Patent ID: 7076663

Claim:
A method for altering a password and securing an electronic device, comprising the steps of: concatenating one or more scan chains to create a storage element; connecting the storage element to a comparator within an electronic circuit wherein an output of the comparator enables a system component; receiving a password from a user which becomes an original security id code; configuring one or more said scan chains to customize the storage element which represents said original security code id code by blowing electronic fuses; and comparing a subsequent password entered by the user to the original security id code wherein the comparator output enables a system component essential for device operation; wherein the system component comprises one or more of the following; a) a scan chain required for operation; b) a phase lock loon required for operation; and c) a system clock or clock distribution tree required for operation; and writing an update code over the original security id code to create a new security id code, whereby the new security id code is an OR-function product of the original security id code and the update code.