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ATECC508A

MCHPATECC508A

Microchip Technology
Microchip secure element with broader feature set for ECC-based authentication.
NRND33,213 in stock
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Overview

The ATECC508A is a secure element from Microchip designed for hardware-based cryptographic key storage and elliptic curve authentication. It provides a dedicated co-processor for offloading NIST P256 ECC algorithms from a host microcontroller, ensuring high-speed authentication and tamper-resistant storage of sensitive keys. Operating over I2C or a Single-Wire Interface, it includes 10240 bytes of EEPROM for certificates and user data.

Why Choose This Part

This device offers a significant security upgrade over software-based crypto by protecting keys against physical extraction and side-channel attacks. It features a FIPS-compliant random number generator and a very low sleep current of approximately 150nA, making it ideal for battery-powered IoT nodes. The integration of 72-bit unique serial numbers and monotonic counters simplifies system-level anti-cloning and wear-leveling logic.

Applications

IoT Device Authentication
Providing unique hardware identities for cloud-connected devices to ensure only authorized hardware can access backend services.
Ecosystem Control
Preventing counterfeit accessories or clones from interacting with a main system through secure challenge-response handshakes.
Message Integrity
Utilizing the internal SHA-256 and HMAC engines to verify that transmitted data has not been altered during transit.
Secure Boot Assistance
Storing public keys used to verify the signature of firmware images before the host MCU executes code.

Key Specifications

Type Authentication Chip
Applications Networking and Communications
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Package / Case 8-UFDFN Exposed Pad
Supplier Device Package 8-UDFN (2x3)

Getting Started

To evaluate the chip, engineers typically use the CryptoAuthTrust Platform or the AT88CK101 development kit. Software integration is managed through Microchip's CryptoAuthLib, which provides a standard API for C-based environments like MPLAB X or Atmel Studio. Note that the device must be 'provisioned' or locked before certain security features become active, so initial testing should be done on socketed samples.

ATECC508A Family

Part NumberDifferenceStock
ATECC508A-MAHDA MAHDA 66,885
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