Cryptography – Cryptanalysis
Patent
1996-12-05
1999-05-04
Cangialosi, Salvatore
Cryptography
Cryptanalysis
39518311, H04L 900
Patent
active
059012250
ABSTRACT:
A system and method for performing software patches for embedded system devices in which the firmware of the system is included in non-alterable storage of the device. The patch mechanism provides a means for finding firmware errors, prototyping fixes to the errors and/or prototyping new functionality of the firmware of the embedded system. The system comprises an embedded system device coupled to an external memory. The device includes a non-alterable memory, including firmware, coupled to a processor. The device further includes a relatively small amount of patch RAM within the device also coupled to the processor. The patches are loaded from the external memory into the patch RAM. The device further includes a means for determining if one or more patches are to be applied. If the device detects a patch to be applied, the system loads the patch from the external memory into the patch RAM. The device also includes a breakpoint register. When the value of the program counter of the processor equals the value in the breakpoint register, a patch insertion occurs, i.e., the processor deviates from executing firmware to executing patch instructions. Preferably, the embedded system device comprises a single integrated circuit. The processor may include a plurality of breakpoint registers. The patch may be encrypted for increased security. Multiple patches may be chained together, and run-time patch replacement is contemplated.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4028684 (1977-06-01), Divine et al.
patent: 4319079 (1982-03-01), Best
patent: 5357627 (1994-10-01), Miyazawa et al.
patent: 5454100 (1995-09-01), Sagane
patent: 5553301 (1996-09-01), New et al.
patent: 5740413 (1998-04-01), Alpert et al.
patent: 5764884 (1998-06-01), Van Fleet
XP 000552115 Wilkinson, M.A., "Breakpoints in Masked Microcontrollers To Fix Latent Software Defects", Motorola Technical Developments, Nov. 1995, pp. 2-3.
Champagne Gerald
Ireton Mark A.
Marler Corbett A.
Advanced Micro Devices , Inc.
Cangialosi Salvatore
Hood Jeffrey C.
LandOfFree
System and method for performing software patches in embedded sy does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with System and method for performing software patches in embedded sy, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System and method for performing software patches in embedded sy will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1875887