Method for the secure checking of a memory region of a microcontroller in a control device and control devide with a protected microcontroller

• US 20060117131A1
• Filed: 11/05/2003
• Published: 06/01/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Schneider, Klaus, Aue, Axel
• Granted Patent: US 7,293,148 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 711/100
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/71 to assure secure computing or processing of information

Abstract

A method is provided for controlling a microcontroller in a control unit in a motor vehicle, having a processor core, at least one read-only memory area and at least one rewritable memory area, at least one control program which is intended to be processed by the processor core being stored in the rewritable memory area. In order to provide a method for controlling a microcontroller in a control unit that better protects the verification of memories of the microcontroller against unauthorized intervention, a verification program is stored in a write-once memory area of the rewritable memory area and a service program is stored in the read-only memory area. The verification program is called by the control program via the service program at regular intervals and verifies at least part of the rewritable memory area. In addition, the service program resets a counter. A RESET of the control unit is triggered by the verification program when manipulation of the verified memory area is detected or by the counter in the event of counter overflow.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a microcontroller in a control unit in a motor vehicle having a processor core containing at least one read-only memory area, and at least one rewritable memory area, at least one control program that is intended to be processed by the processor core being stored in the rewritable memory area, the method comprising:

storing a verification program in a write-once memory area of the rewritable memory area;

storing a service program in the read-only memory area;

calling the service program by the control program at regular intervals;

calling the verification program by the service program;

resetting a counter by the service program when called by the control program;

verifying at least part of the rewritable memory area by the verification program;

triggering a reset one of by the verification program in the event of manipulation of the verified memory area and by the counter in the event of counter overflow.

2-8. -8. (canceled)