New Processor Offers Secure Home Automation

The MB9140x series from Fujitsu features the MB91403, which supports IPv6 and includes encryption circuitry supporting the Advanced Data Encryption Standard (AES), Data Encryption Standard (DES), 3DES, and other established cryptographic systems. The encryption circuits in the MB91403 are 150 to 200 times faster than software-based encryption, and are complemented by authentication circuitry. The series also supports the MD5 and SHAR1 authentication standards, key exchange methods DH 1/DH 2, and the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol with hardware engine. The series also includes the MB91401, a 32-bit network system MCU that supports IPv6, and the MB91402, which is available for customers whose designs do not require security features. All the new MCUs can operate as standalone systems or as companion chips for existing designs. Each of the new system-on-chip MCUs is designed to simplify development of IPv6-capable products for ubiquitous-computing environments. On-board, high- capacity ROM and RAM reduce the need to add external memory, enabling lower overall system costs with fast, up-to-date, security-support features for embedded applications. Each device incorporates all the basic functions needed to serve as a controller for an appliance, including a 32-bit RISC CPU, an FR core, timer, interrupt controller and UART. “This impressive 32-bit MCU family delivers the processing power, performance and security features required for Internet age appliances, and for important emerging applications that must include the best available encryption capability,” said Akio Nezu, senior marketing manager for the Embedded Products group at Fujitsu Microelectronics America. “As we move into the era of ubiquitous computing, users will be able to connect portable and handheld devices to the Internet with full confidence in reliability, privacy and security, because of the performance of this new generation of microcontroller technology.” High-capacity Embedded RAM and ROM The MB9140x family incorporates 8 KB of high-speed data RAM, 4 KB instruction cache, along with 256 KB ROM and 64 KB RAM, which reduce the need for external memory chips, resulting in lower costs and more compact circuit boards. If more RAM is needed, SDRAMs can be added externally in applications where the device can serve as a buffer for a high-data-traffic application, or to cache data that is transmitted over the network. MB91403’s Support for IPv6 and Security The MB91403 supports IPv6 over Ethernet running at either 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, enabling Internet-capable appliances to connect to the network using individual IP addresses. The chip’s hardware-based layer-filtering functionality will admit only the appropriate packets, so the communication process runs effectively via an appliance’s CPU. The MB91403 also supports IPv4. The full range of security technology incorporated in the MB91403 ensures that Internet-enabled appliances are fully secured. The encryption circuitry is complemented by authentication circuitry. Customers can easily develop their own applications with industry-standard authentication support. Pricing and Availability The MB91401, MB91402 and MB91403 are manufactured using Fujitsu’s 0.18- micron CMOS process, and packaged in 144-pin LQFPs. Pricing for the MB91401 begins at $15.78, for the MB91402 at $9.92, and for the MB91403 at $12.86 each in 1,000-unit quantities.