ThingMagic M6e - Manual (Page 24)

Hardware Interfaces
A D I V I S I O N O F T R I M B L E
24 Hardware Overview
Hardware Interfaces
Antenna Connections
The M6e supports four monostatic bidirectional RF antennas through four MMCX
connectors: labeled J1 through J4 on the module. See
Cables and Connectors for more
information on antenna connector parts.
The maximum RF power that can be delivered to a 50 ohm load from each port is 1.4
Watts, or +31.5 dBm (regulatory requirements permitting).
Note
The RF ports can only be energized one at a time.
Note
FCC/NA Region max RF power is 30 dBm. For 31.5 dBm operation in the
FCC/NA Region the M6e-A module must be purchased.
Antenna Requirements
The performance of the M6e is affected by antenna quality. Antennas that provide good
50 ohm match at the operating frequency band perform best. Specified sensitivity
performance is achieved with antennas providing 17 dB return loss or better across the
operating band. Damage to the module will not occur for any return loss of 1 dB or
greater. Damage may occur if antennas are disconnected during operation or if the
module sees an open or short circuit at its antenna port.
Antenna Detection
To minimize the chance of damage due to antenna disconnection, the M6e supports
antenna detection. Detection can be done automatically or manually, the choice of which
is configured through API calls. Regardless of how itʼs used it is generally recommend
that antenna detection be enabled as it helps protect the module from possible damage
due to return losses less than 1 dB.
In order for antennas to be detected by the M6e the antenna must pass some DC current
across the center pin and ground, i.e. must present between 50 Ohms and 10 kOhms DC
resistance.