IC Device Code Authentication for IP Core Usage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of modern circuit designs and the integration of intellectual property (IP) cores from various providers pose challenges in tracking usage and protecting IP within integrated circuits (ICs) from piracy, ensuring proper compensation for IP core providers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving reading a device code from an IC, calculating a measure of randomness, and comparing it to a criterion to determine if the IC is compromised, along with creating a bitstream identifier to track usage of controlled IP cores and enabling/disabling IP cores based on a unique key derived from the device code and bitstream identifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IP cores from multiple providers are integrated into circuit designs, then the functionality and performance of the IC are improved, but the complexity of tracking usage and protecting IP from piracy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protection mechanism by assigning unique identifiers to individual IP cores and their providers. Each IP core is tracked separately through configuration data that includes provider identification, enabling granular tracking of usage across multiple providers without requiring a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system that sits between the IP cores and the IC fabric. This intermediary layer uses configuration data to mediate the relationship between multiple IP providers and the IC, automatically tracking usage and enabling compensation without direct complex interactions between all parties.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive tracking of IP core usage is implemented, then compensation accuracy for providers is improved, but the device complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by embedding provider identification and tracking information in the configuration data before the IC is programmed or during the programming process. This pre-established tracking framework enables accurate usage measurement without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems to be built from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system is designed to be self-service, where the configuration data automatically contains the necessary identification information for each IP core and its provider. The system tracks usage through the natural programming process without requiring additional external tracking infrastructure or manual intervention.
3Reliability
If security measures are added to protect IP cores, then protection from piracy is improved, but the ease of programming and configuration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security protection mechanism with the existing configuration data structure. By combining provider identification, IP core identification, and security tracking into the standard configuration process, the system provides IP protection without requiring separate security programming steps or additional user actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using an integrated circuit (IC) can include reading a device code from a selected IC, calculating a measure of randomness from a plurality of values specified within the device code, and comparing the measure of randomness to a randomness criterion. A determination can be made as to whether the selected IC is compromised according to the comparison. An intellectual property (IP) protection method can include determining a list of controlled IP cores within a bitstream specifying a circuit design, creating a bitstream identifier within the bitstream that is associated with the list of controlled IP cores, and determining a count specifying a number of integrated circuits loaded with the bitstream.