Memory Column Partitioning for Secure Module Isolation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic systems face challenges in securely storing sensitive and non-sensitive data in a single memory while ensuring data isolation between different modules, and there is a need for a more compact and efficient storage solution that avoids the drawbacks of multiple memory systems.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves dividing a memory into disjoint groups of columns, where each group is accessible only to a specific module, with independent wiring systems and a logical interface managing data storage, ensuring secure separation of sensitive and non-sensitive data within a single memory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate memories are used to store sensitive and non-sensitive data, then data security is improved, but device complexity and physical space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory is segmented into distinct column groups with independent wiring systems. Each column group is exclusively accessible to specific modules through dedicated wiring, creating logical isolation within a single physical memory structure. This segmentation approach maintains security boundaries while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate memory devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple memory functions are merged into a single memory device by dividing it into column groups with independent wiring systems. This consolidation reduces device complexity and physical space requirements while maintaining the security benefits of separate storage regions through the disjoint column architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple separate memories are used to store sensitive and non-sensitive data, then data isolation between modules is improved, but physical space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata isolationVSAvoidphysical space requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The memory is segmented into distinct column groups with independent wiring systems. Each column group is exclusively accessible to specific modules through dedicated wiring, creating logical isolation within a single physical memory structure. This segmentation approach maintains security boundaries while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate memory devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple memory functions are merged into a single memory device by dividing it into column groups with independent wiring systems. This consolidation reduces device complexity and physical space requirements while maintaining the security benefits of separate storage regions through the disjoint column architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If a single memory is used to store both sensitive and non-sensitive data, then physical space requirements are reduced, but data security and isolation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical space requirementsVSAvoiddata security

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The memory is segmented into distinct column groups with independent wiring systems. Each column group is exclusively accessible to specific modules through dedicated wiring, creating logical isolation within a single physical memory structure. This segmentation approach maintains security boundaries while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate memory devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions (column groups) of the memory have different access permissions and security characteristics. Each column group is optimized for specific access patterns and security requirements, with independent wiring systems that enforce local access control policies. This allows the single memory to provide both secure isolated storage and shared storage capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250341974A1Secure memory

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV

AI summary

An electronic device includes a memory with a first group of columns of memory cells and a second group of columns of memory cells. First data that are only accessible to a first module are stored in the first group of columns of memory cells. Second data that are only accessible to a second module, different from the first module, are stored in the second group of columns of memory cells. The first and second groups of columns of memory cells are disjoint.