IoT IC is optimised for key storage & authentication
Designed for the IoT market, the ATECC508A CryptoAuthentication IC has been released by Atmel. According to the company, the device is the first in the market to integrate the Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH) security protocol and the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) sign-verify authentication.
The IC expands the company’s CryptoAuthentication portfolio, and is the second device from the series with Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) capabilities. The ATECC508A provides confidentiality, data integrity and authentication in systems with MCUs or MPUs running encryption/ decryption algorithms in software. The device employs secure hardware-based cryptographic key storage and cryptographic countermeasures which are more secure than software-based key storage.
Compatible with any MCU or MPU on the market today, including Atmel | SMART and Atmel AVR MCUs and MPUs, the IC delivers low-power consumption, requires only a single general purpose I/O over a wide voltage range and is available in a small form factor. Thus, the ATECC508A is suitable for a variety of applications that require longer battery life and flexible form factors. Examples of such applications include home automation, industrial networking and accessory and consumable authentication.
“Atmel’s newest CryptoAuthentication IC is the first of its kind to apply hardware-based key storage to provide the full complement of security capabilities, specifically confidentiality, data integrity and authentication. We are excited to continue bringing ultra-secure crypto element solutions to a wide range of applications including IoT, wireless, consumer, medical, industrial and automotive,” said Rob Valiton, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Automotive, Aerospace and Memory Business Units, Atmel.