Jeanne Marie Rickert

US Patent:

20100215179, Aug 26, 2010

Filed:

Jan 30, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/669001

Inventors:

Julie Atwood - Allen TX, US
Vijay Bhalla - Allen TX, US
Frances Crossno - Plano TX, US
Christopher H. Fowler - Allen TX, US
Meimei DiGennaro - Dallas TX, US
Ty Greneaux - Lafayette LA, US
Georges Jamieson - Dallas TX, US
Jeanne Rickert - Richardson TX, US
Edward J. Russell - Plano TX, US

Assignee:

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED - Dallas TX

International Classification:

H04L 9/08

US Classification:

380278

Abstract:

The management of customer security keys by an integrated circuit manufacturer with automated material tracking among multiple circuit testers at multiple sites for programming keys into circuits. Limited key change methods plus sufficient key statuses provides processes for key handling.

US Patent:

20070039060, Feb 15, 2007

Filed:

Aug 12, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/203500

Inventors:

Georges Jamieson - Dallas TX, US
Anne-Clotilde Mascart - Dallas TX, US
Jeanne Rickert - Richardson TX, US
Douglas Snead - Corinth TX, US
Chen-Yi Su - Dallas TX, US

International Classification:

G06F 11/00

US Classification:

726034000

Abstract:

Methods and systems for programming secure data into programmable and irreversible memory cells included in electronic circuitry are provided. In general, the secure data is stored in one or more arrays integrated into or associated with an electronic device such as an IC. According to a disclosed method embodying the invention, a programmable and irreversible memory cell array has a control bit for indicating the program state of the array. The method includes reading the control bit of the array to identify a programmable state, loading and programming secure data, read-protecting and write-protecting the array. The control bit is programmed to indicate the non-programmable state of the programmed array. Aspects of the invention include monitoring for incorrectly programmed or unprotected secure data, and in the event such problems arise, programming all cells of the array in order to scuttle the programmed secure data and/or the device information specific to the IC to place the device into an invalid state. According to other aspects of the invention, preferred embodiments of the systems and methods include serially programming secure data into multiple arrays.