Abstract: A transponder 14.1 for an electronic radio frequency identification system comprises an antenna 18 having an antenna impedance at a feedpoint thereof. The transponder further comprises an electronic circuit 19 having an input connected to the antenna. The antenna impedance having impedance characteristics for developing first and second voltage maxima (36, 38) across the input at first and second frequencies (fL and fH) respectively, thereby to provide a continuous operative frequency band for the transponder including the first and second frequencies.

Abstract: A reader arrangement 22 for an electronic identification system includes a plurality of reader heads 22.1 to 22.4 for energizing transponders 28.1 to 28.n to be read, and a controller 29 therefor. The controller 29 switches activation of the reader heads in a multi-phase sequential pattern including a first phase for activating a first set 22.1 and 22.3 of the reader heads and at least one further phase for activating a further set 22.2 and 22.4 of the reader heads. The switching is such that a complete cycle plus at least the first phase of a subsequent cycle is completed within a time period not longer than a reset period of the transponders. The reset period is the period between removal of an energizing signal from a transponder and the transponder re-entering a normal operational mode.

Abstract: A dipole antenna 34 comprises a loop 36 as a first pole and an appendage 42 comprising a strip 44 terminating in a pad 46 as a second pole. The circumference of the loop is in the order of one half-wavelength of an operating frequency and an effective length of the appendage is at least 0.15 times the wavelength. The dipole antenna 34 is shorter than conventional half-wavelength dipole antennas, has a better frequency response and the antenna impedance ZA is dependent on the position of a feedpoint 38 in the loop 36. The antenna may be used with transponders for electronic radio frequency identification systems.

Abstract: A transponder 14.1 for an electronic radio frequency identification system comprises an antenna 18 having an antenna impedance at a feedpoint thereof. The transponder further comprises an electronic circuit 19 having an input connected to the antenna. The antenna impedance having impedance characteristics for developing first and second voltage maxima (36, 38) across the input at first and second frequencies (fL and fH) respectively, thereby to provide a continuous operative frequency band for the transponder including the first and second frequencies.

Abstract: A transponder 20 for an electronic identification system transponder is characterized in that it presents a high input impedance (>400.OMEGA.) at an input thereof which is directly connected to an antenna 22 with a matched high input impedance. The transponder is aimed at improving the voltage recovered on capacitor C.sub.2 from an interrogation signal and thus the operational range of the system. The modulator 30 of the transponder is arranged to backscatter modulate the interrogation signal at a modulation depth of less than 80%, preferably in the order of 30%. This also results in an improvement of the operational range of the system.