Electronic key with multiple password protected sub-keys using address and translation to implement a block data move between public and protected sub-keys

Claim 1

An integrated circuit, comprising: at least one memory array containing multiple low-power memory cells arranged in rows and columns; a command decoder, connected to decode commands requesting access to said memory array, wherein said command decoder includes a translation register which defines plural one-to-one correspondences between logical memory addresses and cells of said array, with each of said one-to-one correspondences associated with a corresponding bit pattern in said register; and wherein said command decoder translates access requests, in accordance with the bit pattern of said translation register, to provide a block select output; an address decoder, connected to receive said block select output, and accordingly to select ones of said rows and columns of said cells for access; wherein said command and address decoders translate access requests in such a pattern that, multiple partitions of said array are assigned as secure subkey memories, which are only accessible with a correct password, each partition having an independent password, and at least one partition of said array is assigned as scratchpad memory, which is accessible without password protection; and wherein one of the access requests which said command decoder can recognize is a block move, to secure subkey memory, request, and in response thereto said bit pattern in said translation register is altered to effect the requested block move by changing a plurality of said partitions' assignments, but only if the block move request is accompanied by the correct password for the secure subkey memory portion which would be altered by the requested block move.