Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – System configuring
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-18
2001-02-20
Lee, Thomas C. (Department: 2782)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
System configuring
C710S008000, C710S063000, C710S108000, C710S105000, C713S100000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192436
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to programming, configuring, and/or testing electronic devices, and more particularly to programming and/or configuring devices using a smart card.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electronic systems today may include one or more devices such as Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Programmable Read-Only Memories (PROMs), and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). These devices are configured and/or programmed to fulfill the system requirements.
One technique for configuring such devices is to individually program the devices on conventional parallel programmers and then attach the devices to a system circuit board. This approach involves significant handling of devices which may result in damage. Specifically, device pins may be bent during insertion and removal from a programmer, thereby rendering the device useless. Another disadvantage with programmers is that upgrading devices at user sites may not be practicable because of the size and expense of programmers.
An alternative technique for configuring devices is in-system programming. This approach involves attaching devices to a system circuit board prior to the devices having been programmed. Once attached, the system voltage levels are used to program the devices. This approach solves the problems associated with parallel programmers in that the devices need not be handled both for programming and for attaching to the system board. In addition, with sufficient communication interface circuitry, the devices can be reprogrammed at a user site via personal computers or phone lines, for example. A disadvantage to this approach, however, is that the interface can be cost prohibitive.
A system and method that addresses the aforementioned problems, as well as other related problems, are therefore desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a smart card is provided in a programmable electronic system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a configurable electronic device and a- bridge coupled to the configurable device. The bridge is configured and arranged to format configuration data from the smart card for transmission to the configurable device. A smart card interface arrangement is coupled to the bridge and is configured and arranged to provide configuration data from the smart card to the bridge.
A method for configuring an electronic device is provided in another embodiment. The method comprises storing selected configuration data on a smart card, reading the configuration data from the smart card, translating the configuration data to a selected format compatible with a configuration interface for the device, and downloading configuration data in the selected format to the device.
In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for configuring an electronic device with configuration data from a smart card. The apparatus comprises means for reading the configuration data from the smart card, means for translating the configuration data to a selected format compatible with a configuration interface for the device, and means for downloading configuration data in the selected format to the device.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment of the present invention. The figures and detailed description that follow provide additional example embodiments and aspects of the present invention.
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Jacobson Neil G.
Murphy Matthew T.
Du Thuan
Harms Jeanette S.
Lee Thomas C.
Maunu LeRoy D.
Xilinx , Inc.
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