| Researchers in the Configurable Computing Laboratory have developed a secure programmable logic configuration that can prevent reverse engineering. The new configuration provides security via biometric data, concealing intellectual property in a generic device, and providing an association between the device user and its functionality.
Configurable logic provides significant potential for producing easily maintainable, inexpensive, field-upgradeable devices. From cellular phones that can change protocols as a user switches providers, to upgradeable network routers, to reconfigurable digital interfaces for musical instruments, there are many applications that benefit from this type of logic.
However, device security has become more of an issue, and manufacturers would like to be assured that their intellectual property cannot be reverse-engineered or easily duplicated based upon shipped products. The new configuration provides this level of security —the hardware itself is secure. The configuration was developed by Scott Harper, Arya Abraham, and Peter Athanas.
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