Tamper-resistant secure execution core for embedded firmware
This technology is a custom computer chip designed so that software running on it cannot be stolen, copied, or tampered with — even by sophisticated attackers. The chip stores and manages its own secret encryption keys in a locked-off section of silicon that the main processor cannot touch, then silently decrypts encrypted software instructions and data on the fly as the processor needs them. Because the encryption and decryption all happen inside the chip itself, sensitive code never exists in readable form anywhere outside it. This hardware-first approach protects intellectual property in embedded systems, secure devices, and any application where software must run in potentially hostile or untrusted environments.
What you could build
A licensable secure microprocessor IP core (or a discrete security chip) for embedded system manufacturers — defense electronics primes, IoT device makers, and medical device OEMs — who need to guarantee that firmware cannot be extracted or cloned even if an adversary has physical access to the hardware.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense primes and government contractors clustered around Northern Virginia and the Pentagon corridor — Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen — as well as semiconductor IP licensing firms serving defense electronics programs.
Readiness: Concept
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Mark T. Jones, Peter M. Athanas, Cameron D. Patterson, Joshua N. Edmison, Anthony Mahar, Benjamin J. Muzal, Barry L. Polakowski, Jonathan P. Graf
- Granted
- June 25, 2013
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8473754
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.