a tire sensor that communicates to a remote interrogator in one of two modes depending on the nature of the interrogation . the interrogator may be distributed throughout a vehicle if needed for design options . further , the interrogator only interrogates the transponder when the interrogator has reason to believe that the transponder is in range of the interrogator . the interrogator and transponder may be configured to operate in different modes for communication during operation of the tire on a vehicle and during non - operation . the transponder may communicate tire condition information to the interrogator concerning environmental or other information sensed about the tire .