Importance

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Abstract

A hardware-software security arrangement enables manufacturers of digital RF communications equipment to provide differently configured products having substantially identical hardware and operational control software. Only authorized units are permitted to activate software-controlled 'optional' features. The software is protected against unauthorized modifying, copying and uploading/downloading. The security arrangement allows a manufacturer to control the distribution of functional features and operational software upgrades by requiring a product-specific authorization. Each individual unit has a read-only storage device containing a unique device-specific value. 'Checksum' data is uniquely computed by the manufacturer for each individual product unit according to a 'feature authorization code' specifying particular authorized functional features and the device specific value by using a particular data transformation. This computed data is stored in the unit. On power-up, the unique checksum data is recalculated by the device and compared to the stored checksum data. The unit enables only the most basic functions if the comparison is unfavorable. If the comparison is favorable, then particular features specified by the 'feature authorization code' are enabled. The unit may also be updated in the field to provide additional features by providing the manufacturer with the device serial number, obtaining a newly calculated 'checksum' based on the desired additional features, and dynamically downloading this information into the device.

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First Claim