Memory Controller Command Encryption for Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computers and electronic devices lack effective data security measures, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access and data tampering as network devices become increasingly interconnected.
Innovation Solution
A memory controller is introduced between a host controller and a memory module, featuring a central buffer with an access command processing module that applies a predefined command encryption algorithm to data access commands, ensuring encrypted communication and enhancing data security by altering access addresses, and a data buffer with a data processing module for encryption and decryption of data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data access commands are transmitted in plaintext between host controller and memory module, then communication simplicity is maintained, but data security is compromised against unauthorized access and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a memory controller as an intermediary component between the host controller and memory module. The memory controller includes a central buffer with an access command processing module that intercepts, encrypts, and forwards data access commands. This intermediary structure enables secure command transmission without requiring modifications to the host controller or memory module, resolving the contradiction by adding security functionality through a dedicated intermediate device.
Solution Approach 2:
The access command processing module performs preliminary encryption actions on data access commands before they are transmitted to the memory module. By pre-encrypting commands using a predefined command encryption algorithm, the system ensures that commands arrive at the memory module in encrypted form, preventing unauthorized interception and tampering. This preliminary security action maintains communication simplicity while enhancing data security.
2Reliability
If encryption algorithms are integrated into the memory controller, then data security is enhanced, but the memory controller structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller is segmented into distinct functional modules: a central buffer for command reception and forwarding, and an access command processing module specifically dedicated to encryption operations. This segmentation allows the encryption functionality to be added as a separate, specialized component rather than integrating it throughout the entire memory controller structure. The modular approach enhances data security while minimizing structural complexity by confining cryptographic operations to a dedicated subsystem.
3Reliability
If access addresses are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but address mapping and data retrieval complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access command processing module within the memory controller performs self-service by maintaining the encryption key and decryption logic internally. When the memory module receives an encrypted access address, the same module that encrypted it can autonomously decrypt and map the address without requiring external assistance from the host controller. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex external address mapping mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between security and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses a memory controller and a method for controlling an access to a memory module. The memory controller is coupled between the memory module and a host controller to control the access of the host controller to the memory module. The memory controller comprises: a central buffer coupled to the host controller for receiving data access command from the host controller and coupled to the memory module for providing an encrypted data access command to the memory module; wherein the central buffer comprises a command processing module, for performing encryption operation to a data access command with a predefined command encryption algorithm to generate an encrypted data access command; wherein a data channel is coupled between the memory module and the host controller, and wherein under the control of the encrypted data access command, the memory module exchanges data with the host controller via the data channel.