Abstract: A method and an identification system used for communicating between a reader and a plurality of transponders are disclosed. The reader has a transmitter for transmitting a signal and each transponder includes a receiver for receiving the reader signal and a transmitter for generating a transponder signal. When the reader recognises a transponder signal from one of the transponders it immediately issues a mute instruction, muting all other active transponders and passing control to the said transponder, without the need for a specifically timed acknowledgement to the said controlling transponder. The reader may issue a single disable/wakeup instruction which disables the controlling transponder returning control to the reader and reactivated all muted (but not disabled) transponders.

Abstract: Integrated circuits such as transponders are attached to a substrate such as cardboard packaging material by adhering an integrated circuit in the substrate, applying a patch antenna to the substrate and the integrated circuit, and applying a sealing layer over the integrated circuit and at least a portion of the antenna. In variations of the method, an indentation may be formed in the substrate into which the integrated circuit is placed. The patch antenna may be screen printed onto the substrate and the integrated circuit, using conductive ink, or may be a metallic foil which is applied to the substrate and the integrated circuit. Where the integrated circuit is a transponder, it can be programmed with an identification code, either before or after being attached to the substrate.