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.

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 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 enforcing a derivative key hierarchy for managing an information stream. A programming user provides a user passphrase that is used to generate a transform key and is then deleted. The transform key is inaccessibly, invisibly, and indelibly generated and stored in a one-time programmable memory with externally generated programming pulses during or after manufacture, without being reported out to the user who provided the user passphrase. A transform-enabled cryptographic circuit or method customized with the transform key processes a predetermined input message to obtain a predetermined output message indicating an identity of a particular information stream. Other input messages may also be processed, such as for verifying a blockchain, but replication requires knowledge of the transform key. Only a programming user with knowledge of the user passphrase is capable of creating an information stream, such as a blockchain.

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 data into a one-time programmable memory in isolation. Internal circuitry provides programming pulses of a given voltage magnitude and duration for changing the state of selected memory elements. Use of internal circuitry reduces pin count and increases reliability and security over devices relying on external circuitry to provide programming pulses. In one embodiment, the stored data comprises cryptographic data for enforcing a derivative key hierarchy for managing an information stream, such as a blockchain.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for actively controlling supply voltage distribution and computational tasks performed by a number of processor cores in a load element of a series string load is provided. An I/O block and a local controller in a given load element manage external communications and internal data and power, respectively. The local controller tests the processor cores for functionality and error-free computation time requirements by providing test input data after various propagation delays and comparing a computed output result to a known correct result. The timing tests may be repeated at different power supply voltages. The local controller may deem processor cores non-functional, idle processor cores deemed unusually slow, and/or adjust processor core supply voltages to best dynamically manage the load element. The local controller seeks to produce most error-free computations at the highest possible speed and at the lowest overall load element power dissipation.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for actively controlling power in a series string load is provided. A number of conventional low-cost power supply units energize a number of voltage-regulation modules (VRMs) connected to each other in series. Each VRM generates a regulated output voltage using a pulse-wave modulated switching circuit, and provides the regulated output voltage to a number of load elements. Each VRM also sends signals to a central controller describing the output voltage applied to its connected load elements, and adjusts the output voltage applied to its connected load elements in response to signals received from the central controller. The supply voltage provided to individual load elements may thus be accurately and dynamically controlled during operation. Each load element may comprise a light-emitting device, a microprocessor, or a cryptographic integrated circuit with a plurality of processing cores. Optocouplers or load-shifters send signals across different supply voltage domains.

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 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.

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 cryptographic ASIC and method for enforcing a derivative key hierarchy for managing an information stream. A programming user provides a user passphrase that is used to generate a transform key and is then deleted. The transform key is inaccessibly, invisibly, and indelibly generated and stored in a one-time programmable memory with externally generated programming pulses during or after manufacture, without being reported out to the user who provided the user passphrase. A transform-enabled cryptographic circuit or method customized with the transform key processes a predetermined input message to obtain a predetermined output message indicating an identity of a particular information stream. Other input messages may also be processed, such as for verifying a blockchain, but replication requires knowledge of the transform key. Only a programming user with knowledge of the user passphrase is capable of creating an information stream, such as a blockchain.

Abstract: A cryptographic ASIC and method for autonomously storing context data into a one-time programmable memory in isolation. In one embodiment, 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 stored 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. Such integrated circuits may be secured against replay attacks that capitalize on loss of context data that occurs when volatile memory is reset through power cycling, and enable inter-chip communications to be managed as are communications between unknown parties in an untrusted network.

Abstract: A cryptographic ASIC and method for autonomously storing data into a one-time programmable memory in isolation. Internal circuitry provides programming pulses of a given voltage magnitude and duration for changing the state of selected memory elements. Use of internal circuitry reduces pin count and increases reliability and security over devices relying on external circuitry to provide programming pulses. In one embodiment, the stored data comprises cryptographic data for enforcing a derivative key hierarchy for managing an information stream, such as a blockchain.