Memory Controller Key Index Segmentation for Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory systems face delays in processing access requests from one host device while handling key change requests from another host device, as key changes are only processed after completing encryption or decryption operations.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with a memory controller that includes a key index table and an encryption/decryption key table, allowing for parallel processing of access requests and key change requests by comparing extended and replicated key indices to detect changes in encryption/decryption keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the memory system processes key change requests only after completing encryption or decryption operations, then security is maintained, but processing delays occur for both access requests and key change requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating replicated key indices and storing them in the encryption/decryption key table before actual key changes occur. When a key change request arrives, the system can immediately switch to the pre-prepared replicated key index without waiting for current encryption/decryption operations to complete, thus maintaining security while eliminating processing delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the key management system into two independent components: the original key index stored in the key index table and the replicated key index stored in the encryption/decryption key table. This segmentation allows the replicated key to be updated independently without affecting ongoing encryption/decryption operations, resolving the contradiction between security and processing speed
2Device complexity
If the memory system uses a single key index table, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle parallel key changes and access requests is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the key management structure into two separate tables: a key index table for original key indices and an encryption/decryption key table for replicated key indices. This segmentation enables independent management and updating of keys, allowing parallel processing of access requests and key change requests without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copied version of the key index (replicated key index) and stores it in a separate encryption/decryption key table. This copying mechanism allows the system to maintain the original key index for ongoing operations while simultaneously updating the replicated key index for future operations, thereby improving productivity without complicating the core key management logic
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a memory system which includes a non-volatile memory device, and a memory controller configured to control the non-volatile memory device. The memory controller includes a key index table including an extended key index associated with a logical address from a host device and an encryption/decryption key table including a replicated key index associated with the extended key index, and an encryption/decryption key associated with encryption or decryption of target data associated with the logical address. The memory controller is configured to change the replicated key index based on a key change request for the encryption/decryption key. Based on the encryption or the decryption being performed with respect to the target data, the memory controller is configured to compare the extended key index and the replicated key index to detect whether the encryption/decryption key associated with the encryption or the decryption is changed.