Multiple-mode cryptographic module usable with memory controllers

A multi-mode cryptography (MM-C) method for processing input string-data blocks using corresponding key data and corresponding mask data to generate output string-data blocks, wherein:

• the method comprises, for each corresponding input data block:
• (a) providing the corresponding key data and the corresponding mask data;
• and
• (b) processing the corresponding input data block in accordance with the corresponding key data and corresponding mask data to generate an output data block, wherein the input data block is derived from at least one of the corresponding input string-data block and the corresponding mask data;
• and
• the method comprises processing, in an interleaved manner, a first data stream in a first cryptographic mode and a second data stream in a second cryptographic mode.

A storage controller comprising a multi-mode cryptography (MM-C) module, wherein:

• the MM-C module is adapted to process an input string-data block using corresponding key data and corresponding mask data to generate an output string-data block;
• and
• the MM-C module comprises:
• a data-stream (D-S) processing module adapted to process a corresponding input data block in accordance with the corresponding key data and corresponding mask data to generate an output data block, wherein the input data block is derived from at least one of the corresponding input string-data block and the corresponding mask data;
• a key expansion and selection (E&S) module adapted to provide the corresponding key data to the D-S processing module;
• a mask generation/updating (G/U) module adapted to provide the corresponding mask data to the D-S processing module;
• and
• a controller adapted to control operations of the D-S processing module, the E&S module, and the G/U module such that the MM-C module processes, in an interleaved manner, a first data stream in a first cryptographic mode and a second data stream in a second cryptographic mode.