One-Time Read Disable for FPGA Configuration Data Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) face challenges in protecting configuration and internal data from unauthorized access while allowing access for error correction and debugging, as existing methods are either insecure or costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a disabling element that permanently sets access permissions for data reading, using encryption, and employing mechanisms like fuses or one-time programmable memory to prevent data access once set, ensuring secure and cost-effective protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If configuration data is made accessible for error correction and debugging, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic access control mechanism where a read protect bit can be set to either allow or prevent reading of configuration and internal data. This dynamic switching capability enables the system to adapt between debug mode (read access enabled) and secure operation mode (read access disabled), resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of a control parameter (read protect bit) to transition between secure and accessible modes. By modifying this binary parameter, the system can switch between allowing read access for debugging and preventing read access for security, thus resolving the contradiction through parameter state changes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If security measures are strengthened to prevent data reading, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The read protect bit provides dynamic control over data accessibility, allowing the system to switch between secure (read disabled) and accessible (read enabled) states. This dynamic mechanism ensures that security can be strengthened when needed while maintaining operational ease when debugging or error correction is required.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple access control mechanisms are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the access control functionality into a separate, dedicated read protect bit that operates independently from the main configuration logic. This extraction simplifies the overall device architecture by isolating the security control mechanism, making it easier to implement and manage while maintaining strong security protections.
Solution Approach 2:
The read protect bit serves multiple functions: it controls read access to configuration data, protects internal data from unauthorized reading, and enables secure operation modes. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating security control into a single versatile mechanism rather than requiring separate control circuits for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Circuits, methods, and apparatus are directed to an integrated circuit having a disabling element that can disable a reading of data from the circuit. Once the disabling element is set to not allow a reading of the data, the disabling element cannot be changed to allow a reading of the data. The data may be configuration data or internal data stored within the integrated circuit. Examples of the disabling element include a memory element, a break in a circuit line, and an input pad configuration.