ICs & Semiconductors Archives - Page 106 of 227

Optiga TPM future-proofs security with PQC-protected firmware update

Wed, Feb 16, 2022

Addressing the challenges of quantum computing, namely cybersecurity, specifically on the confidentiality of encrypted data and on the integrity of digital signatures, Infineon Technologies has developed the Optiga TPM (trusted platform module) SLB 9672. It says it is a future-proof security solution with a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) protected firmware update mechanism using XMSS signatures.

The PQC mechanism counteracts the threat of firmware corruption by attackers with access to quantum computers and increases long term survivability of the device by enabling a quantum-resistant firmware upgrade path. The standardised TPM provides a foundation for securely establishing the identity and software status of PCs, servers and connected devices, and for protecting the integrity and confidentiality of data at rest and in transit.

Infineon’s latest member of the Optiga TPM family is also claimed to be the industry’s first TPM to offer a firmware update mechanism with a 256-bits key length, along with an additional check based on PQC. This mechanism allows the Optiga TPM SLB 9672 to still be updated even if the standard algorithms are no longer trusted. The design is engineered for improved computing performance and to counteract the effects of corrupted firmware. For example, built-in, fail-safe features enable TPM firmware recovery in accordance with the NIST SP 800-193 Platform Firmware Resiliency Guidelines.

The TPM also provides an expanded non-volatile memory to store new features such as additional certificates and cryptographic keys. Security evaluation and certification are performed by independent bodies according to the Common Criteria and FIPS requirements. The TPM also fully complies with the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) requirements (TPM 2.0 standard version 1.59) and is certified according to the latest TPM 2.0 standard.

The standardised trust base is accompanied by tools to support design activities (e.g., software and demo boards), this TPM enables easy integration with host software. It also supports the latest versions of Windows and Linux.

The chip has an extended temperature range of -40 to +105 degrees C.

Infineon is committed to the long-term availability of Optiga TPM SLB 9672 for a minimum of 10 years and offers tailored support and maintenance through the Infineon Security Partner Network (ISPN).

The Optiga TPM SLB 9672 is available to order now.

http://www.infineon.com

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Offline switcher IC reduces BoM for bias power supplies

Thu, Feb 10, 2022

A universal AC high voltage input, non-isolated offline switcher IC from Diodes addresses the challenges associated with using a bias power supply. The AP3928 switcher IC is optimised for situations where higher power levels are mandated, such as in industrial control or home automation systems, home appliances, and IoT devices.

The AP3928 has a 600mA maximum output current that allows for a 10W output power rating. A key differentiator of this high voltage switcher IC is that it supports conventional offline, non-isolated flyback configurations, as well as more streamlined non-isolated buck configurations, keeping the bill of materials (BoM) spend to a minimum, claimed Diodes.

Peak current and switching frequency will continuously reduce as the load decreases, meaning that the IC can achieve heightened degrees of efficiency in light load conditions and is therefore suitable for use in equipment that spends prolonged time in sleep mode.

The AP3928’s low standby power of less than 30mW is suitable for small domestic appliances and IoT devices, where it is important to conserve available battery power.

The AP3928 switcher IC is supplied in a compact SO-8 package. It meets high voltage creepage requirements and can support operational junction temperatures up to +150 degrees C. Over-temperature, output short, overload and open-loop protection functions are included and there is also under-voltage lockout.

Diodes is a Standard and Poor SmallCap 600 and Russell 3000 Index company. It delivers semiconductor products to companies in the consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets. Its portfolio includes discrete, analogue and mixed-signal products and packaging technology. The company has 31 sites around the world, including engineering, testing, manufacturing, and customer service.

http://www.diodes.com

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NFC IC provides security tamper detection for IoT applications

Wed, Feb 09, 2022

Certified security is combined with a tamper status detection mechanism and battery-free sensing in the NTAG 22x DNA StatusDetect IC family by NXP. The ICs measure a change in ambient conditions, such as moisture, liquid fill level or pressure and allow developers to combine secure authentication with opening status detection or condition monitoring of products to help maintain a secure supply chain and product integrity.

Physical products can be authenticated by leveraging the NTAG 22x DNA IC’s secure unique NFC (SUN) authentication message feature. This allows manufacturers to cost-effectively combat counterfeits and supply chain fraud, said NXP.

The electronic tamper status detection of the ICs enables manufacturers or product users to verify a product’s unauthorised opening. By measuring capacitive changes in an item’s environmental conditions such as moisture, pressure or fill level, upon a simple tag readout, it is also possible to ensure product quality remains intact or capture digital sensing data for healthcare, retail or industrial applications.

According to NXP, the inclusion of security-certified NFC sensing turns a tag into a simple battery-less sensing device to detect a physical product’s first opening status, or a change in its specific ambient condition. It can help manufacturers protect product integrity, whilst enabling a new level of intelligence to assure product quality

The NTAG 22x DNA family is Common Criteria EAL3+ -certified, and features a powerful, cryptographically secure authentication message that dynamically changes on every NFC phone tap, making the taps unclonable, without requiring a user application.

The NTAG 22x DNA StatusDetect also includes configurable conductive or capacitive tamper detection, with once-open status irreversibly stored and protected in the IC memory without the need for a dedicated app. The conductive mode is suitable for tamper-evident labels and seals fixed on to a product or its package. The capacitive mode is suitable to integrate the tag into a physical product, and is also harder to reconstruct by a fraudster, said NXP.

The StatusDetect ICs can also be used as a passive sensing device to detect an environmental change influencing the capacitance value, interpreted with a mobile or cloud-based application. This facility allows new applications for medical IoT devices, such as a plaster that can detect moisture levels for wound care, fill level sensing for smart injectable dosage devices. It can also be used for consumer products as refill reminders based on package fill levels and leak detection.

Security features include a 7byte identifier, a SUN message authentication using an AES-128 key and has user memory protected with 32-bit password or with mutual authentication with AES-128 key.

The StatusDetect devices have capacitive measurement with up to 64 granular steps and automated mirroring of UID, NFC counter and status value into IC’s user memory as part of NFC-NDEF message, secured with a SUN message code.

The ICs are available in sawn and bumped wafer format (120 and 75 micron) and with an internal tuning capacitance of 50pF.

http://www.nxp.com

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Low power photo relays suit smart meter and security systems

Mon, Feb 07, 2022

Two normal open 1-Form-A photo relays from Toshiba Electronics combine a MOSFET optically coupled to an infra red LED, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including use in smart meters, passive infrared (PIR) sensors in security systems and building automation applications. The TLP223GA and TLP223J are also intended for use in industrial applications such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), I/O interfaces and many types of sensors. They can also be used to replace a mechanical relay with a solid-state device.

Both photo relays feature an LED developed by Toshiba with high luminous efficiency, ensuring that the trigger LED current does not exceed 2mA. This reduces energy consumption by approximately 33 per cent, compared to Toshiba’s TLP240x series. Typical on-state resistance is 17Ohm for the TLP223GA and 30Ohm for the TLP223J.

Both the TLP223GA and TLP223J feature an off-state output terminal voltage rating of 400V and 600V respectively. Continuous on-state current (ION) is 120mA and 90mA and pulsed on-state current (IONP) is three times these values.

The two photo relays have improved switching characteristics compared with Toshiba’s previous devices. For example, approximately 50 per cent improvement in turn-on time to 1ms (max) for the TLP223GA, and 75 per cent, 0.5ms (max) for the TLP223J, compared with the TLP240GA and TLP240J.

Operating temperature range is -40 to +110 degrees C, which makes them suitable for use in equipment installed outdoors. The isolation voltage of 5,000V rms and creepage / clearance distances up to 8.0mm allow the photo relays to be used in equipment which requires reinforced isolation, advised Toshiba.

Both devices are housed in a four-pin DIP with leaded and surface mount options available.

The devices are shipping now.

Toshiba Electronics Europe is the European electronic components business of Toshiba Electronic Devices and Storage. It offers European consumers and businesses a variety of hard disk drive (HDD) products as well as semiconductors for automotive, industrial, IoT, motion control, telecomms, networking, consumer and white goods applications. The company’s portfolio encompasses power semiconductors and other discrete devices ranging from diodes to logic ICs, optical semiconductors as well as microcontrollers and application specific standard products (ASSPs).

Toshiba Electronics Europe has headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, and branch offices in France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom providing marketing, sales and logistics services.

http://www.toshiba.semicon-storage.com

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Optiga TPM future-proofs security with PQC-protected firmware update

Offline switcher IC reduces BoM for bias power supplies

NFC IC provides security tamper detection for IoT applications

Low power photo relays suit smart meter and security systems

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