Embedded security using Microchip’s PIC32CK 32-bit MCUs with hardware security module

New legislation takes effect in 2024, mandating stricter requirements on cybersecurity on everything from consumer IoT devices to critical infrastructure. Meeting these new security compliance requirements 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 has announced the new family of PIC32CK 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) with an integrated Hardware Security Module (HSM) subsystem and Arm Cortex-M33 core featuring TrustZone technology to help isolate and secure the device.

The PIC32CK SG 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. Microchip’s latest innovation for mid-range MCUs provides designers with a cost-effective embedded security solution for their products that meets 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 provides 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.

The PIC32CK MCUs from Microchip are designed to support ISO 26262 functional safety and ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity standards. For increased flexibility and cost efficiency, the PIC32CK MCU family offers 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 2 MB dual-panel Flash and 512 KB SRAM, with various connectivity options like 10/100 Ethernet, CAN FD and USB.

For product supply chains that require additional security and safety protection such as in industrial designs, medical devices, home appliances and consumer IoT devices, the PIC32CK will be supported with Microchip’s Trust Platform Design Suite for provisioning as a service. This platform enables the secure factory provisioning of keys, certificates and IP without the need to reveal these secrets within the supply chain.

The 32-bit PIC32CK MCU family is supported by Microchip’s software platforms including MPLAB® Harmony v3 and Trust Platform Design Suite. The PIC32CK family is also supported by the PIC32CK SG and PIC32CK GC Curiosity Ultra Development Boards including the EV33A17A and EV44P93A.

https://www.microchip.com.

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maXTouch touchscreen controller family from Microchip expands with additional security

As we see an increased number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, the necessary charging infrastructure must expand to meet the increased demand. Adding credit card payment options to EV chargers is becoming a standard practice in many countries—and is a mandate in the European Union—and chargers need to meet Payment Card Industry (PCI) security standards. To help EV charger designers protect their payment architectures, Microchip has launched the MXT2952TD 2.0 family of secure touchscreen controllers.

Typical touch-enabled human machine interface (HMI) and radio frequency identification (RFID) combination-based payment systems are vulnerable to hacking attacks via malicious software updates or man-in-the-middle attacks when a user enters their personal identification number (PIN) on the touchscreen. Physical mesh barriers and sensors are often used around these integrated circuits (ICs) for protection from hacking. Constant reflashing of software and device resets are used to help safeguard software integrity. The MXT2952TD 2.0 family is designed to encrypt touch data and cryptographically authenticate software updates to minimise risk and meet PCI certification compliance standards. When the RFID reader IC and the touchscreen controller are on different printed circuit boards (PCBs), it is especially difficult and expensive to build physical barriers for hack protection. Embedded firmware on the MXT2952TD 2.0 provides a more easily implemented solution for EV charger manufacturers to remain compliant with security regulations and avoid the cost of adding a second, expensive touchscreen payment module to the charger.

The outdoor nature of EV charger HMIs demand they withstand harsh weather conditions, function accurately in the presence of moisture and are resistant to vandalism. MXT2952TD 2.0 touch controller-based touchscreens remain effective when designed with IK10 standard 6 mm-thick glass, anti-reflective, anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings and IR filter/UV filter layers. Microchip’s proprietary differential touch sensing delivers exceptional noise immunity for superior touch performance even when used with thick gloves.

“The maXTouch 2952TD 2.0 family provides EV charger designers with a cost-effective, secure design architecture for implementing credit card payments with PIN entry on their touchscreens,” said Patrick Johnson, senior corporate vice present overseeing Microchip’s human machine interface division. “Combined with the rugged, outdoor HMI touchscreen technology that Microchip’s maXTouch portfolio is known for, the new addition to the 2952TD family of touchscreen controllers offers our customers secure designs and the exceptional touch performance necessary for outdoor applications.”

In addition to EV chargers, the MXT2952TD 2.0 family is well-suited for most unattended outdoor payment terminals such as parking meters, bus ticketing meters and other types of point-of-sale (POS) systems. The 2952TD 2.0 is specifically optimised for 20” screen sizes and its sister part, the MXT1664TD, is available for 15.6” screen sizes.

Standard maXTouch family development tools are available including maXTouch Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and maXTouch Analyser, a production end-of-line test/inspection tool.

Microchip also has a number of factory-trained global touch sensor module partners to help support custom touch sensor and/or touchscreen display designs.

https://www.microchip.com.

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Innodisk unveils MIPI over Type-C solution for enhanced AI vision applications

Innodisk, has announced the launch of its industry’s first MIPI over Type-C solution. This exclusive technology overcomes traditional MIPI cable lengths limitations, allowing embedded camera modules to be positioned farther from the system.

This expands the possibilities for visual AI applications, particularly in smart manufacturing and smart cities, enabling the seamless integration of high-quality vision systems into these evolving environments.

The increasing popularity of vision-based applications across industries highlights the critical need for high- quality, reliable camera solutions. As computer vision becomes a cornerstone of AI development, the demand for industrial-grade cameras continues to surge. Innodisk recognises this need and has developed the MIPI over Type-C Solution to address the challenges faced by vision system integrators and developers.

Innodisk’s MIPI over Type-C technology extends the connection distance to 2 meters or more, surpassing the previous 30 cm cable length limitation while maintaining high performance. It enables seamless conversion to a custom USB Type-C interface through a tailor-made adapter board and offers cost- effectiveness compared to SerDes solutions. Additionally, this solution boasts successful deployments on NVIDIA Jetson, Intel x86, and ARM platforms, with Innodisk actively investing in R&D to ensure ongoing compatibility across various platforms, accelerating the deployment of edge AI applications for clients.

Innodisk’s MIPI over Type-C camera module solutions are extensively used in various smart applications. They are revolutionising industries like smart manufacturing, where AMRs and forklifts benefit from high- quality imaging and extended reach. Similarly, shared mobility applications such as shared bikes leverage these modules for enhanced safety and efficiency. By offering a combination of high bandwidth and longer range, Innodisk’s solution removes cable length limitations, unlocking a wave of new possibilities for smart applications.

Innodisk’s MIPI over Type-C solution marks a significant leap forward, building upon its diverse MIPI camera module portfolio and seamless platform integration. This includes compatibility with NVIDIA Jetson, Intel 12th to 13th Gen, Core Ultra processor, AMD Xilinx, and NXP. As the sole Intel-certified MIPI Camera partner in Taiwan, Innodisk collaborates closely with IPC manufacturers, possessing professional integration capabilities to offer comprehensive support and services to customers. The MIPI over Type-C Solution is poised to redefine the future of vision technology, offering performance, flexibility, and affordability.

http://www.innodisk.com

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THine introduces camera kit for NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/Nano

THine Solutions have announced the new THEIA-CAM 13MP PDAF camera, THSCJ101, for the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX and Jetson Orin Nano platforms. Along with its pre-optimised ISP firmware and Linux driver, Jetson users are now able to easily integrate advanced imaging capabilities into their systems.

The THSCJ101 kit is a camera reference design kit for embedded camera applications that are using the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX or the Jetson Orin Nano platform. The THSCJ101 kit is based on THine’s THP7312-P ISP and Sony’s IMX258 13MP CMOS PDAF image sensor.

THine’s optimised ISP firmware provides ultra-quick autofocus using Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) technology and best-in-class image quality. The kit hardware includes all items required to interface with Jetson Orin carrier boards with a 22-pin MIPI CSI-2 input connector, including a camera board in an acrylic case and a flat flexible cable.

The Video4Linux2 (V4L2) driver for the THSCJ101 is also available to control various video functions. The performance of each kit is repeatable for use in high volume production due to our production process to characterise the image parameters of each image sensor and to calibrate the image signal processing to compensate for variation from sensor to sensor.
All technical information including the reference circuit schematics, ISP firmware, and V4L2 Driver are available to customers.

Also, for customers that require unique image performance features, THine can provide a GUI based software development tool that customises the ISP firmware and/or the image sensor selection. As a result, the THSCJ101 can accelerate NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/Nano platform users’ time-to-market without expensive integration cost or additional effort for developing embedded camera systems.

THEIA-CAM is designed for embedded vision systems. Using and optimising THine’s own ISP, THine offers Best-in-Class image quality and high production quality suitable for any project phase from proof of concept to high volume production. THEIA-CAM supports various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux, and various platforms including Raspberry Pi, Jetson Orin, i.MX 8M families, and MediaTek Genio series. THEIA-CAM addresses wide-ranging camera applications including but not limited to AI + IoT devices, AR glasses, barcode reading devices, biometric devices, bodycams, document scanners, machine vision systems, medical scopes, microscopes, surveillance cameras, vision assistance glasses, and webcams. THSCU101, the first Kit in the family, is a 13MP PDAF USB video class (UVC) Camera

https://www.thinesolutions.com

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