Method of connecting an antenna wire to a transponder chip. A transponder chip in a recess in a substrate, and an antenna wire mounted to the surface of the substrate and having end portions spanning the recess. The end portions are spaced wider than the chip, to allow the chip to be inserted into the recess from the same side as the antenna. The end portions may then be repositioned to be over corresponding terminals of the chip, for bonding thereto. The recess may be substantially larger than the chip, so that the chip and/or the substrate may be moved from side-to-side in the recess for positioning the terminals under the end portions, for bonding thereto. Insulation may be removed from the end portions prior to mounting the chip in the recess, to enhance subsequent bonding.