Authenticated In-Situ Debugging for Memory Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging memory sub-systems in automotive environments is challenging due to harsh conditions and complex interplay between advanced electronics, leading to intermittent hardware failures and communication disruptions, making it difficult to diagnose and recover data without physically removing the SSD.
Innovation Solution
A debugging component is placed in a locked state by default and unlocked via authentication from a host, allowing secure out-of-band communication to perform debug operations without physical detachment, using a secondary bus like PCIe, enabling access to diagnostic data and commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a debugging component is always accessible, then debugging operations can be performed easily, but power is wasted and communication buses are occupied unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The debugging component is pre-configured in a locked state by default, and the system prepares authentication mechanisms and unlock instructions in advance. When debugging is needed, the host system can authenticate and unlock the component without requiring physical detachment, enabling easy access while maintaining power efficiency during normal operation.
2Device complexity
If physical detachment is required for debugging, then hardware resources are minimized, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a locked/unlocked state mechanism as an intermediary between the debugging component and the host system. This allows the component to remain physically attached while controlling accessibility through authentication and state management, eliminating the need for physical detachment and enabling in-situ debugging operations.
3Ease of operation
If debugging component is unlocked by default, then debug operations can be performed immediately, but security is compromised and unauthorized access occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The debugging component is pre-configured in a locked state with authentication mechanisms in place. Before any debugging operations can occur, the host system must authenticate using credentials and receive unlock instructions, ensuring security while enabling immediate access once authentication succeeds.
4Reliability
If authentication mechanism is added, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication and unlock functionality is extracted as a separate mechanism from the main debugging component. The authentication credentials and unlock instructions are handled through a distinct authentication system that verifies host identity before granting access, adding security without integrating complex authentication logic into the debugging component itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure configure a system component, such as a memory sub-system controller, to debug a memory sub-system. The controller receives, from a host over a first bus, authentication information associated with unlocking the debugging component and, in response to successfully authenticating the host based on the authentication information, unlocks a debugging component. The debugging component receives one or more debug commands from the host via a second bus and transmits, to the host via the second bus, debugging information in response to receiving the one or more debug commands.