Semiconductor device with secure access key and associated methods and systems

A method for operating a memory device, comprising:

• receiving, from a host device, a sequence of signals comprising a combination of two or more voltage levels as a function of time;
• transmitting a first access key that is predefined and stored in the memory device based at least in part on the sequence of signals being equivalent to a predetermined sequence of signals;
• receiving, from the host device and based at least in part on transmitting the first access key, a command requesting to access secure features of the memory device, wherein the command includes a second access key;
• comparing the first access key with the second access key;
• and
• determining whether to permit or prohibit access to the secure features of the memory device based at least in part on comparing the first access key with the second access key.

A system, comprising:

• a host device;
• and
• a memory device coupled to the host device, including:
• at least one memory array;
• and
• circuitry coupled with the at least one memory array and configured to:
• receive, from the host device, a sequence of signals comprising a combination of two or more voltage levels as a function of time;
• transmit a first access key that is predefined and stored in the memory device based at least in part on the sequence of signals being equivalent to a predetermined sequence of signals;
• receive, from the host device, a command requesting to access secure features of the memory device, wherein the command includes a second access key;
• compare the first access key with the second access key;
• and
• determine whether to permit or prohibit access to the secure features of the memory device based at least in part on comparing the first access key with the second access key.