Temperature sensor makes sense to me and that can easily double for device presence. I think I'm dropping the idea of device identification. The manual for the control console mentions how to add RFID tools but also has a generic procedure for selecting the tool name from a list. The brochure for this series does not mention RFID. Therefore, it's likely just for motor temp and you (your surgical tech) manually sets the profile for each connected device. The device has speed control too, but tossing the O-scope on while running the motor didn't produce a signal. I'm thinking back emf for feedback like most sensor-less BLDC motors? Anyway, attached some more photos of the assembly. At least as far down as I'm willing to try. Still really cool stuff.
Got up to 20 devices out of this. Most of these seem to be in excellent condition which doesn't surprise me based on what I know of the facility. End of the fiscal year and all (at the time), justifying the budget and seeing an opportunity to upgrade the fleet. Thought about trying to sell the batch to a refurbish-er to help fund the lab addiction and getting them back in circulation. Looking around though everything (of course) is geared towards health care professionals. Feel like I'm going to either get ignored or at least get some really concerned/confused responses.
Anyway, thanks for the responses! Here's some pics.