EEPROM Emulation Using Roll-Back Keys for Data Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
EEPROMs can only read new data, requiring new data to be added without using previously stored data, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and method that emulates nonvolatile memory by using a processor to manage data in first and second memories, generating random values for data distinction, encrypting data with a roll-back key, and storing encrypted data in a standby RAM area, allowing existing data to be rolled back and used as new data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EEPROM stores multiple data sequentially, then data capacity increases, but only new data can be read and previously stored data cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage system is segmented into multiple data blocks (first data block, second data block, etc.), each with its own metadata block. This segmentation allows the system to manage and access different data segments independently, enabling the processor to retrieve and reuse previously stored data by selecting appropriate blocks based on read instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy mechanism where previously stored data in EEPROM can be read and treated as new data through the roll-back function. The metadata block stores information about data blocks, enabling the system to copy or retrieve historical data as if it were new, thus overcoming the limitation of data reusability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If EEPROM is used for long-term data storage, then data retention is improved, but data manipulation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A metadata block is introduced as an intermediary between the data blocks and the processor. The metadata block stores information about the data blocks (such as validity flags, timestamps, or identifiers), enabling the processor to efficiently manage and manipulate stored data without directly accessing the actual data blocks. This intermediary structure maintains the non-volatile storage benefits while adding operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If data is encrypted with roll-back key and random value, then data security is improved, but decryption and data retrieval complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A random value is generated and stored in the metadata block along with the data during the initial storage operation. This preliminary action ensures that when decryption is needed, the random value is already available, eliminating the need for complex key derivation processes. The encryption uses XOR operation between the roll-back key and random value, which is computationally simple and reversible.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption mechanism changes parameters dynamically by using a random value that is generated specifically for each data storage operation. This parameter change approach allows the same roll-back key to produce different encrypted outputs for different data blocks, enhancing security while keeping the decryption process straightforward through XOR operation reversal.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device emulating nonvolatile memory includes: a first memory including a data block in which data is stored and a metadata block in which metadata relating to the data is stored; a second memory in which data to be used by the electronic device is stored; and a processor configured to manage data of the first memory and the second memory. The processor may generate a random value for distinguishing between first data and other data when the first data is stored in the first memory, include the random value in the first data and then store the first data in the data block, and store, in the second memory, a password value obtained by encrypting information on the first data based on the random value and a roll-back key.