Non-Volatile Memory Encryption for Bit-Wise Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data stored in non-volatile memory in chips are vulnerable to physical attacks, leading to information leakage due to being in plaintext form, and existing encryption methods do not align with the bit-wise programming granularity of these memories.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that encrypts data using a target transposition algorithm and key, converting plaintext to ciphertext, which is then stored, ensuring compatibility with bit-wise programming and enhancing security against attacks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If data is stored in plaintext form in non-volatile memory, then ease of operation and access speed are improved, but security against physical attacks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessVSAvoidinformation leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting data before it is stored in non-volatile memory. The encryption process transforms plaintext into ciphertext using encryption algorithms and keys, so that when data is physically accessed, it remains unintelligible without the decryption key. This pre-encryption step ensures that even if physical attacks occur, the original information cannot be directly obtained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by using encryption algorithms and keys as mediators between the original data and its stored form. The encryption process acts as an intermediary transformation layer that converts readable plaintext into unreadable ciphertext, while the decryption key serves as the intermediary that can restore the original data when needed. This intermediary layer protects against direct physical access threats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional encryption methods are used, then security is improved, but compatibility with bit-wise programming granularity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidprogramming compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adapting the encryption implementation to work at the bit-wise level rather than traditional byte or word levels. The encryption parameters and processing granularity are changed to match the non-volatile memory's bit-wise programming capabilities. This allows the encryption to be performed in units compatible with the memory architecture, maintaining both security and programming compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4629118A1Method and apparatus for processing data, medium, and device
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 XG TECHNOLOGIES PTE LTD
  • EP4629118A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4629118A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4629118A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and apparatus for processing data, a medium, and a device. The method includes: determining target data to be stored at a target memory address of a target memory and a target key corresponding to the target memory address; determining a target transposition algorithm corresponding to the target data; encrypting the target data based on the target key and the target transposition algorithm, to obtain encrypted data; and storing the encrypted data at the target memory address of the target memory. With the solution, the target data to be stored are enabled to be encrypted first based on the target key and the target transposition algorithm, which therefore enables to change the target data from plaintext to ciphertext, which therefore enables to store the ciphertext at the target memory address of the target memory. Thereby, when the target memory is subjected to attack, it is not easy for originally stored data to be obtained directly, which thus enables to avoid information leakage, which then guarantees data security.