>The proposed techniques consist of modifications to ex- isting IC design flows to embed keys into the circuit (Figure la) and a new protocol for chip activation (Figure lb). This empowers the holder of IP rights for the IC to unlock every manufactured chip. Without proper keys, none of the chips will function properly or pass routine circuit test.

Jesus H. Christ.

<Head buried in hands>

Why would you out that? Why? There is not a single human being that could be trusted with that, or a potential way to offline a processor by remote command alive today. And I can think of a handful of ways to potentially weaponize such a protocol or mechanism. This is why we can't have nice things.

I guess cats out of the bag already though.

Anyway, thank you! The rabbit hole is already reaping fruit! So much is starting to make more sense, and I think this might just unblock me enough my long delayed foray into the HW side of the computing world may be open to rebooting!