MEMS sensor enabled RFID system and method for operating the same

An apparatus for providing environmental monitoring of an item comprising:

• an RFID tag;
• a switch for sensing an environmental parameter to which the item is subjected, and coupled to the RFID tag so that a measurement of the sensed environmental parameter can be stored, the RFID tag for providing remote readout of the sensed environmental parameter;
• a microprocessor configured to determine if the sensed environmental parameter has exceeded a pre-determined threshold or if the sensed environmental parameter has changed since a previous measurement;
• and
• a memory element coupled to the switch to store the sensed environmental parameter if and only if the sensed environmental parameter has exceeded the pre-determined threshold or has changed since a previous measurement;
• and
• a battery coupled to the switch,
• where the RFID tag, microprocessor and memory element are coupled to the battery through the switch, power being drawn from the battery to the RFID tag and microprocessor only when the environmental parameter has been sensed, or to the RFID tag, microprocessor and memory element only when the environmental parameter is stored in the memory element when the sensed environmental parameter has exceeded the pre-determined threshold or if the sensed environmental parameter has changed since the previous measurement,
• whereby remote readout of the measurement of the sensed environmental parameter with the RFID tag provides an environmental history of individual, perishable items over a prolonged time during transportation and distribution.