Next in 1410, the first RFID tag performs operations to monitor a level of RF energy being received thereby. The level of RF energy is then compared to the first threshold value, as shown by 1412. The comparison operations can be performed by a processor of the RFID tag (e.g., controller 210 and/or circuit 234 of FIG. 2). If the level of RF energy does not exceed the first threshold value [1414:NO], then 1416 is performed where method 1400 returns to 1403. In contrast, if the level of RF energy does exceed the first threshold value [1414:YES], then 1418 is optionally performed where a WOT is determined during which the RFID tag's receiver is to be operational. 1418 is optional since the RFID tag can be pre-programed with a WOT value. In other scenarios, a value for the WOT is determined by the RFID tag and/or a remote device. The WOT value is determined based on environmental conditions and/or system conditions.

Once the RFID tag has knowledge of the WOT value, then 1420 is performed where the operational mode of the first RFID tag is transitioned from the power recharging mode to the communications mode in which the receiver is enabled. The present solution is not limited in this regard. For example, in some scenarios, the operational mode of the first RFID tag is transitioned from a power save mode to the communications mode. In the power recharging mode, a power source is being recharged, while in the power save mode no such power source recharging occurs. Also, in the power save mode, operations of the tag are configured to minimize power consumption. Accordingly, the method of FIG. 14 can be used in applications where energy harvesting and/or power source recharging elements are not present within the tag.