Microchip Technologies is now offering a microcontroller (MCU) that is the first in the industry to integrate Arm Trustzone technology and a robust secure subsystem. The MCU is an Arm Cortex-M23-based unit supported by secure key provisioning.
With security threats growing in complexity, they are causing new and different product development challenges in the Internet of Things (IoT) consumer, industrial, medical, and other industries. Now it is vital that these products and systems have strong embedded security while offering low power consumption and longer battery life.
Microchip Technologies has released the industry’s first MCU that combines a secure subsystem and Arm Trustzone technology in a single package.
The PIC32CM LS60 integrates Microchip’s Trust Platform secure subsystem which makes it easier to develop end products using one microcontroller rather than the industry’s standard of using two or more semiconductor chips.
This means designers can use a single trusted source in a 32-bit microcontroller that is designed to protect products the end user from remote or physical attacks on smart home devices, smartphones or tablets accessories, portable medical devices, wearables, and industrial robots, as well as connected appliances.
The need for edge devices to be secured in the growing IoT industry with high standards of protection is now a necessity rather than a luxury. The PIC32CM LS60, with an easy-to-use Arm Trustzone technology and a Common Criteria Joint Interpretation Library (JIL) “high” rated Trust Platform secure subsystem, allows developers to implement security practices that are already industry-proven. Along with countermeasures to protect against a wide array of known remote and physical attacks.
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Supported by such tools as MPLAB, Code Configurator (MCC) Trustzone Manager, and the Trust Platform Design Suite, these types of designs are simplified when configuring the secure subsystem. The provisioning service, Microchip Trust Platform, is available to securely provision keys and certificates.
With the increased adoption of touch features in waterproof wearables and modern appliances, embedded designers are facing challenges of designing touch interfaces that work well in noisy and moist environments. The PIC32CM LS60 integrates an enhanced peripheral touch controller a feature known as the Driven Shield Plus, that prevents false touches due to moisture. It provides high levels of immunity to noise enabling exceptional touch interfaces.
Other device features are the SleepWalking peripherals and the Event System, which are core-independent features. These peripherals work to keep the MCU core in sleep mode for extended periods to reduce power consumption. The PIC32CM LS60 also comes with an on-chip analog that includes operation amplifiers, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) which can operate in sleep modes and interface with a number of sensors.
The MCU is compatible with Power Debugger and MPLAB data Visualizer tools that can be utilized to monitor, fine-tune and analyze power consumption numbers in real-time. This gives customers a means to develop low-power applications and create extended battery-life products with faster release to market.
Availability
There are three variants of the PIC32CM Microcontroller. They are available in 10,000 units for the 100-pin TQFP package.
- PIC32CM LS60 (secure variant) @ $5.48 /unit USD
- PIC32CM LE00 (general-purpose variant) @ $4.33 /unit USD
- PIC32CM LS00 (Arm Trustzone technology variant[no secure subsystem]) @ 4.18 /unit USD
To inquire further or to purchase, visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website at www.microchipdirect.com
Microchip Technologies | microchip.com
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For the past 8 years, I have been writing about embedded technologies, added to my technical, academic, and medical editorial experience, with companies like Elsevier and Cambridge University Press. I tell people to read what I write, not try to pronounce my last name. I am always available for comments and suggestions you can reach me at product-editor@circuitcellar.com and I promise I will take the time to reach back out to you. I live in the North East with my wonderful family.
