Memory circuit with non-volatile identification memory and associated method
US7068538B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/22
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A memory circuit comprising a memory area for storing data, a non-volatile memory area for storing at least one identification code, and a pin for storing the identification code in the non-volatile memory area. The memory circuit further comprising a programmable register in which a programmable state is fixed, wherein the programmable state indicates if the identification code has been stored in the non-volatile memory area, and a logic module which blocks any subsequent changes to the identification code fixed in the non-volatile memory area in response to the programmable state in the programmable register indicating that the identification code has been stored in the non-volatile area. The invention also relates to an associated method. The invention is useful particularly to avoid fraudulent reprogramming of the area containing the identification code. The invention also relates to an associated method.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.