Ephemeral Memory Cell Hybrid Read-Erase Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nonvolatile memory cells are designed to retain data, making it difficult to implement ephemeral or transient data storage, which is necessary for applications like secure communications and one-time access, as they lack mechanisms to ensure data is erased after reading, leaving them vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid read operation is implemented in non-volatile memory cells that simultaneously reads and erases the stored data, using a programmable onboard controller to effectuate this process, ensuring data is only accessible once and then permanently deleted, utilizing techniques like channel hot electron injection to maintain data integrity and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional nonvolatile memory cells are used to store data, then data retention is improved, but data security for ephemeral storage deteriorates because data cannot be automatically erased after reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the read operation and erase operation into a single hybrid operation. When data is read from the memory cell, the same operation that retrieves the data also erases it, ensuring automatic deletion after access. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate read and erase commands, providing both data retention during the operation and automatic security erasure afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the biasing conditions and operational parameters of the memory cell to enable the hybrid read-erase function. By changing the voltage levels and timing sequences during the read operation, the system achieves both data retrieval and data erasure in one cycle, transforming the memory cell's behavior from static data storage to dynamic ephemeral storage.
2Ease of operation
If data is stored in nonvolatile memory for repeated access, then accessibility is improved, but ephemeral behavior deteriorates because data persists after reading
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid read-erase operation merges two previously separate functions into one atomic operation. The memory cell can be read once for data access, and the same operation automatically erases the data, providing ephemeral behavior. This allows the system to adapt to applications requiring one-time access, such as secure communications, while maintaining ease of operation through a single command interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring separate read and erase operations, the patent inverts the conventional approach by making the read operation itself cause the erase. This inversion enables ephemeral storage behavior where data automatically disappears after being accessed, rather than persisting as in conventional memory systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate read and erase operations are used, then operational flexibility is improved, but process complexity deteriorates due to the need for additional control steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the read and erase operations into a single hybrid command that performs both functions atomically. This reduces the number of control steps required, simplifying the interface between the controller and memory cell. The memory controller needs to issue only one command type for both data retrieval and deletion, reducing computational overhead and control logic complexity while maintaining operational flexibility for ephemeral storage applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides secure, one-time access to data, enhancing privacy and security in applications where transient data storage is required, such as secure communications and multimedia exchange, by ensuring data is irretrievably erased after access, thus preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.
Implementation Method 1
a non-volatile memory cell device (which can be floating gate based device) stores a logic state based on a value of a charge physically present in a memory cell
Implementation Method 2
i) a read of the stored memory cell logic state during a first phase
Implementation Method 3
utilizing techniques like channel hot electron injection to maintain data integrity and security
Data Source
AI summary
An ephemeral peripheral system includes an ephemeral memory system and controller circuit for securing user data for a smartphone application. Different secure operating modes are provided for customizing user security requirements across end-to-end communications links, including in exchanges of electronic data between smartphone devices.