STMicroelectronics protects and powers Ellipse’s leading battery-free dynamic card verification module

CompoSecure, a pioneer in metal card, security and authentication solutions, selects Ellipse’s card verification technology based on ST energy harvesting security microcontrollers to launch the first EVC Ready™ metal payment card

October 26 , 2023 , China - STMicroelectronics (STMicroelectronics , referred to as ST ) , a world-leading semiconductor company serving multiple electronic applications, provides  energy harvesting security microcontrollers to financial technology innovator Ellipse World Company (Ellipse) . To enhance the security of card payments. CompoSecure (Nasdaq: CMPO) will launch the first metal card using EVC technology. This innovative payment solution will enhance the payment experience and enhance user protection. STMicroelectronics The behind-the-scenes support of the semiconductor ST31N600 chip is indispensable.

Ellipse selected the ST31N600 secure microcontroller as a key component of the battery-less EVC (Ellipse Verification Code) All-In-One™ dynamic CVV (Card Verification Code) micromodule. EVC All-In-One is a standard-sized EMV micro-module that allows card manufacturers to install a three-digit card verification code display on the back of the module on the card. Every time you pay with a card at a physical POS terminal or ATM device, the card verification code will change. You can also use your mobile phone to refresh the card verification code on demand. The new code can be used for subsequent online or card-less transactions, effectively reducing errors in transaction rejections and Risk of fraudulent card-not-present activity.

When used in conjunction with STPAYTP1x, EVC All-In-One adds a layer of security to EMV payment transactions. ST31N600 is responsible for collecting the electromagnetic energy radiated by the card reader and powering the entire circuit. The solution requires no batteries, simplifying the manufacturing process and saving costs.

"The ST31N600 is the starting point for a huge advance in smart cards, delivering strong security and functionality that enables innovative, easy-to-use payment verification mechanisms," said Laurent Degauque, director of product marketing for cyber security at STMicroelectronics.

Cyril Lalo, President and CEO of Ellipse, said: “The decision to cooperate with ST laid the solid foundation for us to develop the EVC All-In-One micro module. The ST31N600 integrates security processing on a space-saving, low-power chip. sensors, contactless communication and energy harvesting capabilities. This allows us to extend the scope of EMV protection to e-commerce and bring to market a new generation of payment modules that connect the real and digital worlds.

Greg Maes, chief operating officer of CompoSecure, said: “The Ellipse EVC All-In-One micromodule is based on STMicroelectronics’ ST31N600 chip, which brings advanced security, convenience and sense of security to users, allowing us to combine card design style and material. Perfect blend.”

Supplementary technical information

The ST31N600 is based on the latest generation of Arm® SecurCore™ secure microcontroller architecture and complies with industry standards for contact and contactless payment cards, including EMV ISO 7816, ISO 14443 and ISO 18092. The SecurCore SC000 chip includes powerful security features to help defend against advanced attack methods. The chip integrates hardware accelerators to enable advanced encryption functions and also supports biometric applications. Developers can securely connect various types of peripherals, such as in-screen fingerprint sensors or companion chips, to introduce value-added functionality to the card.

ST31N600 is now in mass production. To inquire about prices and request samples, please contact your local ST sales office.