Nonvolatile Memory Device Having Authentication, and Methods of Operation and Manufacture Thereof

A method of authenticating a nonvolatile memory integrated circuit die contained in a package body having a plurality of contacts extending from or disposed on the package body, the nonvolatile memory integrated circuit die having a first interface electrically coupled to at least some of the contacts, comprising:

• storing a root key in a nonvolatile memory array of an authentication integrated circuit die contained in the package body, the authentication integrated circuit die further comprising a second interface, an authentication engine coupled to the second interface, and a volatile memory register coupled to the authentication engine, the nonvolatile memory array being coupled to the authentication engine and to the second interface;
• maintaining a monotonic count within the nonvolatile memory array of the authentication integrated circuit die;
• receiving, by the authentication integrated circuit die, a request associated with a keyed-HMAC for providing the monotonic count;
• furnishing the monotonic count from the authentication engine to one of the contacts via the second interface, the second interface being electrically coupled to at least some of the contacts;
• receiving, by the authentication integrated circuit die, a request associated with the keyed-HMAC for incrementing the monotonic count;
• and
• incrementing the monotonic count in the authentication integrated circuit die.