Macronix ArmorFLash memory compatible with Rebesas MCU

The highly secure ArmorFlash, equipped with secure ID, authentication, and encryption features, complements the RA8M1 MCU's intrinsic enhanced security capabilities. This includes the RSIP-E51A integrated security engine, which targets PSA Certified Level 3 RoT Component certification. Macronix has also developed an ArmorFlash driver to integrate seamlessly with Renesas’ Flexible Software Package (FSP), enhancing its operational reliability.

“ArmorFlash is an ideal flash memory for securing data in applications, which aligns with Renesas RA8M1,” said F.L. Ni, Vice President of Marketing, Macronix International. “The combination of the RA8M1’ and ArmorFlash’s security features will enable a broad range of data-security solutions. Furthermore, the driver that Macronix developed to interact with RA8M1 and FSP highlight ArmorFlash’s feature and its meeting RA8M1’s external-memory needs. The broad availability of RA8M1 MCUs, its dedicated FSP and ArmorFlash memory may help in increasing the number of IoT and industrial products in the market. This is particularly crucial in that market’s security-sensitive segments.”

Designed around the Arm Cortex-M85 core, Renesas’ recently introduced RA8M1 MCU delivers high processing performance. It features artificial intelligence capabilities through Arm Helium Technology, embedded NVM for enhanced performance, lower latency, and reduced power consumption, advanced security features, low-power modes, and compatibility with a wide array of peripherals.

ArmorFlash represents Macronix’s family of highly secure and configurable NOR Flash devices tailored for code and data storage across diverse applications. These devices also serve as security solutions for applications requiring identification, authentication, and encryption, catering to sectors like the Internet of Things (IoT), automotive, computing, industrial, healthcare systems, wearables, smart homes, and cities.

In addition to the security features mentioned above, ArmorFlash devices utilise standard interfaces – SPI, QSPI, or OctaBus – to streamline their integration into designs. Macronix has developed a smart lock device to showcase the integration of Renesas RA8M1 MCU, ArmorFlash, FSP framework, and External Trusted Secure Storage Partition of Arm TF-M. Through this integration, IoT developers can enhance data security, ensure reliable operations, and simplify the development process, ultimately delivering robust and secure IoT products efficiently.