Component counterfeit prevention

A system of a machine, the system comprising:

• a network of a plurality of identification devices distributed throughout the machine, each of the identification devices embedded in a component of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals, each identification device including a unique code characteristic of the component, the identification device readable by one or more readers to interrogate the unique code characteristic;
• shielding surrounding at least one of the identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the component;
• a communication path integrally formed in the component of the machine and extending from the identification device to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals through the component;
• a remote processing unit operable to communicate with the network of the identification devices through the electromagnetic signals;
• and
• a wave guide structure disposed in the communication path;
• wherein the component includes a component substrate, the identification device disposed at a substrate pocket formed in the component substrate with an electromagnetic reflector.

A system for a gas turbine engine, the system comprising:

• a network of a plurality of identification devices distributed throughout the gas turbine engine, each of the identification devices embedded in a gas turbine engine component and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals, each identification device including a unique code characteristic of the gas turbine engine component, the identification device readable by one or more readers to interrogate the unique code characteristic;
• shielding surrounding at least one of the identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the gas turbine engine component;
• a communication path integrally formed in the gas turbine engine component and extending from the identification device to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals through the gas turbine engine component;
• a remote processing unit operable to communicate with the network of the identification devices through the electromagnetic signals;
• and
• a wave guide structure disposed in the communication path;
• wherein the gas turbine engine component includes a component substrate, the identification device disposed at a substrate pocket formed in the component substrate with an electromagnetic reflector.