Easy implementation of embedded security using an MCU with hardware security modules

     Stricter requirements are being put in place for cybersecurity in everything from consumer iot devices to critical infrastructure. From a product and supply chain perspective, implementing these new security compliance requirements can be complex, expensive, and time-consuming. To provide developers with embedded security solutions that enable them to design applications that meet these requirements, Microchip Technology announced the new PIC32CK 32-bit mcu family, which features an integrated HSM subsystem and Arm Cortex-M33 core. Has TrustZone technology to help isolate and protect devices.

     The MCU family is supported by the company's software platforms, including MPLAB Harmony v3 and Trust Platform Design Suite. The series is also supported by the PIC32CK SG and PIC32CK GC Curiosity Ultra development boards, including the EV33A17A and EV44P93A. The device is the first 32-bit device on the market to combine the powerful security of HSM with TrustZone technology, a hardware-based secure privilege environment. The company's latest innovations for mid-range MCUS provide designers with cost-effective embedded security solutions that meet the latest cybersecurity requirements. The inclusion of HSM provides a high level of security for authentication, secure debugging, secure startup, and secure updates, while TrustZone technology provides additional protection for critical software functions. HSM can accelerate various symmetric and asymmetric encryption standards, true random number generation, and secure key management.

     These MCUS are designed to support ISO 26262 functional safety and ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity standards. To increase flexibility and cost efficiency, the MCU family offers a wide range of options to adjust the level of security, memory and connection bandwidth according to the requirements of the final application. Options include up to 2MB of dual-panel flash memory and 512KB of SRAM with various connectivity options such as 10/100 Ethernet, CAN FD and USB.

     "Emerging demands are making security mandatory for most iot connected devices. PIC32CK provides hardware-based security for mid-range microcontroller applications in a cost-effective way, "said Rod Drake, corporate vice president of Microchip's MCU32 and MPU32 business units. Microchip's tool ecosystem and security expertise help our customers navigate the complexity of emerging requirements and provide lifecycle support for their products."

     For product supply chains that require additional security and security protections, such as industrial designs, medical devices, home appliances, and consumer iot devices, the device will be supported by the company's Trust Platform Design Suite to deliver services. The platform allows secure factories to provide keys, certificates, and IP without having to divulge those secrets in the supply chain.