Abstract: Integrated circuits, methods, and computer programs are directed to performing proof-of-work (POW) operations. One integrated circuit includes a nonce register for storing a nonce value, a first one-way function (OWF) circuit configured to generate a hash of a header, a dynamic transform circuit configured to transform the hash of the header to generate a transform value, and a second OWF circuit configured to generate a hash of the transform value to obtain a validation parameter. The header includes the nonce value for POW validation of the header. Further, the transformation by the dynamic transform circuit is based on the nonce value. The validation parameter determines whether the POW meets a predetermined target for validation of the header with the nonce value.

Abstract: A cryptographic ASIC and method for autonomously storing a unique internal identifier into a one-time programmable memory in isolation, by a foundry or a user. When later powered on, the ASIC calculates the value of the unique internal identifier from a predetermined input and compares the calculated identifier value to the stored identifier value. A match indicates the stored value is valid, while a mismatch indicates the stored value is invalid, whether due to natural memory component aging or damage by unauthorized access attempts. The ASIC may compare the calculated identifier to another copy or copies of the stored identifier, and disregard unreliable copies of the stored identifier. The ASIC may compare multiple copies of the stored identifier in a voting scheme to determine their validity. The confirmed valid lifetime of the ASIC thus extends far beyond the useful lifetime of a single copy of the stored identifier.

Abstract: A cryptographic application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and method for autonomously storing context data into a one-time programmable memory in isolation are presented. The stored data describes product environmental history following manufacture, which may assist in assessing of a request for a refund or replacement of a defective product, such as an ASIC. The data may be cryptographically protected for retrieval and validation only by a manufacturer or authorized vendor. In another embodiment, communications between individual integrated circuits in a product may be secured by storing encryption keys as the context data, and exchanging the context data. The context data may be stored during manufacture, or thereafter.

Abstract: A cryptographic ASIC and method for autonomously storing a unique internal identifier into a one-time programmable memory in isolation by a foundry. The identifier may be determined by calculating a transformed hash of a predetermined input, and may serve as a cryptographically defined and verifiable CpuID for a particular ASIC instance. The CpuID may be derived from an input based on a manufacture date, a wafer lot number, a wafer number, row and column coordinates for a die on a wafer, or other foundry-defined data. The CpuID enables a given ASIC instance to be securely and remotely identified across an untrusted network, and to serve as a specified processor that originates an information stream or a message. The ASIC need not always perform high-speed calculations and so may be relatively simple and inexpensive, and in one embodiment serves as a secure data administrator that manages subscriptions and software updates.

Abstract: A transform-enabled integrated circuit for use in cryptographic proof-of-work systems is provided. The transform-enabled integrated circuit includes a transformation block embedded among other circuitry components within the cryptographic datapath of the transform-enabled integrated circuit. The transformation block may be configured at a time subsequent to the manufacture of the integrated circuit to embody as circuitry any one of a plurality of mathematical transformation functions, thus enabling a user to systemically modify the results of cryptographic operations performed by the integrated circuit while retaining the high performance and efficiency characteristics of application specific integrated circuits.

Abstract: A transform-enabled integrated circuit is provided with a combined transformation/hashing block, such as for cryptographic proof-of-work systems. The transform-enabled integrated circuit embeds components for a transformation function among hashing function components within the cryptographic datapath of the transform-enabled integrated circuit. The combined transformation/hashing block may be configured after the manufacture of the integrated circuit to embody as circuitry any one of a plurality of mathematical transformation functions, thus enabling a user to systemically modify the cryptographic operations performed by the integrated circuit while retaining the high performance and efficiency characteristics of application specific integrated circuits. Embodiments modify the internal intermediate state variables of the hashing function to transform and hash an input message. Method and computer program product embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A cryptographic ASIC, method, and computer program product for creating, interacting with, and identifying an information stream via a derivative key hierarchy. A user with a programmed transform-enabled cryptographic circuit may process a predetermined input message to obtain a predetermined output message indicating an identity of a particular information stream, such as a blockchain. This user can also process other input messages, such as for verifying a blockchain, but cannot replicate the programmed transform-enabled cryptographic circuit without a transform key. At the medium level of the hierarchy, a user with the transform key can replicate the programmed transform-enabled cryptographic circuit, as well as process input messages and identify an information stream. However, only a user with knowledge of a user passphrase, from which the transform key may be derived during or after circuit manufacture, is capable of creating an information stream, such as a blockchain.