ICs & Semiconductors Archives - Page 182 of 235

Microcontroller with built-in PUF tech offers multiple layers of security

Fri, Feb 28, 2020

The MAX32520 ChipDNATM secure Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller from Maxim Integrated Products is a secure microcontroller with built-in physically unclonable function (PUF) technology for financial- and government-grade security. The technology allows for multiple layers of protection to provide advanced key-protection technology for use in Internet of Things (IoT), health care, industrial and computing systems.

The MAX32520 with ChipDNA offers multiple layers of protection through its PUF technology, a key-protection technology for safeguarding secrets used in cryptographic operations. It uses a tamper-proof PUF key for flash encryption, secure boot for root-of-trust and serial flash emulation. Additionally, the physical security inherent in the PUF key eliminates the need for a battery to actively destroy secret-key materials when under attack. Until now, the most-sensitive applications have always required a battery to provide this highest level of secret-key protection.

The secret keys generated by the ChipDNA PUF circuitry are resistant to physical attacks, ensuring the keys that protect data and systems are out of the reach of attackers. Flash-encryption using PUF protects sensitive information with encryption keys that can withstand advanced physical inspection and prying, as well as providing robust IP security. The DeepCover secure microcontroller can protect all user data, as it is equipped with SP 800-90A and SP 800-90B compliant TRNG and hardware accelerators for AES-256, ECDSA P-521 and SHA-512.

Delivering up to 2MB of secure flash memory means advanced applications can run in a highly secure environment. Built on an advanced process node, this secure microcontroller provides advanced security features, a 120 MHz ARM Cortex M4 processor and plenty of memory. It eliminates several components like a battery, a tamper monitor IC and system management micros that are often found in security-sensitive applications.

“Enabling developers to incorporate PUF-encrypted flash and secure boot loading without system redesign or in-house code development will help them reduce time-to-market dramatically,” said Tanner Johnson, senior analyst, IoT cybersecurity at Omdia.

Kris Ardis, executive director, micros, security and software business unit at Maxim Integrated said: “The threats to IoT systems are getting more advanced all the time, and tools to attack systems move from the realm of academia to the realm of open source every day. MAX32520 with ChipDNA is a step forward.”

http://www.maximintegrated.com

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Embedded safety controller is ‘first to be ASIL-D certified to ISO 26262:2018’

Wed, Feb 26, 2020

Infineon Technologies second generation Aurix (TC3xx) microcontrollers are the first embedded safety controllers worldwide to be certified for the highest automotive safety integrity level (ASIL D), according to the latest version of the ISO 26262 standard.

This standard describes a globally binding procedure for the development and production of safety-critical systems in cars. In December 2018, the current version of the standard replaced the original version from 2011. The certificate was issued by SGS TUEV Saar.

“This certification underpins our leadership in automotive safety,” said Peter Schaefer, vice-president and general manager automotive microcontrollers at Infineon. “We defined the safety architecture of our second generation Aurix microcontrollers before the new version of ISO 26262 was even available, and yet it fulfills all requirements for an ASIL D safety controller. We have achieved this through a holistic approach to safety that resulted in a sophisticated and robust architecture. Second generation Aurix microcontrollers thus provide the safety and trust necessary to make automated driving happen.”

AURIX TC3xx devices have up to six processor cores with 300 MHz clock frequency each. Up to four of them have an additional Lockstep core. With around 3,000 DMIPS, Aurix allows for functionally safe computing power supporting ASIL D among safety microcontrollers. Other features include safe internal communication buses and a distributed memory protection system.

Aurix allows the integration of software with different safety levels from different sources. This allows multiple operating systems and applications, such as steering, braking, airbag and driver assistance systems, to be hosted on a common platform.

As well as computing platforms for automated driving using Aurix as their safety host controller, the microcontrollers are used in radar systems for processing sensor data, in engine and transmission control, brake, airbag and steering systems, central gateways, domain control units, hybrid and electric cars, among other applications.

http://www.infineon.com

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Maxim speeds in with tiny LiDAR ICs with higher bandwidth for faster self-driving cars

Wed, Feb 26, 2020

Designers of automotive self-driving systems can now enable higher-speed autonomous driving through what is described as the industry’s fastest and smallest Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) ICs from Maxim Integrated Products.

The MAX40026 TDFN’s package size measures 4 sq mm and the MAX40660/1 TDFN package size is 9 sq mm. Maxim’s TIAs support 128 channels with an industry high bandwidth of 490MHz for MAX40660 and 2.1pA/√Hz input-referred noise density to support higher accuracy distance measurement in LiDAR applications. In addition, low propagation delay dispersion of the MAX40026 (10 picoseconds) contributes to accurate detection of fixed and moving objects.

And Maxim says that the MAX40660/1 reduces current consumption by more than 80 per cent in low power mode.

Maxim states that compared to the closest competitive solution, the MAX40026 high-speed comparator and the MAX40660/MAX40661 high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifiers enable 10mph (15km per hour) faster autonomous driving at highway speeds by providing more than 2x higher bandwidth and accommodating 32 additional channels (128 v 96) to a LiDAR module within the same module size.

With automotive self-driving systems evolving from 35mph to 65mph and beyond, LiDAR sensors are playing an increasing role in the fusion of vehicle sensors for their ability to provide accurate distance measurement of objects.

According to Maxim, with more than twice the bandwidth and the ability to accommodate 33 per cent more channels within the same LiDAR module size compared to the closest competitor, the MAX40660/MAX40661 transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) provide optical receiver designers with higher-resolution images that enable faster autonomous driving systems.

The system size of the MAX40026 high-speed comparator plus the MAX40660/1 TIAs is 5 sq mm smaller than the closest competitive solution, says Maxim, which allows developers to fit more channels into space-constrained vehicle platforms.

The ICs meet the automotive industry’s stringent safety requirements with AEC-Q100 qualification, enhanced electrostatic discharge performance and failure modes, effects and diagnostic analysis to support ISO 26262 certification at the system level.

“Automotive engineers need elements that support greater precision, lower power and smaller solution size to add next-generation LiDAR capabilities to cars rolling off the assembly line,” said Veronique Rozan, executive director of business management, Core Automotive and Special Projects at Maxim Integrated. “Advancements in LiDAR-based solutions will support greater driver awareness and safety from next-generation automotive navigation systems.”

http://www.maximintegrated.com

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iMotion IMC300 adds Arm MCU for variable speed drive flexibility

Mon, Feb 24, 2020

Infineon Technologies AG has released the IMC300 motor controller series combining the iMotion Motion Control Engine (MCE) with an additional microcontroller based on the Arm Cortex-M0 core.

IMC300 complements the IMC100 series and is aimed at variable speed drives that require high application flexibility. Both families, IMC100 and IMC300, share the same implementation of MCE 2.0 providing ready-to-use motor and optional PFC control.

Applying the MCE for controlling the motor, customers can focus on their system application that runs fully independently on the embedded Arm microcontroller.

Infineon’s field-proven MCE 2.0 implements efficient field oriented control of permanent magnet synchronous motors. The MCE integrates all required hardware and software building blocks as well as all necessary protection features resulting in a reduced bill of material. It undergoes continuous improvements with typically two releases per year.

The autonomous MCU offers a flexible peripheral set and can serve a multitude of purposes such as system functions, specific communication or drive monitoring. IMC300 devices are pre-certified for applications requiring functional safety according to UL/IEC 60730 (‘Class B’).

IMC300 derivatives are offered for motor drives with and without PFC control. Devices in LQFP-64 packages are in mass production, and LQFP-48 types will be released in the second quarter 2020.

Rapid prototyping of a drive inverter is enabled via two new control boards for the iMotion modular application design kit (MADK). MADK is a modular and flexible development platform providing a range of control and power board options for motor drive applications up to 1kW.

Infineon will showcase the new IMC300 series at Embedded World in Nuremberg, February 25 to 27, booth 225, hall 3A.

Highlights include solutions for automated driving and in-vehicle health monitoring, wireless charging, drones as well as automotive and industrial motor control.

http://www.infineon.com

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Microcontroller with built-in PUF tech offers multiple layers of security

Embedded safety controller is ‘first to be ASIL-D certified to ISO 26262:2018’

Maxim speeds in with tiny LiDAR ICs with higher bandwidth for faster self-driving cars

iMotion IMC300 adds Arm MCU for variable speed drive flexibility

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