RFID solution
VEGA sensors in combination with RFID tags from smart-TEC15.01.2025
VEGA equips its radar level sensors with RFID tags
VEGA sets new standards in sensor identification with RFID integration

Scratches, dents and abraded areas show the years of hard use of a level sensor. To ensure that VEGA sensors from the PRO series can be identified and traced at any time despite the worn nameplate, they now have RFID tags from smart-TEC.

VEGAPULS 6X radar level sensor with smart-DOME 3010 from smart-TEC

VEGA Grieshaber KG has been a leading developer of innovative technologies for level and pressure measurement since 1959. As the global market leader in radar technology, the company focuses on the further development of new technologies and researches pioneering sensor solutions for various sectors such as drinking water supply, energy generation and the pharmaceutical industry. With over 2,400 employees worldwide, including around 1,200 at its headquarters in Schiltach, VEGA is successfully represented in more than 80 countries by subsidiaries and sales partners.

RFID technology is not new and yet radio frequency identification is probably the most modern way of identifying sensors within industrial plants.

Because RFID tags with their writable chips are not only contactless readable, but remain so even in wind and weather, rapidly changing temperatures or after years of exposure to sunlight, they are superior to other identification solutions.

"Die-cut tags or barcodes are the ideal addition, especially for outdoor installations," says Stefan Kaspar, VEGA Product Manager. Whether in extensive chemical parks, in the oil and gas industry or in other industrial areas: "With an RFID tag, our sensors can be reliably traced even after years of intensive use in the field."

RFID tags contain a chip for storing information directly on site at the fill level sensor. smart-TEC packages this contactless readable chip in special materials so that the chip remains readable for many years despite high mechanical, thermal and chemical stress. This makes RFID tags from smart-TEC far superior to all other identification technologies in the industrial environment.

The smart-DOME product portfolio from smart-TEC combines robustness with absolute freedom in terms of shape, design, imprint, frequency, chip type, chip programming and mounting method. The industrial tags are designed for the harshest conditions - such as waste water, dirt, mud, heat or cold - and can be securely attached to any surface and to any tool or machine thanks to mounting holes, cable ties, magnets and special adhesive systems. The additional ex-protection certification of the smart-DOME industrial tags also allows them to be used in potentially explosive environments.

smart-TEC tag smart-DOMEsmart-TEC tag smart-DOME

Universal standard and valid standards

The development of RFID sensor labeling is based on special customer requirements on the one hand, and on the internationally valid standard IEC 61406 and the specifications of the DDCC on the other.

The DDCC (Digital Data Chain Consortium) is a cross-manufacturer association of plant operators, service providers and manufacturers of machines and components for process automation that has been in existence for three years. Regardless of which device and which manufacturer is behind a component: by simply scanning the QR code on the type plate with a normal photo app - or by contactless reading of the RFID tag - users should be able to uniquely identify their assets in future and access the associated documentation.

Digital Twin

A digital twin is the virtual representation of an object or system. This representation covers its entire life cycle, is updated from real-time data and uses simulation, machine learning and conclusions to support decision-making. With the RFID solution smart-DOME Freestyle 3010, VEGA is taking a big step towards digitalization. The RFID tag for VEGA sensors is therefore the first step on the way to the digital twin.

Measurement point identification

The RFID tag can also be labeled with an individual measuring point identification provided by the customer. The specific and unique identification helps to avoid operating errors and provides orientation through instructions and documentation that are stored in the programming.

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