Abstract: A shape modulation transmit loop with digital frequency control permits spectral shaping of a digital pulse stream (12) by controlling the slew rate of the transition signal (16) between successive pulses. The loop is formed when the digital data stream is fed into an up/down counter (152) whose output is coupled to a programmable memory means (154), such as RAM, EEPROM, flash memory or similar electronic storage means. The output (108) of the programmable memory (154) forms a first input to an adder (112) which drives an accumulator (52) with specified steps. Values corresponding to the desired waveform (70) are stored in a lookup table (60) which is coupled to a digital-to-analog conversion circuit (64) which uses the values in the lookup table (60) to construct a sine wave output signal (70) corresponding to the frequency set by the current specified step of the up/down counter (152).

Abstract: A demodulator (200) including a phase detector (201) receiving a modulated signal and outputting a demodulated signal. The phase detector (201) also receives a reference signal. A programmable voltage circuit (203, 204) outputs an analog voltage. A reference signal generator (208) that is responsive to the programmable voltage circuit (204) and the demodulated signal has an output coupled to provide the reference signal to the phase detector (201). A window detect circuit (206) with an input coupled to the demodulated signal generates an inhibit signal when the demodulated signal is within preselected limits. The inhibit signal is coupled to latch the programmable voltage circuit (203, 204). Preferably, the programmable voltage circuit is implemented as a digital-to-analog converter (204) driven by a counter (203) or by a processor circuit (302).

Abstract: A method of identifying an object and determining in which of at least two areas the object is located is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: focusing a first directional antenna (18) on a first area (28a), focusing a second directional antenna on a second area (28b), transmitting a first field strength pulse (44) from said first directional antenna (18), transmitting a second field strength pulse (46) from said second directional antenna (18), and comparing in a transponder (14) the first field strength pulse (44) to the second field strength pulse (46) to determine in which of the two areas (28a,28b) the transponder (14) is located. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of identifying an object and determining in which of at least two areas the object is located is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: focusing a first directional antenna (18) on a first area (28a), focusing a second directional antenna on a second area (28b), transmitting a first field strength pulse (44) from said first directional antenna (18), transmitting a second field strength pulse (46) from said second directional antenna (18), and comparing in a transponder (14) the first field strength pulse (44) to the second field strength pulse (46) to determine in which of the two areas (28a,28b) the transponder (14) is located. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.