Apparatus and method for incorporating an annular antenna and electronics into a tire

A mold (50) and a method for pre-cure application of an annular antenna assembly (32) to a tire (12) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of forming within a rigid core (48) defining an interior surface of the tire (12) a core recess (66) complementarily configured to the annular antenna assembly (32); positioning the annular antenna assembly (32) within the core recess (48); building an uncured carcass (40) of the tire (12) around the rigid core (48) entrapping the annular antenna assembly (32) within the core recess (66); cross-bonding the annular antenna assembly (32) to the inner surface of the tire (12) during a cure cycle; and removing the cured tire (12) and annular assembly (32) from the rigid core (48).