16bit MCU secures ID cards
08 April 2008
The RS45C MCU from Renesas doubles rewrite speed and reduces cost of processing cards.
For smartcards requiring high levels of security, for example, ID, banking and credit cards, the RS45C MCU from Renesas is built around the RS-4 16bit CPU core, claimed to be five times the performance of earlier CPUs from the company, and integrates 36kByte of EEPROM.
The controller reduces the processing time for multiple application OS, such as Java Card and Mutlos, and also the rewrite speed using the exclusive metal oxide nitride oxide silicon EEPROM. The speeds of rewriting and processing data can reduce the time and cost of issuing and processing the cards once they are in use.
A mask ROM of 224kByte can accommodate a generate purpose OS and there is 36kByte EEPROM to store multiple applications or data.
The MCU has a new function, an on-chip clock oscillator and the maximum operating frequency has increased to 20MHz by virtue of switching from an external circuit to a source within the chip. The operating speed is no longer dependent on the external clock frequency, so the MCU can operate at its maximum frequency.
There are two types of encryption available. The DES (data encryption standard) co-processor has been upgraded to a triple DES co-processor. There is also a modular co-processor to support RSA encryption. Peripheral functions, such as pseudo random number generator to generate random data, create advanced security measures.
Reneas has obtained security certification under the Common Criteria information technology security evaluation standard for its MCUs and design and production. Development tools include the High Perfomance Embedded Workshop development environment, covering program development to debugging.
The RS45C will be shipped in wafer and chip on tape formats.
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