A detectable component has a first inductive coupler (L;M) adapted to
couple inductively to a second inductive coupler (L1) of a detection
apparatus when the detectable component is in range of or coupled to the
detection apparatus. The first inductive coupler has a resistive
component (M) with a resistance that varies with magnetic field to cause
modulation of a carrier signal supplied to the second inductive coupler
of the detection apparatus, the detectable component having a
characteristic signature that enables the detectable component to be
distinguished by the detection apparatus from other such detectable
components having different characteristic signatures.