Reconfigurable Processing Circuits for Secure Data Execution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems face challenges in achieving high throughput and security while executing multiple processing steps efficiently, as they often require complex configurations and are vulnerable to environmental influences and attacks.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus and method utilizing a microcontroller unit with configurable processing circuits that can operate in multiple configurations, including a security area resistant to attacks and environmental influences, where processing steps are executed independently by multiple circuits with dynamic configuration and redundancy to ensure high security and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple processing circuits are used in parallel to achieve high throughput, then processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuits are designed as universal, reconfigurable units that can perform multiple different processing steps depending on configuration. Each circuit can be dynamically assigned to execute different instructions from a shared instruction memory, allowing the same hardware to handle various processing tasks (arithmetic, logic, data movement) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic configuration where processing circuits can change their function during runtime based on which instruction is being executed. The configuration is not fixed but adapts dynamically to the current processing requirements, allowing the same physical circuit to be reconfigured for different operations through control signals and configuration data loaded from memory.
2Productivity
If processing circuits are designed differently for different tasks to optimize performance, then processing efficiency is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating different dedicated circuits for different tasks, the invention uses universal processing circuits that can be configured to perform any required function. The circuits maintain task-specific optimization through configuration parameters and control logic while preserving the ability to adapt to new tasks by loading different configuration data and instructions from memory.
3Reliability
If redundant processing is implemented to enhance security against attacks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements security through redundant processing by executing the same instruction multiple times on different processing circuits or the same circuit at different time instances. Configuration data and instructions are copied and distributed to multiple processing units, which independently execute identical operations. The results are then compared to detect any discrepancies that might indicate an attack or error, providing security without requiring fundamentally different hardware architectures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic reconfiguration is implemented to balance security and speed, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuits perform self-configuration by automatically loading their configuration parameters and instructions from shared memory based on control signals. Rather than requiring external controllers to manually configure each circuit, the system enables the processing units to autonomously acquire their operational parameters from pre-loaded configuration data and instruction memory, reducing the complexity of external control mechanisms while maintaining dynamic reconfiguration capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing data in a plurality of processing acts includes: configuring a plurality of processing circuits in a first configuration, in such a way that both a first and a second of the plurality of processing circuits execute a first of the plurality of processing acts; and configuring the plurality of processing circuits in a second configuration, in such a way that the first processing circuit executes a second processing act and the second processing circuit executes a third processing act, which is different than the second processing act. An apparatus is designed for carrying out the method.