Abstract: A subscriber device (2) includes a long code generator (12) and a modifier (30) for generating a spread bit stream with a predetermined error pattern that is transmitted by a transmitter (16) at the subscriber device (2) to a base station (3). The base station (3) identifies the current subscriber device properties by identifying the error pattern and subsequently compares the current subscriber device properties with a knowledge base of subscriber device software properties associated with the error pattern in the spread bit stream. The knowledge base is stored in a memory source (4).

Abstract: An electronic circuit (200) for a portable electronic device includes an energy source interface (202), a load (204) coupled to the energy source interface (202), an energy storage circuit (206) having a maximum operating voltage, and a switch circuit (208). The switch circuit (208) is coupled to the energy source interface (202) in series with the energy storage circuit (206). The switch circuit (208) operates to switchably decouple the energy storage circuit (206) in response to a voltage at the load (204) that exceeds the maximum operating voltage.