Balluf BIS M-41 Series, Technical Description Manual

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CONFIGURATION METHODS
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4.2.2 Creating and Using RFID Macros with C-Macro Builder™
What are RFID Command Macros?
RFID Command Macros are a powerful feature of Balluff Balluff Compact processors.
Macros are simple programs that direct a compact processor to execute multiple pre-
programmed instructions.
Because macros reside within the compact processor’s internal memory, they can be
programmed to instruct the compact processor to automatically read and/or write a specified
set of data to an RFID tag without the compact processor ever having to receive a command
from the host. In fact, the compact processors do not even require a connection to a host in
order to execute macros.
Each macro can contain up to 255 bytes of data and each supported compact processor can
store up to eight macros at a time. Though they are stored locally on the compact processor,
macros are also backed up in the Gateway’s flash memory as well.
Why use macros?
The power of macros is in distributed intelligence, the reduction in network bus traffic and the
ability to accelerate routine decision making at the point of data collection.
What can macros do?
In addition to the automated reading and writing of data, macro capabilities include:
•
The ability to write time stamps to RFID tags
•
The ability to filter command responses to only those of interest to the host (such as
when an error occurs or when a tag has arrived in the RF field)
•
The ability to harness powerful logic and triggering capabilities such as; read, write,
start/stop continuous read, data compare, branch, transmit custom string, and set
outputs.
What is a macro trigger?
Macros are initiated by “triggers.” Triggers can be configured in numerous ways. A simple
command from the host, such as “execute macro number three” can be considered a trigger.
Triggers can be configured, for example, to activate a macro when a tag enters or leaves a
compact processor’s RF field.
Balluff RFID compact processors can store up to eight separate triggers in addition to the
eight macros they can also house. Any trigger can activate any of the eight stored macros.
How are macros created?
Macros are created using the powerful, yet simple, C-Macro Builder™ Configuration Tool
from Balluff. The easy to use GUI allows the user to create powerful RFID macro programs
quickly and easily.