Random Seed Generation Circuit for Row Hammering Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
As memory integration increases, the coupling effect between word lines leads to 'row hammering,' where data in memory cells adjacent to frequently activated word lines is damaged due to voltage changes and electromagnetic interference, making them vulnerable to external attacks like hacking.
Innovation Solution
A memory system incorporating a random seed generation circuit, a random signal generator, and an address sampling circuit that utilize process variation information to generate a random seed and signal, randomly activating and sampling addresses to enhance randomness and reduce the likelihood of row hammering attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If word line spacing is reduced to increase memory integration, then memory capacity increases, but coupling effect between word lines increases causing row hammering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively sampling and refreshing memory rows based on predicted access patterns before actual row hammering attacks can occur. The row sampling circuit continuously monitors and randomly selects rows for refresh, performing protective actions in advance rather than waiting for damage to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the row sampling process adaptive and variable. The row sampling circuit dynamically changes which rows are selected for refresh based on random patterns, making the protection mechanism unpredictable and effective against sophisticated attacks that rely on fixed patterns.
2Reliability
If random sampling is used to counter row hammering, then security improves, but complete randomization is difficult reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an address sampling circuit as an intermediary component that generates the random sampling patterns. This dedicated circuit acts as a mediator between the memory control logic and the row hammering protection mechanism, providing high-quality randomness without requiring complex software-based randomization that attackers might predict.
Solution Approach 2:
The row sampling circuit operates autonomously to generate its own random sampling sequences, making the protection mechanism self-sufficient and independent from external control. This self-generated randomness is difficult for attackers to predict or reproduce, enhancing security without requiring complex external randomization systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory includes: a random seed generation circuit suitable for generating a random seed including process variation information; a random signal generator suitable for generating a random signal that is randomly activated based on the random seed; and an address sampling circuit suitable for sampling an active address while the random signal is activated.