Easily include embedded security using MCU with hardware security module

10-05-2024 | Microchip Technology | Semiconductors

New legislation taking effect in 2024, mandates stricter conditions on cybersecurity on everything from consumer IoT devices to critical infrastructure. Fulfilling these new security compliance necessities from a product and supply chain perspective can be complex, costly and time-consuming. To provide developers with an embedded security solution that allows them to design applications that comply with these requirements, Microchip Technology has announced the new family of PIC32CK 32-bit MCUs with an integrated HSM subsystem and Arm Cortex-M33 core featuring TrustZone technology to help isolate and secure the device.

The device is the first 32-bit device on the market that combines the strong security of an HSM with TrustZone technology, a hardware-based secure privilege environment. The company's latest innovation for mid-range MCUs supplies designers with a cost-effective embedded security solution for their products that satisfies the latest cybersecurity mandates. The inclusion of an HSM provides a high level of security for authentication, secure debug, secure boot and secure updates, while TrustZone technology delivers an additional level of protection for key software functions. The HSM can accelerate a wide range of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography standards, true random number generation and secure key management.

These MCUs are designed to support ISO 26262 functional safety and ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity standards. For increased flexibility and cost efficiency, the MCU family provides a wide range of options to tune the level of security, memory and connectivity bandwidth based on the end application's requirements. Options include up to 2MB dual-panel Flash and 512KB SRAM, with various connectivity options like 10/100 Ethernet, CAN FD and USB.

"Emerging requirements make security mandatory for the majority of IoT-connected devices. The PIC32CK makes it cost-effective to provide hardware-based security to mid-range microcontroller applications," said Rod Drake, corporate vice president of Microchip's MCU32 and MPU32 business units. "Microchip's ecosystem of tools and security expertise help our customers navigate the complexities of the new requirements and provide lifecycle support for their products."

For product supply chains that need added security and safety protection such as in industrial designs, medical devices, home appliances and consumer IoT devices, the device will be supported with the company's Trust Platform Design Suite for provisioning as a service. This platform allows the secure factory provisioning of keys, certificates and IP without the need to reveal these secrets within the supply chain.

The MCU family is supported by the company's software platforms including MPLAB Harmony v3 and Trust Platform Design Suite. The family is also supported by the PIC32CK SG and PIC32CK GC Curiosity Ultra Development Boards, including the EV33A17A and EV44P93A.

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By Seb Springall

Seb Springall is a seasoned editor at Electropages, specialising in the product news sections. With a keen eye for the latest advancements in the tech industry, Seb curates and oversees content that highlights cutting-edge technologies and market trends.