Importance

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Abstract

A microcomputer which is operable in either an internal program mode, wherein the microcomputer functions in accordance with an internally stored program, or in an external program mode, wherein the microcomputer functions in accordance with a program stored in a memory external to the microcomputer, provides internal RAM security during the external program mode. The microcomputer includes an internal program memory for internally storing programs; a bus for connection to an external memory for carrying programs from the external program memory; a nonsecure RAM for storing nonsecure data; a secure RAM for storing secure data; a central processing unit for processing the stored data and/or externally provided data either in accordance with the internally stored programs or in accordance with programs stored in the external memory; and a controller for controlling interconnections between the internal program memory, the bus, the RAMs and the central processing unit in accordance with the mode of operation of the microcomputer; wherein during the external program mode, the controller inhibits access to the secure RAM. Code for accessing the secure data stored in the secure RAM is contained in a program stored in the internal program memory. The microcomputer is ideally suited for performing cryptographic operations utilizing cryptographic keys stored in or derived from the secure memory.

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First Claim