Memory Device Security Management Circuit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices require separate processors for security solutions, increasing costs and complexity, while lacking efficient methods to protect security data without external processing units.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a security management circuit within the memory device to store and compare a guard key with an input password, allowing or limiting data operations in a security region of the memory cell array based on password authenticity, thereby enabling secure data processing without external processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate processors are used for security solutions, then security functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the security management circuit directly into the memory device, merging previously separate security processing functions with the memory controller. This integration allows the memory device to perform security operations (password verification, encryption/decryption) internally without requiring external processors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security functionality
2Reliability
If separate processors are used for security solutions, then security functionality is achieved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the security management circuit into the memory device, the patent eliminates the need for separate security processors and their associated interfaces. This consolidation reduces component count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers implementation costs while preserving complete security functionality for data protection
3Device complexity
If security management circuit is integrated in memory device, then device complexity is reduced, but security processing capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated security management circuit enables the memory device to perform security processing independently through self-service mechanisms. The circuit contains internal components for password verification, key management, and encryption/decryption operations, allowing the device to handle security tasks autonomously without external assistance, thus maintaining full security processing capability while reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A memory device includes: a memory cell array including a security region configured to store security data; and a security management circuit configured to store a guard key and, responsive to receiving a data operation command for the security region, limit a data operation for the security region by comparing the guard key with an input password that is received by the memory device.