Firmware decryption & IC unlock
IC Unlock
We have professional engineers for the IC unlock, chip unlock, and firmware decryption.
IC Unlocking Service
Unlocking integrated circuits (ICs) requires specialized expertise and precise procedures. At PCBDesign Lab, we offer professional IC unlock services to help you regain access to valuable IC programs. You will get from us the following files:
- BIN format file
- HEX format file
- Two ic-programmed samples for your testing.
- Tutorial video of how to install the file on the IC.
What is the IC unlock?
IC unlock, also known as integrated circuit (IC) decryption or firmware reverse engineering, is the process of extracting firmware or intellectual property (IP) from a protected or encrypted integrated circuit. Integrated circuits often contain proprietary designs, algorithms, or sensitive information that manufacturers want to protect from unauthorized access or replication.
Benefits of IC Unlock
Intellectual Property Recovery
IC unlock can help the original owner of the integrated circuit to recover their intellectual property (IP) in cases where the original documentation or source code has been lost or damaged.
Product Repair and Modification
IC unlock can be beneficial for repairing or modifying devices that rely on a specific integrated circuit. If the original IC is no longer available or its firmware needs to be updated, IC unlock can provide access to the necessary information for repairs or modifications.
Counterfeit Detection
By comparing the recovered design or firmware with the original manufacturer's specifications, discrepancies and unauthorized modifications can be identified, helping to protect consumers and ensure product integrity.
Competitive Analysis
In some cases, competitors may employ IC unlocking to analyze and understand the functionality and design of a competitor's integrated circuit. This can provide valuable insights for research, market analysis, and product development, though it is essential to adhere to legal and ethical guidelines in such endeavors.
Legacy System Support
IC unlock can be valuable for supporting legacy systems or devices that rely on obsolete or discontinued integrated circuits. By recovering the original IP, it becomes easier to maintain and service these systems, extending their lifespan and avoiding costly redesigns.
What is the Process of Unlock IC?
The process typically includes an initial assessment and security analysis of the IC’s protection mechanisms. Non-destructive techniques, such as microprobing and reverse engineering, are used to extract circuitry and bypass security measures. The extracted data is then analyzed, and the IC is reconstructed to restore its original functionality. Testing and verification ensure the unlocked IC meets requirements. The process concludes with documentation provided to the client, including technical reports and circuit diagrams.
Step #1: Analysis and Assessment
The first step is to analyze the integrated circuit and assess the level of protection and security measures implemented. This can involve examining the packaging, identifying any physical security features, and conducting a preliminary analysis of the circuitry.
Step #2: Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering techniques are used to analyze the structure, circuitry, and firmware of the IC. This may involve physical analysis, such as examining the IC under a microscope to identify key components, traces, and security features.
Step #3: Deprocessing
The integrated circuit may need to undergo deprocessing, which involves removing layers and materials that hinder access to the internal circuitry. This can include removing the packaging material, delayering the chip to access the metal interconnects, and removing passivation layers.
Step #4: Readout or Extraction
Once access to the internal components is achieved, the next step is to read out or extract the data stored within the IC. This can involve techniques like chip-level probing, using specialized equipment to analyze and capture signals from various parts of the IC, or using software tools and algorithms to extract firmware or encryption keys.
Step #5: Imaging and Scanning
Imaging techniques, such as electron microscopy or optical microscopy, are used to capture high-resolution images of the integrated circuit’s layers, interconnects, and transistors. Scanning techniques, such as electron beam probing or focused ion beam (FIB) milling, can be employed to extract information at specific locations within the chip.
Step #6: Verification
The reconstructed circuitry and firmware are analyzed and verified to ensure accuracy and integrity. This can involve simulating the circuit, comparing it with expected behaviour, and validating the extracted firmware against its intended functionality.
Step #7: Documentation and Reporting
The findings from the IC unlock process are documented, including detailed information about the circuitry, firmware, and any significant discoveries. A report summarizing the process, results, and implications may be prepared.
Step #8: Reprogramming or Cloning
The goal of IC unlock may involve reprogramming or cloning the IC. We will modify the firmware, remove or bypass security features, or replicate the IC for purposes like product repair or replacement.
PCB Design & PCB Reverse Engineering Services
PCBDesign Lab helped 100 customers develop The Products
Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessment:
IC unlock techniques can be employed as part of security audits or vulnerability assessments. By examining the internal structure, firmware, or encryption mechanisms of the IC, security vulnerabilities or potential exploits can be identified and mitigated, enhancing the robustness of the system.
IC Failure Analysis:
When an integrated circuit fails to function correctly, IC unlock methods can be utilized to analyze the failure and identify the root cause. By accessing the internal components and circuitry, experts can diagnose and troubleshoot issues, enabling effective repairs or improvements.
Intellectual Property Protection:
Companies that have invested significant resources in developing proprietary integrated circuits may use IC unlock technology to safeguard their intellectual property. By protecting the internal design, firmware, or encryption algorithms of the IC, unauthorized copying or reverse engineering attempts can be deterred.
When do you need an IC unlock?
IC unlock is needed when you required to protect valuable IC designs, understand and modify locked ICs in legacy systems, analyze failures for repairs or improvements, replicate ICs or integrate their functionality, and conduct security audits. It requires proper authorization, adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, and respect for intellectual property rights.
Firmware Reverse Engineering&IC Decryption
Best practices for IC Unlock
Understand the Legalities
IC unlock process complies with all relevant laws and regulations
Data Security
Implement robust data security protect the confidentiality of the information
Improvement
Encryption and secure network configurations
Agile Development
Flexible and efficient approach to IC unlock
How to program an IC chip?
Utilizing advanced programming software, the parameters are meticulously configured to meet the requirements of the new program or data. Once the configuration is complete, the new program or data is loaded onto the programmer software. With all preparations in place, the programming process is initiated, closely monitored to track progress, and verified for successful completion. To ensure optimal functionality, rigorous testing is conducted on the reprogrammed IC.
1. Programming Equipment:
To reprogram an IC chip, you'll need the appropriate programming equipment. This may include a programmer device or hardware, along with the necessary software for interfacing with the chip.
2. Obtain programming data:
It needs the new programming data that you want to write onto the IC chip. This data can be in the form of a binary file, firmware file, or specific programming instructions.
3. Programming Setup:
Connect the IC chip to the programmer device or hardware according to the pinout and connection requirements. This involve using a socket, clips, or soldering the chip to an adapter board, depending on the programming method and IC package type.
4. Select the Programming Algorithm:
Depending on the specific IC chip and programming equipment, you may need to select the appropriate programming algorithm or method. This ensures compatibility and proper communication between the programmer and the IC chip.
5. Set Programming Parameters:
Configure the programming parameters such as voltage levels, programming mode, frequency, and any specific options or settings required for the IC chip being programmed. These parameters may vary depending on the chip and programming equipment used.
6. Erase the existing programming/Load the New Firmware:
Perform an erase operation on the IC chip to clear the existing programming data. And use the programming software or tool to load the new firmware or data onto the IC chip. This could be in the form of a binary file, a hex file depending on the programming software and chip specifications.
7. Verify the programming:
After writing the new data, perform a verification step to ensure that the programming was successful. Download the programming into an IC sample for verification. Ship the IC sample to the customer for testing on board.
8. Disconnect the IC chip:
Once the programming and verification are complete, disconnect the IC chip from the programmer device (ic device burner). Send the customer the finalized Bin/Hex format file.
Why Choose our IC Unlock Service?
Service Capability
- Supported decryption series: MCU (single-chip microcomputer), CPLD, DSP, PLD, AVR, ARM, PIC, STC, SN, HT, LPC, AT90/T89/87, STM8S, STM32F103, microchip PIC18F4455, microchip AT89S51-24PU, STM32F103C8T6 and so on.
- FIB(focused-ion beam)technology, chip program development and upgrade.
- Chip decryption, IC reverse, chip failure analysis, chip code point extraction and replication.
- IC regrogramming and disassembled Bin/Hex file. IC replacement solution for the expensive and old one.
- IC debugging and testing algorithms and upgrades.
Files Layout
- Bin/hex format file.
- Two IC samples are provided for your testing.
Payment Method
We accept direct payment by wire transfer or PayPal.
- 50% deposit before the project starts.
- Ship out two samples for your testing on the board.
- Balance paid, bin files sent.
IC Sample Shipping
Please use DHL or UPS to send us the IC, and you will be responsible for the tax duty and export clearance charge.
- Please declare the IC values at not more than $30 on the shipping invoice.
- Please notify us of the tracking number after it is shipped out.
Regrogrammed IC Delivery (For your testing)
We will DHL or UPS to send you the IC, and you will be responsible for the tax duty or import clearance charges.
- We will declare the sample value at not more than $20.
- We will notify you of tracking numbers when they are shipped.
- Customers will be fully charged for the relevant costs of customs duty and customs clearance.
IC Unlock: The Service steps you have to know
Initial Assessment
The IC is carefully examined to determine its type, security level, and potential unlocking methods.
Security Analysis
A detailed analysis of the IC's security features, encryption algorithms, and protection mechanisms is conducted.
Circuit Extraction
Advanced equipment and specialized tools are used to extract the circuitry and data from the IC. This process involves mapping and understanding the circuit connections within the IC.
IC Reconstruction
Based on the extracted circuitry and data, the IC's design and functionality are reconstructed. This involves restoring the IC to its original operational state.
Testing&Verification
The unlocked IC is thoroughly tested to ensure its functionality and validate its performance. This step helps ensure that the unlocked IC meets the desired objectives and requirements.
Documentation
Detailed documentation of the IC unlock process, including technical reports, circuit diagrams, and any relevant data obtained during the procedure, will provide to the client.
FAQ: All About iC Unlock
IC Unlock&Firmware decryption
- The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) prohibits the circumvention of technological measures used to protect copyrighted works, which can include firmware encryption. However, there are exceptions under the DMCA for activities such as encryption research and reverse engineering for interoperability.
- If you require access to IC decryption files for legitimate purposes, such as troubleshooting, firmware updates, or compatibility issues, please feel free consulting us.
- We unlock microcontrollers (MCUs) from manufacturers such as Atmel, Microchip, and STMicroelectronics, as well as digital signal processors (DSPs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) used in various electronic devices.
- STM32F103, microchip PIC18F4455, microchip STM32F429ZIT6, and microchip AT89S51-24PU.
- For normal chips (Microchip brand), our IC decryption work will take 3 hours.
- For the obsolete chips, our IC unlock work will take 3 days.
- IC unlock, or IC decryption, refers to a binary file that contains the binary code or machine code stored within the integrated circuit.
- Hex Format: Hex is a standard file format often used to represent binary data in a human-readable format.
- Bin Format: The binary file obtained from IC unlock may be in a raw binary format, simply containing the binary data as a sequence of 0s and 1s. This format is the closest representation of the actual binary code stored in the IC.
- Yes, for sure. PCBDesign Lab is always looking forward to working with you. Please contact our sales for the updated prices.