Importance

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Abstract

A method is provided for configuring an FPGA to accept or reject selected software (macros). Specifically, if an end user desires to use a locked macro from a first macro vendor a locked macro from a second macro vendor in the same FPGA, a key manager prepares a keyed FPGA for the end user by pre-programming an FPGA with a first key, which is configured to unlock the first locked macro, and a second key, which is configured to unlock the second locked macro. The key manager obtains the first key from the first macro vendor and the second key from the second macro vendor. The keys are stored in a key table of the FPGA that is write-only from outside the FPGA. The end user pays a fee to the key manager for the keyed macro, but is not given access to the keys. The key manager apportions the fee from the end user and distributes appropriate licensing fees to the first macro vendor and the second macro vendor.

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First Claim