User Manual For CYCLONE
FX
Programmers
42
6.1.7.1
Image Restrictions (Enhanced Security Settings)
There are any number of reasons why the user may want to place restrictions on the use of
specific programming images on a Cyclone programmer: from added ease when managing
production to a desire to protect intellectual property. When using the
CYCLONE
FX
, the “FX
Special Features” section of the Cyclone Image Creation Utility allows you to specify one or more
restrictions and tie them to specific programming images. Even if restricted programming images
are deleted from Cyclone’s internal memory or an SD card, the Cyclone platform has a persistent
memory that continues to tie security restrictions to that programming image. Thus, if an image is
removed and re-added to a Cyclone, the image counts are maintained and would continue
counting from where it left off. Also, if the SD Card is moved from Cyclone to Cyclone, the count is
maintained in both Cyclones as well as the SD Card.
Every time an image is generated by the Cyclone Image Creation utility, it is encoded with a unique
image ID number. All counts are stored relative to this unique ID number. So, when an image is
regenerated in the Cyclone Image Creation utility, it will have its own counts which will not conflict
with the previously generated image, even if the images are otherwise exactly the same. In this
way, the user can regenerate an image to allow a new batch of targets to be programmed.
Note:
The user may set more than one type of restriction on a programming image. The ability to
program the image will be restricted by whichever triggers first. E.g., if the user creates settings to
allow 100 programs, and also sets an allowed date range restriction, the ability to program the
image will be restricted as soon as the first of these conditions is triggered.
Currently the user may set the following restrictions:
6.1.7.1.1 Limit Image Usage Between Dates
When “Limit Usage Between Dates” is checked and the start and end dates are specified with valid
dates (format: DD/MM/YYYY), the Cyclone operator will only be allowed to program the
corresponding programming image when the date is on or between the dates specified. The
Cyclone has an onboard battery and clock which keeps a clock running even when power to the
Cyclone is removed. This clock date is the one used for comparison to the UTD Date specified in
the image. The ability to limit programming to a date is useful for making sure that an image will
stop working after a period of time. This could be for security purposes, or to make sure that a new
and updated image will need to be uploaded to the Cyclone after a period of time (for instance, to
not allow a firmware more than a year old to be programmed onto a target).
6.1.7.1.2 Limit Number of Programs Allowed
When “Limit Number of Programs Allowed” is checked and a number is specified in the
corresponding box (minimum = 1), the Cyclone operator will only be able to execute a number of
successful programming operations of this programming image less than or equal to the number
specified. The current programming count can be displayed on the main screen of the Cyclone or it
can be seen on the image's statistics page (see
Section 6.1.7.1.4 - Image Restriction
).
6.1.7.1.3 Limit Number of Failures Allowed
When “Limit Number of Failures Allowed” is checked and a number is specified in the
corresponding box (minimum = 1), the Cyclone operator will only be able to execute programming
operations on the current image until the maximum number of errors specified has been reached.
This restriction exists largely to prevent an operator from intentionally generating an error as part
of the programming process in an attempt to circumvent the count restrictions. A recommended
limit on this number would be on the order of 5% of the allowed programming counts.
6.1.7.1.4 Image Restriction Statistics
Statistics related to any specified restrictions for the currently selected programming image may
viewed by navigating in the touchscreen menu to
Current Image Operations - Show Current Image
Stats.
For more information on viewing programming image stats, see
.
In addition, the statistics for Number of Programs & Maximum Allowed can be set to display on the
