24-11-2023 | Microchip Technology | Semiconductors
Microchip Technology has launched its latest TrustAnchor Security IC, the TA101, which can accommodate complex automotive and embedded security use cases. The device supports large key sizes up to ECC P521, SHA512, RSA-4K and AES256 with greater security strength, surpassing current standards and providing room for future adjustments while maintaining backwards compatibility for smaller keys. The device is supplied as an industrial-grade CryptoAuthentication Security IC and a CryptoAutomotive Security IC supporting AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified devices.
As the latest device in the company's portfolio of security ICs, the device is specifically created to support automotive security, data centre and industrial applications. The cryptographic companion device works alongside an MCU or MPU to handle cryptographic functions, including public key infrastructure, certificate management and secure key storage requirements. The device supplies easy patch updates, message authentication, TLS, secure boot, HDCP, firmware updates, security upgrades, transfer of ownership, key management and WPC Qi 1.3 authentication.
"It is critically important for OEMs to not only comply with current standards but to stay a step ahead when it comes to security. By introducing key sizes associated with 256 bits of security strength, the TA101 offers great key strength diversity now and for future applications," said Nuri Dagdeviren, corporate vice president of Microchip's Secure Computing Group. "Additionally, Microchip's modular security solution approach allows customers to choose an optimally sized and priced MCU based on the focus application of the module while standardising a single security solution that satisfies virtually all security requirements."
The device delivers an alternative architecture to on-die multicore MCU/MPU management of in-vehicle networking by supplying an off-chip component to handle secure boot and message authentication. The device is compatible with a wide range of MCUs or MPUs, allowing flexible solutions that can help lower costs and reduce time to market.
The device provides the Commercial National Security Algorithm required 1.0 suite of algorithms and the ed25519 curve in a single IC. Lowering the risk associated with secure code development and implementation, it comes preprogrammed and pre-provisioned in Microchip Common Criteria ALC_DVS.2 certified facilities. To learn more about the company's automotive security portfolio, visit the CryptoAutomotive Security IC page on its website.
The TA101 is supported by the CryptoAuth Trust Platform Development Kit and several TA101 socket boards that feature a mikroBUS connector. These socket boards can also be utilised with the mikroBUS Xplained Pro Extension Board, which connects to various Xplained Pro boards for developing designs with SAM MCUs.
The TA101 AUTOSAR Microcontroller Abstraction Layer (MCAL) is ASPICE Level 2 compliant. The company's CryptoAuthentication Library of software allows seamless integration into industry-standard operating systems or customised software stacks for crypto functions. The Trust Platform Development Suite (TPDS) can be employed to configure prototypes and prepare them for provisioning at Microchip's secure factories.
