Boot Program Selection via Option Register
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Solution Overview
Problem
Certain microprocessor architectures lack the ability to choose between multiple security levels, limiting flexibility in resource and memory access for applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting boot programs stored in separate microprocessor memories, where an option register determines which boot program to use during initialization, allowing configuration of security levels by modifying access restrictions in the system memory, enabling a single security level for all resources and applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a microprocessor architecture uses fixed security levels, then security management is simplified, but flexibility in choosing security levels for different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple boot programs in separate storage memories (secure and non-secure) and using an option register to predeterminedly set which boot program will execute first. This allows the system to have multiple security level configurations prepared in advance, enabling applications to choose appropriate security levels without complex runtime decisions or architecture modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple boot programs are stored in separate memories, then security level selection flexibility is improved, but memory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the storage memory into separate secure and non-secure memory regions, each containing specific boot programs. This segmentation allows independent management of security-critical code and data, enabling the system to load and execute appropriate boot programs based on security requirements without managing a single large, complex memory space.
Solution Approach 2:
The option register acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies memory management by providing a single-point control for selecting which boot program to execute. Instead of complex memory management logic, the system uses this register to predeterminedly select between secure and non-secure boot programs, reducing memory management complexity while maintaining flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If the option register is read first during resetting, then boot program selection is simplified, but control over security level configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The option register is configured during system initialization or manufacturing to predeterminedly select which boot program executes first. This preliminary configuration simplifies the boot process by eliminating complex runtime selection logic, while the predetermined setting maintains security level control by ensuring the appropriate boot program (secure or non-secure) is selected based on pre-determined system requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present description concerns a method of selection of boot programs, each contained in two separate storage memories of a microprocessor wherein an option register read first during a resetting of the microprocessor conditions the selection of one of the boot programs.