Patent ID: 7859387

Claim:
A transponder for a HF communication system, the transponder comprising: an antenna for receiving high-frequency carrier signals, the antenna having reflective characteristics; a transponder operational unit for providing an output to place said transponder in a first operating mode or a second test mode as a function of said output, a control unit for providing at least one transponder-specific parameter, which provide information relating to the quality, performance, or functionality of the transponder when said transponder is operating in said second test mode; and a modulator being controlled by the control unit, the modulator altering the reflective characteristics of the antenna in accordance with the at least one transponder-specific parameter, wherein the transponder, when operating in said first operating mode transmits data between a base station and the transponder, and wherein the transponder, when operating in said second test mode, transmits the at least one transponder-specific parameter to the base station, wherein in said second test mode the reflective characteristics of the antenna are modified thereby providing said base station with the information relating to the quality, performance, or functionality of the transponder.