OTP Memory Access Control Circuit for Confidential Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accessing one-time programmable memory, such as eFuse modules, fail to efficiently protect confidential data while allowing efficient access to non-confidential calibration and configuration information, leading to potential theft or tampering.
Innovation Solution
A circuitry comprising a processor, one-time programmable memory, and an access control circuit that uses access control data to determine whether to write or read specific areas, preventing unauthorized access by setting logical values for write and read control bits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the eFuse module is used to store confidential data such as security keys, then security protection is improved, but the risk of data theft or tampering increases if access control is not implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The eFuse module is divided into multiple areas (first area, second area, third area) with different access control characteristics. Confidential data is stored in protected areas while non-confidential data is stored in accessible areas, allowing selective access control to prevent data theft or tampering while maintaining security protection.
Solution Approach 2:
An access control circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the processor and the eFuse module. This circuit checks access control data before allowing read or write operations, preventing unauthorized access to confidential data while allowing legitimate access to non-confidential calibration and configuration information.
2Reliability
If access control is implemented to protect confidential data, then security is improved, but the efficiency of accessing non-confidential calibration and configuration information may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Access control data is pre-configured in the eFuse module during manufacturing, with each area having predetermined read/write permissions. The access control circuit quickly checks these pre-set permissions without requiring complex runtime decisions, allowing efficient access to non-confidential information while maintaining security protection for confidential data.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a circuitry including a processor, a one-time programmable memory and an access control circuit. The one-time programmable memory includes a first area and a first access control data, wherein the first access control data is used to indicate whether the first area can be written or read by the processor. When the processor writes or reads the first area through the access control circuit, the access control circuit determines whether to write or read the first area according to the first access control data, and the access control circuit determines what kind of data for sending back to the processor.