The bitstream is the file that contains the configuration data for an FPGA or eFPGA. It defines the logic, the interconnects—everything that makes the hardware perform its specific function. Protecting this bitstream is therefore critical to protecting your intellectual property.
In a traditional FPGA, the bitstream is often stored in an external PROM, creating a significant vulnerability.
Chameleon’s eFPGA technology addresses this from the ground up. Because the eFPGA fabric is embedded within the SoC, there is no external device to probe. The bitstream is loaded internally, and can be protected with industry-standard encryption and on-chip key storage.
This “hidden-in-plain-sight” approach makes it incredibly difficult for an attacker to intercept or tamper with the configuration data.
Furthermore, by pairing the eFPGA with a hardware state machine (HSM) or a physically unclonable function (PUF), you can establish a hardware root of trust and even lock a bitstream to a specific device. This ensures that your IP can only run on authorized hardware, preventing cloning and unauthorized use.
It’s a comprehensive approach to security that starts with protecting the very essence of your design—the bitstream.
