Patent ID: 7065654
Filing Date: 2006-06-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A system, comprising: a processor configured to operate in an operating mode, wherein the operating mode is one of a plurality of operating modes including a secure operating mode; one or more secured assets coupled to the processor; security hardware configured to control access to the secured assets dependant upon the operating mode of the processor, wherein the security hardware is configured to allow access to the secure assets in the secure operating mode, and wherein the security hardware comprises a mailbox RAM configured to store input and output data, wherein the mailbox RAM includes an inbox for storing input data for the one or more secured assets and an outbox for storing output data from the one or more secured assets, wherein the security hardware comprises: a duration timer configured to operate while the processor is operating in the secure mode, wherein the duration timer is configured to provide an indication of how long the processor is in the secure mode, a kick-out timer configured to provide an indication to the processor of when the processor is to exit the secure mode, a re-initiation timer configured to provide an indication to the processor to re-enter the secure mode.