In response, Microchip Technology has introduced its new TrustAnchor security IC, the TA101, which is capable of handling complex automotive and embedded security applications. The TA101 supports larger keys up to ECC P521, SHA512, RSA-4K, and AES256 with a level of security that exceeds current standards and allows for future upgrades while maintaining compatibility with smaller, older keys. The TA101 is available as an CryptoAuthentication™ security IC and as an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 compliant CryptoAutomotive™ security IC.
The TA101, a new device in Microchip's portfolio of security integrated circuits, is specifically designed for security in automotive, data center, and industrial applications. This cryptographic auxiliary device works with a microcontroller or microprocessor to manage cryptographic functions such as public key infrastructure, certificate management, and secure key storage. The TA101 facilitates patch updates, message authentication, Transport Layer Security (TLS), secure boot, High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), firmware updates, security enhancements, ownership transfer, key management, and WPC Qi® 1.3 authentication.
“For manufacturers, it’s essential not only to meet current standards but also to stay ahead in terms of security. By introducing 256-bit security keys, the TA101 offers excellent key diversity and strength for current and future applications,” said Nuri Dagdeviren, corporate vice president of Microchip’s Secure Computing Group.
“Furthermore, Microchip’s modular approach to security solutions allows customers to choose a microcontroller with the optimal size and price depending on the module’s application, all while standardizing a single security solution that meets virtually all security requirements.”.
The TA101 provides an alternative architecture to managing vehicle network connectivity via a multi-core microcontroller or microprocessor, offering an external component to handle secure boot and message authentication. The device is compatible with a wide range of microcontrollers and microprocessors, enabling flexible solutions that can help reduce costs and shorten time to market.
The TA101 offers the CNSA (Commercial National Security Algorithm) 1.0 algorithm suite and the ed25519 curve on a single chip. To reduce the risk associated with developing and implementing secure code, it is supplied pre-programmed and pre-configured at Microchip's Common Criteria ALC_DVS.2 certified facility. For more information on Microchip's automotive security portfolio, please visit the CryptoAutomotive security chip page on the company's website.
Development Tools:
The TA101 is supported by the CryptoAuth Trust platform development kit and several TA101 connection boards that incorporate a mikroBUS™ connector. These boards can also be used with the Xplained Pro mikroBUS extension board, which connects to a wide variety of Xplained Pro boards for developing designs with SAM microcontrollers.
The TA101's AUTOSAR® MCAL (Microcontroller Abstraction Layer) is ASPICE Level 2 compliant. Microchip's CryptoAuthentication software library enables seamless integration into industry-standard operating systems or custom software stacks for cryptographic functions. TPDS (Trust Platform Development Suite) can also be used to configure prototypes and prepare them for deployment in Microchip's secure facilities.
