Method, system, and integrated circuit for communication in RFID or remote sensor systems

A system, comprising:

• a transmitting/receiving device operable to receive a command from a control unit;
• and
• an integrated circuit operable to:
• determine a random number specifying a time slot of a first series of time slots for transmitting a second data sequence to the control unit;
• and
• in response to a determination that the random number specifies the first time slot in the first series of time slots, determine a new random number;
• wherein the transmitting/receiving device is further operable to:
• transmit, in the first time slot in the first series of time slots, a first data sequence to the control unit;
• and
• receive a control signal from the control unit, the control signal having been transmitted by the control unit upon detection of an at least partially simultaneous transmission of first data sequences by more than one of a plurality of systems.

An integrated circuit operable, upon receiving a command from a control unit, to:

• determine a random number specifying a time slot of a first series of time slots for transmitting a second data sequence to the control unit;
• in response to a determination that the random number specifies the first time slot in the first series of time slots, determine a new random number;
• generate a first data sequence for transmittal, in the first time slot in the first series of time slots, to the control unit;
• and
• receive a control signal from the control unit, the control signal having been transmitted by the control unit upon detection of an at least partially simultaneous transmission of first data sequences by more than one of a plurality of integrated circuits.