Nonvolatile Memory Cell Authentication Key Partitioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage and access of authentication key configuration information in nonvolatile memory devices increase memory system overhead, affecting security and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory device with a memory cell array divided into partitions, storing authentication keys and configuration information, including an authentication enable bit and lock down bit, using a control circuit to manage and store these elements, particularly in a phase change random access memory (PRAM) system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authentication key and configuration information are stored in separate memory regions, then security is improved, but memory overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the authentication key storage and configuration information storage into a single memory region (first memory region for authentication key, second memory region for configuration information, both within the same partition structure). This merging approach reduces the overall memory overhead while maintaining security through the partitioned structure and control circuit protection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory cell array is divided into multiple partitions, with the authentication key and configuration information stored in a specific partition. This segmentation allows secure isolation of sensitive data while minimizing the footprint compared to separate memory regions. The control circuit further segments access rights through enable bits and lock-down mechanisms.
2Reliability
If authentication key configuration information is stored in additional memory cells, then security control is improved, but access speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration information (authentication enable bit and lock-down bit) is stored in the same partition as the authentication key, allowing them to be accessed together without requiring additional memory access operations. This merging of related data reduces access latency while maintaining comprehensive security control through the control circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit includes preliminary authentication and lock-down mechanisms that can quickly enable or disable access to the authentication key without requiring full memory reads. The authentication enable bit allows rapid activation/deactivation of security features, and the lock-down bit provides quick permanent protection, reducing the need for slow full-key reads.
3Reliability
If memory cell array is divided into multiple partitions, then security isolation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory cell array is divided into multiple partitions, with the authentication key and configuration information stored in a specific partition. This segmentation allows secure isolation of sensitive data while minimizing the footprint compared to separate memory regions. The control circuit further segments access rights through enable bits and lock-down mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure serves multiple functions: it provides security isolation, organizes data storage, and enables controlled access through the control circuit. The same partition that stores the authentication key also stores the configuration information, making the partition a multi-functional unit that reduces overall device complexity despite the segmentation.
Data Source
AI summary
A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array configured to store an authentication key and authentication key configuration information in first and second pluralities of nonvolatile memory cells, along with data whose security is to be protected, and a control circuit controlling an operation of the memory cell array.