Nonvolatile Memory Secure Buffer for Faster Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
As integration and memory capacity of nonvolatile memory devices increase, the time required for initialization and programming becomes prolonged, and there is a risk of data 'hooking' due to alterations or augmentations of data during these processes.
Innovation Solution
A nonvolatile memory device with a secure buffer and access control circuit that includes registers with restricted access, where accessing a first register simultaneously updates and recovers the setting data in second registers to prevent data hooking, ensuring consistent data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the integration degree and memory capacity of nonvolatile memory devices are increased, then the storage capacity is improved, but the initialization and programming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The setting data is divided and stored in multiple separate registers (first register, second registers) within the secure buffer. This segmentation allows the data to be accessed and updated in parallel, reducing the overall initialization time while maintaining the complete setting data required for high-capacity memory operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting data is pre-loaded into the secure buffer registers before the actual programming operation begins. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, allowing faster access during programming and reducing the critical path time for initialization of high-capacity memory devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the setting data is accessed and modified during initialization, then the programming flexibility is improved, but the data integrity deteriorates due to hooking risk
Solution Approach 1:
The secure buffer with access control circuit acts as an intermediary between the external controller and the memory cell array. It provides a controlled interface that allows reading and modifying setting data while preventing unauthorized or erroneous modifications (hooking), thus maintaining data integrity during flexible programming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control circuit monitors and controls access to the registers storing setting data. It provides feedback mechanisms to ensure that modifications are performed correctly and to prevent hooking attacks, thereby maintaining data integrity while allowing necessary programming flexibility.
3Productivity
If multiple registers store setting data for concurrent access, then the initialization speed is improved, but the data consistency becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple registers within the secure buffer are merged into a unified data structure that stores different portions of the same setting data. The access control circuit ensures that concurrent access to these registers maintains data consistency by coordinating read/write operations across all registers, allowing parallel initialization while preserving data integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array to store an original setting data, a page buffer circuit connected to the memory cell array through a plurality of bit-lines, a secure buffer and a control circuit. The secure buffer includes an access control circuit and a plurality registers with restricted access, and the plurality registers store the original setting data that is dumped-down from the memory cell array through the page buffer circuit in an initialization sequence. The control circuit controls the page buffer circuit and the secure buffer. The plurality registers include a first register and second registers. The access control circuit, in response to the first register being accessed, accesses at least a portion of the second registers concurrently with accessing the first register.