Write Protection Logic Circuit for Secure Memory Control Values

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer memory systems are vulnerable to accidental and malicious data changes, leading to incorrect or tampered data storage.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit comprising a storage circuit, a register, and a write protection logic circuit that determines whether to change enable-set, mode-set, and protection-set values based on pre-determined conditions to prevent unauthorized data modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If write protection logic circuit is added to prevent data changes, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is segmented into distinct functional modules: a storage circuit for storing data and control values, a register for storing protection values, and a write protection logic circuit for controlling write operations. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable while achieving the write protection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing protection values in registers before write operations occur. The write protection logic circuit checks these pre-stored protection values against the current write command, and only allows the write operation to proceed if the protection conditions are met. This preliminary verification prevents unauthorized data changes before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If mode-set value and enable-set value are stored in storage circuit, then adaptability is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential data tampering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol value integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The register acts as an intermediary between the storage circuit and the write protection logic circuit. Protection values are stored in the register rather than directly in the storage circuit, creating a separate storage layer that is specifically designed for secure storage. The write protection logic circuit reads from and writes to the register, which mediates between the flexible storage circuit and the security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the control circuit have different storage characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The storage circuit provides flexible storage for data and control values, while the register provides secure, protected storage for protection values. This local differentiation of storage quality allows each component to optimize for its specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12475953B2Control circuit and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 NUVOTON
  • US12475953B2 patent drawing
  • US12475953B2 patent drawing
  • US12475953B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control circuit including a storage circuit, a register, and a write protection logic circuit is provided. The storage circuit stores data, an enable-set value and a mode-set value. The register stores a protection-set value. The write protection logic circuit determines whether to change at least one of the enable-set value, the mode-set value, and the protection-set value according to the mode-set value after receiving a write command. In response to the mode-set value matching a pre-determined value, the write protection logic circuit changes at least one of the enable-set value, the mode-set value, and the protection-set value according to the protection-set value. In response to the mode-set value not matching the pre-determined value, the write protection logic circuit does not change the enable-set value and the mode-set value.