Patent ID: 6028939
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A data security system for performing a cryptographic process on data represented by bits, the cryptographic process comprising a predetermined repetitive sequence of steps which include bit manipulation operations comprising permutations of bits and substitutions of bits and logical operations, the system comprising a microprocessor; a programmable hardware device connected to the microprocessor, the programmable hardware device comprising a plurality of elements connectable together under program control in different configurations of elements for performing different functions, the elements being connected to perform said bit manipulation and logical operations of said cryptographic processes; program means within the microprocessor for moving data to and from the hardware device and for controlling the hardware device to repetitively perform said bit manipulation and logical operations in accordance with said predetermined sequence of steps so as to perform said cryptographic process; and means for loading configuration information into the hardware device from the microprocessor upon start-up of the system to connect the elements to perform said operations.