Dual-interface authentication ICs protect connected devices

14th November 2013

INSIDE Secure

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

A new generation of authentication ICs have been introduced by INSIDE Secure. The innovative dual-interface VaultIC 150/150D security modules have been redesigned to provide enhanced functionality, including a new privacy mode. A more cost-effective solution appealing to higher-volume markets, the VaultIC 150/150D may be used by brands as an NFC Forum Type 4 tag to provide an effective protection solution to guard against counterfeiting, cloning and gray marketing.

The VaultIC 150/150D can also be used to enable real-time communications and data transfer between their products and NFC-enabled smartphones, tablets or other mobile devices. Used as a low-cost secure bridge in this way, it is suitable for medical, communications, entertainment and other equipment applications.

Bernard Vian, executive vice president of the secure transactions business division at INSIDE Secure, commented: “The NFC tags based on the VaultIC 150 are the first of their kind to offer a privacy (mute) mode that can protect personal information by requiring strong authentication to gain access to the tag’s contents. This feature is becoming mandatory across the EU and elsewhere and complies with the ‘silent by design’ philosophy of the Internet of Things community.”

Enabling real-time communications and data transfer between an NFC device such as a smartphone and a host microcontroller, the VaultIC 150's field detect feature is now enhanced with a pass-through mode. This means that they can establish a versatile communication channel for eHealth sensors, cameras and other cost effective alternatives to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other connectivity technologies.

INSIDE’s first-generation NFC tags have achieved considerable success in protecting the products of ultra-luxury brands, from wines to watches. The second-generation tags feature new assembly and packaging options which make them appropriate for brand protection in more mainstream, higher volume markets such as pharmaceuticals. The VaultIC 150 integrates a unique one-wire contact interface for host processor wake up and communication (using just a single GPIO).

A variety of hardware security protection/detection mechanisms prevent tampering and a variety of external attacks, including dedicated hardware for protection against SPA/DPA/SEMA/DEMA attacks, advanced protection against physical attacks, environmental protection systems and secure memory management/access protection. On-chip asymmetric cryptography enables the NFC tags to manage strong authentication schemes.

The VaultIC 150/150D security modules are available now in a variety of packaging options, including square tags, stickers and DFN8, among others. Custom configurations are also available.