Microcircuit with memory that is protected by both hardware and software
US5998858A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S257/922
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A secure electronic data module containing a monolithic semiconductor chip of the type having a memory that is protected by a combination of hardware and software mechanisms such that unauthorized access to the data stored in the memory is prevented. The monolithic semiconductor chip comprises a plurality of solder bumps for attaching the chip to a substrate that may be a printed circuit board or another chip; a multi-level interlaced power and ground lines using minimum geometries; and a detection circuit block for detecting an external trip signal that may be produced by a pre-specified change in an operating condition brought on by unauthorized accessing, or an internal trip signal that may be produced by shorting of power and ground lines or by a change in an oscillator's frequency, also associated with or appurtenant to unauthorized accessing of the secure memory.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.