Maxim launches new IoT microcontroller with built-in ChipDNA PUF key protection

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc (NASDAQ: MXIM) announced the launch of the MAX32520 ChipDNATM secure Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller, which is physically resistant to cloning (PUF) and is the industry's first secure microcontroller that meets the requirements of financial and government applications. Maxim's PUF technology provides multiple layers of protection and is the industry's most advanced and cost-effective key protection solution for a wide range of IoT, healthcare, industrial and computing systems.                                              

While the IoT market continues to grow, a large number of devices are installed in uncontrolled areas or even in potentially risky environments, making them more vulnerable to physical attacks. These attacks are more threatening than general software tampering such as key cracking and default password attacks. Designers hope to provide more powerful system defense capabilities for some key data and operations to prevent network paralysis, company reputation damage, property loss, and even negative impacts on human life caused by key leakage.

The ChipDNA-based MAX32520 provides multiple layers of protection through its PUF technology, using the industry's most advanced key protection technology to provide the most secure keys for cryptographic operations. The device uses tamper-proof PUF keys for flash encryption, and the secure import function supports root of trust and serial flash emulation. In addition, when the system is attacked by malicious attacks, the inherent physical protection function of the PUF key can actively destroy the key without a battery. To date, even the most secure protection schemes require battery power to achieve this highest level of key protection.

Key Benefits

Tamper-proof: The keys generated by the ChipDNA PUF circuit are highly resistant to physical attacks, ensuring that the keys used for data and system protection will not fall into the hands of hackers.

IP protection: Flash encryption using PUF technology enables sensitive data to be protected against the most advanced physical detection methods, providing the most reliable IP protection on the market today. 

Advanced cryptographic capabilities: DeepCover secure microcontrollers are equipped with a SP 800-90A and SP 800-90B compatible TRNG (True Random Number Generator), hardware accelerator, and support for AES-256, ECDSA P-521 and SHA-512 algorithms to protect all user data.

Large storage capacity: Provides up to 2MB of secure flash memory to ensure that advanced applications run in a highly secure environment.

Cost-effective: Based on advanced process node technology, this security controller provides advanced security, a 120 MHz ARM Cortex M4 processor, and ample memory. It eliminates the need for components commonly found in other security-sensitive applications, such as batteries, tamper-monitoring ICs, and system management processors.

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 “IoT developers are in urgent need of strong security solutions to enhance the protection of their designs, but are struggling to find professionals with the necessary skills to successfully bring their products to market,” said Tanner Johnson, senior analyst for IoT cybersecurity at Omdia. “Maxim’s flash encryption PUF and secure loading technology allow developers to significantly reduce time to market without having to redesign their systems or develop code.”

 “Attack techniques on IoT systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with more system attack tools flowing from academia to open source every day,” said Kris Ardis, executive director of the Microprocessor and Security Products Division at Maxim Integrated. “The MAX32520 based on the ChipDNA architecture is a solid step forward. Designed specifically for IoT applications based on state-of-the-art key protection technology, it effectively protects your data and IP and helps designers defend against future system threats.”

Availability and Pricing

The MAX32520 is priced at $3.44 (1,000-up, FOB USA) and is available from Maxim's website and authorized distributors.

The MAX32520-KIT# evaluation kit is available for100 dollars.