this invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre - programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using radio frequency identification technology . the source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an rfid transponder affixed to the electrode array , and an rfid interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable . the criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition . if the criteria are not met , a message is provided to the user via the monitor .