OTP Memory Access Controller with Encrypted Read Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory devices, particularly one-time-programmable (OTP) non-volatile memory, are vulnerable to unauthorized access and data theft, and frequent access can lead to damage, necessitating secure and regulated access mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An access controller is implemented to manage and secure access to OTP memory by encrypting data, limiting access frequency, and preventing unauthorized access through a local memory array (LMA) and cryptographic engine, ensuring data integrity and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If OTP memory is made accessible for data storage and retrieval, then data availability and functionality are improved, but security and vulnerability to unauthorized access deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
An access controller is introduced as an intermediary component between the host and OTP memory. This controller manages all access requests, implementing security policies and authorization checks before allowing read or write operations. The intermediary structure enables data accessibility while protecting against unauthorized access through controlled intervention in the access path.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory system is segmented into distinct functional components: the OTP memory array for secure data storage, the access controller for security management, and the host system for data operations. This segmentation allows the OTP memory to maintain its secure, write-once characteristics while the access controller handles security logic separately, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.
2Productivity
If frequent access to OTP memory is allowed, then data retrieval efficiency is improved, but memory damage and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Data is preliminarily copied from OTP memory to a separate readable memory (such as SRAM or flash) during initialization or first access. This preliminary action allows subsequent data retrieval operations to occur from the readable memory without further accessing the OTP memory, thereby maintaining retrieval efficiency while preventing cumulative damage to the OTP cells.
Solution Approach 2:
A copy of the data stored in OTP memory is created and stored in a different memory medium that supports repeated read operations. This copying mechanism enables high-speed, frequent access to the data without subjecting the OTP memory to wear, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Reliability
If access control mechanisms are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access controller is designed as a universal security management unit that handles multiple functions: authorization verification, access logging, encryption/decryption operations, and memory management. By consolidating these diverse security functions into a single multi-functional component, the system achieves high security without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An access controller can be provided to regulate and secure access to an intermediate memory to which data stored in a one-time-programmable (OTP) memory can be copied. To secure the access of the intermediate memory, the access controller can regulate a frequency at which the intermediate memory can be accessed and cryptographically manage (e.g., encrypt and/or decrypt) data being read from and/or written to the intermediate memory.