student assignment on Protecting IP

[Altera_Forum]

Hi All, 

 I am an electronic engineering student doing an assignment based around FPGA's titled "Securing Intellectual Property in today's Implementations." I am finding it difficult finding information relating to this and the methods currently in use given that it is IP. Can anyone shed some light on how Altera protect their IP or do you have any interesting information relating to IP.  not looking for anything that may breach forum rules or raise legal issues.  Thanks in advance  

[Altera_Forum]

The method used in industry these days for IP security is encryption. IPs are sold in a couple of formats: 

 1. VHDL/Verilog code (Behavioral/RTL) with encryption 2. Netlists with synthesis, timing etc  3. RTL code with full code access   All of the above are done using licensing. Most IPs are time limited and this feature is controlled by the license files.

[Altera_Forum]

This app note explains the IP evaluation mode (formerly known as OpenCore Plus): 

 https://www.altera.com/content/dam/altera-www/global/en_us/pdfs/literature/an/an320.pdf

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

 RTL code with the public key, the Intel Quartus software uses the key to decrypt the IP core. To use this feature, use a simulation or synthesis tool that supports the IEEE1735 standard. Check the link section 1.7 & 1.8 https://www.altera.com/content/dam/altera-www/global/en_us/pdfs/literature/ug/ug_intro_to_megafunctions.pdf  Best Regards, Anand Raj Shankar (This message was posted on behalf of Intel Corporation)