Xilinx, Inc.

Shalin Umesh Sheth

James A Walstrum, Jr

Steven K Knapp

Steven E McNeil

Methods of authenticating a combination of a programmable IC and a non-volatile memory device, where the non-volatile memory device stores a configuration data stream implementing a user design in the programmable IC. A first identifier unique to the programmable IC is stored in non-volatile memory in the programmable IC. A second identifier unique to the non-volatile memory device is stored in the non-volatile memory device. As part of the process in which the configuration data stream is used to program the programmable IC with the user design, a function is performed on the two identifiers, producing a key specific to the programmable IC/non-volatile memory device combination. The key is then compared to an expected value. When the key matches the expected value, the user design is enabled. When the key does not match the expected value, at least a portion of the user design is disabled.

Methods of authenticating a programmable integrated circuit in combination with a non-volatile memory device

Methods of authenticating a user design in a programmable integrated circuit. The methods utilize an identifier unique to the programmable IC and a data word taken from the user design. The data word can be unique to the design and can include a string of data taken from the configuration data for the design, or the values of circuit nodes read from selected points throughout the design. A function is performed on the identifier and the data word, producing a key specific to the user design as implemented in that programmable IC. The key is compared to an expected value. When the key matches the expected value, the user design is enabled. When the key does not match the expected value, at least a portion of the user design is disabled. Circuitry for performing the steps of the method can be implemented in the programmable resources of the programmable IC.

Methods of authenticating a user design in a programmable integrated circuit

A programmable logic device (PLD) includes electrically programmable fuses that may be programmed with an identifier of the PLD. The PLD also includes programmable tiles and an interface port that is coupled to a shift register and a subset of the programmable tiles. The interface port includes a control port and a first and second serial data signals. The shift register has a parallel input port to load the identifier from the set of electrically programmable fuses in response to a read command of the control port. The shift register serially shifts by one bit in response to a shift command of the control port, including shifting a bit from the subset of the programmable tiles to the shift register via the first serial data signal and shifting a bit from the shift register to the subset of the programmable tiles via the second serial data signal.

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Shalin Umesh Sheth