Abstract: A hardware and software solution for providing a tamper-proof, batteryless, remote transponder which will only be programmable by an authorized user is disclosed. This goal is achieved through the use of a hardware Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) generator which checks during a WRITE function of the data that is received from the Reading/Writing (R/W) unit and also generates several protection bits (Block Check Character; BCC) which are sent back during the response function (READ). Before the CRC generator checks the data during a WRITE function, however, it must be set to a predetermined start value called a Segment Code, and the Segment Code of the R/W unit must be the same as the Segment Code of the transponder in order for a Write (or a READ) to be performed. Additionally, programming of the Selective Address must be done within a predetermined time window (has a predetermined Time Code).

Abstract: A method is described for reading the data stored in a passive responder (20) by means of an interrogation device (10) including a receiving section (14). To initiate a read cycle the interrogation device (10) transmits an HF interrogation pulse which on reception in the responder (20) is used to generate a supply voltage and initiates the transmission of an HF signal coded with the stored data. The frequency of the HF interrogation pulse is varied during its transmission over a predetermined range containing the nominal frequency of the responder (20). The receiving section (14) of the interrogation device (10) includes a tuning circuit (15) which adjusts the receiving frequency of the receiving section (14) to the frequency of the HF signal transmitted by the responder (20).