Abstract: Circuits and approaches for de-initializing memory circuits. In one implementation, a memory circuit includes a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell includes a pair of cross-coupled inverters and first and second access transistors coupled to the pair of cross-coupled inverters. A first bit line is coupled to the first access transistor, and a second bit line is coupled to the second access transistor. A de-initialization circuit is coupled to the first and second bit lines. The de-initialization circuit is configured and arranged to equalize signal states on the first and second bit lines in response to a de-initialization signal.

Abstract: Approaches for using a physically unclonable function (PUF) are described. A selector map is used to indicate stable and unstable bits in a PUF value that is generated by a PUF circuit. The stable bits of the PUF value generated by the PUF circuit may be selected for use by an application, and the unstable bits ignored.

Abstract: In one approach for protecting a design, a plurality of implementations of the design are generated. Each implementation includes an identification function. One of the implementations is selected as a current implementation, and the current implementation is installed on one or more electronic systems. For each electronic system, a method determines whether or not the current implementation is an authorized version on the electronic system from an output value of the identification function. If in the current implementation is not an authorized version on the electronic system, a signal is output indicating that the current implementation is not an authorized version on the electronic system. Periodically, another one of the implementations is selected as a new current implementation, and the new current installation is used for installations on one or more electronic systems.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, circuits, systems, and methods for optical communication are disclosed. In some implementations an optical transmitter includes an optical data port configured to engage an optical fiber. The optical transmitter also includes a plurality of lasers coupled to the optical data port and configured and arranged to transmit respective optical signals over the optical fiber via the optical data port when selected. A control circuit of the optical transmitter is configured to receive an input data signal and encode the input data signal for transmission over the optical fiber by selecting one or more of the plurality of lasers at a time. The control circuit is configured to select one or more of the plurality of lasers at a time according to one of a frequency modulation encoding algorithm or an amplitude modulation encoding algorithm.

Abstract: A method of processor operation using an integrated circuit (IC) can include loading encrypted program code into the IC through a configuration port of the IC and decrypting the encrypted program code using configuration circuitry of the IC. Decryption of the encrypted program code can result in decrypted program code which can be provided to a target destination.

Abstract: Circuits and methods are disclosed for defending against attacks on ring oscillator-based physically unclonable functions (RO PUFs). A control circuit that is coupled to the RO PUF is configured to detect out-of-tolerance operation of the RO PUF. In response to detecting out-of-tolerance operation of the RO PUF, the control circuit disables the RO PUF, and in response to detecting in-tolerance operation, the control circuit enables the RO PUF.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, circuits, systems, and methods for optical communication are disclosed. In some implementations, an apparatus includes a package substrate and f first interposer mounted on the package substrate. The apparatus also includes a logic circuit and an optical interface circuit connected to the logic circuit via the first interposer. One of the optical interface circuit or the logic circuit is mounted on the first interposer. The optical interface circuit includes a driver circuit configured to receive electronic data signals from the logic circuit. The optical interface circuit also includes an optical transmitter circuit coupled to the driver circuit and configured to output optical data signals encoding the electronic data signals.

Abstract: A method of enabling the use of a programmable device having impaired circuitry includes determining one or more locations of the impaired circuitry of the programmable device; generating a defect map for the programmable device based on the determined locations of the impaired circuitry; generating a plurality of configuration bitstreams to implement a circuit in the programmable device; selecting one of the plurality of configuration bitstreams that does not use the impaired circuitry indicated by the defect map; and programming the programmable device with the selected configuration bitstream.

Abstract: One approach for authenticating data includes storing a plurality of combinations of representations of public keys and session key IDs in a non-volatile memory. A payload and accompanying public key, session key ID, and signature of the payload are input. The signature is a function of the payload and a private key of a key pair that includes the accompanying public key and the private key. Authenticity of the payload is determined based on the accompanying public key and session key ID and the combinations stored in the non-volatile memory, and from the signature and the payload. In response to determining that the payload is authentic, the payload is processed, and in response to determining that the payload is not authentic, processing of the payload is disabled.

Abstract: In an adaptation module relating generally to adaptive optical channel compensation, an analysis module is coupled to receive a first data signal and a second data signal and coupled to provide first information and second information. A comparison module is coupled to compare the first information and the second information to provide third information. An adjustment module is coupled to receive the third information to provide fourth information to compensate for distortion in the second data signal with reference to the first data signal. The second data signal is associated with a conversion of the first data signal to an optical signal for communication via an optical channel.

Abstract: Approaches for using a physically unclonable function (PUF) as a key-encrypting key are disclosed. Data is encrypted using a session key, and at least one PUF value is generated from a PUF. The session key and a correctness indicator are encrypted into a corresponding session key pair using the PUF value. Each session key pair is added to the encrypted data. Subsequent decryption, using a subsequently generated PUF value, of the correctness indicator to an expected value indicates a valid decryption. Decryption may be repeated using a different PUF value if the correctness indicator does not match the expected value. In another approach, the session key may be omitted and the payload data may be encrypted with the different PUF values and paired with correctness indicators.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a secure cryptographic circuit arrangement is provided. The secure cryptographic circuit includes a cryptographic processing block, a spreading sequence generator, and a delay control circuit. The cryptographic processing block has a plurality of signal paths. One or more of the plurality of signal paths includes respective adjustable delay circuits. The spreading sequence generator is configured to output a sequence of pseudo-random numbers. The delay control circuit has an input coupled to an output of the spreading sequence number generator and one or more outputs coupled to respective delay adjustment inputs of the adjustable delay circuits. The delay control circuit is configured to adjust the adjustable delay circuits based on the pseudo-random numbers.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, circuits, systems, and methods for optical communication are disclosed. In some implementations an optical transmitter includes an optical data port configured to engage an optical fiber. The optical transmitter also includes a plurality of lasers coupled to the optical data port and configured and arranged to transmit respective optical signals over the optical fiber via the optical data port when selected. A control circuit of the optical transmitter is configured to receive an input data signal and encode the input data signal for transmission over the optical fiber by selecting one or more of the plurality of lasers at a time. The control circuit is configured to select one or more of the plurality of lasers at a time according to one of a frequency modulation encoding algorithm or an amplitude modulation encoding algorithm.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, circuits, systems, and methods for optical communication are disclosed. In some implementations, an apparatus includes a package substrate and f first interposer mounted on the package substrate. The apparatus also includes a logic circuit and an optical interface circuit connected to the logic circuit via the first interposer. One of the optical interface circuit or the logic circuit is mounted on the first interposer. The optical interface circuit includes a driver circuit configured to receive electronic data signals from the logic circuit. The optical interface circuit also includes an optical transmitter circuit coupled to the driver circuit and configured to output optical data signals encoding the electronic data signals.

Abstract: One approach for authenticating data includes storing a plurality of combinations of representations of public keys and session key IDs in a non-volatile memory. A payload and accompanying public key, session key ID, and signature of the payload are input. The signature is a function of the payload and a private key of a key pair that includes the accompanying public key and the private key. Authenticity of the payload is determined based on the accompanying public key and session key ID and the combinations stored in the non-volatile memory, and from the signature and the payload. In response to determining that the payload is authentic, the payload is processed, and in response to determining that the payload is not authentic, processing of the payload is disabled.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for performing physically unclonable function (PUF) burn-in are disclosed. For example, the method identifies, by a processor, a natural output of an integrated circuit before the integrated circuit is initialized, identifies, by the processor, a physical characteristic of the integrated circuit associated with the physically unclonable function, and ages, by the processor, the physical characteristic of the integrated circuit to burn-in the natural output of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for preventing accelerated aging of a physically unclonable function (PUF) circuit are disclosed. For example, the method monitors an environmental condition associated with the physically unclonable function circuit, detects a change in the environmental condition associated with the physically unclonable function circuit, and, in response to the change in the environmental condition, implements a security function for preventing the accelerated aging of the physically unclonable function circuit.

Abstract: A method and system of preventing data imprinting. The data includes a payload and a token that may be stored in a memory. The token provides information about the payload format and determines how that payload may be interpreted. The data field may be corrected and read into a device or may be converted and then written back to the memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating a bitstream used to configure programmable devices are described. In an example, the bitstream is received via a configuration port of the programmable device, the bitstream including instructions for programming configuration registers of the programmable device and at least one embedded message authentication code (MAC). At least a portion of the instructions is initially stored in a memory of the programmable device without programming the configuration registers. At least one actual MAC is computed based on the bitstream using a hash algorithm. The at least one actual MAC is compared with the at least one embedded MAC, respectively. Each instruction stored in the memory is executed to program the configuration registers until any one of the at least one actual MAC is not the same as a corresponding one of the at least one embedded MAC, after which any remaining instructions in the memory are not executed.

Abstract: A method of enabling detection of tampering with data provided to a programmable integrated circuit is described. The method comprises modifying a portion of the data to establish randomness in the data; and inserting, by a computer, a redundancy check value in the portion, wherein the redundancy check value is based upon the modified portion of the data. A programmable integrated circuit is also described.