An electronic identification tag, usually in very small size, responds to a reader with an identification code unique to the object to which the tag is attached. The stand-alone device responds to a reader signal by storing energy received from the signal, then using the stored energy to generate another signal that is encoded with identification information. In operation, a reader generates RF energy which can reach a multiplicity of such tags over a distance of several meters. The system minimizes power requirements for the tag by minimizing intelligence in the IC. Use of a transmit frequency which is different from the reader's power frequency reduces interference between the power pulse and information pulse, eliminates the need for filters and enables the multiplied clock reference frequency as the transmit carrier frequency.