New PICs protect embedded data
23 September 2015
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip announced the expansion of its eXtreme Low Power (XLP) PIC microcontroller (MCU) portfolio with the PIC24F ‘GB4’ family.
Features include an integrated hardware crypto engine with both OTP and Key RAM options for secure key storage, up to 256 KB of Flash memory and a direct drive for segmented LCD displays, in 64-, 100- or 121-pin packages.
Dual-partition Flash with Live Update capability allows the devices to hold two independent software applications, and permits the simultaneous programming of one partition while executing application code from the other. These advanced features make the devices ideal for designers of industrial, computer, medical/fitness and portable applications that require secure data transfer and storage, and a long battery life.
To protect embedded data, several Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that run without the CPU are integrated. The fully featured hardware crypto engine, which includes support for the AES, DES and 3DES standards, reduces software overhead, lowers power consumption and enables faster throughput.
A random number generator is used for generating random keys for data encryption, decryption and authentication, enabling a higher level of security.
For additional protection, this family offers the flexibility of choosing from two crypto-key storage options: one-time programmable (OTP) to prevent overwriting keys, or Key RAM that erases keys if power is lost. To allow the application’s real-time clock to continue running when primary power is removed, a VBAT pin can be used to supply backup power.
Reducing system components, a segmented LCD display driver provides the ability to directly drive up to 512 segments, enabling more informative and flexible displays that include descriptive icons and scrolling. Product variants are available with and without USB.
For more information contact Shane Padayachee, Avnet South Africa, +27 (0)11 319 8600, [email protected], www.avnet.co.za
Further reading:
Memory for asset tracking
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
The Page EEPROM, ST’s latest memory, has been designed for efficient datalogging and fast firmware upload/download in battery-operated devices.
Read more...
Engineered for high-reliability applications
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
The MCX E series of Arm Cortex-M4F and Arm Cortex-M7 microcontrollers from NXP are engineered for demanding industrial and IoT environments.
Read more...
NXP’s development platform guide
DSP, Micros & Memory
Choosing between the FRDM i.MX 93, FRDM i.MX 91 and FRDM i.MX 91S development platforms can be intimidating, but once designers understand how each platform aligns with their application’s requirements, the decision becomes straightforward.
Read more...
XJTAG launches two new Flash programmers
ASIC Design Services
DSP, Micros & Memory
XJTAG has announced XJExpress and XJExpress-FPGA, a pair of Flash programmers perfect for development, debug and in-service applications.
Read more...
Processor offers competitive solution for advanced HMIs
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
The new RZ/A3M microprocessor from Renesas features 128 Mbytes of fast DDR3L DRAM memory for system cost reduction, and supports
1280 x 800 px video resolution at a rate of 30 frames/s.
Read more...
ESP32-C6 achieves PSA-L2
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
Espressif Systems recently announced that its ESP32-C6 microcontroller has achieved PSA Certified Level 2 (PSA-L2) security certification, making it the first RISC-V-based MCU to reach this level.
Read more...
Microprocessor with integrated NPU
Avnet Silica
DSP, Micros & Memory
The RZ/G3E from Renesas is a microprocessor integrated with quad CPU and NPU in one chip, improving power efficiency, reliability, and security.
Read more...
Nordic Semiconductor launches nRF Connect SDK Bare Metal option for nRF54L series
Avnet Silica
DSP, Micros & Memory
This is a new, RTOS-independent software solution for Bluetooth LE development, designed to ease developers’ migration from the legacy nRF5 SDK and nRF52 series to the next-generation nRF54L series.
Read more...
Dual-core support in NECTO Studio
DSP, Micros & Memory
MIKROE recently announced that version 7.3.0 of its NECTO Studio Integrated Development Environment now supports dual-core MCUs, allowing designers to program and debug each core independently.
Read more...
Post Quantum Cryptographic firmware library
DSP, Micros & Memory
The STM32 post-quantum cryptographic library enables developers to satisfy application requirements for any combination of data integrity, confidentiality, identification/authentication, and nonrepudiation.
Read more...