ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the fundamental blocks that make up the transponder. It also describes the methods for programming the transponder by either a contact programmer or a contactless programmer. The chapter presents a summary of the electrical and mechanical specifications found in commercial transponders as well as a description of their most common assembly methods. When the transponder is immersed in an electromagnetic field of the appropriate frequency, a radiofrequency voltage appears across the antenna terminals. The memory of radiofrequency identification transponders is divided into data memory and configuration memory. Configuration memory stores data regarding the configuration parameters for the transponder. Memory varies in size, rewriting capabilities, structure, and characteristics similar to those found in memory used in other products. The programming of the transponders can be done by the manufacturer at the time of production or by the end user. The chapter provides a description of the main encoding and modulation methods commonly used by transponders.
