Data processing device

• US 7,739,520 B2
• Filed: 08/11/2003
• Issued: 06/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
• Original Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
• Inventors: Wallstab, Stefan, Horvat, Helmut, Otterstedt, Jan
• Primary Examiner(s): Zand; Kambiz
• Assistant Examiner(s): Poltorak; Peter
• Application Number:
  US10/638,659
• Publication Number:
  US 20040034789A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,500 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 713/194
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/7867 with reconfigurable architecture
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/72 in cryptographic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/77 in smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4181 for conditional access
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4405 involving video stream decryption
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6334 for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key wireless communications network key management H04W12/04; wireless communications network access security H04W12/08

Abstract

The invention relates to a data processing device with a functionally programmable logic circuit and a programming interface. An authorization control unit is provided, which protects the programming interface against an unauthorized access. This enables the functions of a semiconductor module to be changed in a customer-specific manner while preventing unauthorized entities from subsequently changing the functionality.

Claims

1. A data processing device, comprising:

a functionally programmable logic circuit;

a programming interface coupled to said functionally programmable logic circuit and configured to program said functionally programmable logic circuit;

an authorization control unit coupled to said programming interface and configured to prevent an unauthorized access of said programming interface; and

an interface configured to access functions of said functionally programmable logic circuit;

a hardware manipulation detection device configured to detect manipulations on said functionally programmable logic circuit, said authorization control unit and said programming interface.

2. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said functionally programmable logic circuit is configured to execute a crypto-algorithm.

3. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said authorization control unit is realized by a microprocessor that can also be used for other tasks.

4. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said hardware manipulation detection device is configured to transmit a warning message to a central control station upon detection of a manipulation of said functionally programmable logic circuit, said authorization control unit or said programming interface.

5. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said hardware manipulation detection device is configured to erase safety-relevant data upon detection of a manipulation of said functionally programmable logic circuit, said authorization control unit or said programming interface.