Rfid tag with remote sensors and/or removable batteries

Abstract

A method according to one embodiment includes mounting a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on a barrier, and positioning an external module that is coupled to the RFID tag on another side of the barrier. A method according to another embodiment includes detaching a first external module from physical communication with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, and attaching a second external module to the RFID tag.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 mounting a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on a barrier; and   positioning an external module that is coupled to the RFID tag on another side of the barrier.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the external module has a sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the external module has a battery, the external module being configured for providing battery power to the RFID tag via a connector. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the external module has a sensor and a battery, the external module being configured for providing sensor reading and battery power to the RFID tag via a connector. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising coupling the external module to the RFID tag. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the RFID tag comprises:
 a housing;   an interface configured for detachable coupling to a connector that is coupleable or coupled to the external module having at least one of a battery and a sensor;   a controller for processing data derived from an output of the sensor;   a memory for storing the data derived from an output of the sensor and/or the processed data; and   an antenna coupled to the controller for enabling backscatter communication.   
     
     
         7 . A method, comprising:
 detaching a first external module from physical communication with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag;   attaching a second external module to the RFID tag.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second external modules each have a sensor, wherein the sensor of the second external module is calibrated. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising sending the first external module for calibration. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the first and second external modules each have a battery, wherein the battery of the first external module is discharged below a predetermined level, wherein the battery of the second external module is not discharged below the predetermined level. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second external modules each have a sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the RFID tag comprises:
 a housing;   an interface configured for detachable coupling to a connector that is coupleable or coupled to the external module having at least one of a battery and a sensor;   a controller for processing data derived from an output of the sensor;   a memory for storing the data derived from an output of the sensor and/or the processed data; and   an antenna coupled to the controller for enabling backscatter communication.