IRACST - International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology & Security (IJCSITS), ISSN: 2249-9555

Vol. 3, No.1, February 2013

Design of a Microcontroller-based Circuit

for Software Protection
Eshtiag Jah Alrasool Alsideg Mohammed Ahmed.

El-nzeer El-ameen Mohammed Ali

Faculty of Science And Art - King AbdAlaziz University

KAU
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Gezira Collage of Technology

GCT
medani, Sudan.

AbstractIn light of technological development, exploit the

potential of computer and benefit from its services has become
very important, so the computer software has played a major role
in various fields in our life. Facing the use of these software and
their manufacturing many of risks such as piracy and
unauthorized usage. The object of this research is to contribute in
getting rid of those problems by develop a microcontroller-based
circuit for software protection. In which a key is completely
encrypted in the hardware and that is an easy to use license
manager that creates professional and secure license keys to
protect your software against piracy and unauthorized usage. The
designed circuit has been successfully tested. It shows a reliable
software protection.
Keywords - hard key, software protection, serial port
microcontroller-based circuit, piracy, encryption algorithm.

I.

INTRODUCTION

computer programs have become more important and with

the number of personal computers and Internet users grow, the
incidence of software piracy, reverse engineering,
modification, break-once run everywhere (BORE) attacks,
copy and illegal usage are some problem faced the software
development and distribution, that denies software companies
and vendors their rightful return on investment. Due to the
large loss revenues of software companies, the software
vendors have to pay more attention to develop new protection
technique against unauthorized and illegal usage. Although
legal protection tools like trade secrets, copyright, patents and
trademarks have been put into use, they are not adequate for the
software protection. Other methods.such as using serial
numbers or user name/password offer only weak protection,
since programs are digital products they can be copied bit by
bit entirely. Without any help from hardware side, protected
software eventually can be cracked by professional crackers.[1]
Authors of computer software always feel aggrieved that their
works are copied and stalling by unauthorized pirates.
Consequently program vendors have been researching
extensively to invent a foolproof device to prevent their
software, and then they could sell their protected programs at a
low price to achieve a large market. [2] For that they develop
some techniques for software copy and license protection that
prevents the applications from being run on different machines,
Volume ID(This method restricts the user to run the application
only on the specified drive volume), MAC Address (The MAC
Address (Media Access Control) is the hardware addressof
anetwork adapter, Hostname(The windows PC name is unique

within a network and can be used for copy protection),

NetBIOS Computer Name (The NetBIOS computer name is
available on every PC. It can be used for software copy
protection only on a single user installation (available only with
the Professional Edition)) , Volume ID + UNC Pathname (This
Installation Code combines the Volume ID with the absolute
path of the license file. Assume a situation where an
application is installed several times on the same machine, but
in different directories: The Volume ID is identical on all
installations and therefore the installation may be used by many
users (3 installations with 20 licenses allow 60 users to work
with your software, but you only sold 20 licenses). With this
installation code type the problem of several installations is
eliminated), MAC Address + UNC Pathname (This Installation
Code combines the MAC address with the absolute path of the
license file (for details why using the pathname see Volume ID
+ UNC pathname ), Combination Volume ID + MAC Address
+ Hostname + UNC Pathname (This Installation Code offers
the most restrictive protection as all criteria have to match),
Combination Volume ID + MAC Address + Hostname
(Restrictive protection for single user applications), IP Address
(Uses the IP address of the licensed hardware. Only possible if
a static IP address is available. [3], and tools which creates
professional and secure license keys to protect software against
piracy , Quick License Manager (QLM) (QLM is an easy to
use license manager that creates professional and secure license
keys to protect your software against piracy. You can create
permanent or evaluation (trial) license keys in a snap. Integrate
QLM with your application ). [4], Smart Dongle (The primary
function of Smart dongle is to protect software from piracy.
This robust unit can be used to carry passwords, signatures,
executable code, or other sensitive data, making it as difficult
as possible to steal your software. The affordable price makes it
a valuable asset for developers who are looking for an easy,
cost-effective security solution for their software while
providing portability and convenience to end-users), MatrixDongle (Matrix is a reliable safety system for the protection of
your software from unauthorized usage and reproduction.
Whole purpose is to protect software licenses against software
piracy. [5], Cryp Key DAL (Distributor Authorizing License)
(Cryp Key DAL is gives vendors the ability to grant others
permission to authorize software. With Cryp Key DAL, the
vendor achieves control over the number of licenses a
distributor can issue by providing a distributor with a preconfigured copy of Cryp Key's SKG (Site Key Generator). The
vendor uses its Master SKG to authorize the distributor's SKG

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IRACST - International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology & Security (IJCSITS), ISSN: 2249-9555
Vol. 3, No.1, February 2013

for a limited number of runs. Cryp Key Instant is a softwarebased solution that embeds its licensing protection directly into
your application executable. It protects applications by
wrapping and encrypting your executable (EXE) or dynamic
link library (DLL) files with Cryp Keys proven protection
technologies). [6], HardKey License Manager: (allows to
generate cryptographically strong serial numbers based on
asymmetric crypto algorithm.[7].
Design of a microcontroller-based circuit for software
protection (hard key) is an extension to that tools and it is
protects software from piracy and unauthorized usage by
exchange encrypted key with protected software.

II.

A. Hardware Design
The system is composed of three main parts namely; serial
port, max 232 and microcontroller. The serial port is a
computer port which is opens by the protected software that
sends its key to the max232 which converts signals from an
RS-232 serial port to signals suitable for use in TTL compatible
digital logic circuits. The microcontroller which receive that
key and sends it encrypted to the protected software via
max232 works under software control.

SYSTEM DESIGN

Reverse engineering, modification, and break-once run

everywhere (BORE) attacks, copy and illegal usage are some
problems faced the software development and distribution.
Design of a microcontroller-based circuit for software
protection (hard key) protects software from all above. Hard
key still costive and not more available. For these reasons there
should be a method of designing of a microcontroller based
circuit for software protection (hard key) that is far less cheap.
The following sections describe the design steps of the
proposed system

Figure 1. System Block Diagram

Figure 1: System Circuit Diagram explain the need of

MAX232 which is compatible with RS-232 standard, and
consists of dual transceiver. Each receiver converts TIA/EIA232-E levels into 5V TTL/CMOS levels. Each driver converts
TTL/COMS levels into TIA/EIA-232-E levels.

Figure 2. System Circuit Diagram

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IRACST - International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology & Security (IJCSITS), ISSN: 2249-9555
Vol. 3, No.1, February 2013
Figure 3. Method of key checking

Figure 2: the circuit diagram of the system, consist of

AT16L microcontroller, max 232 and serial port. It shows the
max 232 circuit and it's connection with of AT16L
microcontroller rand the serial port
B. Software Development
The functionality of the system describes a simple
technique to exchange a key between the circuit and protected
software which is waiting for specific response to run in a full
user permission or run in a limit user permission area.

.B.1 Method of key exchange

The protected software checking specific port (serial port)
searching for its hard key when any user run it.

Figure 3 represents the steps of exchanging key

B.2 Encryption Algorithm
Encryption is the act of encoding text so that others not
privy to the decryption mechanism (the key) cannot understand
the content of the text.
Algorithm is any set of detailed instructions which results in a
predictable end-state from a known beginning.
Here is an algorithm that the researcher use to exchange an
encrypted key between the hard key and the protected program
,algorithm Instructions go through the following:
1.

then make decision in a fallowing :

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

If its not find the hard key then run in a limit user
permission area.
If it finds the hard key then sends a key to it, after
that still waiting for response to make decision:
With availed key run in full user permission.
With invalid hard key run in a limit user permission
If it runs in a limit user permission or in a full user
permission area, The protected software still checking
the hard key.

2.

3.

4.

III.

The protected program chose k0 is a number

randomly, calculate (k1= 3 k0+37) and then sends a
key (k1) to the hard key.
A hard key receives that key and make three things:
First: find the key (k =( k1-37)/3)
Second: multiplex the key by three then add (17) to it
(k2 =3k+17)
Third: send the key (k2) to protected program.
The protected program receives that key and make
three things:
First: find (k1) from the receive key (k1= k2+20).
Second: find (k) using (k =( k1-37)/3)
Third: make comparison between two keys (k0 , k).
Protected program run in a full version when the tow
keys are equivalent (k0 = K), or run in a limited
version if they are not(k0 K).
IMPLEMENTATION AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULT

A. Hardware Implementation
An electronic circuit is composed of individual electronic
components , such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors
and diodes, connected by conductive wires or traces through
which electric current can flow.The components used for the
circuit design shown in the followingtable .
TABLE 1. CIRCUIT COMPONENTS
Component
Microcontroller
Crystal
Capacitor
Capacitor
Switches
Normal diode
Max 232

Specifications
AT16L
16.9344MHz
27Pf
1Pf
Push Button
N11.4
Lm78L05817

No
1
1
2
4
1
1
1

The microcontroller Reset (RS), Vcc, Gnd, SCL,

XTAL1and XTAL2 pins, are connected to 16.9344MHz
Crystal which is used to generating clock signal for the
microcontroller, transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) pins of
microcontroller are connected to receive (Rx) and transmit
(Tx), respectively in TTL MAX level. Transmit (Tx) and

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Vol. 3, No.1, February 2013

receive (Rx), in serial port are connected to input and output in

MAX232 level, as shown in figure 4.

Figure 4. Proposed Circuit

Figure 4: explain Proposed Circuit

In circuit design the researcher use, A microcontroller that
is a small computer on a single integrated circuit consisting of a
relatively simple CPU combined with support functions such as
a crystal oscillator, timers, and watchdog. Neither program
memory in the form of NOR flash or One Time Programmable
Read Only Memory (OTPROM) is also often included on a
chip, as well as a typically small read/write memory.
Microcontrollers are designed for dedicated applications. Thus,
in contrast to the microprocessors used in the personal
computers and other high performance applications,
simplicity is emphasized. Microcontrollers are used to
automatically control products and devices, such as automobile
machine control systems, remote controls, office machines,
appliances, power tools, and toys, Crystal oscillator,that is an
electronic circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a
vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electrical
signal with a very precise frequency. This frequency is
commonly used to keep track of time (as in quartz
wristwatches), to provide a stable clock signal for digital
integrated circuits, and to stabilize frequencies for radio
transmitters and receivers and MAX232, that converts signals
from an RS-232 serial port to signals suitable for use in TTL
compatible digital logic circuits, its a dual driver/receiver that
includes a capacitive voltage generator to supply EIA-232
voltage levels from a single 5-V supply. Each receiver converts
EIA-232 inputs to 5-V TTL/CMOS levels into EIA-232 levels
[12].The input to the max232IC will be of Transistor Transistor
Logic (TTL) and its voltage range will be of 5 volt. The output
of the max 232 ic will be of Recommended Standard 232 Logic
(RS232 logic) and its voltage range will be of 12 volt. The max
232 ic which is operating on 5 volt supply has to step up the 5

volt input to 12 volt. Hence a capacitor is used for pumping the

voltage and called as pumping capacitor.
B. software implementation
The microcontroller work under software control which is
written in C language. To program the microcontroller using
the C programming language, needs two tools:
1.

AVR Studio which is an integrated development

environment that includes an editor, the assembler,
HEX file downloader and a microcontroller emulator.
WinAVR which is for a GCC-based compiler for
AVR. It appears in AVR Studio as a plug-in.
2. WinAVR also includes a program called Programmers
Notepad that can be used to edit and compile C
programs, independently of AVR Studio.
To load the program in the microcontroller, go through four
major stages:
creating an AVR Studio project,
compiling C code to HEX file,
debugging C program using the simulator,
downloading HEX file to the Atm16L development board and
running it.
C. Experimental Results
The design of a microcontroller-based circuit for software
protection (hard key) and its implementation enabled us to
access the protected software in a full version which all system
function activated when a valid hard key used, and with invalid
hard key the protected software stays in a limited version,

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IRACST - International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology & Security (IJCSITS), ISSN: 2249-9555
Vol. 3, No.1, February 2013

which is some menu and some sub menu disabled and other
enabled.

Thus protected program open in limited user permission

area, that shown in figure 8.

When we use invalid hard key the protected software send a

message shown in figure 5.

Figure 8. a full user permission area.

Figure 5. The message display with invalid hard key

Figure 5: shows the message displayed when the protected

program runs with invalid hard key.
Thus protected program open in limited user permission
area, that shown in figure 6.

Figure 8: shows the protected program when it runs in a full

user permission area, where all menu and all menu option are
enabled. See the menu (jobs and salary) and menu option
(employee, qualification, etc, in employee effort menu) which
are disabled in a limit version, here in a full version are enabled
CONCLUSION
This design was implemented by using: Microcontroller
AT16L, Crystal Oscillator 16.93MHz, max232, Switch, and
Capacitors. The system makes them easy to store the key inside
hard key and cannot be read from it, receive data, encrypt and
send the encrypted key. The design of a microcontroller-based
circuit for software protection (hard key) and its
implementation, show us very strong tool for software
protection.
Thus, we say that we have developed a method and an
excellent tool to protect software from piracy and unauthorized
usage.

Figure 6. a limited user permission area.

Figure 6: shows the protected program when it runs in a

limited user permission area, where some menu (jobs and
salary) and some menu options (employee, qualification, etc, in
employee effort menu), disabled .
When we use availed hard key the protected software send
a message shown in figure 7.

Figure 7. The message display with a valid hard key

Figure 7 shows the message display when the protected

program runs with valid hard key.

REFERENCES
[1] Qiang Liu ,Techniques using exterior component against software
piracy,, Department of Computer Science, University of Auckland.
[2] Qiang Liu ,Techniques using exterior component against software
piracy,, Department of Computer Science, University of Auckland.
[3] Software copy
protection,http://www.miragesystems.de/products/licenceprotector/overview-home/software-copy-protection/print.html,Retrieved
on February 2013
[4] Interactive solution,
http://www.interactivestudios.net/Products/QuickLicense Manager.aspx.
Retrieved on February 2013
[5] Software copy protection,
http://www.matrixlock.de/english/e_allgem.htm, Retrieved on February
2013
[6] CrypKey Instant User Manual,
www.crypkey.com/support/manual_request.php?,Retrieved on February
2013
[7] Strong bit technology,
http://www.strongbit.com/hardkey_inside.asp,Retrieved on February
2013
AUTHORS PROFILE

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IRACST - International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology & Security (IJCSITS), ISSN: 2249-9555
Vol. 3, No.1, February 2013
Ms Eshtiag Jah Alrasool Alsideg Mohammed Ahmed, has been working as
a Lecturer at Faculty of Science And Art - King Abd Alaziz University Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Mr El nzeer El ameen Mohammed Ali, has been working as a Lecturer at

Gezira Collage of Technology - medani, Sudan.

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