Method of detecting manipulation of a programmable memory device of a digital controller

A method for detecting a manipulation of a programmable memory device of a digital controller for a motor vehicle, the method comprising:

• storing in the programmable memory device data and control programs for an operation of the digital controller and for a control/regulation of functions of the motor vehicle;
• storing information regarding a programming/reprogramming operation in a separate memory area of the programmable memory device where only reading and programming are possible, wherein the separate memory area is a one-time-programmable (OTP) region of the programmable memory device, the storing of the information regarding the programming/reprogramming operation being performed in conjunction with each programming/reprogramming operation of the programmable memory device, the stored information recording a number of times the programmable memory device has been programmed/reprogrammed;
• and
• reading out and comparing a content of the separate memory area with another set of information in order to detect a manipulation, wherein the separate memory area is incapable of being erased, and wherein a remaining memory area of the programmable memory device is capable of being erased;
• wherein the information regarding the programming/reprogramming operation stored in the separate memory area is documented, so that if (i) the motor vehicle enters a workshop and warranty claims are made, or (ii) if the memory of the controller is to be reprogrammed, the content of the separate memory area is read out and compared with a documented information of the memory area, and if the information stored in the separate memory area matches the documented information, then there has not been an unauthorized manipulation of the controller, and if the information read out of the memory area does not match the documented information, then there has been an unauthorized manipulation of the controller.