The system consists of two main components: The transponder (code carrier) is attached to the object to be identified. The transponder contains no batteries and is hermetically sealed in a housing designed to tolerate harsh environmental conditions. It is completely maintenance-free, and in principle has an unlimited life span.

The permanently programmed code is unique, counterfeit-proof and cannot be modified or deleted. Typically for animal use, the transponder is supplied pre-packed in a sterile injection needle. The reader energises the transponder by means of an electromagnetic field which is emitted by the antenna. It then receives the code signal returned by the transponder and processes it.

Compact, portable readers, which incorporate a battery pack, a two-line LCD and 64 K memory, as well as stationary readers with all the components (i.e. antenna) necessary for expanded layouts, are available. Contact-free communication between the transponder and the reader occurs inductively by means of a polarised low-frequency magnetic field.

Reliable, interference-free rapid code transmission is assured through phase modulation and an integrated process for error checking and correction (PSK - Phase Shift Keying 180 degrees each for logic one and logic zero).

Integrated in the software environment of the Galilei Clinical Research System, the transponder components unfold their maximum use.

Procedures, such as scanning the animal in the cage and finding it in the GCRS database or locating an animal in the GCRS System and identifying it in the cage, are basic routines which are embedded in many business functions of the system to help the user.

Identification via transponders is not only used in processes, such as moving and transferring, but also in quality assurance processes, such as checking a cage card against the cage content or checking a cage against its position.

By the means of this electronic control, the manager of the animal facility can guarantee a minimum of errors, unparalleled when compared to systems without the integration of transponders.