System and method for mining digital currency in a blockchain network

Abstract

A circuit and corresponding method enable mining for digital currency in a blockchain network. The circuit comprises a controller and at least one partial hash engine that (i) implements a hash function, partially, to compute a partial hash digest of a final hash digest for a block header of a block candidate and (ii) generates a notification based on determining that the partial hash digest satisfies a criterion. The controller includes a complete hash engine that implements the hash function, completely. In response to the notification generated, the controller activates the complete hash engine to compute, in its entirety, the final hash digest for the block header, effectuating a decision for submission of the block candidate with the block header to the blockchain network for mining the digital currency. Power savings and reduction in area are achieved relative to multiple hash engines that compute the entire final hash digest.