Exploring TRANSCORE’s Range of Rail RFID Tags for Harsh Environments

In the intricate world of rail transportation, TRANSCORE stands out as a leading provider of RFID Tags for AEI (Automatic Equipment Identification) in harsh enviroment. These tags are designed to withstand the rigors of the rail industry, ensuring seamless operations even in the most demanding conditions. Let's go deep into some of the noteworthy types of tags offered by TransCore, along with their models and key specifications.

1. Harsh Environment Transportation Tag (AT5118)

Specifications:

- Frequency: Operating at 902 to 928 MHz, compliant with EPCglobal Class 1 Gen 2 and ISO 18000-6C standards.

- Memory: Offers up to 240 bits of user memory, providing ample space for data storage.

- Durability: Engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, and mechanical shock, ensuring reliable performance in challenging environments.

- Read Range: Offers an impressive read range, enabling efficient data capture even in high-speed rail applications.

- Application: These tags are designed to withstand the demanding conditions present in transportation environments such as rail yards, ports, and terminals. They are commonly used for asset tracking, inventory management, and logistics in harsh outdoor conditions.

- Example: A transportation harsh environment tag can be affixed to railcars, containers, or other assets to track their movement and location throughout the transportation network, even in extreme weather conditions.

2. Externally Powered Signal Tag (AT5417)

Specifications:

- Frequency: Operates at 915 MHz, compliant with ISO 18000-6C standards, ensuring compatibility with existing systems.

- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with signaling systems, enabling enhanced asset tracking and management capabilities.

- Application: Signal tags are crucial for maintaining the integrity of signaling systems in rail networks. They enable accurate identification and monitoring of signals, switches, and other critical infrastructure components.

- Example: Signal tags can be installed on railway signals, switches, and trackside equipment to facilitate remote monitoring, maintenance scheduling, and performance optimization of signaling system

3. Battery Tag (AT5414 and AT5910)

- Battery-Assisted: Equipped with a battery to enhance read range and reliability, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging environments.

- Customization: Tailored to meet specific application requirements, with options for different form factors and communication protocols.

- Application: Battery-assisted passive (BAP) tags are ideal for applications requiring extended read range and reliability. They are commonly used in environments where passive RFID tags may struggle to achieve consistent performance.

- Example: Battery tags can be deployed on high-value assets such as locomotives, railcars, or maintenance equipment to enable long-range identification and tracking, ensuring their visibility across large rail yards or depots.

4. High-Temperature Tag (AT5133)

- Temperature Range: Designed to withstand extreme temperatures, including both high and low extremes commonly encountered in rail operations.

- Material Selection: Utilizes specialized materials and components capable of maintaining performance integrity under thermal stress.

- Application: High-temperature tags are specifically designed to withstand extreme heat or cold encountered in rail operations. They are essential for applications where standard RFID tags may degrade or malfunction under harsh environmental conditions.

- Example: High-temperature tags can be employed in applications such as railcar tracking in industrial environments with high heat exposure (torpedo car in steel industry), or in refrigerated railcars for monitoring temperature-sensitive cargo during transit.

With robust designs, advanced features, and meticulous attention to quality, these tags empower rail operators to overcome the challenges of operating in harsh conditions while maximizing efficiency and safety. Whether it's ensuring the integrity of signaling systems, tracking valuable assets, or optimizing maintenance processes, TransCore's tags are trusted to deliver exceptional performance where it matters most - on the rails.