Method and apparatus for securing a programmable device using a kill switch

摘要

A kill switch is provided that, when triggered, may cause the programmable logic device (PLD) to become at least partially reset, disabled, or both. The kill switch may be implemented as a fuse or a volatile battery-backed memory bit. When, for example, a security threat is detected, the switch may be blown, and a reconfiguration of the device initiated in order to zero or clear some or all of the memory and programmable logic of the PLD.

主权项

1. A programmable device, comprising:
a control block; a kill switch coupled to the control block, wherein the control block is configured to blow the kill switch in response to an occurrence of an event, wherein blowing the kill switch causes data stored within at least a portion of the programmable device to be changed; and a plurality of key fuses for storing fuse bits representing a decryption key, wherein at least one of the key fuses is blown in response to the kill switch being blown.