Flexible OTP sector protection architecture for flash memories
US7864557B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C2216/26
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for protecting a memory having a plurality of blocks from modification is disclosed. The method and system include providing a plurality of one time programmable (OTP) cells and OTP cell logic coupled with the OTP cells. An OTP cell of the plurality of OTP cells corresponds to a portion of a block of the plurality of blocks. The OTP cell allows modification of the portion of the block when the OTP cell is in a first state and permanently prevents modification of the portion of the block when the OTP cell is in a second state. The OTP cell logic uses the plurality of OTP cells to select the portion of the block as corresponding to the OTP cell. This portion of the block is write protected when the OTP cell is placed in the second state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.