Read-once memory and method of operating same

Abstract

A memory controller scrambles input data and stores the scrambled data in a memory, and then allows the stored data to be read from the memory only once. The memory controller includes a true random number generator (TRNG) for generating a true random number and a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) that uses the true random number as a seed to generate a pseudo-random number. A linear feedback shift register (LFSR) receives and shifts the pseudo-random number and then scrambles the input data using the shifted number from the LFSR. The scrambled data then is stored in the memory and the seed is stored in one of the same or a separate memory. In response to a read request, the seed is read and used to regenerate the shifted number to descramble the stored data. The stored seed is invalidated to prevent additional attempts at reading the data.