Patent ID: 8280347
Filing Date: 2012-10-02
Classification: H04B,H04M

Abstract:
1. A mobile device that is configurable to damage itself to prevent unauthorized use, the mobile device comprising: a receiver (Rx) configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signals transmitter over air from a wireless network, the Rx including receiver electrical circuitry that provides a receive channel for receiving the received RF signals; a transmitter (Tx) configured to output RF signals for transmission over air from the mobile device to the wireless network, the Tx including transmitter electrical circuitry that provides a transmit channel for outputting an RF signal to be transmitted over air from the mobile device to the wireless network; a switching circuit coupled to the receive channel of the Rx and to the transmit channel of the Tx, wherein the switching circuit is switchable between at least a first switching state in which the switching circuit is opened and a second switching state in which the switching circuit is closed, wherein in the second switching state, the transmit channel is electrically connected to the receive channel such that an RF signal output on the transmit channel is received on the receive channel with sufficient power to sufficiently damage at least part of the receiver electrical circuitry to thereby render the Rx inoperable;