Reconfigurable Hardware Logic for Post-Tapeout Job Security Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network computing devices require new tapeouts with updated hardcoded check processes to handle unsupported jobs, as pre-defined rules in the source code cannot be changed post-tapeout, and complex software or firmware solutions are often necessary when no software solutions are available.
Innovation Solution
A hardware-configurable device that can be reconfigured to perform logical operations based on job parameters, using a programmable hardware device and a controller with firmware to determine job permissibility for execution, allowing for post-tapeout reconfiguration to handle unsupported jobs through firmware updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardcoded check processes are used in the source code of the network computing device, then the device can efficiently check whether jobs are safe or secure to execute, but the check processes cannot be changed or updated after the tapeout of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static hardcoded check processes to dynamic reconfigurable hardware logic. The network computing device incorporates reconfigurable logic that can be programmed and reprogrammed after tapeout, allowing the check processes to adapt and update based on new security requirements or job types while maintaining efficient hardware-level execution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new tapeout with updated hardcoded check processes is performed to handle unsupported jobs, then the device can handle new job types, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for repeated tapeouts by implementing reconfigurable hardware logic that can be dynamically reprogrammed. This allows the device to handle new job types and security check requirements through firmware updates rather than manufacturing new hardware versions, significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the check process parameters to be modified through reconfiguration of the hardware logic. The reconfigurable logic can be programmed with different check parameters and rules without changing the physical hardware structure, enabling flexible adaptation to new job types and security requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex software or firmware solutions are provided to handle unsupported jobs, then the device can process new job types, but the solution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex software or firmware solutions with reconfigurable hardware logic. By implementing security check processes directly in reconfigurable hardware, the system achieves efficient processing of unsupported jobs while reducing overall solution complexity. The hardware-level reconfiguration provides a simpler alternative to layered software-firmware approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device which may include a hardware-configurable device reconfigurable to perform a series of logical operations to determine, based on parameters related to execution of a job received by the hardware-configurable device, whether or not the job is permissible for execution.