Abstract: A method and system for inventorying wireless transponders, specifically referred to as RFID transceiver devices. To provide higher functionality, a microcontroller is used in the RFID, along with a battery, but the clock frequency of the microcontroller is adjusted, based on external input, to minimize battery requirements. The RFID transceiver device includes at least one sensor coupled to the microcontroller. Data from the at least one sensor is stored in non-volatile memory of the microcontroller if the battery is at a predetermined low level, and is read later when the battery is at a higher level.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for inventorying wireless transponders, specifically referred to as RFID transceiver devices. The RFID transceiver devices are certifiable by a recognized standards body, such as EPCglobal, or are compatible with recognized standards but have higher functionality than typical passive RFIDs, and yet are implemented with techniques that lower cost and battery requirements. Backscatter techniques of standard passive RFIDs are used to keep cost and battery requirements low. To provide higher functionality, a microcontroller is used in the RFID, along with a battery, but the clock frequency of the microcontroller is adjusted, based on external input, to minimize battery requirements. In one embodiment, the microcontroller initially has a zero or near zero clock frequency.