Methods and apparatus for detecting unauthorized batteries or tampering by monitoring a thermal profile

A portable electronic device, comprising:

• a heat generating component;
• a thermal sensor;
• an energy storage device for powering the portable electronic device;
• a thermal element thermally coupled to the heat generating component, the energy storage device, and the thermal sensor, the thermal element sized and shaped so that heat generated by the heat generating component flows through the thermal element towards the thermal sensor and interacts with the energy storage device;
• and
• a processor operationally coupled to the thermal sensor to monitor a thermal profile for the thermal element, the processor configured to compare the monitor thermal profile with an expected thermal profile to determine if the integrity of the portable electronic device has been compromised.

A method of monitoring the integrity of a portable electronic device, comprising:

• obtaining an expected thermal profile;
• monitoring a thermal profile using a thermal sensor in thermal contact with a thermal element, the thermal element thermally coupled to a heat generating source and an energy storage device;
• and
• comparing the monitored thermal profile with the expected thermal profile to determine whether the integrity of the portable electronic device has been compromised.