Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Ixys Intl Limited

David Alan Roberts

William James Tiffany

Randal Quincy Thornley

Joshua J Nekl

Russell Brent Lloyd

A memory is organized into blocks. In a bit-flipping operation, a memory block is read, the read bit data values are inverted, and the inverted data is written back to the memory block. Inverted memory blocks are tracked by setting a flag bit in the memory block, or by storing a pointer to a memory block. In a read operation, a memory block is read and, if the tracking method indicates the memory block is inverted, the read data values are reverted before being returned. In a write operation, a memory block is read and, if the tracking method indicates the memory block is inverted, the write data values are inverted before being written. Inversion of data values and tracking of inverted memory blocks may be performed by a specialized memory controller or by a processor executing secure memory code. Data remanence is thus prevented in the memory.

Bit-flipping memory controller to prevent SRAM data remanence

Tampering with an assembly that includes an integrated circuit is detected by measuring a change in at least one property of a conductive molding formed over at least a portion of the integrated circuit. For example, the conductive molding can be a mixture of resin with conductive powder and/or fibers. The molding can be formed as a continuous region or as strips of conductive material. Conductive contacts are positioned to provide and receive current through portions of the conductive material. For example, the property of the molding can be an impedance of a portion of the conductive molding. A significant change in the impedance measured through one or more conductive contacts indicates tampering with the assembly.

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Meridian, ID, United States of America

David Alan Roberts