Nvidia Technology UK Limited

Pete Cumming

Steve Felix

Alex Berdery

Jean Marc Guiradet

A device comprises a processor arranged to automatically execute boot code upon start-up or reset. The boot code comprises a code authentication procedure to verify whether additional code is authenticated for execution on the processor. A separate security unit comprises a private unlock key and cryptography logic configured to use the private unlock key to sign a portion of data, thereby generating a signed unlock file for supply to a storage location. The processor is arranged to access the unlock file from the storage location, making it available without requiring connection to the security unit. The boot code further comprises an unlocking authentication procedure configured to check for the unlock file in the storage location, and if available to verify whether the unlock file is authenticated for use on the processor based on its signature, so as to de-restrict the boot authentication procedure on condition of verifying the unlock file.

Processor security

Method and computing system for controlling a supply voltage in the computing system. A voltage related indication for use in setting the supply voltage of the computing system is stored, and a supply voltage is set for the computing system based on the stored voltage related indication. A crash of the computing system is detected, and in dependence thereon, an adjusted indication is determined for use in the computing system. An adjusted supply voltage is set based on the adjusted indication, and the adjusted indication is stored for further use of the computing system.

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Wickwar Gloucester, United Kingdom

Pete Cumming