Protected configuration space in a protected environment
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- an interface to communicate with at least one processor; and
a first set of registers coupled to the interface and accessible within a first predetermined range of memory addresses, the first set of registers to include control information and status information for a protected operating environment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A protected configuration space is implemented as at least one range of memory addresses that are mapped to logic external to system memory. The memory addresses access logic that performs control and status operations pertaining to a protected operating environment. Some of the addresses may access protected configuration registers. Commands having destination addresses within the protected configuration space may not be completed if the commands are not issued by a processor, or if the commands are not part of a group of one or more designated protected commands. A separately addressable non-protected configuration space may also be implemented, accessible by processors, non-processors and/or non-protected commands.
196 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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an interface to communicate with at least one processor; and
a first set of registers coupled to the interface and accessible within a first predetermined range of memory addresses, the first set of registers to include control information and status information for a protected operating environment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method, comprising:
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issuing a protected command to a first memory address within a first range of memory addresses reserved for a protected configuration space;
redirecting the protected command from a memory to a logic circuit external to the memory; and
performing a first operation specified by the protected command within the logic circuit, responsive to determining the protected command has been issued by a processor. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19-28. -28. (Cancelled).
Specification