Abstract: An apparatus and method for dual protection of a protected memory block (110) includes protected memory block (110) in a memory module (106), where the memory module is non-volatile and block-based. A memory controller (102) is coupled to access the protected memory block on the memory module, while a logic module (104) is coupled to and interposed between the memory controller and the memory module. The logic module is coupled to detect a hardware state (114) of a hardware source (108), and coupled to receive a write-protect signal (116) from the memory controller. If the logic module detects the hardware state as a write permit state (118) and the logic module fails to receive the write-protect signal (116), the logic module permits the memory controller to modify the protected memory block. If the logic module either detects the hardware state is a write non-permit state (120) or receives the write-protect signal, the logic module prevents the memory controller from modifying the protected memory block.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (100) includes a first BGA landing pad (102) having a first clearance zone (106) and a second BGA landing pad (104) having a second clearance zone (108). A via (110), overlaps the first clearance zone and the second clearance zone such that the first BGA landing pad and the second BGA landing pad are electrically coupled to the via.