A transient voltage suppressing (TVS) circuit includes an implantable RFID chip, an antenna associated with the RFID chip, and a transient voltage suppressor electrically connected in parallel to both the RFID chip and the antenna. The transient voltage suppressor may be formed of an array of diodes, such as back-to-back diodes, at least one Zener diode, or back-to-back or series opposing Zener diodes. In preferred embodiments, the antenna is formed of a biocompatible material suitable for long-term exposure to body tissue and body fluids, and the RFID chip and the transient voltage suppressor are disposed within a hermetically sealed biocompatible container.