Abstract: A system for tracking elements employing fixed tags that are permanently attached internally or externally to elements. The tags include radio-frequency (RF) communication units that have wireless communication with RF communicators. The wireless communications between the RF tags and the RF communicators operate with a tag communication protocol that defines the operations and sequences for storing information into and retrieval of information from tags. Each communicator has a processor for controlling a security routine with the tag. Each tag has a tag memory having storage locations for storing security information, a controller for accessing the tag memory to access security information in response to the security routine and an I/O unit for electronic communication with the controller and for RF communication with the communicator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a structure includes a semiconductor chip including a communication element for performing a wireless communication function where the communication element has a communication core occupying a region of the semiconductor chip, a plurality of chip pads with two of the chip pads electrically connected to the communication core; a chip carrier for carrying the semiconductor chip where the chip carrier includes a plurality of carrier pads with two of the carrier pads connected to the two chip pads; and an antenna connected to the carrier pads and electrically connected to the chip pads and to the communication core.

Abstract: A RF structure including a semiconductor chip with an RF element having an RF core with two electrically connected chip pads, including a chip carrier having two carrier pads connected to the two chip pads and including an antenna connected to the carrier pads and electrically connected to the chip pads and to the RF core. The antenna is formed of wires, printed conductors, seal rings or other structures on, below or above the top plane of the semiconductor chip. A primary element is provided where the RF element is a secondary element. The primary element occupies a primary region and the RF core of the secondary element occupies a secondary region where the secondary region is much smaller than the primary region. The RF core secondary region is formed with the same native processing as used for the primary element.

Abstract: A system for tracking elements employing fixed tags that are permanently attached to elements. The tags include radio-frequency (RF) communication units that are adapted for wireless communication with RF communicators. The RF tags are permanently affixed to elements as part of the manufacturing of products such as cell phones, PDA's, computers, routers and other electronic equipment. The RF tags are installed during manufacturing in a manner that resists tampering and interference. The RF tags are installed with mechanical barriers to access and are hidden from view in non-user accessible locations.