RFID

Why Use RFID Tags?

Hydraulic cylinders are typically used in industrial applications, and often in critical roles. In many applications, the operating environment where cylinders are used creates a difficult-to-impossible challenge to read a cylinder’s identification markings. Implementing RFID not only allows operators to quickly identify the cylinder, but the RFID tag contains all the required information to track and maintain the cylinder. For example, information stored may include serial number, date of manufacture, MC part number, bore, stroke, pressure rating, full repair kit number and rod seal repair kit number. The RFID tag even includes a maintenance log, where the date and maintenance comments can be stored right on the tag.

Understanding RFID

High-Frequency (HF) RFID tags use passive RFID technology that contains no battery. Tags are powered by the RF waves emitted from the antenna of an RFID Reader. When the tag is within range, coils in the HF RFID tag capture the RF waves to power the tag. Once powered, the RFID reader can read and write to the tag. No power is required to maintain the memory on the tag. RFID tag memory can only be changed with an RFID reader. RFID tags are designed to hold information for years.