NVRAM Supervisor protects sensitive data.
Press Release Summary:
Model M41ST87 combines Tamper Detect circuit with RAM Clear into supervisor for secure applications such as POS terminals and credit card machines. It also integrates NVRAM supervisor, serial real-time clock, and microprocessor supervisor all in 28-lead embedded crystal SOIC package with 32 KHz crystal. Programmable, battery-backed RTC section contains counters that track time and date. It is accessed via a 400 kHz I²C interface and is organized as 256 x 8 bits.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Introduces Supervisor with Tamper Detect and RAM Clear Perfect for Point-of-Sale Applications
Comes in Space-Saving Embedded Crystal SOX28 Package
Geneva, June 5, 2003 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) today announced a new supervisor targeted at secure applications where protecting sensitive data is top priority. The M41ST87 combines a Tamper Detect circuit with RAM Clear into a supervisor to provide the ultimate device for secure applications such as Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and Credit Card machines. It also integrates an NVRAM Supervisor, a Serial Real-Time Clock and a Microprocessor Supervisor all in ST's new 28-lead Embedded Crystal SOIC (SOX28) that includes the 32KHz crystal and offers a low profile and small footprint. Available in 3V and 5V versions, the M41ST87 integrates many common functions and draws its back-up power from an external, customer-supplied battery, commonly present in systems, saving yet further cost.
The Tamper Detect circuit has two independent inputs, and each can be configured for several different connection schemes to provide much flexibility to the user. Upon detecting a tamper event, user options include clearing the internal 128 bytes of RAM, sending an interrupt to the system microprocessor and outputting a signal to clear external RAM. These functions will prevent an intruder from accessing sensitive data contained in either RAM as well as allowing the system processor to be informed of the security breach. These functions also work in the M41ST87's battery-backed mode. Other security enhancements include an Oscillator Fail detect and an automatic time stamp when a tamper event is detected. The M41ST87 also provides the user with a Unique 64-bit Serial Number.
The M41ST87's Embedded Crystal package further enhances security. Besides saving space and cost along with reducing the engineering effort, the encapsulated crystal cannot be tampered with by intruders, so the M41ST87 will continue running after a breach has occurred. Plus it better shields the crystal from environmental effects such as humidity, and it reduces assembly cost by eliminating the mounting of the crystal.
The M41ST87's NVRAM SUPERVISOR section can be used to "non-volatize" a Low Power SRAM, and its functions include an Automatic Battery Switchover circuit, a Chip-Enable Gate for Write Protection and a Battery Monitor. This enables the user to create an NVRAM by using the M41ST87's back-up battery to also back-up the LPSRAM.
At the heart of the M41ST87 is the programmable, battery-backed RTC section, which contains counters that track time and date with resolution ranging from hundredths of a second up to the century. It is accessed via a 400kHz I2C interface. Built using low-power CMOS SRAM technology, the M41ST87's RTC section is organized as 256 x 8 bits, with the RTC registers using 21 bytes, the NVRAM 128 bytes and the Unique Serial Number 8 bytes.
The M41ST87's Microprocessor SUPERVISOR section includes two independent Power-Fail In/Power-Fail Out (PFI/PFO) comparators with a precision 1.25V reference, and a robust Reset Circuit, which can be triggered by multiple sources that include two Reset Input pins and a Power-On Reset/Low-Voltage Detect circuit. The Watchdog can also be configured as a reset source, and is programmable for timeout periods ranging from 62.5ms to 128s. The Tamper Detect circuits can also be configured as reset sources. Besides being used for Early Power-Fail Warning, either or both of the PFI/PFO circuits can be used to drive the reset circuits thereby providing the M41ST87 with the ability to monitor up to three different voltage supplies (including Vcc).
Applications for the highly integrated, cost- and space-saving M41ST87 include point-of-sale terminals, credit card readers, vending machines, automatic teller machines, utility meters and networking and telecom equipment where encryption is used.
The small footprint, low-profile SOX28 package - just 2.4mm high, 10.42mm wide (including pins) and 18.4mm long - combined with the high integration, saves space and cost. The M41ST87 operates over the industrial temperature range of -40° to +85°C. Samples are available now, with production quantities available in the fourth quarter of 2003. Pricing will be at $2.70 in quantities of 1K units.
Further information on this device is available at www.st.com/nvram and the complete datasheet can be found at st.com/stonline/books/pdf/docs/9497.pdf
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2002, the Company's net revenues were $6.32 billion and net earnings were $429.4 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
