Secure processor supporting multiple security functions
AssigneeBroadcom Corporation
InventorsDouglas Allen, Mark Buer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A secure processor such as a trusted platform module supports multiple security functions within a single secure processing environment. For example, the secure processor may be configured to perform functions in accordance with the TPM specification and to perform other, non-TPM, security functions. These security functions may be operated independently such that the operation of one security function does not violate or compromising the security of other security functions.
Claims17
A secure processor compromising:
- trusted platform module (TPM) logic that implements security functions complying with a TPM standard;
- and
- non-TPM logic that implements security functions that are independent of the TPM standard,
- wherein said non-TPM logic does not affect said security functions complying with said TPM standard.
A method for adaptably processing, at a secure processor, commands that are compatible with a trusted platform module (TPM) standard and commands that are independent of the TPM standard, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) receiving a command;
- b) determining whether the command is compatible with the TPM standard;
- c) if so, performing a TPM function associated with the command;
- and
- d) if not, performing a non-TPM function associated with the command.
A network interface card comprising:
- trusted platform module (TPM) logic that implements security functions complying with a TPM standard;
- and
- non-TPM logic that implements security functions that are independent of the TPM standard,
- wherein said non-TPM logic does not affect said security functions complying with said TPM standard.
A local area network (LAN)-on-motherboard (LOM) comprising:
- trusted platform module (TPM) logic that implements security functions complying with a TPM standard;
- and
- non-TPM logic that implements security functions that are independent of the TPM standard,
- wherein said non-TPM logic does not affect said security functions complying with said TPM standard.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.