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VHDL source code encryption

PaulU

I'm in a situation where some IP written in VHDL must be sent to a customer so he can simulate it. Of course we don't want to send the source code.

Normally, what we do is sending pre-compiled libraries, where the the VHDL files are compiled using the -nodebug option of vcom. This is for ModelSim/QuestaSim.

Now we're facing a customer who does not use ModelSim. Instead, he uses a simulator by Cadence (Incisive, I suppose, or ncsim). We do not have Cadence tools.

So, what's the best way to cope with this?

The first question is whether ncvhdl has a similar option as the -nodebug option of vcom, hiding all internal signals and hierarchy. I have tried to find the manual pages of ncvhdl on www.cadence.com but the search results from that site are awful. Another question is whether I as a non-Cadence customer can compile VHDL using Cadence tools.

Second thought is using the new VHDL-2008 `PROTECT keyword and create encrypted VHDL that can be compiled at the customer site.. A data sheet on the Incisive simulator however does not mention any 2008 support. Is this correct?

 Are there other options?

  • Hi Paul, What I would recommend doing is to encrypt the file using ncprotect . The default protection mechanism utilizes a Cadence proprietary encryption algorithm and doesn't require a license. Cadence also supports the IEEE encryption mechanism (Draft IEEE P1076/D2.11, May 20, 2006). However to invoke the IEEE encryption a license is required. To encrypt the file you'll need to download and install the IUS simulator toolset. 1) download and install the IUS simulator by going to downloads.cadence.com and choose the latest IUS82 hotfix from within the appropriate O/S tab. 2) once you have the tool installed execute ncprotect with your vhdl file(s) and include -autoprotect : ncvhdl myfile.vhd -autoprotect the above will result in a complete encryption (ports, names, hierarachy, etc...) of the file with the resulting file having the same name as the input file, except with a .vhdp extension. Btw, feel free to email me (jrodrig@cadence.com) offline if you have any questions regarding the download and/or install procedure. Hope that helps. Best regards, Mickey

  • Mickey,

    Thanks for the quick response.  I will look into this later. If I need help, I will contact you offline.

    Best regards,

    Paul. 

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