Methods and systems for programming secure data into programmable and irreversible cells

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 ...