32-bit MCU for network-enabled appliances
FUJITSU Microelectronics, represented in Australia by Crest Technologies , has released microcontrollers developed for network-enabled household appliances. The range includes 32-bit MCUs that incorporate a full range of networking security features, onboard ROM and RAM, and support for the IPv6 internet protocol.
The MB9140x series includes the MB91403, which supports IPv6 and includes encryption circuitry supporting the Advanced Data Encryption Standard, Data Encryption Standard, 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. Onboard, 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.
The MB9140x family incorporates 8kB of high-speed data RAM, 4kB instruction cache, along with 256kB ROM and 64kB RAM. This reduces 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.
The MB91403 supports IPv6 over Ethernet running at either 10Mbps or 100Mbps, enabling internet-capable appliances to connect to the network using individual IP addresses. The chip's hardware-based layer filtering 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.
12-Apr-2005