Semiconductor Device Copyright Protection via USB SD Interface Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB memory devices lack a mechanism for copyright protection, preventing the recording and reproduction of content that requires copyright protection, and existing solutions do not seamlessly integrate copyright protection functions with USB and SD interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a serial communication interface, non-volatile memory, and a memory controller incorporating a copyright protection function, allowing for secure recording and reproduction of copyrighted content by enabling a pass-through mode for exclusive access to the copyright protection function, using a combination of USB and SD interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a USB memory device is designed with only USB interface functionality, then it maintains simplicity and ease of operation, but it cannot provide copyright protection functions
Solution Approach 1:
The USB memory device integrates both USB interface and SD interface functionalities into a single device. The memory controller can operate in USB mode for standard USB communication and in SD mode for copyright protected content recording and reproduction, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes including copyright protection functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate SD interface is added to provide copyright protection, then copyright protection capability is improved, but the device can no longer seamlessly operate with standard USB functions
Solution Approach 1:
The memory controller dynamically switches between USB mode and SD mode based on the operation requirements. When copyright protected content needs to be recorded or reproduced, the controller transitions to SD mode; when standard USB operations are needed, it operates in USB mode. This dynamic switching enables seamless operation between different interface modes without requiring manual intervention
3Reliability
If copyright protection function is integrated into USB memory device, then security is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The SD interface components including the copyright protection function, memory controller, and flash memory are merged into a single integrated USB memory device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external devices while maintaining copyright protection capabilities, reducing overall system complexity despite adding security functions
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a serial communication interface connector, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a memory controller, and a memory reader/writer. The serial communication interface connector is capable of being connected to a serial communication interface terminal of electronic equipment. The memory controller includes a memory interface connected to the non-volatile semiconductor memory and a copyright protection function and controls the non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory reader/writer includes a controller interface connected to the memory controller and a serial communication interface connected to the serial communication interface connector.