RussianSemiResearch FAQ

1. For whom is this FAQ?

Most experts develop device to the microcontroller already familiar with the topic of software protection of microcontrollers, so we can assume that the section they have nothing new will not tell. However, there is a huge army of engineers and consumers of electronic devices are not familiar with the detailed organization of such protection, but who want or understand the details of the existing device, or a similar device for them and it is this collection of answers to questions.

2. For what and from whom is the protection of microcontrollers?

Many manufacturers of electronic devices are trying to protect their device from the possibility of simply copying it to other manufacturer. They went to meet manufacturers of microcontrollers, introducing its products to the functional copy protection software (firmware) contained in the memory of the microcontroller. With this protection from reading the firmware manufacturers of electronic devices can protect your product from simply copying other manufacturers.

3. What is the copy protection in the microcontroller, and why I myself can not be read secure firmware?

Typically, the copy protection is established during the programming of the microcontroller by setting a special bit of protection or more bits in a word the configuration of the microcontroller. Physically, these bits are placed in special memory locations on chip microcontroller. Sometimes used other methods of protection, such as password protection, but the principle remains. To remove the protection is usually necessary to change the value of this bit or multiple bits, but often can be used and other methods of reading the contents of program memory of the microcontroller. Conventional methods, such as programmer, do not succeed, you need a complicated expensive equipment, which is usually a developer of electronic devices has not. Therefore, we, having the necessary equipment, knowledge and experience, specialize in providing such services.

4. What gives me the removal of protection from reading the firmware?

Suppose you have a device that you purchased from one of the manufacturers of electronic devices and you want to produce the same, but the modified device. But the source firmware or the binary firmware you have course not, and you will be completely from scratch to develop and debug firmware. This, compared to copying the electronic component device (circuit), will have to spend a lot of money and time. Use our professional services, you will save time and money to develop the device. In the presence of the device or the electrical circuit, we can restore the full algorithm of its work and the text of the firmware programming language C or Assembler.

5. What is the legality of such actions in terms of legislation?

Our company operates in Russia, so below is a quote from the law. Laws of other country declared a similar position.

Federal Law 23.09.92 N 3523-1 "On Legal Protection of Software and Databases"

Article 15. Free Reproduction and adaptation of computer programs or database

1. Any person lawfully in possession of a copy of a computer program or database may, without further authorization holder to perform any actions associated with the operation of a computer program or database in accordance with its purpose, including recording and storing in computer memory, as well as correction obvious errors ...

3. Any person lawfully in possession of a copy of a computer program may, without the consent of the owner and without payment of additional compensation, decompile, or cause to decompile the computer program in order to study coding and structure of this program ...