Secure mpsoc fpga with embedded hard core processor system and method

Abstract

A system and method for securing a system-on-chip (SoC) field programmable gate array (FPGA) is provided, wherein the SoC FPGA includes an FPGA fabric, a soft core processor hosted within the FPGA fabric, a hard core processor, and a secure boot environment for the SOC FPGA. Monitoring logic monitors for a change in the FPGA fabric. External watchdog logic is configured to receive a trigger signal from the monitoring logic, and force the hard core processor(s) of the SoC FPGA into a reset state with no ability to recover unless power is cycled when a change has been made to the FPGA fabric, so as to provide a 'fail secure' scenario. The monitoring logic may be firmware hosted on the FPGA fabric, software hosted on the soft core, software hosted on the hard core, and/or external hard logic.