17946738. MEMORY CHIP TEST PAD ACCESS MANAGEMENT TO FACILITATE DATA SECURITY simplified abstract (Micron Technology, Inc.)
MEMORY CHIP TEST PAD ACCESS MANAGEMENT TO FACILITATE DATA SECURITY
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MEMORY CHIP TEST PAD ACCESS MANAGEMENT TO FACILITATE DATA SECURITY - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17946738 titled 'MEMORY CHIP TEST PAD ACCESS MANAGEMENT TO FACILITATE DATA SECURITY
Simplified Explanation
- A system for managing access to memory chip test pads to enhance data security is disclosed.
- The system involves a host sending a command to access a non-volatile memory of a memory chip system through a test pad.
- A controller authenticates the host by responding to the command, allowing the host to issue an authenticated command to modify a reserved byte in a protected memory partition.
- The controller responds to the authenticated command, allowing the modification of the reserved byte.
- Firmware in the memory chip system monitors the modification of the reserved byte and activates a switch in an access control unit that controls access to the non-volatile memory.
- The switch is closed, connecting the test pad with the non-volatile memory, allowing the host to access the memory.
Potential Applications
- Data security in memory chip systems
- Secure access management for memory chip test pads
Problems Solved
- Unauthorized access to memory chip test pads
- Data breaches in memory chip systems
Benefits
- Enhanced data security
- Controlled access to memory chip test pads
- Prevention of unauthorized modifications to memory partitions
Original Abstract Submitted
A system for providing memory chip test pad access management to facilitate data security is disclosed. A host issues a command to access a non-volatile memory of a memory chip system via a test pad. A controller acknowledges the command by transmitting a response to the host to authenticate the host for access. The host then issues an authenticated command to modify a reserved byte of a protected memory partition of the non-volatile memory. The controller responds to the authenticated command and the reserved byte is modified. Firmware of the memory chip system monitors the modification of the reserved byte and notifies the memory chip system to activate a switch in an access control unit controlling access to the non-volatile memory. The switch is then activated, thereby closing a circuit to connect the test pad with the non-volatile memory. The host then access the non-volatile memory via the test pad.
