Memory Data Line Updating Using Key-Verified Access Commands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Memory devices face unauthorized access threats, as existing security measures may not adequately prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in memory arrays, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a memory device with a controller that verifies access commands using stored keys, inhibiting unauthorized access by generating specific data patterns or preventing data output, thereby maintaining data security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If security measures are implemented at the memory device to verify access commands, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing credential data (keys, authentication information) within the memory device before access commands are received. This allows the device to autonomously verify access commands against pre-stored credentials, improving security without requiring complex external verification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The memory device performs self-service by independently verifying access commands using its own internal credential storage and verification logic. The device autonomously determines whether to grant or deny access without requiring external security infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If access commands are verified using stored keys, then unauthorized access is prevented, but access time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control reliabilityVSAvoidaccess time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing selective verification - not all access commands require full credential verification. The system can perform quick checks for commonly authorized access patterns while reserving comprehensive verification for sensitive operations, reducing average access time while maintaining security for critical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If data patterns are generated to mitigate unauthorized access, then security is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata access efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the memory device into distinct functional regions: credential storage, verification logic, data storage, and pattern generation. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently and efficiently - credential verification happens in parallel with data access requests, and pattern generation is triggered only when unauthorized access is detected, minimizing impact on overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10921996B2Data lines updating for data generation
Publication Date: 2021.02.16 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US10921996B2 patent drawing
  • US10921996B2 patent drawing
  • US10921996B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods related to updating data lines for data generation in, for example, a memory device or a computing system that includes a memory device. Updating data lines can include updating a plurality of data lines. The plurality of data lines can provide data form the memory array responsive to a receipt of the access command. The plurality of data lines can also be updated responsive to a determination that an access command received at a memory device is unauthorized.