Encrypted communication device with restricted rate of encryption key retrievals from memory

1. A replaceable cartridge comprising a consumable colorant for a printer, said cartridge comprising a device for encrypted communication with the printer, the device comprising:

a first non-volatile memory;

a base key stored in the first non-volatile memory; and,

a one-way function for application to the base key;

wherein the device is configured to:

retrieve the base key from the first non-volatile memory;

generate a first variant key using the one-way function, the base key and information from the printer;

store the first variant key in the first non-volatile memory;

generate a digital signature using the first variant key; and

authenticate communications between the device and the printer using the digital signature, and

wherein the device is configured to limit a number of times the base key is retrieved from the first non-volatile memory in a given period of time without limiting a number of times the variant key is used during the given period of time.

2. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the information from the printer is a unique identifier such that the first variant key generated by applying the one way function to the base key and the unique identifier authenticates communication between the device and the printer having the unique identifier only.

3. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 2 , wherein the device further comprises a second non-volatile memory, the second non-volatile memory having capacity to store a predetermined number of variant keys generated using the base key, the predetermined number of variant keys being less than a threshold number of times that the base key can be retrieved from the non-volatile memory.

4. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein the generation of each of the variant keys using the one-way function includes adding several separate terms, and the device is configured to use random arrangements of the terms.

5. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein the generation of each of the variant keys using the one-way function includes adding several separate terms, and the device is configured to provide an arrangement of the terms that differs from other like devices.

6. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein the one-way function used to generate the variant keys includes adding several separate terms together, the device being configured to add a masking number as an additional term to the one way function, and subsequently subtract the masking number from the sum of the calculation.

7. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 6 , wherein the masking number is randomly generated for the generation of each of the variant keys.

8. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the base key can be retrieved only for generating a variant key.

9. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises resource data, and wherein the printer has certain permissions in relation to operations on the resource data.

10. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 9 , wherein the resource data represents a physical property.

11. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 10 , wherein the physical property is a remaining amount of colorant.

12. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 11 , wherein the operations includes a read operation in which the resource data is read by the printer.

13. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 12 , wherein the operations include a write operation, in which the resource data is modified by the printer making the request.

14. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 13 , wherein the write operation is decrementing the resource data as an indication of consumption of the colorant.

15. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the one way function is a hash function.

16. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 15 , wherein the hash function is SHA1.

17. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the cartridge is an inkjet cartridge.

18. The replaceable cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the printer is an inkjet printer comprising a print engine controller (PEC) configured for use with the ink cartridge.