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Pre-boot security controller

  • US 20050081071A1
  • Filed: 10/20/2004
  • Published: 04/14/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/11/1998
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. An integrated circuit re-boot security controller adapted for inclusion in an electronic device that includes both a digital computer and a power subsystem for energizing operation of the digital computer, the pre-boot security controller receiving electrical power even though the power subsystem is not energizing operation of the digital computer and being adapted for enabling the power subsystem to energize operation of the digital computer upon receiving a pre-recorded user password by the pre-boot security controller, the integrated circuit pre-boot security controller comprising:

  • a non-volatile password memory that stores at least one user password;

    a password input circuit for receiving a password that is to be compared with any user passwords recorded in said password memory;

    a digital logic circuit for comparing, while the pre-boot security controller is in a security operating mode, the password received by said password input circuit with any user passwords recorded in said password memory[if the pre-boot security controller is in a security operating mode]; and

    an output circuit that is coupled to said digital logic circuit for transmitting an output signal to the power subsystem that enables the power subsystem to energize operation of the digital computer when the password received by said password input circuit matches a user password recorded in said password memory, while the pre-boot security controller is in the security operating mode said output circuit also continuously providing an output signal for indicating that the pre-boot security controller is in the security operating mode.

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