'DS28C36' Announced for Protecting and Controlling Industrial and Medical IoT Systems
Provides public key and private key encryption capabilities supporting a new dimension of embedded security.

Maxim Integrated Products Korea (CEO Kim Hyun-sik) announced the 'DS28C36', a secure DeepCover authenticator that protects and safely controls industrial and medical Internet of Things (IoT) systems. Companies can utilize the DS28C36 to protect IP and ensure device integrity.

Companies have recognized the need for robust security features in their products and systems due to issues such as frequent product piracy, the dangerous reuse of medical assistive devices, and vulnerable networks connected to sensor nodes. The DS28C36 provides asymmetric and symmetric key encryption tools as a compact, affordable solution. It supports asymmetric public keys using the P256-based Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithm and symmetric private keys using the SHA-256 algorithm.

The DS28C36 features two authenticated general-purpose I/O (GPIO) pins with secure state control and level detection options, and blocks malicious system attacks and ensures data integrity through robust secure download/boot capabilities. It also provides sophisticated security measures to block intrusive and non-intrusive security attacks.

The DS28C36 blocks piracy and prevents forgery with its security authentication features. It safely manages and operates the system by monitoring and restricting peripheral usage with verified EEPROM configurations and a 17-bit decrement-only counter. It protects critical system data by allowing access to stored sensitive data only through encrypted R/W (read/write) with a configured key via a Diffie-Hellman-based protocol.

If the host system microcontroller (MCU) lacks sufficient computing resources for the ECC algorithm or does not have a secure key store for SHA-256 symmetric keys, the DS2476 acts as an auxiliary processor paired with the DS28C36.

Scott Jones, Director of Security at Maxim Integrated, said, “Customer assets are under brute-force attack, and the DS28C36 addresses a wide range of embedded security challenges by providing a toolbox of ECC and SHA-256-based encryption and security features. Maxim supports customer success with over 20 years of experience and dedication in security, as well as excellent application support and factory programming services.”

Samples, C source code, and Pyeongka Kit of the DS28C36 are currently available. It is provided in a TDFN (3mm x 3mm) package and operates in a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.