Reconfigurable IC Blocks With Secure Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Logic designers face complexity in designing custom logic circuits due to the need for a thorough understanding of functional circuit blocks, and IP block providers risk exposure of sensitive information through unnecessary sharing of implementation details.
Innovation Solution
Implementing secure, reconfigurable functional circuit blocks with encrypted control circuitry and a reconfiguration port that allows users to switch between modes without exposing inner workings, simplifying the design process and protecting sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If implementation details of functional circuit blocks are provided to logic designers, then the design process becomes more transparent and understandable, but sensitive information is exposed leading to undesired duplication and modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces configuration data as an intermediary that represents the functional behavior of IP blocks without exposing their internal implementation details. This configuration data acts as a mediator between the IP block provider and the logic designer, enabling the designer to understand and use the block's functionality while the provider maintains protection over the sensitive implementation information.
2Ease of operation
If inner workings of functional circuit blocks are shared with users, then understanding and integration becomes easier, but security and proprietary protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functional characteristics of IP blocks into configuration data, separating these from the protected implementation details. This extraction allows logic designers to access and use the necessary functional information for integration while the proprietary inner workings remain securely contained within the IP block itself.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If configuration data represents functional behavior without exposing implementation, then IP blocks are protected, but designers may lack understanding of underlying mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms implementation-specific parameters into functional behavior parameters in the configuration data. By changing the representation from implementation details (gate-level structures, specific circuit topologies) to functional parameters (input-output relationships, operational modes), the system protects IP while maintaining sufficient information for designers to understand and effectively integrate the blocks.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit may include a reconfigurable functional circuit block coupled to a microcontroller. The microcontroller may monitor a trigger register that receives trigger signals at a reconfiguration portion. The trigger signals may initiate corresponding reconfiguration operations by triggering the execution of instructions in a reconfiguration sequence program to load appropriate configuration data to configuration registers. The configuration registers may determine the operating mode of the functional circuit block by activating a subcomponent module in the functional circuit block. By providing a reconfiguration port that has full control of the reconfiguration of the functional circuit block, sensitive information regarding the implementation of the functional circuit block, the microcontroller, and connections therebetween may be protected while simplifying the design process for a custom logic circuit generated based on the reconfigurable functional circuit block.