SAN JOSE, Calif., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Atmel(R) Corporation (NASDAQ: ATML) announced today its next generation CryptoCompanion(TM) (AT88SC018) plug-and-play embedded security chip. CryptoCompanion provides designers an affordable option for cryptographic hardware security on systems that are currently prone to firmware theft and/or product counterfeiting. CryptoCompanion, when used in conjunction with Atmel's CryptoMemory(R) chip, provides secure storage of the secrets necessary to authenticate consumable items or software IP. The combination of CryptoCompanion (host-side security) and CryptoMemory (client-side security) enables an embedded system security solution for less than a dollar in volume. An AVR(R)-based demonstration kit, Aris+ (AT88SC-ADK2), is now available to show the capabilities of these two chips in an embedded environment.
CryptoCompanion provides host-side cryptographic security for embedded systems. Designers do not have to design or test the cryptographic algorithms. The companion chip implements the necessary algorithms and the entire protocol completely in hardware.
CryptoMemory for client-side security is the only family of EEPROMs with a 64-bit embedded hardware encryption engine, four sets of non-readable, 64-bit authentication keys and four sets of non-readable, 64-bit session encryption keys providing a low-cost, truly secure means of preventing product counterfeiting and/or piracy.
The Aris+ AVR(R)-based demonstration kit serves as an easy to use, comprehensive tool for development activities. The kit is suitable for low volume personalization of the CryptoCompanion and CryptoMemory chips for fast prototyping of embedded security solutions. The kit also introduces the new Atmel Crypto Evaluation Studio (ACES) software environment, a flexible, robust, and easy to use graphical user interface.
Until now, developers had to choose between high component costs or complicated development cycles in order to include hardware security in their embedded system designs. This combination of value and functionality sets a new benchmark for securing embedded systems.
The CryptoMemory/CryptoCompanion product line is the only one of its kind offering a wide range of memory densities and a turnkey hardware host solution. Combining the Crypto family of security chips with Atmel's extensive line of microprocessors presents options that allow users to build designs and sophisticated systems quickly.
Availability and Pricing
Samples for the AT88SC018 are available now in SOIC packages. Prices start at US$0.61.
Samples for CryptoMemory are available now in a variety of memory densities and packages. Prices start at US$0.66.
The Aris+ AT88SC-ADK2 demonstration kit is available now. The cost is US$99.95.
About Atmel
Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets.
(C) 2009 Atmel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Atmel(R), Atmel logo and combinations thereof, CryptoMemory(R) and others, are registered trademarks, CryptoCompanion(TM), and others are trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.
Information:
Atmel's AT88SC018 CryptoCompanion product information may be retrieved at,
http://www.atmel.com/products/securerf/cryptocompanion.asp?family=646. For further information about the CryptoMemory family, visit http://www.atmel.com/products/securemem/default.asp or www.CryptoMemory.com.
Press Contacts:
Sharon Harnisch, Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: (+1) 719-540-1723, Email: Sharon.Harnisch@atmel.com
Helen Perlegos, Public Relations
Tel: (+1) 408 487-2963, Email: helen.perlegos@atmel.com
Web site: http://www.atmel.com/