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Mechanical connections

The TapNLink can either be used by itself, or be clipped into an IoTize Cup (see image) and used in proximity to the target.

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Connection constraints

  • Antennas (NFC, BLE or WiFi): Avoid having metal screens (Faraday cages) between the smartphone and the Tap. Avoid proximity with any metal which may disturb the electromagnetic field.
  • The smartphone NFC antenna must be placed close to, and parallel and centered with, the TAP NFC antenna. Smartphones/tablets vary greatly in size and in the position of their NFC antenna. Generally, smartphone NFC communication is optimal at a distance of 10 mm, and can be problematic at 30 mm.
  • The TapNLink electronics must be protected from electrostatic discharge, and corrosive environments.
  • The connection cables should be kept away from electromagnetic disturbance (motors,...).

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The TapNLink PCB does not have screw holes. When used without a Cup box, it must be fixed either by:

  • gluing
  • snaps applied to the outer perimeter or to the central slots (in the same way as the Cup box),
  • elastic tape inserted in the two central slots,
  • metal screws (M1.6) in the central slots, with insulating washers between the screw head and the PCB to avoid contact with the extension connector.

IoTize Cup box

It is recommended to put the TapNLink inside an IoTize Cup box which resolves the connection constraints. The minimum order quantity is 50 boxes.

The Cup box can be supplied with optional items or a customized color:

  • A flat or double-sided adhesive gasket to waterproof the support's joint,
  • A Bluetooth logo decoration which could be glued to the outside of the case.
  • The Cup box color can be customized if more than 2000 boxes are ordered. Simply request a quotation from IoTize.

The customer could manufacture a specific label (dimensions are given below).

If required, the customer must provide 3mm diameter screws best suited to their support.

Cup dimensions:

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Placement of the Tap in the Cup

The tap should be correctly positioned over the tap connectors and snapped into the CUP.

Caution: The guide marker must be correctly positioned for the ceramic antenna.

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This exploded view shows the Tap and Cup fitting:

  1. Customized label (optional) which may indicate connection modes (BLE, WiFi,...). The center of the label corresponds to the center of the NFC antenna.
  2. Cup case, in ABS.
  3. Tap, see previous section for details.
  4. Fixing screws (not supplied) to be chosen according to the support wall.
  5. Optional gasket (double-sided adhesive or silicone gasket).

Placement of CUP on support wall

The CUP can be mounted on the inside or outside of the support wall.

Outside or inside mounting

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An inside mounting requires a 50mm diameter hole in the support wall which will be visible so must have a neat finish. It is attached with either screws or a double-sided adhesive seal. If fastening screws are used:

  1. Mark the center of the CUP on the support wall.
  2. Drill the screw holes (3.2mm diameter) on a diameter of 56.5mm from the center of the CUP, on the same horizontal as the center.
  3. Drill the main hole (50mm diameter) using a bit saw.

An outside mounting requires a smaller hole in the support wall (for the passage of the cable and its connector), and requires holes for two fixing screws, made in the same way as for an inside mounting. The size and shape of this hole depends on which connector is used, J3 or J1.

  • J3 simplified connector (1x5 points) 2.54mm step (e.g. Molex 0705430004). Recommended for wide range of connections, very low cost of connectors, better robustness.
  • J1 complete connector (2x5 points) 1.27mm step (for a flex cable with 0.635mm step). Recommended when the target application has the same type of connector, and to use the JTDI/JTDO signals that are absent from the main connector.

The connection can be vertical or horizontal depending on:

  • congestion constraints (horizontal is more compact),
  • waterproofing requirements,
  • locking system requirements on the connectors.

Waterproofing or sealing

If the Cup is used as a receptacle for an elastomeric resin (silicone elastomer system specially designed for electronic potting application), a vertical connection is preferable to allow easy connection/disconnection of the TAP without the resin needing to be modified.

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