Maxim Embedded Solutions

Maxim Embedded Solutions
DeepCover secure microcontrollers from Maxim integrate advanced encryption and physical protection mechanisms to provide the highest level of security against side-channel attacks, physical tampering and reverse engineering. The internal integrated secure NV SRAM will erase the stored content immediately once a tampering event is detected; the proprietary code and data real-time encryption technology provides complete protection for the external memory.

Sophisticated intrusive attacks are often aimed at obtaining keys from secure ICs, and if the keys are obtained, the security provided by the ICs is completely destroyed. Maxim's unique ChipDNA embedded security PUF technology is called Physical Unclonable (PUF) security encryption technology, which can effectively prevent intrusion attacks. The principle is that these keys are not statically stored in memory or other static spaces from beginning to end. It also doesn't leave the circuit boundaries of the IC, so hackers can't steal the keys.

In Maxim's PUF-based ChipDNA Secure Authenticator, each key is derived from the precise analog properties of the IC, making it resistant to intrusive attacks. Any probes or other manipulations that detect ChipDNA will alter the underlying circuit characteristics and fail to capture the unique values ​​used by the chip's encryption functions.

Likewise, since ChipDNA circuit operation is determined by production conditions, reverse engineering cannot obtain its key. The ChipDNA circuit generates a device-unique key only when cryptographic operations are required, and disappears immediately after use. In addition, each IC's unique ChipDNA key maintains stable repeatability over temperature, voltage, and the operating life of the IC.

The MAX32520 is a ChipDNA secure ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller from Maxim that uses the DeepCover embedded security solution to protect sensitive data. DeepCover provides interoperable, secure and cost-effective solutions for building a new generation of trusted embedded systems and communication devices. Proprietary ChipDNA PUF technology is integrated inside the MAX32520, which includes PUF functionality to prevent invasive physical attacks. The MAX32520 also uses the ChipDNA output as key content to cryptographically protect all data stored on the device, including user firmware.