Unified Crypto Functional Unit Architecture for Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crypto modules in ASIC designs face challenges with parallelism and cumbersome testing and debugging, lacking support for drop-in security solutions and requiring specific timing schedules for input/output operations.
Innovation Solution
A unified Crypto Functional Unit (CFU) block architecture with a FIFO-based interface, switch, and wrapped cipher/hasher module enables parallel and concurrent processing of multiple crypto operations, using a 'Playing Card' template for crypto-function algorithms and unified error handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual cipher blocks are used to support different crypto algorithms, then support for diverse security standards is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified cipher block design that can perform multiple cryptographic functions (AES, DES, KASUMI, SNOW, and hash functions) through a single modular architecture. The universal interface and configurable logic allow one cipher block to replace multiple specialized blocks, reducing device complexity while maintaining support for diverse security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The cipher block incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities where the same hardware structure can be reconfigured to support different cryptographic algorithms and modes of operation. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to switch between various security standards without requiring separate dedicated blocks for each algorithm.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized crypto modules are implemented for each algorithm, then processing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The unified cipher block design consolidates multiple specialized modules into a single manufacturable unit with a standardized interface. This universal architecture simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of different component types that need to be produced and integrated, while maintaining the processing precision required for various cryptographic algorithms through configurable logic.
3Device complexity
If sequential processing is used for crypto operations, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cipher block is divided into independent functional segments (input buffer, switch, wrapped cipher/hasher module, output buffer) that can operate in parallel. This segmentation enables multiple crypto operations to be processed concurrently through different segments, significantly improving productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The architecture implements continuous processing by eliminating idle time between operations. The switch and buffered interfaces ensure that data flow continues uninterrupted through the cipher block, allowing parallel processing of multiple transactions without gaps, thereby maximizing productivity.
4Reliability
If complex testing and debugging systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified interface and modular architecture provide standardized testing points and debugging access across all cryptographic functions. This universal structure allows a single testing framework to validate multiple algorithms and modes, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity compared to having separate specialized blocks for each algorithm.
Data Source
AI summary
In described embodiments, a unified Crypto Functional Unit (CFU) block architecture provides a capability for advanced communication processors to provide parallel and concurrent processing of multiple crypto operations/transactions within high-speed hardware to support different security standards (e.g. from IPsec, 3GPP). In particular, each CFU block of the unified CFU block architecture comprises a FIFO-based interface, switch, and wrapped cipher/hasher. The unified CFU block architecture allows for drop-in solutions for cipher blocks in ASIC designs with crypto function blocks.