摘要 |
A transponder device (14) receives a carrier signal (16) from an interrogator unit (12). This carrier signal, of frequency F, is rectified by a rectifying circuit (22) in order to generate operating power. Logic/timing circuits (24) derive a clock signal (28) and second carrier signal of frequency F/n from the received carrier signal. This clock signal reads a unique identifying data word from a programmable read only memory (PROM), which is park of a data generator (30). The data word is encoded and mixed with the carrier signal in a balanced modulator circuit (22). The output of the balanced modulator (18) is transmitted to the interrogator unit, where it is decoded and used as an identifying signal. The identifying signal identifies the particular transponder device from which it originated. The rectifier and balanced modulator circuits (22) are realized from the same diode elements. All electrical circuits of the transponder device are realized on the same monolithic semiconductor chip (98). In one embodiment, an antenna receiving/transmitting coil (20) is also part of the chip, being placed around the periphery thereof. In alternative embodiments, various hybrid elements may be connected to the monolithic elements in order to realize additional functions, such as adjustable tuning of the receiving circuit, independent crystal frequency control, and battery-powered operation. |