Patent ID: 7558969
Filing Date: 2009-07-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of enabling initial operation of an integrated circuit structure that is formed on an integrated circuit die, the integrated circuit die having an on-chip unique number generator formed thereon, the method comprising: prior to the initial operation of the integrated circuit structure, causing the on-chip unique number generator to generate a multi-bit die ID that is unique to the integrated circuit die; storing the unique multi-bit die ID on the integrated circuit die as a multi-bit data string; subsequent to storing the multi-bit data string on the integrated circuit die, causing the on-chip unique number generator to regenerate the unique multi-bit die ID; comparing the regenerated unique multi-bit die ID and the stored multi-bit data string utilizing comparison circuitry that is formed on the integrated circuit die; and generating an enable signal required for the initial operation of the integrated circuit structure only in the event that the comparison of the regenerated unique multi-bit die ID and the stored multi-bit data string results in match between at least a predefined number of the bits of the regenerated unique multi-bit die ID and the stored multi-bit data string, and wherein the comparing step is performed entirely on the integrated circuit die.