Overview

The chip lifecycle describes the different operational states of the chip throughout the process from production, end-user application, repair, to final decommission. Proper lifecycle management is critical for chip security, sensitive data protection, and correct operation and maintenance. In general, the full lifecycle state transition process is as follows:

../../_images/lifecycle_flow_nda.png

The lifecycle states of the chip include:

  • Normal/Operational State: The chip is used in the customer’s actual application with all security policies enabled.

  • RMA State (Return Material Authorization): Also known as the repair/failure analysis state, it is a special mode designed to prevent user-sensitive data from being leaked during the RMA process.

  • Decommission/EOL State: The state after the end of the chip’s lifecycle. Once entered, it is irreversible and OTP data is physically invalidated.