Abstract: Apparatus for processing motor operating data for an associated electric motor comprises a processing unit coupled to a motor stress operating data sensor and a real time clock. It further comprises a power supply coupled to the motor such that the apparatus is powered by power derived from the motor. The data processing method includes the steps of collecting the operating data and, when it exceeds predetermined criteria data for the particular associated motor, storing the operating data and time of occurrence data provided by the real time clock in a data memory for subsequent data read out. In this manner, a motor biography may be reconstructed for the actual or service life of the motor.