Dynamic Memory Access Control via Address Boundary Registers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory module access control methods are inflexible, requiring hardware specifications for access restrictions and lacking the ability to dynamically change access permissions, which limits the security and flexibility of data protection.
Innovation Solution
A method and memory controller that utilize address boundary registers with changeable values to define access ranges, allowing flexible and dynamic control of read/write access permissions through firmware updates, independent of hardware design, using a processing unit and address logic module to manage access permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lock bits are used for access control in hardware, then access permission can be controlled, but the access control is inflexible and cannot be changed after initialization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static lock bits with dynamic address boundary registers that can be modified during system operation. The address boundary registers allow access permissions to be changed by updating register values, enabling flexible adaptation of access control policies without requiring system reset or hardware reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from fixed lock bit states to programmable address boundary register values. By modifying the register values, the access control parameters can be dynamically adjusted to grant or revoke access permissions based on system state and security requirements.
2Ease of operation
If fixed sector size is specified in hardware for access ranges, then access control can be implemented, but the access range cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access range control through address boundary registers that can be programmed with different boundary values. This allows the access range to be expanded or contracted by updating the register values, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through register-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The address boundary registers serve multiple functions: they define access ranges, control permission boundaries, and can be programmed with different values to accommodate various access control scenarios. This universal register-based approach replaces the need for dedicated fixed-size sector hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software bits are used for access control, then flexibility is improved, but hardware-level security protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces address boundary registers as an intermediary between software control and hardware execution. The registers are programmable like software but implemented in hardware, providing a middle ground that offers both the flexibility of software configuration and the security of hardware-level access control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a memory module. The method includes: providing a memory module in a first step, the memory module including a memory area with a plurality of memory cells having data; providing at least one address boundary register with at least one address boundary, the value of which can be changed at least in one direction in a second step; wherein the provision of the at least one address boundary register in the second step includes that the address boundary can be set to a new value and it can be checked whether the new value has been changed in the permissible direction; and when there is an access, in particular a write access and/or read access, to the data in the memory cell of the memory module, checking whether the access is permitted, and, if the access is permitted, executing the access in a third step.