. Each coil has a different design for close and distant detection of labels.
But, as can be seen in Figure 2-19: System 2200 receiver coils they are basically in the figure
of eight shape. The L3/H3 coil is an off-set figure of eight shape, the top and bottom section
are wound in the opposite direction to the centre section.
2.6.5 System 2300 Antennas
The System 2300 antenna is performance wise equal to System 2200. It is made out of plexi-
glass with frosted areas hiding Transmitter and Receiver coils. Transmitter coil is wound
along the outside edge. Receiver coils are horizontal and figure eight shaped the same way
as System 2700 and 2800.
2-36
2.6.6 The System 2500 Antenna
Figure 2-20: System 2500 receiver coils

Each System 2500 antenna has one transmitter coil and five receiver coils. Each receiver
channel is made up of two coils, wound in opposite directions and connected in series. The
way the coils are wound in the 2500 frame (some times called a "Pencil Box") give them
similar magnetic characteristics to the coils wound in a "figure eight". Figure 2-20: System
2500 receiver coils shows the direction of the coil windings. These coils are connected
together in the same combination as the 2100 antenna.
# Note: Production of System 2500 antennas has been discontinued and they are no
longer available
2-37
2.6.7 The 2600/2500FAS Antenna
Figure 2-21: System 2600/2500FAS internal construction
The backside of 2600 and 2500FAS antennas is completely shielded. This frame type is
therefor suitable for mounting close to any kind of metal, like a checkout counter.
Each System 2600 (or 2500FAS) antenna has two transmitter coils and three receiver coils.
One coil emits 16Hz and the other 16Hz plus either 5.0kHz or 7.5kHz depending on if it is a
low or high antenna. This is achieved, though the output from the processor is the same, by
filtering the frequencies from the other component. This is done within the antenna, which
contains a jumper to set the antenna for correct circuit value for filtering 5.0kHz or 7.5kHz.
# Note: Production of System 2500FAS and System 2600 antennas has been
discontinued and they are no longer available
The backside of System 2700 antennas is completely shielded. This in combination with the
capacity of larger aisle widths makes it suitable both as entry/exit and checkout system. An
unshielded version is available for Dual and Multi aisle installations.
2-38
L3/H3
L1/H1
L2/H2
Figure 2-22: 2700 Transmitter and Receiver coil arrangement

The transmitter coil is wound along the outside edge of the frame.
2700 frame has the standard receiver coil configuration, three coils in figure eight shape.
# Note: Receiver coil numbering in the 2700 frame is inconsistent. L1/H1, normally the
bottom coil, is the centre coil and L2/H2 is the bottom coil. This is due to inductance
matching between EM3+ and receiver coils.
2.6.9 System 2800 Antennas
also available in an unshielded version for Dual and Multi aisle configurations. It replaces
System 2600. The Transmitter and Receiver coil arrangement is similar to System 2700.
# Note: Receiver coil numbering in the 2800 frame is inconsistent. L1/H1, normally the
bottom coil, is the centre coil and L2/H2 is the bottom coil. This is due to inductance
matching between EM3+ and receiver coils.
2-39
2.6.10 Floor Mat
Hi frame Lo frame
16 Hz field
Connected Connected
to Lo frame to Hi frame
The Floor Mat is an antenna designed for shoe stores. It is used in combination with 2200 or
2700 antennas in Single and Dual aisle configurations. Placed on the floor, between two
standard 2200 or 2700 antennas, it generates a field at floor level and enables detection of
labelled shoes being walked out of the shop.
The Floor Mat has two sets of transmitter coils, connected in series with the transmitter coils
in 2200/2700 antennas. There are no receiver coils in a Floor Mat. A standard EM3+ unit
drives this configuration.
2.7 Description of EM3+ electronics

Physically, EM3+ consists of three parts.
! Heat sink, the top part of the EM3+. It contains inductances that are part of transmitter
output filter circuitry. Mains transformer and mains fuse are also located in the heat sink.
! Power Amplifier board, located under the heat sink. On this board you find Power supply,
fuses and Transmitter circuitry.
! Processor/Receiver board, located in the bottom of the unit. Filtering of signals from
Receiver coils is done on this board and signals are processed to decide if they are label
signals. ASIC, Analogue receiver circuitry, ADC and DSP are located on this board.
The EM3+ can be broken down in six distinctive functional parts (see Figure 2-23: EM3+ Unit
block diagram).
! Power supply outputs +24V and –24V, used throughout the EM3+. Voltage regulators,
producing 5V and 12V, are found on Processor/Receiver board.
! Power Amplifier drives the transmitter coils.
! The ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) is a semi custom-made circuit. It
contains a large amount of logical circuitry (flip-flops, gates, counters etc.) configured to
2-40
METO’s specifications. The ASIC has a number of functions: generates all timing signals,
controls transmitter output filter tuning, generates transmitter waveforms (16Hz, 5kHz,
6.25kHz and 7.5kHz), communicates with PC and adjacent EM3+’s via UARTs, handles
synchronisation between EM3+’s and controls a Remote alarm unit.
! Analogue Receiver circuitry is filtering incoming signals from receiver coils. It is also
removing the HF component (12.5kHz) from the signal.
! ADC (Analogue to Digital Converter) converts the received analogue signals into digital
form.
! DSP (Digital Signal Processor) has two processors. The TMS 320 cleans up the incoming
signals; the CPU (80C186) identifies label signals and sounds the alarm.
2-41
Delay Generator
5k/6,25k/7k5
Figure 2-23: EM3+ Unit block diagram
2-42
2.7.1 Explanation of Transmitter circuitry
To generate the magnetic fields needed, a current with the frequency of 16Hz is driven
through the transmitter coils in both antennas. At the same time a HF voltage is applied, the
frequencies being 5kHz on the Low antenna and 7.5kHz on the High antenna (alternatively
6.25kHz on both antennas in Second Harmonic mode).
Output Filter tuning
The transmitter coil together with inductances and a number of individually selectable
capacitors (capacitor bank) make up the Output filter, a L/C circuit. In order to be able to
output the voltages needed, this L/C circuit needs to be tuned to resonate at the HF frequency
used for each of the antennas (5kHz/6.25kHz/7.5kHz). The capacitor bank, part of the Output
filter, can be combined into 32 different combinations. This is achieved by relays switching the
capacitors in and out. The relays, under control of Filter Tuning Control in the ASIC, steps
through all 32 capacitor combinations while monitoring the output voltage. The combination
giving the highest output voltage is selected as the correct one and is stored for future use.
The tuning procedure takes about one minute while the relays can be heard clicking.
# Output Filter tuning must be successfully completed before doing Transmit Level
generation.
Transmit Level generation
Current and voltages used differ depending on antenna type and aisle width. The engineer
selects, using a portable computer, what transmit levels (current and voltages) are needed.
The S/W controlled Driver/Modulators (in ASIC) are using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to
output the requested waveforms. It will make a number of attempts to achieve the requested
levels, after each attempt checking the levels reached. The final waveform is stored in the
NVR (Non Volatile Ram), an EEPROM used as storage for all parameters in the system.
If the levels can not be reached, a warning is displayed on the computer screen
5K/7K5 Delay Generators
The phase of the transmitted 16Hz waveform at the EM3+ output is known by the processor.
But, what is important is the 16Hz phasing at, and between, the antennas. Firstly that the
16Hz transmitted by the two antennas is in phase, secondly that the 16Hz between antennas
is in phase with the EM3+ receiver circuitry. It is affected by length/diameter of transmitter
cables and large metal objects close to the antenna and might be very different to what the
processor believes. Therefor a special test, Delay test, is executed by the engineer. A label is
moved near both antennas and the signal received by the processor is examined to find what
adjustments to the 16Hz phasing are needed. The processor calculates the individual
adjustment for the two antennas and instructs the Delay Generator accordingly. The Delay
generator, which controls the Driver/Modulators, adjusts the 16Hz phasing individually for Low
and High transmitter output.
2.7.2 Explanation of Analogue Receiver and signal Processing.

Bandpass filter and cross-coupling
This is where the three receiver coils (receiver channels) in each antenna connect to the
EM3+. Due to the antenna design there will be a certain amount of cross coupling between
receiver channels. This is compensated for by this circuitry.
The bandpass filter is centred at 12.5kHz with a bandwidth of +/- 1.5kHz. This allows the
12.5kHz label signals to pass through, but unwanted frequencies are filtered out.
2-43
The signal is then passed on through a low noise amplifier.
Mixer
12.5 kHz
label signal
Label signal
HF removed
(by mixer)
The purpose of the mixer is to remove the HF component, 12.5kHz, from incoming signals.
This is achieved by mixing it with a reference 12.5kHz signal. For each receiver channel there
are two mixers, I and Q. The 12.5 kHz reference signals input to the two mixers are 90° out of
phase to each other. This will result in two different looking signals coming out of the I and Q
mixers. You will in various tests and graphs see each receiver channel represented by the I
and Q signal. The I and Q signals are used in the detection algorithms.
Low Pass Filter
The low pass filter allows signals with a frequency below 400Hz to pass through.
Differentiator
The differentiator reduces the amplitude of low frequency components like background signal
from steel, compared to the amplitude of the tag signals. This allows the 14 bit ADC to cope
with a larger amount of background signal than would otherwise be possible, without reducing
the sensitivity to tags. The differentiator distorts the signal shapes, and this can be seen on
'F7' graphs. The first task carried out by the DSP is to re-integrate the data to regenerate the
original signal shapes.
Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC)

The Multiplexer switches one receiver channel at a time through to the Programmable Gain
control. Each channel, both I and Q signals, is switched through 256 times per 16Hz cycle.
This gives a sampling rate of 4096Hz (256x16) per receiver channel.
The Programmable Gain Control is a S/W controlled parameter, set by the engineer during
commissioning. It is normally used for reducing gain when low level interference reduces
performance. It affects the amplitude of both interference and label signals
The ADC converts the received analogue signal into digital form. The ADC capacity is –2048
to +2048. The conversion rate is 4096Hz per receiver channel.
BITE Monitor points (BITE=Built In Test Equipment) is not used in the actual signal
processing. It is used for test purposes. Various points in the EM3+, like Power supply and
Transmitter current/voltage test points, are connected to the BITE in order to pass it through
the ADC, thus making it possible for the processor to measure it.
Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
The TMS 320, a standard programmable digital signal processor, holds in its RAM a rolling
picture of the background. Each 16Hz cycle is compared to previous cycles in order to detect
static, not wanted signals. These static signals will be subtracted from incoming signals and a
much cleaner signal can be presented to the CPU. The TMS 320 also removes sharp spikes
from received data.
2-44
# In GRAPH functions, RAW or PROCESSED data graphs can be selected. RAW data
is the unprocessed signal before the TMS 320; PROCESSED data is the output from
the TMS 320.
The 80C186 CPU receives its input from the TMS 320. Each complete 16Hz cycle for all
receiver channels will be thoroughly examined for the presence of label signals. 40 different
tests are performed and if a label signal is found, the alarm will be sounded.
The CPU has three memories.
! The PROM contains the firmware controlling the entire system.
! The static RAM is the CPU’s working area.
! The NVR (Non Volatile Ram) is an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable
Read Only Memory) where all parameters for the system are stored. These are
parameters set by the engineer during commissioning of the system.
2.7.3 Explanation of Network and RS232 port.

The RS232 port is primarily used for connecting to a computer’s serial port. The engineer can
then commission and trouble-shoot the EM3+ without opening the box. A special S/W is
needed, MONITOR.EXE. It runs under MS-DOS.
The EM3+ NETWORK is a peer-to-peer design. The number of units that can be connected
to a Network is virtually unlimited. It connects via the NETWORK IN and NETWORK OUT
connectors to adjacent EM3+ units. The connecting cable carries two types of information.
! Synchronisation signal is carried from one unit’s NETWORK OUT connector to the
NETWORK IN connector of the next unit. The purpose of the SYNC signal is to make sure
that 16Hz fields in adjacent systems are in phase and not interfering with each other. This
is particularly important in Dual aisle and Multi aisle configurations, where systems work
together.
! DATA IN/DATA OUT is a RS485 interface and serves two purposes.
In a Dual aisle configuration Detect data (from receiver channels) and commands are
transferred between processors.
In a multi-system installation, with a computer connected to one EM3+, all systems can be
tested via the Network.
2.7.4 Explanation of the EM3+ Tests and Set-Ups

The EM3+ unit is set-up externally from a computer running a program called Monitor
(MONITOR.EXE) using an RS232 connection. A simple computer can be used, the only
requirements are:
! MS-DOS
! Floppy or hard disk
! RS232 port configured as COM1
! VGA graphics adapter
Monitor actually allows the engineer to look at the data the unit sends out and interact with it,
setting voltages etc. With Monitor software the engineer cannot only set values but can test
the system and see how its environment affects it, in a numeric and graphical format.
2.7.5 Start-Up
When the EM3 Unit is started up with connections to a computer running Monitor it will display
the following.
* M E T O
2-45
Security Systems
(C) Meto International GmbH, 1986 to 1998
Software Revision : R3.3

Compile Date : Jul 28 1998
Comment: :
Enhanced sync : No
Boot TMS processor: OK (RAM=32768 words)
Processor speed : 16MHz
Upper RAM block : OK (at 4000:0000)
NVR settings : OK
Generating waveform ............................................ done

SYNC: waiting for pll to stabilise.....
Checking transmit levels...

<<H>> <<L>>
HF LF HF LF
Demand 95V 6000mA 95V 6000mA
Measured 89V 6861mA 86V 6890mA
Error -6% 14% -9% 14%
LF Current out of tolerance
Setting transmit level...
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
PWM 41.6% 44.8% 42.3% 47.4%

PWM 41.6% 38.4% 44.2% 40.9%

PWM 40.3% 37.4% 42.4% 39.8%

PWM 39.9% 37.0% 42.0% 39.4%

PWM 39.5% 36.6% 41.6% 39.2%

PWM 39.5% 36.4% 41.6% 39.0%

Error 0% 0% 0% 0%
Transmit levels are all within tolerance.
New values stored to NVR
Retune successful.
Starting detect ...
Checking receive signal levels...
Channel Min Max Percent Status
<L1>: -105 .. 30 3 OK
<L2>: -57 .. -21 0 OK
<L3>: -58 .. -10 1 OK
<H1>: -52 .. -8 1 OK
<H2>: -48 .. -17 0 OK
<H3>: -42 .. -15 0 OK
Settling...
Detecting tags...
2-46
This will differ slightly for different firmware versions.
Compile Date : Jul 28 1998
This line tells the engineer the firmware version and the date it was written.
Enhanced sync : No
This shows if Enhanced sync, a more accurate sync, is enabled or not
The TMS320 (digital signal processor) has started up correctly and checks its RAM.
Older EM3 units have a lower processor speed, 10MHz. This is tested at power on.

Memory test completed OK
NVR settings : OK
Parameters stored in NVR are valid

Generating PWM wave form .................... DONE
This line shows that the system has generated the PWM (pulse width modulation) waveform
for transmitters, which it needs to generate the correct output Voltage and Current values.
This is similar to the way the output of a switch mode power supply can be varied.
SYNC: waiting for pll to stabilise.....
This denotes that the PLL (phase lock loop) is not stable yet. The phase lock loop is used to
lock to the mains frequency (50Hz or 60Hz) or external synchronisation signals from another
EM3+.
Checking transmit levels...

<<H>> <<L>>
HF LF HF LF
Error -6% 14% -9% 14%
LF Current out of tolerance
At Power on, the actual Transmitter current and voltages are compared to demanded levels.
In this case the LF (16Hz) differs 14% on both L(ow) and H(igh) antenna. An automatic level
generation takes place if the difference is greater than +/-10%. If HF voltage had been out of
tolerance, an Output filter tuning error could be suspected and an automatic Output filter
tuning would take place before the automatic Level generation.
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
PWM 41.6% 44.8% 42.3% 47.4%

PWM 41.6% 38.4% 44.2% 40.9%

PWM 40.3% 37.4% 42.4% 39.8%

2-47
PWM 39.9% 37.0% 42.0% 39.4%
PWM 39.5% 36.6% 41.6% 39.2%

PWM 39.5% 36.4% 41.6% 39.0%

Error 0% 0% 0% 0%
The automatic Level generation makes six attempts to reach demanded levels, each time
displaying the values reached and PWM percentage. PWM percentage is the capacity of the
Driver/Modulators (wave-form generators). The wave-forms generated are stored in NVR.
Starting detect ...
<L1>: -105 .. 30 3 OK
<L2>: -57 .. -21 0 OK
<L3>: -58 .. -10 1 OK
<H1>: -52 .. -8 1 OK
<H2>: -48 .. -17 0 OK
<H3>: -42 .. -15 0 OK
The EM3+ now enters detect mode. The left hand column shows the receiver channel being
tested for noise levels. Each line shows the min output value of the ADC in that channel
followed by the max output value of the ADC in that channel. The percentage figure is the
percentage of the analogue to digital converter's band width for the current signal level. If this
percentage goes over 10% it can cause a problem, this may be caused by a rise in the
background and/or interference levels. The levels can be decreased by reducing the gain of
the ADC (gain setting in the setting menu).
Settling...
The system will pause to allow the system to adjust to the background before it starts to
detect.
Detecting tags...
The unit will automatically then go into detect mode.
2.7.6 The Default System Setting

The following list shows the default system settings when the NVR has been reinitialised.
Initialising NVR...
Generating waveform ..................... done
Software Revision: R3.3
Compile Date: Jul 28 1998
Gain: 0dB
Re-tune (minutes): 30
People timeout (s): OFF
Sound duration: 4
Lamp duration: 4
Lamp mode: Aisle
Mains Frequency: 50Hz
Tag type: Both
Background mode: Dynamic
Sync mode: Auto
Frame selection: FAS/2600
Configuration: Single aisle
HF frequency mode: Intermodulation
<<H>> <<L>>
2-48
Gate Tuning: 2 42
Demand (V): 77 53
Demand (mA): 2550 2550
PWM % (HF): 0.0 0.0
PWM % (LF): 0.0 0.0
Delay: 89 89
Channel delays: 0 0 0 0 0 0
SYNC: Mode=Auto In=mains Out=internal standard
2.7.7 Tuning Output Filters
Figure 2-24: Tuning output filters

The output filters should be tuned when installing a new unit, changing the lengths of the
transmit cables and when a quantity of metal is installed next to the frame. The system is
tuning the LC network (gates, chokes and capacitors), using a default PWM wave form so as
to achieve optimum output levels. The tuning procedure will take a minute. While it is being
done, you can hear the relays clicking, switching capacitors in and out.
There are 32 combinations of capacitors on each transmitter channel. As shown above, The
precise position of maximum output may be between capacitor values which may affect the
achievable levels slightly.
Generating default waveform ...
Checking that frames are connected ...
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LF HF LF
... OK
Tuning................................
<<H>> <<L>>
Level Tune Level Tune
Tuning 56V 14 30V 54
A default wave form is used during tuning. By trying to drive current through the transmitter
coils, the presence of antennas is verified. The “measured” voltages and currents displayed
are the values before filter tuning. As can be seen, values are low, 4V, because of the
untuned filters.
2-49
The bottom line shows the result of the tuning procedure. Capacitor combinations no 14 and
54 have been decided as the best for this specific installation. The “tune” value differs
between frame types used. Voltages have now, after tuning, increased to 56V and 30V
respectively.
The range of Tune values is 0-62, but only even numbers are used. If a value close to the end
values is displayed as a result, it is likely that the tuning is not correct. This will probably result
in a high HF- PWM% during level generation.
2.7.8 Setting New Drive Levels

This option prompts you to enter the Voltage and Current settings for the system.
Enter new transmit levels :
HF <<H>> (V) [77]: 90
HF <<H>> (V) [90]:
HF <<L>> (V) [90]: 60
HF <<L>> (V) [60]:
LF <<H>> (mA) [2550]: 5500
LF <<H>> (mA) [5500]:
LF <<L>> (mA) [2550]: 5500
LF <<L>> (mA) [5500]:
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
PWM 10.2% 28.9% 9.6% 28.9%

PWM 16.7% 28.8% 20.6% 30.4%

PWM 17.7% 29.6% 21.7% 31.5%

PWM 17.9% 30.0% 22.1% 31.9%

PWM 17.9% 30.0% 22.1% 32.1%

PWM 18.1% 30.0% 22.1% 32.0%

Error 1% 0% 0% 0%
Transmit level generation successful.
HF <<H>> (V) [77]: 90 5kHz alternatively 6.25kHz

HF <<H>> (V) [90]:
This shows the 7.5kHz voltage settings for High frame, the old setting is in square brackets
and the new setting can be entered next to it. The next line will show the new setting in the
square brackets. If you want to accept press <Enter> and if not enter a different value.
HF <<L>> (V) [90]: 60 7.5kHz alternatively 6.25kHz
HF <<L>> (V) [60]:
This shows the 5kHz voltage settings for the High frame, the old setting is in square brackets
and the new setting can be entered next to it. The next line will show the new setting in the
square brackets. If you want to accept press <Enter> and if not enter a different value. The
High voltage should be 1.5 times bigger than the Low voltage (e.g. low=50V and high=75V),
2-50
unless second harmonic is being used (both high and low voltages are the same with second
harmonic).
LF <<H>> (mA) [2550]: 5500 16Hz
LF <<H>> (mA) [5500]:
This shows the current settings for High frame, the old setting is in square brackets and the
new setting can be entered next to it. The next line will show the new setting in the square
brackets. If you want to accept press <Enter> and if not enter a different value (e.g.
low=5000mA and high=5000mA).
LF <<L>> (mA) [2550]: 5500 16Hz
LF <<L>> (mA) [5500]:
This shows the current settings for Low frame, the old setting is in square brackets and the
new setting can be entered next to it. The next line will show the new setting in the square
brackets. If you want to accept press <Enter> and if not enter a different value. The high
current should be the same value as the low current (e.g. low=5000mA and high=5000mA).
The EM3+ will now generate the PWM (Pulse width modulated) wave form that it needs to be
able to generate the output levels specified.
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
PWM 10.2% 28.9% 9.6% 28.9%

PWM 16.7% 28.8% 20.6% 30.4%

PWM 17.7% 29.6% 21.7% 31.5%

PWM 17.9% 30.0% 22.1% 31.9%

PWM 17.9% 30.0% 22.1% 32.1%

PWM 18.1% 30.0% 22.1% 32.0%

Error 1% 0% 0% 0%
Once this is complete the system will check the actual drive levels that it has achieved. It
carries this process out six times, each time trying to achieve levels as close to the requested
levels as possible.
If the levels are achieved then the PWM wave form will be stored in the NVR (non-volatile
RAM).
# Note: The value of LF PWM (16Hz) must not exceed a maximum of 60% per channel
(Low and high). The sum of HF+16Hz must not exceed a maximum of 105% per
channel. A warning message, “Near limits”, is displayed at a sum of 95% (see exert
from view setting below 35%+42% < 95% and 42%+42% < 95%). Exceeding these
percentages will cause distortion of wave forms and will result in phantom alarms
and overheating.
WARNING : 16Hz clipped to 60%
WARNING : Overall wave form clipped to 95%.
2-51
HF Frequency: 5.0kHz (LOW) 7.5kHz(HIGH)
Gate Tuning: 50 24
Demand Voltage 50V 75V
Demand Current: 3000mA 3000mA
PWM (HF): 35% 42%
PWM (16Hz): 42% 42%
The values may not be exactly what you asked for; a variation of up to +/- 10% is allowed.
You may have problems achieving the correct voltage and/or current setting if the mains
voltage is low.
2.7.9 The Delay Test

The delay test is used to balance the 16Hz wave form output between each frame so that
they are in phase with each other. This test allows the system to compensate for mixed frame
installations, different lengths of the transmitter cable and metal placed next to one side of the
frame in the installation.
Tests: d
Adjusting background...
Move the tag about SLOWLY, 15cm from frame <<H>> ...
-------------------------------
Move the tag about SLOWLY, 15cm from frame <<L>> ...
-------------------------------
Channel <H1> <H2> <H3> <L1> <L2> <L3>

Measurements:
Count 98 66 87 92 73 85
Error -16 -11 -18 -10 -8 -13
Overall delay:
Previous value 89 89
-> New value 73 81
Channel delays:
Previous value 0 0 0 0 0 0
-> New value 0 4 -4 0 4 -4
Apply these delays ? [Yes]:

Delays adjusted
The above information is just the actual test (for further information see Chapter 3, Software
Version R3., page 3-59).
2.7.10 The Input Test

The input test is carried out from the Test menu. The EM3+ injects an artificial signal
sequentially at each of the receiver channel inputs to the filters in the Analogue Receiver
section.
Input test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 16 16 7 6 6 6
2 5 7 17 12 5 6
3 5 6 6 5 16 12
<<L>>
2-52
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 13 17 6 5 5 6
2 5 5 16 12 5 7
3 5 6 5 5 17 16
During this test the transmitters are switched off but the receivers are still connected to the
frames. The test signal is switched from one channel to the next in sequence.
The figures across the top "I1 Q1" etc show the output channel number and the numbers
down the left hand side show which channel the test signal was injected into. The test signal
will appear in both the I and Q of each channel in turn. The signal should produce a high
value (typically >14) in the test channels and a low value (typically <10) in the other channels.
This test will show up cross coupling (a signal from one channel inducing a signal in the next
channel) and external noise. If a large source of noise is present (metal next to system will
generally not show up here as the transmitters are switched off) it will show high values in one
channel from the top of the test to the bottom (see below).
Input test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 16 16 7 6 6 6
2 5 7 17 12 5 6
3 5 6 6 5 16 12
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 13 17 12 11 10 10
2 8 9 16 12 9 10
3 8 9 13 12 17 16
Here channel L2 shows a high noise level in all test results and it shows up as slightly higher
values in the channels at either side due to cross coupling. This could be external noise or a
problem of this channel.
Input test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 16 16 2 3 6 6
2 5 7 3 2 5 6
3 5 6 2 2 16 12
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 13 17 6 5 5 6
2 5 5 16 12 5 7
3 5 6 5 5 17 16
The above test shows a fault in channel H2 (no test pulse present in either I or Q) which is
probably either a frame wiring fault or a receiver board fault.
Input test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 16 16 7 6 6 6
2 5 7 17 12 5 6
3 5 6 6 5 16 12
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 13 17 6 5 5 6
2 5 5 5 12 5 7
3 5 6 5 5 17 16
The above shows channel L2 - I2 has failed, which is either a receiver board fault (after the
phase detector) or an ADC card fault.
2-53
# Note! A strong interference source close to the gate may inject spikes into the frame
and corrupt the input test. Before concluding that there are coupling errors, check
the interference levels by running the Noise test.
2.7.11 The Noise Test

The Noise test indicates whether there may be any noise or background problems.
Noise test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 7 7 7 6 6 7
hfAmp 6 6 6 6 6 6
LF 4 6 4 6 6 4
sync 8 6 4 8 6 6
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 7 6 6 7 7 8
hfAmp 8 7 6 6 7 7
LF 6 6 4 6 8 6
sync 9 8 4 9 8 8
The levels above are taken from a noise test in a reasonably clean environment.
hf 7 6 6 7 7 8
This line indicates the high frequency noise level with the power amplifier turned off. This will
show environmental interference. Both the I and Q values are shown.
hfAmp 8 7 6 6 7 7
This line indicates the high frequency noise level with the power amplifier turned on. This will
show noise generated by the power amplifier and local metal objects. Both the I and Q values
are shown.
LF 6 6 4 6 8 6
This line indicates the low frequency noise levels with the power amplifier turned off. This will
show any mains-related noise sources close to the gate. Both the I and Q values are shown.
sync 9 8 4 9 8 8
This line indicates the low frequency signals synchronous to the system with the power
amplifier turned on. This will show the background level generated by local metal objects.
Both the I and Q values are shown.
# Note: A good reading is 9 or less. If the system is near a metal object, the readings
of hfAmp and sync may rise. This is not necessarily a problem since much of the
noise will be removed by the software processing, but it does indicate that
performance may be reduced.
Noise test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 7 7 7 6 6 7
hfAmp 6 6 6 6 6 6
LF 4 6 4 6 6 4
sync 8 6 4 8 6 6
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 7 6 6 7 7 8
hfAmp 8 7 12 10 10 11
LF 6 6 4 6 8 6
sync 9 8 14 13 12 11
The above test shows the effect of a steel panel very close to channels L2 and L3 in the low
frame. This shows up in the hfAmp and sync test (transmit power turned on). The limits set for
hf and hfAmp noise is 11.
2-54
2.7.12 The PLL Test
This test shows, if you are in Mains Sync Mode, the mains frequency. If you are in Free
Running Mode it will be 0. If in External Sync Mode (receiving Sync from previous unit) it will
be 16.
Tests: f

PLL frequency 50 Hz
Status NETIN ME NETOUT

Info valid No Yes No
Enhanced capability No No No
Enhanced sync out No No No
Using ext sync in No No No
In detect No No No
60 Hz Mains No No No
Transmit on No Yes No
2nd harmonic mode No No No
Status of the adjacent units (units connected via Network cable to NETIN and NETOUT
connectors) is shown.
2.7.13 The Power Amplifier Test

This test checks actual values of the power supply and the power amplifier. The following
shows a typical test result.
Tests: p
BITE Measurements
+12V, -5V Mean : -933

-12V, +5V Mean : 819
+18V ...
Mean : 18.120 Volts
Min : 17.850 Volts
Max : 18.420 Volts
-18V ...
Mean : -20.520 Volts
Min : -20.850 Volts
Max : -20.040 Volts
Difference ...
Mean : 38.640 Volts
Min : 38.310 Volts
Max : 38.910 Volts
Ripple : 0.600 Volts
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LF HF LF
Error -5% -3% -3% -3%
# The EM3 has a single 18V line, which is used to produce the +/-18V on the PSU and
from that +/-12V and +/-5V are produced by regulators on CPU board.
BITE Measurements
The BITE (Built in test equipment) measurements.
+12V, -5V Mean : -933
-12V, +5V Mean : 819
2-55
These lines show the 12V and 5V output levels from the regulators on the processor board.
The mean values are calculated from the 12V and 5V and should be approx. -1100mV and
1100mV respectively. If they differ by 2000mV the 5V or the 12V is missing.
+18V ...
Mean : 18.120 Volts
Min : 17.850 Volts
Max : 18.420 Volts
This reading shows the max and min values of the +18V line. This may be as low as +15V
depending on the transmit load and/or mains voltage.
-18V ...
Min : -20.850 Volts
Max : -20.040 Volts
This reading shows the max and min values of the -18V line. This may be as low as -15V
depending on the transmit load and/or mains voltage.
Difference ...
Mean : 38.640 Volts
Min : 38.310 Volts
Max : 38.910 Volts
The above shows the addition of the +/-18V tests ignoring the +ve and -ve signs.
This is the ripple on the 18V line. If this is more than 2V or 3v you will have a problem.
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LF HF LF
Error -5% -3% -3% -3%
This reading shows the actual values of the voltage and currents output by the power
amplifier to Transmitter coils.
2.8 Unwanted Alarms

Unwanted alarms are any alarms that are not due to a label being picked by the system. They
can be broken down into three categories: phantom alarms, false alarms and foreign label
alarms.
2.8.1 Phantom Alarms

Phantom alarm is an alarm that occurs for no obvious reason, nobody in or near the gate.
These are caused by random interference or background signals, or hardware faults.
2.8.2 False Alarms

False alarms are caused by objects, other than labels, tags or hard tags (items with a specific
security element), that make the system alarm.
2.8.3 Foreign Label Alarms

Foreign label alarms are caused by labels from other manufacturers, of a compatible nature
to our system, being placed within the antenna.
2.9 How the EM3 is Affected by the Environment

Performance of the Meto system can be affected by the following external sources:
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2.9.1 Electromagnetic Disturbance, HF
High-Frequency Interference (12.5kHz or harmonics of lower frequencies) from:
! The motors of automatic gates/doors
! The sensors of automatic gate/doors
! Switching power supplies.
! Conveyer belt motors
! LED displays
! Laser scanners
! Scales
! VDUs
! TV cameras and monitors
! Printers
! Electronic security systems
Any electronic motor or items that produce an electromagnetic field that is not shielded or a
suitable distance away can affect the system. These items can be found using the field test
equipment.
2.9.2 Electromagnetic Disturbance, LF

Low-Frequency Interference (50-60Hz) from:
! High current mains cabling in
- Walls of floors
- trunking
- False or hung ceilings
! Mains transformers or Motors in
- Automatic doors/gates
- Conveyer belts
- EPOS equipment
These items can also be located using the field test equipment.
2.9.3 Metal Near the Gate

The following Metal objects will have an affect on the EM systems :
! Display racking and shelving
! Trolley racks/basket racks
! Railings
! Girders
! Metal shop fixtures
! Check-out desks
! Reinforcing in concrete
! Metal bins
FAS frames and System 2600, 2700 and 2800 have been designed with shielding to reduce
the affects of metal on them. Metal will not be picked up by the field test meters as they are
passive. Always survey the installation environment before installation commences.
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To reduce the affects of metal objects :
! Remove the metal objects from the system
! Replace ferrous objects with Non-ferrous objects.
! Screen the metal object from the system
2.10 How the EM3 Affects the Environment

The Meto EM security systems will affect the following electronic equipment:
! TV and Video screens. Picture will vibrate with the 16Hz.
- Re-orientate screen with respect to the gate
- Move the screen or system
- Use shielding
! Telephones/Intercoms/PA systems. Picks up the HF (5/6.25/7.5 kHz)
- Move the telephone or microphone
- Install an eletret capacitor type microphone
- Fit a notch filter
! Card readers. Read head picks up HF.
- Move or re-orientate the card reader
- Screen the card reader
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3 Software Version R3.3
3.1 Introduction
This chapter is a software reference guide for software version R3.3 and Monitor program
version V3.26.5.
! R3.3 is the S/W that resides in EM3+ and controls it’s actions.
! Monitor program resides in a PC and enables communication between PC and EM3+.
3.2 Monitor program (Monitor.exe) V3.26.5

The Monitor program is the software that enables a PC to communicate with EM3+. It runs
under MS-DOS. The Monitor program is used during commissioning and troubleshooting of
the EM3+. After completing the commissioning or troubleshooting, the PC is disconnected
and the EM3+ runs on it’s own. Below are the requirements for the computer used.
! MS-DOS
! Hard disk and/or Floppy disk
! VGA Graphics adapter
! Serial interface configured as COM1 port
Monitor V3.26.5 is backwards compatible with EM3/EM3+ and all their previous S/W versions.
3.2.1 Connecting computer to EM3+

The computers COM1 port connects to the EM3+, RS-232 connector, via a null-modem cable
(PC cable, Meto art-no 75 50 98). It is wired as follows.
EM3+ pin number Signal PC Pin number

2 TXD 3
3 RXD 2
4 DSR 6
5 GND 5
6 DTR 4
7 CTS 8
8 RTS 7
3.2.2 Starting Monitor program

Since most computers today have Windows package installed, the Monitor program can be
started in different ways.
! From Windows, Explorer, by double-clicking the Monitor program icon.
! In Windows, creating a shortcut to Monitor program and clicking the shortcut.
! In Windows selecting the MS-DOS prompt and starting Monitor with keyboard command.
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! Starting the computer in MS-DOS mode and starting Monitor with keyboard command.
When starting Monitor program there are some options
$ The command <MONITOR> will start the program in normal mode and display the
following on your computer screen.
3.2.3 Monitor Help screen

At Monitor start up, the screen informs that F1 key will display help information.
With Monitor program the following functions are available.

! <F1> key will display the above help screen.
! <ESC> key will exit Monitor program.
! <CTRL+X> keys (pressed simultaneously) when connected to an EM3+, will take the
EM3+ out of Detect mode and start communicating with the PC. This key sequence will
always interrupt the EM3+, whatever it is busy doing, and bring it to the user interface.
! <?> or <H> will display the EM3+ menu options.
! <SHIFT> and <F8> enables you to display a graph file that has been previously saved to
disk.
! Printer configuration. When you want to print a graph, the default printer is Epson as
informed on the Monitor start up screen. If, however, your printer is a laser-jet or desk-jet
printer, the Monitor has to be informed accordingly before Monitor program is started. It is
done by the following DOS command followed by MONITOR command.
C:\set printer=laserjet
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C:\monitor
Esselte Gate Tag Monitor V3.26.5 April 21, 1997
Etc......
! Command line option –L <MONITOR –L>
The command <MONITOR -L> will create a log file (MONITOR.LOG) in the same directory
(folder) as the Monitor program resides. While communicating with the EM3+, everything that
is displayed on the computer screen, except graphs, is copied to this file. MONITOR.LOG is
an ASCII file and can be edited with Word for Windows, DOS Editor or any word processing
program. If a MONITOR.LOG file already exists, it will be opened and the new data will be
added to this file. This feature can be very useful when documenting commissioning and test
results or any errors occurring. The file can be analysed when the engineer leaves the site or
it can be sent to Meto International via email if there are problems on site.
Alternatively, if a MONITOR.LOG file already exists, display will

read: “Opening existing logfile (MONITOR.LOG)”.
! Command line option –m <MONITOR –m>
Normal data transfer rate between PC and EM3+ is 9600 Baud. If a lower rate is required, the
PC can be set to 1200 Baud by using the <MONITOR –m> command. In the EM3+ there is, in
Settings menu, a corresponding option that has to be set before the PC Baud rate is changed
3.3 S/W R3.3

R3.3 is the present release of EM3+ S/W. It resides in a PROM in the EM3+. It is backwards
compatible with older hardware versions like EM3.
$ Type <MONITOR> to start the Monitor program, then power up the EM3+.
3.3.1 The Power up

The display shows:
* M E T O Security Systems
(C) Meto International GmbH, 1986 to 1998

Compile Date : Oct 28 1998
Enhanced sync : Yes

NVR settings : OK

SYNC: waiting for pll to stabilise........
Retune...
<<H>> <<L>>
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HF LF HF LF
... OK
Tuning................................
<<H>> <<L>>
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
PWM 10.2% 13.4% 7.0% 13.4%

PWM 12.1% 12.4% 16.1% 12.1%

PWM 12.1% 12.3% 16.1% 12.7%

PWM 12.3% 12.3% 16.1% 12.7%

PWM 12.3% 12.4% 16.4% 12.4%

PWM 12.3% 12.3% 16.4% 12.4%

Error 0% 1% 0% 0%
Retune successful.
Starting detect ...
<L1>: -49 .. 9 1 OK
<L2>: -39 .. -10 0 OK
<L3>: -39 .. -12 0 OK
<H1>: -54 .. 5 1 OK
<H2>: -36 .. -15 0 OK
<H3>: -38 .. -4 0 OK
Settling...
Detecting tags...

The above display shows an EM3+ at first power up after delivery. All parameters are set to
their default values when started first time.
Compile Date : Oct 28 1998
This line tells the engineer the firmware version and the date it was compiled.
Enhanced sync : Yes

Later production of EM3+ has an improved synchronisation, Enhanced sync. At power on
time, the S/W tests hardware status (if EM3+ has the Enhanced sync capability) and if it is
enabled.
TMS booted OK : 32768 words RAM found

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NVR settings : OK
The TMS320 (digital signal processor) has started up correctly and it’s RAM is OK.
Processor (80186) speed is checked. The discontinued EM3 has a processor speed of 10
MHz.
The processors RAM is tested OK.
Parameters in NVR are valid. If not, NVR would be automatically initialised (all parameters set
to default).

This line shows that the system has generated the PWM (pulse width modulation) wave
forms, which it needs to generate the correct output Voltage (for 5/6.25/7.5kHz) and Current
(for 16Hz) values. This is similar to the way the output of a switch mode power supply can be
varied.
SYNC: waiting for pll to stabilise........
The PLL (Phase Lock Loop) is used to lock to the mains frequency (50Hz or 60Hz) or a
synchronisation signal coming from an other EM3+ unit. The PLL needs to lock on properly
before transmit power is switched on.
What now follows is a result of the EM3+ being powered up having all default values in NVR
(Non Volatile Ram). One of the default parameters is PWM waveform = zero. This is detected
and the unit goes automatically into Output filter tuning and waveform generation.
Retune...
A default waveform is always used during Output filter tuning.
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LF HF LF
... OK
To verify that transmitter coils are actually connected, the EM3+ measures the current
through transmitter coils.
# Pay attention to the low voltages (8V) before tuning output filters
Tuning................................
While tuning, relays can be heard clicking, switching the output filter capacitors in and out. For
each capacitor combination, the output voltage is measured and the combination giving the
highest voltage is selected.
<<H>> <<L>>
This is the result of the tuning. The “Tune” values represents the capacitor combination
selected. These values will, due to different transmitter coil inductance, vary with the frame
type used.
# Notice how the level has increased to 62 and 33V respectively as compared to 8V
before tuning.
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
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The EM3+ has now entered the Level generation sequence. The demand voltages and
currents are typical for System 2600 frames (since majority of installations are 2600, this has
been chosen as default).
PWM 10.2% 13.4% 7.0% 13.4%

This is the first attempt to reach demanded voltages and currents.
PWM 12.1% 12.4% 16.1% 12.1%
Already on second attempt the levels are almost accurate.
PWM 12.1% 12.3% 16.1% 12.7%
PWM 12.3% 12.3% 16.1% 12.7%

PWM 12.3% 12.4% 16.4% 12.4%

PWM 12.3% 12.3% 16.4% 12.4%

Error 0% 1% 0% 0%
Retune successful.
The new generated waveforms are stored in NVR and the EM3+ prepares to enter Detect
mode.
Starting detect ...

<L1>: -49 .. 9 1 OK
<L2>: -39 .. -10 0 OK
<L3>: -39 .. -12 0 OK
<H1>: -54 .. 5 1 OK
<H2>: -36 .. -15 0 OK
<H3>: -38 .. -4 0 OK
The receiver channel signal levels are displayed. These levels are normally caused by
interference around the system and can, if they are high, be an indication of environmental
problems. The left column indicates which receiver channel is tested. The Min/Max columns
show the Analogue to Digital Converter output values caused by interference and/or
background. The percentage figure is the percentage of the analogue to digital converters
band width for the current signal level, whose range is -2048 to +2047. If this percentage goes
over 10% it can cause a problem, this may be caused by a rise in the background and/or
interference levels. If the percentage of the total range used for a particular channel is 70%,
the status message reads "Near to Saturation". If the percentage given is 90%, the status
message reads "Saturated". If the status is given as saturated, the channel will not operate.
The levels can be decreased by reducing the gain of the ADC (gain setting in the setting
menu).The channel signal levels vary not only with environment but also with frame type.
Unscreened frames tend to give larger values than screened frames.
Settling...
Detecting tags...
The system is adjusting to the present background (Settling) and goes automatically into
Detect mode.
3-64
Finally, sync status is displayed. The sync used is Mains, 50Hz. Sync being output is
standard sync and is internally generated.
# Since default parameters are valid for System 2600, the above automatic sequence
would give a fairly good detection in a System 2600. This automatic sequence can at
any time be interrupted by <CTRL+X> keys.
3.3.2 EM3+ Menu Levels

<I>Installation Step by step commissioning
<S>Settings I Initialise NVR
V View current settings
Shift 7 Save settings to file
C Clear alarm count
G Gain
D Delay
N Channel delays
L Transmit Waveform
M Mains freq
T Tag type
B Background mode
P Power Amplifier
Y Sync mode
A Alarm
E Lamp mode
Z Frequency mode
F Frame type
S Configuration
O People detect time-out
W Re-tune Interval
R Tune Output Filters
U RS232 baud rate
<T>Test D Delay
I Input
N Noise
TOP P Power Amp
F PLL freq + sync status
<D>Detect D Detect tags

L Background Logging
S Stop conditions
F2 Display background
F3 Display current background
Shift F5 Get current channel parameters
F9 Display all channels
I Initialise background
C Current channel
<G>Graph N No. of cycles

C Channel number
F4 Continuous processed data
F5 Display raw cycles
F6 Display processed cycles
F7 Continuous raw data
Shift F9 Continuous 6 channel raw
F10 Static 6 channel raw
<N>Network A Aux Connect

C Connect
N Count units
I Identify yourself
3-65
D Disconnect
<L>Loop This menu is hidden
<F>Features Developers menu
The menu structure is at two levels: Top menu and Sub menu levels. The help function <h> or
<?> is always available and will display the options to choose from in each menu. To go from
one submenu to an other, you first have to go to TOP menu and from there choose the new
submenu. The <Enter> key will take you from submenu level to top level.
3.3.3 User Interface

$ From Tag Detect mode, press <CTRL+X> keys to access user interface. A prompt will be
displayed.
Cancel
? for options
Top:
3.3.4 Top Menu

The TOP level menu display shows:
? for options
Top:
Press <h> or <?> to list the options in the TOP level menu:
Top: h
Menu options are:
I -> Installation menu
S -> Settings menu
T -> Test menu
D -> Detect menu
G -> Graph menu
N -> Network menu
L -> Loop menu
F -> Features menu
$ Press the appropriate key (upper or lower case) to enter one of the sub-menus.
3.4 Installation menu

The Installation menu is designed to aid the engineer when commissioning the system. It
takes you through the commissioning procedure, step by step, in the correct sequence. Each
step is also individually available as separate commands in the Settings and Test menu. At
each step you can select how to proceed.
Following are the automatic functions in the Installation menu.

! Initialise the NVR:
Option I - The Setting menu.
! Configuration:
Option S - The Setting menu.
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! Mains frequency
Option M – The Settings menu
! Frame type:
Option F - The settings menu
! Tag type:
Option T - The Settings menu.
! Sync mode:
Option Y - The Settings menu.
! Frequency mode:
Option Z - The Settings menu.
! Tuning:
Option R - The Settings menu.
! New wave form:
Option L - The Settings menu.
! Noise test:
Option N - The Test menu.
! Input test:
Option I - The Test menu.
! Delay test:
Option D - The Test menu.
! View new settings:
Option V - The settings menu.
After completing the installation procedure, other options can be changed, i.e. Alarm duration.
$ Finally, select Detect mode, in Detect menu, and do a performance test.
3.4.1 Installation procedure

$ In Top menu, select <I> for the Installation menu
Top: i
Installation menu:
Initialise NVR ? [Yes]:
Initialise NVR ? [No]:
Initialise NVR ? [Yes]:
Initialising NVR...
First step asks whether to initialise NVR (set all parameters to default values). With the space
bar, the Yes/No options can be displayed. Select the option you want with <Enter> key.

Configuration = Single aisle Change ? [Yes]:
Configuration = Single aisle Change ? [Quit]:
Configuration = Single aisle Change ? [Back]:
Configuration = Single aisle Change ? [No]:
Sync mode is displayed as information only. The default configuration option, Single aisle, is
displayed and you now have the possibility to change the option. By pressing <space>, you
can select how to proceed. The options Yes/Quit/Back/No are displayed and can be selected
with <Enter> key. In this case, the system is a Single aisle, so the “Change? [No]” option is
selected. Procedure continues to next step.
! Change? [Yes] – Yes, I want to change this parameter. If “Yes” is selected, the options for
this parameter are displayed and the proper option can be selected. The procedure then
proceeds to next step in Installation menu.
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! Change? [No] – No, I do not want to change this parameter. Skip this step and proceed to
next step in Installation menu.
! Change? [Quit] – No, I do not want to change this parameter. Exit installation menu.
! Change? [Back] – No, I do not want to change this parameter. Go back to previous step
in Installation menu.
The “Change? Yes/No/Quit/Back” options are available at each step in the Installation menu
except first step (Initialise NVR).
Mains frequency = 50Hz Change ? [No]:

The actual mains frequency, 50/60 Hz is selected in this step.
Frame type = 2600/FAS Change ? [No]:

Frame type = 2600/FAS Change ? [Yes]:
Frame type [2600/FAS]:
Frame type [2700/2800]:
In this step, the frame type can be selected. In the above example, frame type has been
changed from the default value (2600/FAS) to 2700/2800. Procedure continues to next step.
Tag type = Both Change ? [Yes]:

Tag type = Both Change ? [Quit]:
Tag type = Both Change ? [Back]:
Tag type = Both Change ? [No]:
Tag type desired is “Both”, so the “Change? [No]” option is selected and procedure continues
to next step.
Sync mode = Auto Change ? [No]:

Sync mode = Auto Change ? [Yes]:
Enhanced sync enabled ? [Yes]:

Enhanced sync enabled ? [No]:
Sync mode [Auto]:
Sync mode [Free Running]:
Sync mode [Mains]:
Sync mode [External]:
Sync mode [Auto]:

The “Change? [Yes]” option is selected and the various Sync options can be displayed and
selected. Enhanced sync enable and Auto sync are selected. Procedure continues to next
step.
Frequency mode = Intermodulation Change ? [Yes]:
HF frequency mode [Intermodulation]:

HF frequency mode [2nd Harmonic]:
The system should, in this case, operate in Second harmonic mode, so the “Change? [Yes]”
option is selected, which enables us to change to Second harmonic mode. Continues to next
step.
Retune required. Retune ? [Yes]:

<<H>> <<L>>
3-68
HF LF HF LF
... OK
Tuning................................
Fine tuning .........
<<H>> <<L>>
The Retune prompt is displayed. Normally, output filters should always be retuned. After
tuning, the procedure continues to next step.
New waveform required. Make new waveform ? [Yes]:

HF <<H>> (V) [77]: 110
HF <<H>> (V) [110]:
HF <<L>> (V) [53]: 110
HF <<L>> (V) [110]:
LF <<H>> (mA) [2550]: 5500
LF <<H>> (mA) [5500]:
LF <<L>> (mA) [2550]: 5500
LF <<L>> (mA) [5500]:
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
PWM 14.6% 28.9% 14.6% 28.9%

PWM 30.3% 26.5% 35.7% 27.8%

PWM 31.1% 26.5% 37.0% 27.8%

PWM 30.8% 26.5% 37.0% 27.9%

PWM 31.1% 26.6% 37.0% 27.8%

PWM 30.8% 26.8% 37.0% 28.0%

Error 0% 0% 0% 0%
Transmit voltages and currents are selected in this step. After transmit level generation is
completed, the procedure continues to next step.
Run noise test ? [Yes]:
Noise test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 8 8 7 7 7 6
hfAmp 10 10 8 8 8 8
LF 6 6 4 6 4 4
sync 10 9 8 8 8 6
3-69
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 6 6 5 6 6 7
hfAmp 10 10 6 7 7 7
LF 4 6 6 4 6 6
sync 8 8 8 8 8 8
Noise test is carried out in this step. After completion, procedure carries on to next step.
Run input test ? [Yes]:
Input test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 15 16 7 6 9 8
2 7 7 17 13 6 6
3 7 8 6 5 15 16
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 14 17 7 7 8 7
2 6 5 16 13 5 6
3 6 6 6 7 17 16
The Input test is carried out in this step.
Run delay test ? [Yes]:
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
Channel <H1> <H2> <H3> <L1> <L2> <L3>

Measurements:
Count 61 100 91 91 95 66
Error -13 -12 -12 -10 -10 -16
Overall delay:
-> New value 77 78
Channel delays:
-> New value 0 0 0 0 0 -4
Generating waveform .................................................

done
Delays adjusted
The Delay test is carried out in this step. New Delay values are stored in NVR and the new
waveforms are generated and also stored in NVR.
View settings ? [Yes]:
3-70
Compile Date: Oct 28 1998
Gain: 0dB
Sound duration: 4
Lamp duration: 4
Lamp mode: Aisle
Tag type: Both
Sync mode: Auto
Frame selection: 2700/2800
HF frequency mode: 2nd Harmonic
<<H>> <<L>>
Gate Tuning: 46 10
Demand (V): 110 110
Demand (mA): 5500 5500
PWM % (HF): 30.8 37.0
PWM % (LF): 26.8 28.0
Delay: 77 78
Channel delays: 0 0 0 0 0 -4
Top:
The final automatic step is the View settings. Study the settings to see if there are any
additional parameters that need changing, i.e. Lamp duration or Lamp mode.
Finally, go to Detect menu and select Detect mode. Verify performance of the system. With
the system in Detect mode, disconnect the computer.
# Good practise is to verify the environment by using the graphs available in Detect
and Graph menu.
3.5 Settings Menu

$ Press <S> to select the Settings menu; the display shows:
? for options
Settings:
$ Press <?> or <h> to list the options in the Settings menu:
Settings: h
Menu options are:
I -> Initialise NVR
V -> View settings
shift-F7 -> Save settings to file
C -> Clear alarm count
G -> Gain
D -> Delay
N -> Channel delays
L -> Transmit Waveform
M -> Mains freq
T -> Tag type
B -> Background mode
P -> Power amplifier
Y -> Sync mode
A -> Alarm
E -> Lamp mode
Z -> Frequency mode
F -> Frame type
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S -> Configuration
O -> People detect timeout
W -> Retune Interval
R -> Tune Output Filters
U -> RS232 baud rate
$ Press the appropriate key (upper or lower case) to enter one of the options.
If you press <Enter> at this point, the system returns to the Top level menu.
3.5.1 <I> : Initialise Non-Volatile RAM

Press <I> to initialise the non-volatile RAM. This will cause all the adjustable settings to be
reset to their default values. The display shows:
Initialising NVR
Generating PWM waveform.....................DONE
Gain: 0dB
Sound duration: 4
Lamp duration: 4
Lamp mode: Aisle
Tag type: Both
Sync mode: External
Frame selection: 2600/FAS
HF frequency mode: Intermodulation
<<H>> <<L>>
Gate Tuning: 2 42
Demand (V): 77 53
Demand (mA): 2550 2550
PWM % (HF): 0.0 0.0
PWM % (LF): 0.0 0.0
Delay: 89 89
Channel delays: 0 0 0 0 0 0
# Note: Always Re-initialise the NVR when you change the Firmware in an EM3+. This
is because, from Firmware to firmware the parameters stored in NVR may differ
slightly, and you may come across problems due to these differences if you do not
clear out the old parameters.
3.5.2 <V>: View Settings

$ Press <V> to view the current settings of the system connected to the PC.
This is a display-only function, and no settings are changed here.
Gain: 0dB
Sound duration: 4
Lamp duration: 4
Lamp mode: Aisle
3-72
Tag type: Both
Sync mode: Auto
<<H>> <<L>>
Gate Tuning: 46 10
Demand (V): 110 110
Demand (mA): 5500 5500
PWM % (HF): 30.8 37.0
PWM % (LF): 26.8 28.0
Delay: 77 78
3.5.3 <Shift F7>: Save Settings to File

$ Press <Shift F7> to save the Settings of the unit.
The engineer can also add comments to the file for later reference.
The display shows:
Saving settings to disc file...
Please enter check-out reference:
$ Type in the check-out name or number and press <Enter>.
Please enter up to 5 lines of comments
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
Settings saved
The file is saved into the directory (folder) containing Monitor.exe with the filename
SETTINGS.LOG. This is an ASCII file and can be accessed using any word processing S/W.
Below is a typical printout of the file.
Checkout: checkout 5
Date: Thu Nov 19 15:29:03 1998

Gain: 0dB
Sound duration: 4
Lamp duration: 4
Lamp mode: Aisle
Tag type: Both
Sync mode: Auto
<<H>> <<L>>
Gate Tuning: 46 10
Demand (V): 100 100
Demand (mA): 5500 5500
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PWM % (HF): 27.1 32.3
PWM % (LF): 25.7 26.8
Delay: 79 80
Comments: This checkout has a UPS inside generating some interference
3.5.4 <C>: Clear Alarm Count

$ Press <C> to reset the alarm count to 0.
The display shows:
Clearing alarm count
3.5.5 <G>: Gain

$ Press <G> to set the gain of the ADC.
The standard setting is 0dB, but settings of -7dB, -13dB and +7dB are available.
$ Use spacebar (or + and -) to cycle through the settings, and press <Enter> to select one of
them.
The display shows:
Amplifier gain [ 0dB]:
Amplifier gain [ +7dB]:
Amplifier gain [-13dB]:
Amplifier gain [ -7dB]:
The default gain setting is 0dB. This is also the recommended gain setting. In a noisy
environment it might be possible to improve detection by reducing the gain to –7dB. –13dB
will in most cases cause low detection. +7db can only be used in extremely good
environment.
# Changing the gain will not only affect amplitude of interference signals, it also
affects amplitude of label signals.
3.5.6 <D>: Delay

This is the delay of the transmitted 16Hz current, with individual delays for Low and High
frame. This method of delay will compensate for different transmit cable lengths, mixed frame
type installations and large amounts of metal behind one frame.
Delay Low [29]
Delay High [26]
Generating PWM waveform..........................DONE
Settings:
$ Type in the desired delay and press <Enter>.
# Note: Normally, the delay is automatically adjusted during the delay test.
3.5.7 <N>: Channel Delays

$ Press <N> to set the timing delay for individual channels.
This should only be used if there is a large discrepancy between delays in different receiver
channels, usually due to metal being sited close to some channels. Note that the use of
channel delays is a compromise, and if possible, it is better to eliminate the source of the
problem, e.g. by moving the offending metal.
The full display shows:
Settings: n
3-74
Note: channel delays must be a multiple of 4
Channel <H1> [0]:
Channel <H2> [0]:
Channel <H3> [0]:
Channel <L1> [0]:
Channel <L2> [0]:
Channel <L3> [0]:
$ Press <Enter> to step through the channels;
type in the channel delay and press <Enter> to change it.
If using <N> to adjust channel delays manually, note that the minimum step is 4 delay units
# Note: The required value for the delay setting will normally be entered automatically
by going into the Test menu and running the Delay test.
3.5.8 <L>: Drive Wave Form

This option prompts you to enter the Voltages and Currents to be used for Transmitter coils.
In Intermodulation frequency mode, the recommended ratio voltage low/high is 1:1.5 (e.g.
Low=50V and High=75V) and the current low/high is 1:1 (e.g. Low=3000mA and
High=3000mA).
In Second harmonic frequency mode the voltage and current ratio low/high is 1:1
After you enter the values, the system makes a number of attempts to achieve the requested
levels and displays the result each time. After the last attempt, the PWM-wave form is stored
in the NVR. The values may not be exactly what you asked for; a variation of up to +/- 10% is
allowed. The following shows requested levels for System 2700 in Second harmonic
frequency mode.
Settings: l
HF <<H>> (V) [77]: 110
HF <<H>> (V) [110]:
HF <<L>> (V) [53]: 110
HF <<L>> (V) [110]:
LF <<H>> (mA) [2550]: 5500
LF <<H>> (mA) [5500]:
LF <<L>> (mA) [2550]: 5500
LF <<L>> (mA) [5500]:
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
PWM 14.6% 28.9% 14.6% 28.9%

PWM 30.3% 26.5% 35.7% 27.8%

PWM 31.1% 26.5% 37.0% 27.8%

PWM 30.8% 26.5% 37.0% 27.9%

PWM 31.1% 26.6% 37.0% 27.8%

PWM 30.8% 26.8% 37.0% 28.0%

Error 0% 0% 0% 0%
3-75
This command also updates the PWM %. Warning messages are displayed if PWM% is too
high. They will be displayed at following percentages.
1. LF (16Hz) is limited to 65% per channel. Reaching 65% will display: “Levels are at limits”
2. If the sum of LF + HF is between 90-104.9% per channel, the display will read: “Levels
are near limits”
3. If the sum of LF + HF reaches 105% per channel, “Levels are at limits” will be displayed.
At the same time, HF level will be reduced to keep PWM% at a maximum of 105% per
channel.
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
PWM 40.5% 50.1% 47.3% 50.8%
Error 0% 0% -1% 0%
WARNING: PWM levels are near limits.

In the above example, sum of LF+HF exceeds 90%, but do not reach 105%, in both H and L
channel.
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LH HF LH
PWM 40.9% 64.1% 40.0% 65.0%
Error -24% 0% -38% -1%
HF Voltage out of tolerance
WARNING: PWM levels are at limits.

Unable to reach levels requested
Use achieved levels ? [Yes]:
Use achieved levels ? [No]:
In this example, the sum of LF+HF reaches 105% in both channels. As can be seen, HF
voltage has been reduced in order to stay within the limit 105% per channel. A prompt is also
displayed asking whether you want to use the achieved levels or enter new levels.
3.5.9 <M>: Mains Frequency

$ Set to either 50 or 60 Hz.
The default is 50Hz. This option should be set according to the actual mains frequency.
3.5.10 <T>: Tag Type

$ Press <T> to select the type of tag to be used with the system.
Use spacebar, or <+> and <->, to cycle between the options and press <Enter> to select
one of them.
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Tag type [Both]:
Tag type [Thin film]:
Tag type [Competitor]:
Both = both strip and thin film labels
Thin film = Thin film labels only
Competitor = System will detect J-strip labels as well.
# Note! The default setting is Both. However, If thin film labels ONLY, are to be used in
a particular store, use the Thin Film setting because it will reduce the risk of false
alarms. There will be a small loss of detection performance if the Thin Film setting is
used with strip labels.
3.5.11 <B >: Background Mode

$ Press <B> to select the background mode.
Use spacebar, or <+> and <-> to cycle between them and press <Enter> to select one of
them.
Background mode [Dynamic]:
Background mode [Static]:
! Dynamic: Continuous rapid update of the background. System adjusts within 1 second to
large changes (large metal objects moved into the gate) in the background. This is the
recommended mode.
! Static:
The background is frozen and updated every few seconds if the current background has
changed compared to the frozen background. If there is a big change, it is frozen until the
change has disappeared or has been present for > 10 minutes.
Dynamic background is generally the safest and easiest to use. Due to the rapid update,
there is no possibility of continuous alarms: only moving tags are detected.
In multi-gate installations, provided that gates are not too close together, no synchronisation
is required. The minimum distance depends on the amount of metal between the gates: 2m
will not cause problems; 1.5m may cause problems; 1m will require synchronisation.
Static background mode should give similar detection to dynamic mode, in most
circumstances, but it will give better detection of labels close to trolleys because it does not
adapt to the trolley. It freezes the background until the trolley is removed from the gate, and
as soon as the trolley is clear, tag detection is restored.
With static background:
! synchronisation will be necessary in multiple gate installations
! no tag detection is possible with a trolley stationary in the gate until it has been there for
~10 minutes. After this time, the background adapts to the trolley signal. If the trolley is
subsequently removed, the gate will take a few seconds to recover again.
! there is a very small risk of continuous alarms if a tag signal becomes trapped in the
background - the gate must then be reset
When using static background, always clear the background (using <I> Initialise Background
in the Detect menu) or reset the system after carrying out tests and before leaving the gate.
3.5.12 <P>: Power Amplifier

$ Press <P> to turn the power amplifier transmit power on or off.
Use spacebar (or <+> and <->) to cycle between them, and press <Enter> to select one of
them.
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Power amplifier [Off]:
Power amplifier [On]:
This is for use during testing and the setting is not retained in the NVR.
3.5.13 <Y>: Sync Mode

In a multiple system installation, adjacent systems might affect one another, the fields
generated by one system is reaching the neighbouring system(s). Therefore they often need
to be synchronised (16Hz fields in adjacent systems being in phase) by means of Network
cabling.
$ Press <Y> to select synchronisation mode.
Use spacebar (or <+> and <->) to cycle through them, and press <Enter> to select one of
them.
The options are:
Settings: y
Enhanced sync enabled ? [No]:
The Enhanced sync option will only show on later EM3+ production (Rev. 3 units) that have
the hardware needed. For stand-alone systems this option is irrelevant. For synchronised
systems, enhanced sync should be enabled. After this selection, the sync mode can be
selected.
Sync mode [Free Running]:
Sync mode [Mains]:
Sync mode [External]:
Sync mode [Auto]:
! FREE RUNNING:
This unit generates sync that is not locked to 50 Hz/60Hz or external sync signal. The sync
(for the 16Hz) is generated from the internal clocks.
! MAINS:
This unit generates a sync signal locked to 50Hz/60Hz (equivalent to MAINS SYNC ON in
previous software versions.
! EXTERNAL:
This unit receives sync over the Network IN connector. If the sync signal is absent, it
switches to Free running mode. If sync signal appears on Network IN connector, it will be
used.
! AUTO:
If the unit receives sync from the previous unit (via Network IN connector), it will use it for
synchronisation. If it looses sync from the previous unit, it will immediately go into MAINS
mode. It then checks for sync received every 30 seconds; if sync reappears, it will use it.
The default setting is AUTO, and this is the recommended mode. This setting is retained in
the NVR.

After selecting sync mode the current sync status is displayed.
! MODE: The sync mode selected.
! IN = MAINS : This unit is not receiving any sync signal via Network and has locked on to
the mains 50/60Hz. Alternatives are “External standard” (using standard sync coming via
Network), “External enhanced” (using enhanced sync coming via Network).
! OUT: Sync signal to Network OUT connector can be Internal/Bypass and
Standard/Enhanced where Internal = internally generated in this unit; Bypass = passed on
from previous unit; Standard = standard (old) type sync signal; Enhanced = new improved
type sync signal.
3-78
3.5.14 <A>: Alarm
$ Press <A> to set the duration of the alarm speaker and lamps when a tag has been
detected.
Use space bar (or simply key in the new value) to alter the duration and press <Enter>.
The display shows:
Sound duration [2]:
Lamp duration [3]:
Brightness [3]:
The values entered are in seconds, and must be between 1 - 30. The default values are 2 for
sound, 3 for lamp and 3 for brightness.
# Note: Sound duration is only relevant for 2500, 2500FAS and Remote alarm. In all
other frame types, the alarm buzzer is driven by the alarm lamps and the buzzer will
sound as long as the lamps are flashing.
3.5.15 <Z>: HF Frequency

This is where you select what HF frequencies to transmit.
$ Cycle between the options by pressing spacebar. Select the desired mode by pressing
<Enter>
HF frequency mode [Intermodulation]:
HF frequency mode [2nd Harmonic]:
! Intermodulation: L and H antenna transmit 5kHz and 7.5kHz respectively.
! Second harmonic: Both L and H antenna transmit 6.25kHz
# Second Harmonic mode will give better detection in wide aisles. However, there is
an increased risk of false alarms and deactivated labels causing alarm close to the
antenna.
Retune required. Retune ? [Yes]:

When changing frequency mode, output filter tuning is always required. You are automatically
prompted for this.

<<H>> <<L>>
HF LF HF LF
... OK
Tuning................................
<<H>> <<L>>
New waveform required. Make new waveform ? [Yes]:

You are also automatically prompted for new waveforms. Proceed as with the <L> command.
HF <<H>> (V) [77]: 100
HF <<H>> (V) [100]:
HF <<L>> (V) [53]: 100
HF <<L>> (V) [100]:
LF <<H>> (mA) [2550]: 5500
LF <<H>> (mA) [5500]:
LF <<L>> (mA) [2550]: 5500
LF <<L>> (mA) [5500]:
<<H>> <<L>>
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HF LH HF LH
Etc........
3.5.16 <F>: Frame Type

$ Press <F> to select the type of frame connected to the EM3+. Use spacebar (or <+> and
<->) to cycle through the options, and press <Enter> to select one.
Frame type [2200/2300/2500]:

Frame type [2600/FAS]:
Frame type [2700/2800]:
The default option is 2600/FAS.
$ Use this option to tell the system which type of frame is in use. The setting selected is
stored in the NVR.
If the system is manually set to the wrong type of frame, it will still operate but it will fail certain
BITE tests. Also, in the case of the 2600 and FAS frame, the detection performance will be
reduced. This is because selecting the FAS frame also changes certain detection parameters
and modifies one of the processing routines.
3.5.17 <S>: Configuration

Settings: s
Configuration [Single aisle]:
Configuration [Dual aisle]:
Configuration [Dual aisle X]:
Configuration [Loop Master]:
Configuration [Loop Slave]:
Configuration [Quadframe]:
$ Cycle through the options using spacebar. Select the correct option by pressing <Enter>
! Single aisle: Any EM3+ with two antennas connected to it
! Dual aisle: This is the main board of a Dual aisle configuration (the board that controls H
and L antenna). Selecting this option for the Main board will automatically set the AUX
board configuration parameter to “Dual aisle X”.
! Dual aisle X: This is the board that controls the third (X) antenna in a Dual aisle
configuration. This board will automatically be set to “Dual aisle X” when main board is set
to “Dual aisle”.
! Loop Master/Loop Slave: This is an experimental system that is not available.
! Quadframe: Discontinued mode.
3.5.18 <E>: Lamp Mode

$ Select <E> to select the Lamp mode. Use spacebar to cycle between the options, and
press <Enter> to select one of them.
Lamp mode [Aisle]:
Lamp mode [Frame]:
! Aisle: Both antennas in an aisle will flash at an alarm.
3-80
! Frame: Only the antenna that detected the label will flash. This mode is recommended in
multi aisle installations.
3.5.19 <O>: People Detect Time-Out

$ Select <O> from the Settings menu and key in the desired value followed by <Enter>.
Timeout period (0 for OFF) :
Timeout (seconds) [0]:
With a people detector (IR-detector) connected to the RS-232 connector, if no movements are
detected the system will switch transmit power and detection off after the amount of time you
specify under this option. As soon as someone moves into the IR detector area, the transmit
power and detection is switched on again. The system reaches full detection within 1 second.
10 seconds is a recommended timeout.
3.5.20 <W>: Re-tune Interval

Re-tune Interval [30]:
Select the W command in this menu to instruct the system to check the output filter tuning
with the interval you want. If voltages and/or currents differ more than +/- 10% from what you
requested (with the L command), it will automatically re-tune and do a waveform generation.
Normally all levels are within tolerances, but a newly powered up system, tuning will change
slightly with increased temperature in the EM3+
Type in the number of minutes you want and press Return, or use the spacebar to increase
the minutes in increments of 1 minute. The recommended interval is 30 minutes. If you type in
<0> (zero) it will never check tuning.
3.5.21 <R >: Tune Output Filters

$ Use this to tune the output filters.
The output filter has 32 different capacitor combinations. They form, together with an
inductance in the EM3+ heat sink and the transmitter coil inductance, an LC circuit that needs
to be tuned to resonate at the frequency the antenna transmits (5, 6.25 or 7.5 kHz). The
tuning procedure selects the correct capacitor combination for the LC circuit. The
combinations are numbered 0 – 63, only even numbers are used. The procedure takes about
one minute and relays can be heard clicking, switching capacitors in and out.
Settings: r
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LF HF LF
... OK
Tuning................................
<<H>> <<L>>
The procedure starts with checking if antennas are connected. This is done by measuring
how much current the EM3+ is able to drive through the transmitter coils. A result near zero
indicates that antennas are not connected and a warning will be displayed. Step 2 is to apply
a known waveform to the transmitters and try to reach as high an output voltage as possible
by varying the capacitance of the LC circuit. The capacitor combination giving the highest
output voltage will be chosen.
The tuning result is displayed on the bottom line.
3-81
! Tune: This is the number of the capacitor combination chosen, low numbers means low
capacitance and vice versa. Beware if the number is at the end of the range: 0 or 63. This
means that the environment is affecting tuning and an other small change in environment
might make the system unable to tune properly
! Level: This is the output voltage reached with the capacitor combination chosen
3.5.22 <U> RS232 baud rate

Normal baud rate over the RS232 link is 9600 baud. This can be set to 1200 baud when
required by a modem connected.
Settings: u
RS232 Baud [Normal]:
RS232 Baud [Modem]:
If setting this option accidentally to modem (1200 baud), the PC will not communicate any
more. The Monitor program has to be restarted using the <MONITOR –M> command, which
will set the PC baudrate to 1200 baud.
3.6 Test Menu

$ In the Top menu, press <T> to select the Test menu.
The display shows:
? for options
Top: t
$ Press <?> or <h> to list the options in the Test menu:
? for options
Tests: h
Menu options are:
D -> Delay
I -> Input
N -> Noise
P -> Power Amp
F -> PLL freq + sync status
3.6.1 <D>: Delay

The purpose of the Delay test is to compensate for anything that can shift the phase of the
16Hz on it’s way from the EM3+ to the gate. Such things are Transmit cable length and
diameter, metal objects (i.e. checkout counters) close to the antenna. By running the Dealy
test, these conditions are found out by the processor and the transmitted 16Hz phase is
shifted accordingly. The aim is to position the label signal symmetrically within the 16Hz cycle,
as seen by the receivers.
The Delay function in the EM3+ works in two steps.
The transmitted 16 Hz wave form is delayed individually for Lo and Hi antenna. This will
compensate for mixed frame installations, different length transmit cables, large amounts
of metal behind one frame etc. The Delay test is calculating the individual delays for you.
Individual receiver channel delays are calculated from the received signals. This is to
compensate for metal behind lower part of the frame etc.
Tests: d
3-82
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
Channel <H1> <H2> <H3> <L1> <L2> <L3>

Measurements:
Count 76 98 76 70 131 50
Error -12 -10 -11 -9 -9 -12
Overall delay:
-> New value 79 80
Channel delays:
-> New value 0 0 0 0 0 -4

done
Delays adjusted
The tests starts by background being adjusted. Keep any tags and metal objects out of the
gate at this time.
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
You are instructed to move the tag at each antenna, first H and the L antenna. At the same
time the alarm lamp flashes and buzzer is sounding on the antenna. While moving the tag,
the cursor will move to indicate the progress.
# Note: Hold the tag at an angle of 90 degrees to the frame. Keep the tag at a distance
of ~15cm from the frame being tested. If the tag is held very close to a frame, signal
distortion may lead to an inaccurate reading. Ensure that you move the tag in ALL
the sensitive areas of the gate, or the delay setting suggested may not be accurate.
If there are insufficient readings from a particular channel for a valid test, or if a key
is pressed before the test is complete, an appropriate message will be displayed,
and the test will be abandoned.
Channel <H1> <H2> <H3> <L1> <L2> <L3>

Measurements:
Count 76 98 76 70 131 50
Error -12 -10 -11 -9 -9 -12
Overall delay:
-> New value 79 80
The test result is displayed as seen above.
! Count: This is the number of label signals seen in each receiver channel during the test.
! Error: This is a measurement of the displacement of the label signal within the 16Hz cycle
and, at the same time, how much the 16Hz phase has to be shifted in one direction or the
other. Values are positive or negative depending which direction the phase must be
shifted.
3-83
! Previous value: This is the delay used during the test and the “Error” value is in relation to
this.
! New value: This is the new calculated and suggested delay value for the 16Hz. It is
calculated by averaging the “Error” value in each antenna and adding it to the previous
value. In the above case, “Error” had a negative value and is consequently subtracted.
You will not come up with exactly the same result as in the test, this is because the
processor is considering a number of other factors as well.
# Delay values in S/W version R3.3 are approximately twice the value calculated in
previous S/W versions.
Channel delays:
-> New value 0 0 0 0 0 -4
An additional delay can be applied to a channel that differs much from the other channels in
the antenna. This is done on the received signal, it is processed earlier or later depending on
which way the error was.

done
Delays adjusted
Finally, you are asked if you want to apply these new calculated delay values. If answering
<YES>, the new values are transferred to NVR and a new waveform is generated.
For further information, see Section 2.7, Description of EM3+ electronics, page 2-40.
3.6.2 <I>: Input Tests

$ Press <I> to run the input tests.
During this test, a test signal is injected sequentially into each receiver channel in turn, and
the outputs of all the channels are checked. The Input test is testing the hardware all the way
from the antennas, through the analogue receiver circuitry, multiplexer and ADC.
A typical display will show:
Input test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 15 16 7 5 9 7 Testing H1-high values in I1/Q1
2 5 6 17 14 4 5 H2- “ “ “ I2/Q2
3 4 6 7 6 15 12
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 14 17 6 4 5 6
2 5 4 16 13 5 5
3 5 5 4 4 17 16
This shows all channels working correctly. The signal should produce a high value (>14) in I
and Q for the test channel, and a low value (<10) for all the other channels.
Input test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 15 16 7 5 9 5
2 5 6 17 12 4 5
3 4 6 7 6 15 12
<<L>>
3-84
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 14 17 6 4 5 6
2 5 4 3 5 5 5
3 5 5 4 4 17 16
This shows a fault in channel L2 (no test pulse present in either I or Q) which is probably
either a frame wiring fault or a receiver board fault.
Input test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 15 16 7 5 9 5
2 5 6 7 12 4 5
3 4 6 7 6 15 12
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
1 14 17 6 4 5 6
2 5 4 16 13 5 5
3 5 5 4 4 17 16
This shows channel H2 - I2 has failed, which is either a receiver board fault (after the phase
detector) or an ADC fault.
# Note! A strong interference source close to the gate may inject spikes into the frame
and corrupt the input test. Before concluding that there are coupling errors, check
the interference levels by running the Noise test.
3.6.3 <N>: Noise Tests

Press <N> to run the noise tests. The Noise test indicates whether there may be any noise or
background problems. For further information, see Section 2.7, Description of EM3+
electronics, page 2-40.
The computer switches the power amplifier on and off during this test. A typical display will
show:
Noise test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 7 6 6 6 6 5
hfAmp 7 8 7 6 6 7
LF 4 4 4 4 4 4
sync 10 9 8 8 7 9
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 8 8 7 8 8 9
hfAmp 9 8 7 7 8 8
LF 6 4 4 6 6 8
sync 8 9 7 6 8 9
This shows the system working correctly in a clean environment.
The noise measured is:
! hf:
high frequency (12.5kHz) noise level (transmit power turned off) to indicate environmental
interference generated by electronic devices near the system.
! hfAmp:
High frequency noise level (transmit power turned on) to indicate noise generated by the
power amplifier and local metal objects close to the antenna.
3-85
! Lf:
Low frequency (< 400Hz) noise (transmit power turned off) to indicate mains-related noise
sources close to the gate
! Sync:
Low frequency signals synchronous to the system (transmit power turned on) to indicate
the background level generated by local metal objects. This test often shows metal objects
affected by 16Hz. Since this is synchronous to our system, the signal processor (DSP) is
normally able to remove this.
A good reading is 9 or less. If the system is near a metal object, the readings of hfAmp and
sync may rise. This is not necessarily a problem since much of the noise will be removed by
the software processing, but it does indicate that performance may be reduced.
Noise test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 7 6 6 6 6 5
hfAmp 7 8 7 6 6 7
LF 4 4 4 4 4 4
sync 10 9 8 8 7 9
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 8 8 7 8 8 9
hfAmp 13 13 13 14 8 8
LF 6 4 4 6 6 8
sync 16 16 17 16 8 9
This shows the effect of a steel panel very close to channels L1 and L2. The limits set for hf
and hfAmp noise is 11.
# Note: In the example above, high values are only present in the hfAmp and sync
tests, where transmit power is on. Values are low in the tests where transmit power
is off. Therefore it is very obvious that the high values are caused by metal too
close to the antennas.
Noise test
<<H>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 17 16 16 16 12 12
hfAmp 18 18 15 15 13 12
LF 16 17 14 14 12 11
sync 19 19 15 14 12 12
<<L>>
I1 Q1 I2 Q2 I3 Q3
hf 8 8 7 8 8 9
hfAmp 9 8 7 7 8 8
LF 6 4 4 6 6 8
sync 8 9 7 6 8 9
In the above can be seen the result of external interference. High values are seen in channel
H1 and H2. Channel H3 has slightly lower values. The interference is present both when
transmit power is on and off. L antenna is not affected. The indications are very clear: it is
external interference and it is located close to the lower part of H antenna.
3-86
3.6.4 <P>: Power Amplifier Tests
The EM3+ has a single 18V power source. This 18V source generates +/-18 V on the power
supply and regulators on the processor board produce the +/-12V and +/-5V. There are two
types of mains transformers in the EM3+.
! An older type where the 18V will be between 15 – 19V depending on mains voltage and
the load. If the 18V is as low as 15V, try lowering transmitter voltages and currents in order
to reduce the load.
! A new type transformer has been introduced (Rev. 3 units) and the 18V will be between 18
– 24V for this transformer. It is not as sensitive to mains voltage variations as the old
transformer. The test result below is from a unit with this new transformer.
Tests: p
BITE Measurements
+12V, -5V Mean : -1042

-12V, +5V Mean : 952
+18V ...
Mean : 23.070 Volts
Min : 22.620 Volts
Max : 23.490 Volts
-18V ...
Min : -22.980 Volts
Max : -21.960 Volts
Difference ...
Mean : 45.570 Volts
Min : 44.880 Volts
Max : 46.140 Volts
<<H>> <<L>>
HF LF HF LF
Error 0% -1% -2% -1%
The top two lines shows the 12 and 5 V regulator outputs. The "Mean" values should be
approx. -1100 mV and +1100 mV respectively. If it varies more than 2000mV then the 5V or
12V is not present. The 18V levels may be as low as 15V, with the old mains transformer,
depending on the transmit load and/or the mains voltage.
The bottom lines show demanded and actual transmit voltages and currents.
3.6.5 <F>: PLL Frequency Test.

The EM3+, with S/W R3.3, is constantly checking status of neighbouring units on the network.
In the example below, you find this status information.
3-87
NETIN ME NETOUT
N/W N/W N/W N/W N/W N/W

IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT
PC
! ME: This is the unit the PC is connected to, directly or via the Network.
! NETIN: The unit connected to Network IN connector of the unit the PC is talking to (ME)
! NETOUT: The unit connected to Network OUT connector of the unit the PC is talking to
(ME).
Tests: f
SYNC: Mode=Auto In=external enhanced Out=internal standard

PLL frequency 16 Hz
Status NETIN ME NETOUT

Info valid Yes Yes No
Enhanced capability Yes Yes No
Enhanced sync out Yes No No
Using ext sync in Yes Yes No
In detect No No No
Transmit on Yes Yes No
2nd harmonic mode No Yes No
SYNC: Mode=Auto In=external enhanced Out=internal standard

PLL frequency 16 Hz
The first two lines gives information on sync mode parameter selected (Auto) and that there is
an external enhanced signal present on the Network IN connector. The output sync signal is a
standard sync and internally generated. The PLL (Phase Lock Loop) has locked on to 16Hz
coming over the Network.
Info valid Yes Yes No

Valid information is received from the NETIN unit. There is no valid information coming from
the NETOUT unit. This tells us that there is no unit connected to the Network OUT connector,
and if there is a unit connected that it is not powered up.
Enhanced capability Yes Yes No

ME and NETIN units have enhanced sync capability. The NETOUT unit is not supplying valid
information and the answer, No, is not relevant.
Enhanced sync out Yes No No
3-88
The NETIN unit is sending Enhanced sync signals on it’s Network Out connector. ME is
sending Standard sync, because there is no unit able to handle Enhanced sync on the
NETOUT side.
Using ext sync in Yes Yes No

Both NETIN and ME are using External sync coming via their Network In connectors.
In detect No No No
None of the units are in Detect mode.
Mains frequency is 50Hz.
Transmit on Yes Yes No

NETIN and ME units have Transmit power ON.
2nd harmonic mode No Yes No

NETIN is in Intermodulation mode. ME is in Second Harmonic mode.
# If a unit is switched off, the Network Fail Safe function will automatically pass the
data on to the next unit on the Network. If for instance NETIN is switched OFF, the
data would come from the unit connected to NETIN’s Network In connector.
3.7 Detect Menu

$ Press <D> to select the Detect menu; the display shows:
? for options
Detect:
$ Press <h> or <?> to list the options in the Detect menu:
D Detect tags
L Background logging
S Stop conditions
F2 Display background
F3 Display current channel
Shift F5 Get current channel parameters
F9 Display all channels
I Initialise background
C Current channel
$ Press the appropriate key (upper or lower case) to enter one of the options. If you press
<Enter> at this point, the system returns to the Top level menu.
3.7.1 <D>: Detect Tags

$ Press <D> to run the system in tag detect mode.
The display shows:
Detect: d
Starting detect ...
<L1>: -96 .. 66 3 OK
<L2>: -88 .. 23 2 OK
<L3>: -125 .. 43 4 OK
3-89
<H1>: -159 .. 62 5 OK
<H2>: -89 .. 71 3 OK
<H3>: -95 .. 37 3 OK
Settling...
Detecting tags...
The Min/Max values represent the output of the A/D converter, caused by background and/or
interference
The percentage figures show how much of the dynamic range of the system is taken up by
background signals. If this exceeds 70%, a warning message will be displayed in the Status
column.
$ Press <CTRL+X> to return to the Detect menu.
3.7.2 <L>: Background Logging

$ Press<L> to turn background logging on or off. Use space bar (or <+> and <->) to cycle
between the options, and press <Enter> to select one of them.
Background logging [Off]:
Background logging [On]:
When Background logging [On] is selected here, the noise levels in all channels will appear
on the screen the next time that D (Tag detect mode) is selected. These numbers are
regularly updated. A typical display shows:
<L1><L2><L3> <H1><H2><H3>
noise 11 10 10 11 11 11
<L1><L2><L3> <H1><H2><H3>
noise 11 10 10 11 11 10
<L1><L2><L3> <H1><H2><H3>
noise 11 10 10 11 11 10
Moving a label through the system will cause the values to increase. When an alarm is
triggered, the lamps flashing will also cause high values.
$ Press <CTRL+X> key to return to the Detect menu.
$ Turn off background logging when not in use, and before exiting the Monitor program. This
is important, because it wastes processing time.
3.7.3 <S>: Stop Conditions

$ Press <S> to select the conditions under which the system will stop operating. Use space
bar (or <+> and <->) to cycle through the options, and press <Enter> to select one of
them. The full display shows:
Stop condition [Quiet]: Normal mode
Stop condition [Note]: Shows details of near misses:
0 - 5 single channel near miss
S single channel detect
F double channel near miss
D double channel detect]
Stop condition [Log]: Not used
Stop condition [Trap]: Stop on alarm
Stop condition [Double]: Stop on double near miss
Stop condition [Single]: Stop on single near miss
Stop condition [Tuning]: Developers function
3-90
Note that this option is stored in the NVR.
The TRAP,DOUBLE and SINGLE will stop the system on seeing tag signals and freeze the
detect data in memory. The F9 (GRAPH function in the Detect menu) can be used to see the
label signals.
Unless you are running some special test, make sure that you reset the stop condition to
[Quiet] when you are ready to exit from Monitor.
3.7.4 <F2>: Display Background

$ Press <F2> to display a graph of the background from the previously selected channel.
The display shows:
Receiving tag data
\
The \ character rotates to indicate that the processor is operating. When the data has been
collected, the display shows a graph entitled Current Background and a menu:
P Print F _ File + increase scale - decrease scale
! Print:
Print the graph to a printer connected to the PC.
! File:
Save the graph to a file on the hard disc of the PC for later use.
! + or -:
Change the scale of the graph on the screen.
$ Press <Enter> to return to the Detect menu.
# Note! This function may be helpful if Static background mode has been selected
from the Settings menu. If Dynamic background mode has been selected, it works
correctly but, because of the background mode processing, the data will have a
very large dynamic range and is unlikely to be useful.
3.7.5 <F3>: Display Current Channel

Press <F3> to display the signals being received in the channel which was selected using C
(see below) in the Detect menu.
The display shows:
Receiving tag data
\
The '\' character rotates to indicate that the processor is operating. When the data has been
collected, the display shows a graph entitled Single channel from most recent detect cycle
and a menu:
P Print F File + increase scale - decrease scale
! Print :
! File :
! + or - :
If run directly after a tag detection, it will display the highest numbered channel with no major
fails.
# Note Do not select this option directly after running the Display background option
(F2) as it will not operate correctly due to memory utilisation.
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3.7.6 <Shift F5>: Get Current Channel Parameters
Press <Shift F5> to display a list of the parameters from the latest detection cycle of the
currently selected channel.
With no tag signal present, a typical display might be:
Channel Parameters
Channel pair number5
Error code1
Major fail detected1
Minor fail detected0
Penalty4
Number of overflows 4, 22, 230
Number of underflows 5,22,230
Peak separation (tenths) 2, 3, 11, 13, 17, 180
Maximum value 118
Pos0 - start of first peak0
Pos1 - centre of first peak20
Pos2 - centre of second peak25
Pos3 - end of second peak0
Moment 40,41,63,640
Symm area 37, 60, 680
Form area 38, 39, 61, 620
Diff area 35, 580
Likeness I 24, 250
Likeness Q 27, 280
Peak average 470
Abs background 26,770
Abs target 670
Relative background 29, 540
Relative background diff 30, 530
Extra top 32, 570
Background energy 16, 320
Target energy 160
Signal to noise 21, 520
Background noise 20, 51, 450
Target noise 19, 46, 560
This information is not all visible at the same time.
$ Press <Down> to scroll down.
The numbers shown directly after some of the above items relate to the tests carried out in
the software.
Before running this option, select the channel number, using Current Channel in the Detect
menu. If a tag has been captured, its scores for the various tests can be compared with the
thresholds set in the system parameter tables. To interpret this information requires a detailed
understanding of the software.
$ Press <Enter> or Esc to return to the Detect menu.
3.7.7 <F9>: Display all Channels

Press <F9> to display a graph of the most recent detect cycle.
The display shows:
Receiving tag data
\
The '\' character rotates to indicate that the processor is operating. When the data has been
collected, the display shows a graph entitled Most recent detect cycle and a menu:
P Print F File + increase scale - decrease scale
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! Print:
! File:
! + or -:
# This graph displays Processed data.
3.7.8 <I>: Initialise Background

$ Press <I> to initialise the background, i.e., to discard any previous background data, and
to start gathering new data.
No message is displayed.
The system will always adapt to new backgrounds automatically; however, this instruction can
sometimes be of value to speed up the adaptation process when using static background
mode (e.g. after changing gain) and during testing.
It is a good idea ALWAYS to initialise the background before leaving a gate running in Static
Background mode.
3.7.9 <C>: Current Channel

$ Press <C> to display and/or alter the number of the channel to be tested or monitored.
Use space bar (or <+> and <->) to cycle through the channels, and press <Enter> to select
one of them.
Current channel [L1]:
Current channel [H1]:
# Note: When Detect is run, the channel number will revert to whichever channel has
the best label-like signal in it. If no label signals are present, it will default to channel
5. In stop mode TRAP it will indicate in which receiver channel the tag signal was
seen.
3.8 Graph Menu

A graphic display is an extremely helpful tool when diagnosing a malfunctioning system. If you
learn how to interpret graphs, then often you have a shortcut to the solution of a problem. But,
you need to work frequently with graphs in order to understand what they can tell you. Make it
a habit that, whenever visiting a site to take a quick look at the graphs.
A few basic things need to be explained in order to help understanding what the graphs show
us.
! A graph display represents from left to right one complete 16 Hz cycle. Some of the
graphs (F5 and F6) represent up to 20 such 16Hz cycles. They are then lined up behind
one another, but each line still representing one complete 16Hz cycle.
! Raw data graphs (F5, F7, SHIFT+F9 and F10) is showing signals before the DSP has
improved them.
! Processed data graphs (F4, F6 and in Detect menu:F9) shows signals after the DSP has
tried to improve them.
3-93
$ Press <G> to select the Graph menu.
The F5 and F6 graph displays 1-20 16Hz cycles according to the N parameter. The curve of
each channel is made up of 256 sampled points from the ADC.
Top: g
? for options
Graphs: h
Menu options are:
N -> No of cycles
C -> Channel No
F4 -> Continuous processed
F6 -> Processed cycles
F5 -> Raw cycles
F7 -> Continuous raw
shift-F9 -> Continuous six channel raw
F10 -> Static six channel raw
3.8.1 <N>: Number of Cycles

$ Press <N> to select the number of 16 Hz cycles to be displayed in the F5 or F6 graph.
Key in the number of cycles and press <Enter> to select a number.
The display shows:
Graphs: n
No of cycles [20]: 10
3.8.2 <C>: Channel Number

$ Press <C> to select the number of the channel to be displayed. Use spacebar to cycle
through the options, and press <Enter> to select a channel number.
Graphs: c
Channel [<H3>]:
Channel [<L1>]:
Channel [<L2>]:
Channel [<L3>]:
Channel [<H1>]:
Channel [<H2>]:
This option is linked to the Current Channel option in the Detect menu, i.e. whichever channel
is selected here will remain selected for other menus.
3.8.3 <F4>: Continuous Processed Data

$ Press <F4> to obtain a continuous, pseudo-oscilloscope, display of processed data. The
receiver channel to be displayed is selected with the <C> option before entering this mode.
This graph gives a live picture of the condition in the gate. Anything entering the gate will
show up immediately on the graph.
3-94
This graph shows the data after it has been processed by the TMS 320 (DSP), so the
background signal has been removed, any noise spikes filtered and the band width has been
reduced. The display is entitled Filtered Data, and its default scale is ±100 units. Use <+> or
<-> to change the scale.
In spite of the DSP processing and filtering, this graph gives a clear message. As pointed out
before, what we see is a complete 16 Hz cycle. But, it should be clean since it is processed
data we are seeing. We see one complete cycle on this graph and it is a 16Hz cycle. There
are two alternatives to what can be causing it.
! Moving metal close to the antenna.
! An unsynchronised EM system close.
When running this display in Dynamic background mode, tags do not generate an alarm, but
they can be seen in the display for a short time if kept in the same position, until they are
absorbed into the background.
In Static background mode, tag signals will only slowly become absorbed and will therefore
be seen for much longer. Note, however, that since background update is NOT inhibited by
tag detection in this mode, tag signals will become part of the background. If tag detection is
then run, continuous alarms may result. Always use Background Initialise in the Detect menu
to clear the background after running F4 with labels in the gate.
$ Press <Enter> to return to the Graphs menu.
3.8.4 <F5>: Display Raw Cycles

$ Press <F5> to display the 256 point raw data (before processed by theTMS).
3-95
Figure 3-1: Display of raw data
This graph displays the I and Q data from the channel selected before processing. It
represents one 16Hz cycle from left to right and from front to back 20 cycles of information.
Therefore this graph actually shows a history of the last twenty 16Hz periods, 1.25 seconds.
This contains the background and tag information and is good for analysing spikes and other
such interference before they are removed by the TMS.
The scale of the graph is on the left (-100, 100) which can be changed with the <+> and< ->
keys.
You can use the options at the bottom of the screen to either print this graph or save it to disk.
If you have a file on disk press <Alt F8> in monitor to retrieve it.
$ Press <Enter> to return to the graph menu.
$ The number of cycles in this display can be changed using the <N> command under the
graph menu.
$ Use the <C> option to select which Receiver channel to display.
3.8.5 <F6>: Display Processed Cycles

$ Press <F6> to display the I and Q data from the selected channel after processing.
3-96
Figure 3-2: Display of processed data
The graph above shows the I and Q of one channel. It represents one 16Hz cycle from left to
right and from front to back 20 cycles of information. Therefore this graph actually shows a
history of the last twenty 16Hz periods. This data is processed so it is the data that is
available after the TMS has processed it.
Once this option is started, if a tag is quickly passed between the frames it should show up on
this graph quite clearly. This graph is also good for looking at repetitive noise and interference
that do not appear in the same place every cycle (if they appeared at the same position every
cycle they would be taken out of the graph with the background signal processing. If the N
parameter is set to >1, then the 16Hz cycles are displayed behind one another.
keys.
$ Use the <C> option to select the displayed channel.
If you have a file on disk press <Alt F8> in monitor to retrieve it., Press <Enter> to return to
the graph menu. The number of cycles in this display can be changed using the <N>
command under the graph menu.
3.8.6 <F7>: Continuous Raw Data

$ Press <F7> to obtain a continuous, pseudo-oscilloscope, display of data before any
processing takes place.
$ The display is entitled Raw Data, and its default scale is 100 units. Use <+> or <-> to
change the scale.
When running this display, tags do not generate an alarm, but they can be seen in the
display. If there is any interference near the system, it will show up on this display. There
should generally be much less interference shown on the processed data display (F4).
This display is useful for identifying the nature of the interference.
3-97
3.8.7 <Shift F9>: Continuous Six-Channel Raw
$ Press <Shift F9> to obtain a pseudo-oscilloscope display of the I and Q data from all six
channels, before processing.
The display is entitled Raw Data and its default scale is 100 units. Use <+> or <-> to change
the scale. It has lower resolution than F7 (64 points per cycle instead of 256) and the screen
update rate is very slow because of the volume of data.
3.8.8 <F10>: Static Six Channel Raw

$ Press <F10> to display one 16Hz period of I and Q data from each channel. This is data
before it enters the TMS.
Figure 3-3: Display of static raw data

This graph gives a good over view of the channels status before the data is processed.
keys.
If you have a file on disk press Alt F8 in monitor to retrieve it.
$ Press <Enter> to return to the graph menu.
3.9 Network Menu

The Network is used for accessing other units in a large installation, like a super- or hyper-
market. Systems can then be checked, over the Network, without bothering the cashiers
working in the checkout. Once connected to a remote unit, any function can be performed as
if the PC was connected directly to that unit.
3.9.1 Network Addressing
3-98
"02" "01" "00" "-02"
"-01"
"03"
PC
Addressing is relative to where the PC is connected. A few things to remember.

! The EM3+ where the PC is connected is unit address “00”
! Any units connected to unit “00” Network OUT connector is in direction “Downstreams”
and are addressed “-01”, “-02” etc.
! Any unit connected to unit “00” Network IN connector is in direction “Upstreams” and are
addressed “01”, “02” etc.
! A Dual aisle system on the Network actually consists of two processor boards (Main board
and AUX board), connected together with an internal Network connector, each processor
board having it’s own address on the Network. See the two outside systems above with
addresses “02” and “03” to the left and “-01” and “-02” to the right.
$ From the Top menu, press <N> to access the Network Menu.
A Aux Connect (this option appears only when Configuration = Dual aisle)
C Connect
N Count Units
I Identify Yourself
D Disconnect (this option appears only when connected to a
remote unit)
3.9.2 <A>: Aux Connect

$ When the PC is connected to a Dual Aisle unit, select this to fast connect to an auxiliary
board in a dual aisle configuration.
# Note: This option is available only when Configuration = Dual aisle.
3.9.3 <C>: Connect

Checking units available . . . OK
Select unit : DOWN (< 0) or UP (> 0)
Address [0]:
Address [-1]
$ Press the spacebar to cycle through the units, then press <Enter> to select.
Selecting address "-1" will connect the PC to the first unit downstream (conversely, selecting
"1" will connect you to the first unit upstream). Any messages on the screen will indicate
which unit you are connected to, in this case <<Remote -1>>.
Address [-1]:
3-99
Connected OK
Settings <<Remote -1>> :
Top <<Remote -1>> :
When connected, you can perform any function on the remote unit.
3.9.4 <N>: Count Units

$ Select <N> to see how many units are available on the Network.
Units connects : UP link = 3; DOWN link = 2
This means that upstream there are 3 units on the network and 2 units downstream.
3.9.5 <I>: Identify Yourself

When you select I, the remote unit you are connected to will sound its alarm loudspeaker and
flash the alarm lamps.
3.9.6 <D>: Disconnect

Once you have connected to a remote unit, the Network menu will look like this:
Network <<Remote -1>> : ?
Menu options are:
D - Disconnect
I - Identify Yourself
$ Press <D> to disconnect from the remote unit and to return to the local unit (address "00").
You will also be asked if you want the remote unit to return to Detect mode after
disconnecting.
Network <<Remote -1>> : d
Disconnect ? [Yes] :
Return to detect ? [Yes] This option does not show up when
disconnecting from an AUX board in
a Dual aisle system
Disconnected OK
$ Always select "Return to detect". If you don’t, the unit will be left in none detect mode and
there is no time-out on this. The unit will stay out of detect mode.
# When disconnecting from an AUX board in a Dual aisle system, the “Return to
detect” option will not show up.
3.10 Loop menu

Loop menu is intended for an experimental system, System 5000, and is not available. In
Settings menu, Configuration parameter, you also find Loop master/Loop slave options for
this system.
3.11 Feature menu.

This is a developers tool and is therefore not available.
3-100
4 Networking
4.1 Introduction
EM3+ units in a multi system installation may be connected together using a Network cable.
The Network cable carries two types of information.
! Synchronisation signals. The 16Hz field transmitted by an antenna does reach several
meters and can interact with an adjacent system, thus causing loss of performance. To
prevent this happening, the systems are synchronised via the Network cable.
Synchronising means that the 16Hz fields transmitted by adjacent systems are in phase
with each other at all times.
! Data out/Data in. The data lines allow systems to communicate via the Network cable.
This capability serves two purposes.
4-101
1) In a large installation, where systems are connected together via Network cable, the
engineer can connect his computer to any one of the systems and from there troubleshoot
(or commission) all other systems via the Network connection.
2) In a Dual aisle system, detect data and commands are transferred via the data lines.
4.2 When to synchronise?

Systems must be synchronised in the following configurations:
! Dual aisle configuration using two Single aisle EM3+ units.
! Multi aisle installation where the aisle in between systems is an active aisle with detection.
! Unshielded systems (i.e. 2200) closer than 2 meters together.
All other configurations can be run unsynchronised, provided they are using MAINS sync
(which will be automatically selected in a stand alone system set to AUTO sync mode).
4.3 The Network design

The EM3+ network uses a peer-to-peer Network architecture. This means that there is only a
single connection between one unit and the next. Information is received by one unit and, if
necessary, can be sent on to the next unit.
The data network is actually an RS485, which has a maximum transmission cable length of
1000m. This means theoretically you could have 1000m of network cable between each unit.
Figure 4-1: Network cable pin-outs

The data sent on the network is bi-directional between each adjacent EM3+ Unit. The sync
network is uni-directional, i.e. it is passed in one direction from the first unit to the last.
To ensure that the sync network is always wired correctly, the network connectors are 15 way
D-type connectors (one male, one female). The network cable should only be made out of
screened cable containing three twisted pairs.
# Note: When a unit is switched off, a fail-safe function maintains the data connection
along the network.
4.4 Setting up the Network

A B C
Figure 4-2: Network connection diagram
4-102
The network cable (the male plug) must be connected to the first unit's (Unit A) OUT-
connector and the other end (female plug) to the IN-connector of the next unit (Unit B), as
shown in the above illustration. No terminator plug is needed.
The default Sync mode parameter (<Y> command in Settings menu) is AUTO mode. This is
also the recommended sync mode. The first unit in the network (Unit A) will automatically go
to MAINS sync mode and subsequent units (B,C etc.) go to EXTERNAL sync mode.
4.5 Network Failsafe Function
Figure 4-3: CPU connection diagram

The CPU receives the Data and Sync signals. Sync is automatically passed on to next unit.
Data is also passed on to next unit if it is addressed to a unit further down/up the line. If there
is a failure in the unit (e.g. power failure), data is automatically passed on to the next unit, due
to the fail safe relay. Sync is not passed on to next unit, it will (if in recommended sync mode
AUTO) automatically switch to MAINS sync mode.
4.6 Network Addressing

The EM3+ network uses relative addressing. This means that the unit the PC is connected to
has the address "0". Units downstream (to the right in the figure below) have addresses "-01",
"-02" etc. Units upstream (to the left in the above figure) have addresses "01", "02" etc. The
upstream/downstream expression refers to the direction that the sync signal is travelling in
(from OUT connector to IN connector in next unit).
"02" "01" "00" "-02"
"-01"
"03"
PC
Figure 4-4: Network connection diagram
The left- and right-most units in the above figure are Dual aisle units. In a Dual aisle unit,
there are two processor boards connected together via an internal Network connector. Each
processor acts as a separate logical unit on the network, with its own address.
4.7 Connecting to a Remote Unit

To connect to a remote unit via the network on an EM3+ Unit:
$ Start up the monitor as normal from any unit in a network.
4-103
$ From the top menu choose the option "N" for the network menu.
Top: h
Menu options are:
I -> Installation menu
S -> Settings menu
T -> Test menu
D -> Detect menu
G -> Graph menu
N -> Network menu
L -> Loop menu
F -> Features menu
Once the network menu has been selected the display will show the following:
Network:?
Menu options are:
A AUX Connect (This option only available when
configuration = DUAL AISLE)
C Connect
N Count Units
I Identify Yourself
$ Select <N>.
How many units are available on the Network. If there are units connected the display will
show how many are up-streams and down-streams on the network from the unit that the PC
is connected to.
Network: n
Units connected : UP link = 3; DOWN link = 2
The example above shows that there are 3 units upstream on the network and 2 units
downstream.
$ Select <C> - to connect to one of the remote units.
Network: c
Checking units available ... OK
Select unit : DOWN ( 0) or UP ( 0)
Address [0]:
Address [1]:
Connected OK
Top <Remote 1> :
Selecting address "1", will connect the PC to the first unit upstream. Any messages on the
screen will indicate which unit you are connected to, in this case "<Remote 1>".
Once the engineer has connected to a remote unit they can perform any function on that
remote unit that they would be able to run if connected directly to the unit via the PC cable.
$ Select <I> to run the identify option.
The unit you are connected to will sound it's alarm loudspeaker and flash the alarm lamps.
This option is very useful if the engineer is not sure which unit they are connected to.
# If an intermediate unit is failing, the Network fail safe relay will pass on data to next
unit and connection will be made to the unit beyond the one you actually wanted to
connect to.
Once you are connected to a remote unit, the Network menu will look like this.
Network <Remote -1> : ?
Menu options are:
D - Disconnect
I - Identify Yourself
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$ Select <D> to disconnect from remote unit and return to local unit (address "00"). You will
also be asked if you want the remote unit to return to Detect mode when disconnecting.
Network <Remote1> : d
Disconnect ? [Yes]:
Return to detect ? [Yes]:
Disconnected OK
Network:
# Note: Always put the remote unit back into detect mode before disconnecting or it
will not detect.
4.8 Compatibility with EM3

4.8.1 Synchronisation
EM3+ and EM3 are compatible and can be mixed on the same Network as far as
synchronisation is concerned.
4.8.2 Data transfer

If units are to exchange data, they must have the same S/W version. This is always true, even
if the H/W is the same throughout the network (i.e. all EM3+ or all EM3). The need for the
same S/W version is particularly important in a Dual aisle configuration consisting of two
Single aisle units.
4.9 Compatibility with System 2500

The older electronics that was used with the system 2500 (processor and power amp in
separate boxes) is still in the field in some quantities and there may be instances that a set of
old 2500 electronics has to be connected to the new EM3+ Units. This chapter explains how
the two different systems are connected together.
Em3+ network cable 2500 network cable
NETIN NETOUT NETIN NETOUT NETIN NETOUT NET NET NET NET
Em3+ Em3+ Em3+ 2500 2500

electronics electronics electronics electronics electronics
Figure 4-5: Network connection to System 2500

EM3+ and/or EM3 units can be connected on the same Network as old 2500 electronics.
However, there are some restrictions.
! System 2500 can not transfer sync-signals to EM3+
! Data transfer between 2500 and the EM3+ is not possible.
! The PC can not be connected to the old system 2500 electronics via the EM3+ network
! The old 2500 electronics must be connected at the end of the Network (to the out
connector of the last EM3+ Unit).
! The old 2500 electronics must always be a dedicated slave (address "31").
! Terminating resistors are needed on the last old electronics unit on the network.
4.9.1 Connecting EM3+ Units to System 2500 Units

To connect EM3+ Units to System 2500 units, proceed as follows:
4-105
$ All of the EM3+ Units must be connected together (with EM3+ network cable).
$ All of the 2500 units must be connected together (with 2500 network cable).
$ All the 2500 units must be set as sync slave preferably by using address code "31".
# Note: The last EM3+ Unit NETOUT must connect to the first 2500 (with 2500 network
cable).
4-106

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EM3 & EM3+

1.1 Purpose of this document

! How the system works ( Theory of operation )

1.2 What is an EAS system?

1.3 METO Electro Magnetic (EM) systems

1.3.1 What is Intermodulation?

The two antennas in an aisle are transmitting three different frequencies.

1.3.2 Second harmonic.

1.4 Overview of METO Electro Magnetic systems.

1.5 The EM3+ Units

1.6 EM3+ Single Aisle (S/A) Unit

Figure 1-1: EM3+ Single Aisle unit front panel

Single EM3 IN OUT H L

1.6.2 Internal Construction of the EM3+ Single Aisle Unit

Figure 1-2: EM3+ dual-aisle front panel

1.7.1 Explanation of the Connectors

1.7.2 Internal Construction of the EM3+ Dual Aisle Unit

! A larger Mains transformer is fitted in the heat sink.

1.8 System Configuration Options

1.8.2 Dual Aisle Configuration

EM3+ D/A EM3+ S/A EM3+ S/A

1.8.3 Multiple Aisle Configuration

1.9 EM3+ Network

1.9.1 Data lines

1.10.1 System 2200

System 2200 antenna is an Entry/Exit system. It is unshielded and consequently sensitive to

1.10.3 System 2310 (tall)

1.10.4 System 2320 (wide)

1.10.5 System 2330 (round)

System 2380 is performance wise very similar to System 2800.

1.10.7 System 2700

1.10.8 System 2800

1.10.10 Floor Mat

1.11.2 People detector

1.11.3 Hand held detector

1.11.4 Controlling external devices

Counter Aux Lamp2 Lamp 1 TxL TxH

EM3 label EM3+ label

1.13.2 System 2100

1.13.4 System 2600

1.14.2 EM3+ Power Consumption

1.15 EM3+ Standards

1.15.3 European Requirements

2.1 Overview of Electromagnetic Technology

2.1.1 The linear magneto-mechanical system

2.1.2 Non-linear magnetic system

Figure 2-1: A typical METO non-linear EM system

Below is a typical example of a label signal generation.

A complete 16Hz cycle

Fig 2-2 Signal generation

Figure 2-4: Typical B-M curve

2.2.2 Benefits of Intermodulation

2.3 Second Harmonic

2.3.2 The Benefits of Second Harmonic

2.4 The Competition

2.5 Tags and Labels

Figure 2-6: Strip label/Thin film label design