Semiconductor memory with access protection scheme
US7249231B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F12/1425
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A memory, particularly but not limitatively a flash memory, comprises at least one data storage area comprising a plurality of data storage locations, and an access circuitry for accessing the data storage locations for either retrieving or altering a data content thereof, depending for example on a memory user request. The memory includes at least one first user-configurable flag element and a second user-configurable flag element. Both the at least one first and the second flag elements are used by a user to set a protected state of the respective data storage area against alteration of the content of the data storage locations thereof. The protected state defined by setting the first flag element is user-removable, i.e., it can be removed by request from the user, so as to enable again the alteration of the content of the data storage area. On the contrary, the protected state defined by setting the second flag element is permanent and, once set, it cannot be removed: the data storage area becomes unalterable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.