Memory Module OTP ID Programming for Faster Boot Initialization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing memory modules require frequent reassignment of memory device identifiers during power-up, leading to increased boot times.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for permanently storing a unique identifier (ID) in a memory device using a one-time programmable (OTP) addressing mode, secured by a guard key sequence, ensuring the ID is safely stored in an ID storage region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If soft setting manner is used to assign IDs during power-up, then memory devices can be initialized, but boot time increases due to repeated ID assignments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot timeVSAvoidID assignment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming unique IDs into memory devices during manufacturing using OTP addressing mode. This eliminates the need for ID assignment during every power-up sequence, as the IDs are permanently stored in the memory devices before deployment. The guard key sequence mechanism ensures that this preliminary programming is secure and can only be performed once during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If OTP addressing mode is used to permanently store unique ID, then boot time is reduced, but device complexity increases due to guard key sequence verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot timeVSAvoidaddressing mode control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing the OTP addressing mode and guard key sequence verification specifically in the memory device's command decoder and control logic, rather than requiring system-wide changes. The complexity is localized to the memory device's ability to recognize and process the specific OTP command and verify the guard key sequence, while the rest of the memory module operates normally. This localized implementation minimizes the overall system complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If guard key sequence is implemented for security, then ID storage security is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveID storage securityVSAvoidcommand sequence verification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the memory device to autonomously verify the guard key sequence internally during the OTP programming process. The memory device's control logic automatically checks whether the received command sequence matches the expected guard key pattern before accepting the unique ID programming. This self-verification mechanism eliminates the need for external verification systems, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12474871B2Memory module for performing one-time programmable (OTP) addressing operation to store unique ID of each memory device in an ID storge region of each memory device, and storage device including the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of operating a memory module that communicates with a memory controller includes: entering a one-time programmable (OTP) addressing mode based on an OTP command received from the memory controller; determining whether a guard key sequence is satisfied based on a plurality of mode register commands received from the memory controller; and programming, based on a determination that the guard key sequence is satisfied, a unique identifier (ID), corresponding to a target memory device, into the target memory device, among a plurality of memory devices included in the memory module.