Circuitry for automatically powering on and maintaining activation of a powered down electronic component in a first device in RF communication with a second device, wherein the first and second devices are preferably an implantable medical device and an external control device, respectively. The system including power logic circuitry for generating a power on signal to automatically close a switch and energize an otherwise powered off electronic device when the power induced in the first device by external RF energy transmitted in the RF communication signal exceeds a minimum operating threshold of the power on logic circuitry. The electronic component while powered by the power source generates a hold signal and a second power signal that is transmitted to the power on logic circuitry to sustain power to the electronic component irrespective of interruptions of relatively short duration for less than a predetermined period of time in RF communication.