Annular antenna and transponder apparatus method of assembly

An annular antenna loop (32) is electrically coupled to a transponder (34). The antenna (32) and the transponder (34) are at least partially embedded into a non-conductive carrier strip (36) to form a ring assembly to render the antenna and transponder package unitarily transportable. The annular assembly affixes to a tire (12) in a post-manufacture attachment procedure and at a location that minimizes exposure of the annular apparatus to strain and to electromagnetic interference from the metallic wheel rim (26). A method of assembling the annular antenna and transponder tag includes formation of the antenna wire with an insulating cover therearound; cutting the covered antenna to length; stripping antenna wire ends; threading one antenna wire end through the transponder; splicing the antenna wire ends together; and injecting an insulating composition around the transponder tag and spliced antenna end.