This research seeks to determine the feasibility of a method to electronically embed logistics-related data within/on hardware components. The specific research innovation is called the "logistics knowledge base module/template" (lkbmt). The lkbmt is a stand-alone information logging device to be packaged as a microchip in a manner vastly superior to current smart card technologies. The lkbmt serves as an "on-component" knowledge base for maintenance and logistics use. This device would be embedded into a host component as a module during manufacture or be bonded onto the component as a template during retrofit. In either form, the lkbmt is extermelly powered and interrogated through a radi-frequency probe. It has a non-volatile, crash-proof memory which is capable of logistics data retention for ten years. Electronic links to the host component may continuously record reliability-related parameters, such as temperature, vibration, humidity, etc., and serve as an elapsed time meter.
