System-on-Chip Life Cycle Management with Multi-User Ownership
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional system-on-chip technologies do not allow for dynamic configuration of functions over the life cycle of a product without external authority, compromising security and not enabling features like smart renting, multi-ownership, and secure function activation/deactivation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system-on-chip with a life cycle management system that includes multi-user ownership management, allowing dynamic allocation of function rights through a configuration command with owner identification and signature verification, stored in secure memory, enabling reversible and tamper-proof activation/deactivation of functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional one-time-programmable memory is used for function activation, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but dynamic configuration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration capability by replacing static one-time-programmable memory with a reconfigurable memory structure that allows multiple writes. The memory is divided into a first area for initial configuration (maintaining manufacturing simplicity) and a second area for subsequent dynamic reconfiguration (enabling adaptability throughout the product lifecycle).
Solution Approach 2:
The memory is segmented into distinct areas: a first area for initial function activation during manufacturing and a second area for dynamic reconfiguration during the product lifecycle. This segmentation allows the system to maintain manufacturing simplicity while enabling dynamic adaptability without compromising either aspect.
2Reliability
If external trusted authority is used for function activation, then security is improved, but system complexity and operational dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service security by incorporating a secure element directly within the system-on-chip that stores cryptographic keys and certificates. The system can autonomously verify authentication credentials and manage function activation without requiring external trusted authorities, thereby maintaining security while reducing system complexity and operational dependency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If function activation is made reversible and time-unlimited, then operational flexibility is improved, but security control is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback-based security control by continuously monitoring and tracking function activation status, ownership information, and access rights. The secure element maintains a feedback loop that verifies each activation command against stored cryptographic credentials and ownership records, allowing reversible and time-unlimited operation only when security control conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary security verification by storing authentication credentials and ownership information in the secure element before allowing function activation. Each activation command must be preceded by verification of cryptographic credentials and ownership rights, ensuring that reversible and time-unlimited operation is permitted only when proper security control is established in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for life cycle management of a system-on-chip having functions includes multi-user ownership management listing owners of the functions in a directory, and allocating rights of a function over the life cycle of the system-on-chip, according to a configuration command including identifying the function, identifying a right of ownership or access to the function, and a signature of the owner of the function.