Programmable trimming for a transponder (102, 200, 400) capable of measuring one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure) in an object (e.g., a tire, 104) and transmitting a data stream (FIGS. 3C, 4B) to an external reader/interrogator (106). The transponder typically operates in a passive mode, deriving its power (Vxx, Vcc, Vdd) from an RF interrogation signal received by an antenna system (210, 410), but can also operate in a battery-powered active mode. The transponder includes memory (238, 438) for storing measurements, calibration data, programmable trim settings (436), transponder II) and the like. The trim settings can be programmed in each transponder's EEPROM memory (436), and can be used to control operating characteristics of the transponder, such as modulation index, active/passive mode, current scaling for temperature, and current scaling for pressure. The programmable trim settings feature direct and continuous access (496) to the EEPROM cells containing the trim settings, with a dedicated line (485, 485.n) for each trimming bit, having a sensing circuit (498) powered independently of the EEPROM circuitry.