2.11.4.1 Security

Microchip antifuse FPGAs, with FuseLock technology, offer the highest level of design security available in a programmable logic device. Since antifuse FPGAs are live-at power-up, there is no bitstream that can be intercepted, and no bitstream or programming data is ever downloaded to the device during power-up, thus protecting against device cloning. In addition, special security fuses are hidden throughout the fabric of the device and may be programmed by the user to thwart attempts to reverse engineer the device by attempting to exploit either the programming or probing interfaces. Both invasive and noninvasive attacks against an Axcelerator device that access or bypass these security fuses will destroy access to the rest of the device. (see the Design Security in Nonvolatile Flash and Antifuse FPGAs white paper).

Look for the following symbol to ensure your valuable IP is protected with highest level of security in the industry.

To ensure maximum security in Axcelerator devices, it is recommended that the user program the device security fuse (SFUS). When programmed, the Silicon Explorer II testing probes are disabled to prevent internal probing, and the programming interface is also disabled. All JTAG public instructions are still accessible by the user.