The present invention provides a multi-band, multi-mode RFID tag that uses
a single antenna structure and integrated circuit to provide asset
location information at any stage of a supply chain. The unified tag
design operates at multiple frequencies (or bands) using the antenna
structure, for example, 125 kHz, 13.56 MHz, 915 MHz, and 2.45 GHz, and
preferably operates electrostatically (at lower frequencies) and
electromagnetically (ay higher frequencies). An on-chip frequency monitor
in the integrated circuit automatically determines which frequency is
present and derives a local clock for the tag's integrated circuit, which
can vary in accordance with the frequency or which can be constant.
Alternatively, a phase locked loop circuit can be used to derive a local
clock signal modulated into the interrogation signal. On-chip matching
and power extraction circuits derive power for the tag from the
interrogation signal, which is preferably passive. Additionally, a
receiver can receive data from the interrogation signal.