Transponder code
A transponder code, which can also be referred to as an identity beacon, functioned as a signal embedded within the starship's sublight engines. This signal broadcasted crucial information about the vessel, including its name, classification, proprietor, and other essential particulars. Throughout much of the galaxy's existence, the Bureau of Ships and Services was responsible for both allocating and monitoring these transponder codes.
History
Transponder codes have been utilized since the earliest days of space travel. Although replicating or eliminating these codes was possible, the processes were challenging, costly, and against the law. Vessels lacking transponder codes faced intense investigation when navigating civilized star systems.
During her visit to Nar Shaddaa in 3951 BBY, the Jedi Exile enlisted the services of Tien Tubb, a Sullustan mechanic, to modify the transponder code of the Ebon Hawk.
Certain starships, such as the Millennium Falcon, possessed several transponder codes, enabling them to assume various identities.
Dannen Lifehold's YT-1300 light freighter known as the Lifeline employed an identity beacon that falsely identified it as the Black Knight. These beacons were integrated into starships to transmit their identification.
Armaments, like FreiTek's CL-3 antistarfighter cluster bomb, actively searched for nearby enemy transponder codes to determine the optimal moment for detonation during combat situations.