Encrypted download of SRAM-based FPGAS

Abstract

Method and apparatus is provided for securely configuring a programmable hardware device from a remote source. The programmable hardware device includes a plurality of programmable logic modules. A host receives configuration information from the remote source, where the configuration information defines a function of the programmable logic modules. The host encrypts the configuration information according to a cryptographic algorithm. The encrypted information is transferred to a special download engine at the programmable hardware device, which decrypts the information according to the same cryptographic algorithm. The programmable logic modules are thus configured by the decrypted configuration information, which has been securely downloaded from the remote source.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of securely configuring a programmable hardware device from a host, wherein the programmable hardware device includes a plurality of programmable logic modules, and the host contains configuration information defining a function of the programmable logic modules, the method comprising the steps of. encrypting configuration information according to a cryptographic 
 algorithm;    transferring the encrypted configuration information from the host to the programmable hardware device;    decrypting the configuration information according to the same cryptographic algorithm; and    configuring the programmable logic modules in the programmable hardware device according to the decrypted configuration information.