Abstract: Transponders present in an interrogation zone can be identified by an interrogator by it sending an RF interrogation signal into the interrogation zone, the RF interrogation signal containing a code string prompting the transponders to generate partial addresses. As soon as one transponder “sees” that the generated partial address agrees with part of its own address, it responds by sending its full address which can then be read by the interrogator. Immediately after having received a full address the interrogator sends a code string characterizing the address of the transponder having responded before so that this transponder is thereby addressable. The signal sent by the interrogator to the transponder with this code string also contains an instruction which prompts the transponder to assume the condition in which it no longer responds to receiving its address or partial address.