Imperial code cylinder

Specific code cylinders were used by the Galactic Empire of Palpatine to provide its officers with security clearance codes. In combination with the rank plaques, these cylinders were also used to denote rank within the hierarchy.

Overview
Imperial code cylinders were among the most common access tools employed by the Galactic Empire. They were kept in narrow pockets on either side of the upper chest and also contributed to the designation of rank. Each Imperial installation was divided into a variety of sectors, each separated fom others by security checkpoints. At major checkpoints, officers who wished to access the next secured area had to prove their identity and rank by inserting individualized cylinders into a scomp link. The scomp link interfaced with a centralized computer, which determined whether the officer had the proper clearance before denying or approving their access request.

Because each cylinder permitted access to only specific sectors, high-ranking officers carried up to four of them. Aboard the first Death Star, Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin possessed four cylinders, which allowed him to travel freely throughout the moon-sized battle station. In contrast, General Cassio Tagge and Admiral Conan Antonio Motti carried only three code cylinders.

The Imperial code cylinders came in at least three different shapes, as the ones worn by Tarkin, Motti and the Stormtrooper officers were significantly different. While the most common type of cylinders looked like a pen with small pocket clip, those worn by Admiral Motti were structured with several concentric shells at the top.

Behind the scenes
The code cylinders used by the Galactic Empire first appeared in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, the first installment of the Star Wars original trilogy.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Republic 78: Loyalties
 * Star Wars: Empire
 * Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
 * The Star Wars Holiday Special
 * Star Wars Galaxies
 * Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
 * Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
 * Heir to the Empire (comics)
 * Crimson Empire III: Empire Lost