License Manager for Soft IP Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing license management systems for soft IPs on reconfigurable hardware systems, such as FPGAs, do not allow for time-limited usage, which can lead to uncontrolled and prolonged use, lacking practical means to restrict the utilization period.
Innovation Solution
A method where a license manager, accessible only to the non-configurable part of the hardware system, stores and checks license data in non-volatile memory to enforce time restrictions on soft IP usage, deactivating the IP when the limit is reached, without requiring external connections, and updates the license data using a key stored in the non-volatile memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional license management systems are used for soft IPs on reconfigurable hardware, then the soft IP can be activated and used on the target device, but the utilization period cannot be controlled and the use cannot be time-limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a license manager and license data in non-volatile memory within the hardware system before the soft IP is activated. The license manager is pre-programmed with authorization information and time limitation parameters, enabling it to automatically enforce usage restrictions without requiring external intervention during operation. This preliminary setup allows the system to inherently control the utilization period of soft IPs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a license manager as an intermediary component between the soft IP and the hardware system resources. This license manager acts as a mediator that verifies authorization and enforces time limitations on soft IP usage. The license data stored in non-volatile memory serves as an intermediary record that mediates between the licensor's authorization and the actual usage of the soft IP, enabling controlled access and time-limited operation.
2Reliability
If no time limitation is imposed on soft IP usage, then the soft IP can be operated continuously, but the licensor cannot control the usage period and security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the license manager continuously monitors the usage of soft IPs and compares it against the time limitations stored in license data. The system provides feedback by checking whether the current usage time exceeds the authorized period, and automatically deactivates the soft IP when the limitation is reached. This feedback loop ensures continuous security control while maintaining ease of operation through automated enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The license manager operates autonomously using license data stored in non-volatile memory within the hardware system. It self-verify authorization, self-enforce time limitations, and self-deactivate soft IPs when usage exceeds authorized periods without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability enhances security through automated control while simplifying the operation for users who don't need to manually manage license restrictions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing licenses for soft IP on a partially reconfigurable hardware system, in particular an FPGA, wherein a license manager is provided in the non-configurable part of the hardware system, or is accessible only for the non-configurable part of the hardware system, where the license manager has exclusive access to a non-volatile memory in which license data having a time restriction of the useful life of at least one soft IP is stored, where before activating a particular soft IP, the license manager checks whether the useful life has expired, where the license manager only releases use of the soft IP if the useful life has not yet expired, where the license data is changed using a key, which is stored in a non-volatile memory for license data, and where a new key is stored and the preceding key is deleted when the license data is changed.