MRAM Package Magnetic Security Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) devices are vulnerable to tampering, which can alter the stored data by damaging the soft magnetic layer, making it difficult to protect confidential or intellectual property data.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetic security structure with at least three layers, including a permanent magnetic layer and a soft magnetic layer, which channels magnetic flux only when intact, preventing tampering-induced data alteration by modifying the magnetic orientations of MRAM cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soft magnetic layer is used to store data in MRAM cells, then data storage capability is improved, but vulnerability to tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
A permanent magnetic layer is introduced as an intermediary between the soft magnetic layer and external environment. This permanent layer generates a magnetic field that acts as a mediator to detect tampering attempts. When the soft magnetic layer is damaged, the permanent layer's magnetic field directly influences the MRAM cells, signaling tampering while preserving the soft layer's data storage function during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the permanent magnetic layer to generate a magnetic field that will counteract or detect tampering before it can alter data. The permanent layer is positioned and magnetized in advance to create a protective magnetic environment that automatically responds to soft layer damage, preventing unauthorized data modification.
2Reliability
If a magnetic security structure is added to protect MRAM, then security against tampering is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic security structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: a permanent magnetic layer for generating the magnetic field and a soft magnetic layer for data storage. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining security. The permanent layer can be separated from the soft layer in function and position, reducing interdependence and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite magnetic structures combining permanent and soft magnetic materials with different properties. The permanent magnetic layer provides stable, persistent magnetic fields for security, while the soft magnetic layer provides responsive, controllable magnetization for data storage. This composite approach leverages the strengths of different magnetic materials to achieve security without requiring complex single-material solutions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The magnetic security structure effectively prevents data tampering by ensuring that only an intact soft magnetic layer allows magnetic flux from the permanent layer to influence MRAM cells, thus protecting stored data from unauthorized access or alteration.
Implementation Method 1
the soft magnetic layer may channel magnetic flux from the permanent magnetic layer. This may prevent the magnetic flux from the permanent magnetic layer from influencing the magnetic orientations of free magnetic layers in MRAM cells
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic flux may affect magnetic orientations of free magnetic layers in MRAM cells in the MRAM die. The magnetic flux from the permanent magnetic layer may modify the magnetic orientation of free magnetic layers in at least some MRAM cells
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) package may include an MRAM die, a package defining a cavity and an exterior surface, and a magnetic security structure disposed within the cavity or on the exterior surface of the package. The MRAM die may be disposed in the cavity of the package, and the magnetic security structure may include at least three layers including a permanent magnetic layer and a soft magnetic layer.