Method and apparatus for tracking a life cycle of turbocharger

A turbocharger, comprising:

• a central housing having at least one fluid passage directing a flow of coolant through the central housing;
• a turbine housing coupled to the central housing;
• a compressor housing coupled to the central housing;
• and
• a plug coupled to the central housing, the plug including:
• a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a threaded portion located between the first end and the second end;
• metallic foam coupled to the second end;
• a printed circuit board coupled to the metallic foam, the printed circuit board including a microchip configured to store information associated with the turbocharger, wherein at least part of the microchip is disposed within the fluid passage when the plug is coupled to the central housing;
• and
• a wire electronically coupling the microchip to an electronic control module, the wire passing through the body of the plug.