AES core with independent inputs and outputs

A method of encrypting data a symmetric-key encryption standard, said method comprising:

• loading N registers with N plaintext blocks of data, each register loaded with a plaintext block of data;
• selecting each block in turn to enter a pipeline processing unit arranged to perform a round of encryption upon said block using said symmetric-key encryption standard;
• generating a plurality of round keys necessary for a round of the symmetric-key encryption standard using a cipher key;
• storing said round keys in N key memory devices;
• indexing each of said N key memory devices with a read counter in order to output from each of said N key memory devices and into said pipeline processing unit one of said round keys for said round of encryption;
• repetitively counting, by a start modulo N counter, N timeslots at each key round, wherein N ranges is an integer greater than one;
• performing said round of encryption upon said block in said pipeline processing unit using said symmetric-key encryption standard;
• and
• outputting an encrypted version of said block from said pipeline processing unit.

A hardware architecture for encrypting data using the a symmetric-key encryption standard, said architecture comprising:

• N registers configured to store N blocks of data, each register arranged to hold a block of data;
• a multiplexer arranged to accept one of said N blocks of data at a time and to output said block;
• encryption means for performing a round of encryption upon said block using said symmetric-key encryption standard, said block being received from said multiplexer;
• a key round generator that generates round keys for said encryption means using a cipher key;
• N key memory devices, each key memory device arranged to hold said round keys;
• and controller
• indexing one of said round keys in a corresponding one of said N key memory devices;
• and
• enabling said indexed round key to be input to said encryption means, wherein said controller includes modulo N counting a cycle of N timeslots at each key round, wherein N is an integer greater than one.