Selectively disabled output
First Claim
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1. A method of preventing a reading of data on an integrated circuit capable of outputting the data, the method comprising:
- determining whether to allow a reading of the data based on a setting of a disabling element, wherein once the disabling element is set to not allow the reading of the data, the disabling element cannot be changed to allow the reading of the data;
encrypting the data, independently of the setting of the disabling element, if the reading of the data is not allowed; and
subsequent to the encrypting, outputting the encrypted data, wherein the encrypted data is adapted to be decrypted using a key.
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Abstract
Circuits, methods, and apparatus are directed to an integrated circuit having a disabling element that can disable a reading of data from the circuit. Once the disabling element is set to not allow a reading of the data, the disabling element cannot be changed to allow a reading of the data. The data may be configuration data or internal data stored within the integrated circuit. Examples of the disabling element include a memory element, a break in a circuit line, and an input pad configuration.
29 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of preventing a reading of data on an integrated circuit capable of outputting the data, the method comprising:
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determining whether to allow a reading of the data based on a setting of a disabling element, wherein once the disabling element is set to not allow the reading of the data, the disabling element cannot be changed to allow the reading of the data; encrypting the data, independently of the setting of the disabling element, if the reading of the data is not allowed; and subsequent to the encrypting, outputting the encrypted data, wherein the encrypted data is adapted to be decrypted using a key. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An integrated circuit comprising:
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a disabling element, wherein once the disabling element is set to not allow the reading of data, the disabling element cannot be changed to allow the reading of the data; and circuitry operative to; determine whether to allow a reading of the data based on a setting of a disabling element; encrypt the data, independently of the setting of the disabling element, if the reading of the data is not allowed; and output the encrypted data, wherein the encrypted data is adapted to be decrypted using a key. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of preventing a reading of data on an integrated circuit capable of outputting the data, the method comprising:
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determining a state of a disabling element, wherein the state of the disabling element cannot be changed to allow the reading of the data once the disabling element is set to not allow the reading of the data; encrypting the data, independently of the state of the disabling element, if the reading of the data is not allowed; and outputting the encrypted data. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification