Method and integrated circuit for loading and executing firmware based on programing of one-time programmable memory
US8751786B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2209/84
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An integrated circuit includes a first memory, a second memory, a processor, and a descrambler. The first memory is configured to store a key. The first memory is a one-time-programmable memory. The processor is configured to: determine whether the first memory has been programmed; and in response to the first memory not having been programmed, (i) load firmware from a third memory into the second memory, and (ii) execute the firmware. The third memory is separate from the integrated circuit. The processor is also configured to, in response to the first memory having been programmed, load the firmware from the third memory into the second memory. The descrambler is configured to, in response to the first memory having been programmed, descramble the firmware based on the key.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.