Atmel recently introduced the industry's first secure in-system-reprogrammable (ISP) field programmable system level integration circuits (secure FPSLIC). This family of devices allows systems designers to use SRAM-based programmable logic in applications requiring the ability to protect the intellectual property content.
This new capability offers a level of security and capability not available in other SRAM-based programmable SLI products by combining on-chip communication logic with a built-in security option. Intersil says that until now the only choice for secure programmable devices was to use less flexible, one-time programmable anti-fuse devices. The in-system programmability and security of the Atmel devices enables hardware and software changes, reduced inventory costs, lower design risk, faster time-to-market and lower manufacturing costs.
"This is the first time a programmable SLI solution is available that offers the combined benefits of both SRAM and anti-fuse-based products," according to Martin Mason, Programmable SLI Marketing Manager for Atmel. "Designers no longer have to compromise between a secure, nonvolatile solution and a fast, reprogrammable SRAM- based solution - now they can have both. Security has become a priority, as copying of programmable logic configuration code is an increasing problem for users of programmable logic devices. The configuration code stored in a programmable logic device is analogous to the program code of a microcontroller. Significant investment has been made in the intellectual property stored in these devices and protecting that intellectual property is a significant concern of customers in the telecom, networking and industrial control application areas. Copying of designs is no longer just the domain of consumer electronics".
"With the emerging class of System Level programmable products with embedded processors, such as our new AVR-based FPSLIC products, it is imperative that Atmel provide a mechanism to make customer's code secure. Our experience showed the combination of in-system programmability and security would be important in the new programmable system-on-chip market. Atmel establishes a first in offering security and in-system programming in a single package," Mason concluded.
Atmel SA 082 894 7223.
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