FPGA Cryptography System Simultaneous Programming Execution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cryptography systems face limitations in performance and programmability, as hardware implementations are inflexible and unable to execute multiple crypto algorithms or variations, leading to bottlenecks in data transmission and restrictive export controls, while processor-based systems lack necessary infrastructure for efficient execution.

Innovation Solution

A high-performance programmable cryptography system utilizing a processor with memory and multiple field programmable gate array (FPGA) blocks, along with an algorithm-independent crypto generation block, allows remote storage of programming files to maintain a non-cryptographically controlled status and enables simultaneous programming and execution of crypto algorithms, enhancing encryption rates and supporting multiple security levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hardware system implementation is used for cryptography system, then performance is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing rateVSAvoidability to execute multiple crypto algorithms
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the cryptography system reconfigurable through FPGA technology. The hardware can be dynamically reprogrammed to execute different crypto algorithms, transitioning from a static hardware implementation to a dynamic, adaptable system that maintains high performance while supporting multiple algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a cryptography system that can perform multiple functions through a single hardware platform. The FPGA-based architecture allows the same physical system to execute various crypto algorithms (AES, DES, RSA, etc.), making it a universal cryptography solution rather than a dedicated single-algorithm device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If crypto algorithm is incorporated within hardware-based implementation, then performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencryption rateVSAvoidupgradability and algorithm switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses FPGA reconfigurability to dynamically load and switch between different crypto algorithms through software updates. This allows the hardware to maintain high encryption rates while enabling easy upgradability and algorithm switching without physical modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the FPGA hardware architecture with reusable cryptographic building blocks and structures. This preliminary setup enables rapid algorithm switching and easy upgradability, as the basic infrastructure is already in place and only needs to be reprogrammed for different algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If hardware-based implementation is used, then performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidcryptographically controlled item status
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cryptography system into distinct components: the FPGA hardware platform, the crypto algorithms stored externally, and the control software. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high performance through hardware acceleration while managing complexity by separating the algorithm logic from the execution platform, avoiding CCI classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the FPGA configuration memory and control software) between the hardware platform and the crypto algorithms. This intermediary allows the system to function as a high-performance hardware device while maintaining flexibility and avoiding the complexities associated with CCI status through proper architectural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If processor-based implementation is used for cryptography system, then adaptability is improved, but performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexecution of multiple crypto algorithmsVSAvoidencryption rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of both hardware and software approaches by combining FPGA reconfigurability with processor-based control. The FPGA provides hardware-level performance for encryption operations, while the processor handles algorithm selection and configuration, achieving both high adaptability and high performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves universality by using a single FPGA platform that can be configured to execute multiple crypto algorithms at hardware speeds. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different algorithms while maintaining high encryption rates, overcoming the performance limitations of conventional processor-based implementations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7840000B1High performance programmable cryptography system
Publication Date: 2010.11.23 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC
  • US7840000B1 patent drawing
  • US7840000B1 patent drawing
  • US7840000B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is a method and system for high performance programmable cryptography. In an embodiment of the invention, a cryptography system in accordance with the present invention may include a processor with memory, at least two field programmable gate array (FPGA) blocks and control logic which may be algorithm independent. Programming files storing one or more crypto algorithms may be maintained remotely to the cryptography system whereby the cryptography system may remain not cryptographically controlled when un-programmed. FPGA blocks may be field-programmed to allow execution of a desired crypto algorithm. Additionally, with multiple FPGA logic blocks, programming of a first FPGA block may be simultaneously performed with the execution of a crypto algorithm via a second FPGA block to enable enhanced encryption rate performance.