Abstract: A voltage regulation subsystem for a microprocessor has both internal and external regulation modes. An internal auxiliary voltage regulator is selectively enabled to overdrive the voltage. The enablement of the auxiliary voltage regulator is contingent upon a comparison of bandgap references of the internal and external regulators used in the respective regulation modes, which boosts the supply voltage, enables circuitry supplied by the external regulator (with the assistance of auxiliary voltage regulators) to boot robustly in extreme Process-Voltage-Temperature (PVT) conditions.

Abstract: A tamper detector has tamper detection logic connected to tamper detection ports through a tamper detection interface. A real-time clock (RTC) provides a clock signal and has a battery. A processor is powered by an external power supply in a powered operational mode and has a power-off mode. In a wake-up configuration, a wake-up signal on a specific I/O port awakens the external power supply from the power-off mode to supply power to the RTC and the tamper detection interface when power from the battery is unavailable. The tamper detection ports continue to function despite removal or discharge of the battery without ESD concerns. The specific I/O port optionally may be configured for passive tamper detection.

Abstract: A voltage regulation subsystem for a microprocessor has both internal and external regulation modes. An internal auxiliary voltage regulator is selectively enabled to overdrive the voltage. The enablement of the auxiliary voltage regulator is contingent upon a comparison of bandgap references of the internal and external regulators used in the respective regulation modes, which boosts the supply voltage, enables circuitry supplied by the external regulator (with the assistance of auxiliary voltage regulators) to boot robustly in extreme Process-Voltage-Temperature (PVT) conditions.

Abstract: A tamper detector has tamper detection logic connected to tamper detection ports through a tamper detection interface. A real-time clock (RTC) provides a clock signal and has a battery. A processor is powered by an external power supply in a powered operational mode and has a power-off mode. In a wake-up configuration, a wake-up signal on a specific I/O port awakens the external power supply from the power-off mode to supply power to the RTC and the tamper detection interface when power from the battery is unavailable. The tamper detection ports continue to function despite removal or discharge of the battery without ESD concerns. The specific I/O port optionally may be configured for passive tamper detection.