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Method and apparatus for securing programming data of a programmable logic device

  • US 5,768,372 A
  • Filed: 03/13/1996
  • Issued: 06/16/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/13/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for use with an integrated circuit programmable logic device, said integrated circuit programmable logic device having working memory for storing digital programming data specifying a desired logic configuration of said integrated circuit programmable logic device and having associated therewith storage memory from which said digital programming data are loaded into said working memory, said method being for securing said digital programming data, said method comprising the steps of:

  • providing an encryption device capable of encrypting data in accordance with a plurality of encryption schemes;

    selecting one of said plurality of encryption schemes and encrypting said digital programming data therewith;

    storing said encrypted digital programming data in said storage memory;

    storing also, in said storage memory, encryption selection data identifying said one of said plurality of encryption schemes;

    providing a decryption device in said programmable logic integrated circuit device capable of executing a plurality of decryption schemes corresponding to said plurality of encryption schemes; and

    reading said encrypted digital programming data from said storage memory for loading said digital programming data into said working memory, said reading step comprising the steps of;

    selecting one of said plurality of decryption schemes corresponding to said one of said plurality of encryption schemes, anddecrypting said encrypted digital programming data using said selected one of said plurality of decryption schemes.

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