Microchip launches a PIC32CK 32-bit microcontroller equipped with a hardware security module, making it easy to implement embedded security functions

Microchip launches a PIC32CK 32-bit microcontroller equipped with a hardware security module, making it easy to implement embedded security functions

The new laws and regulations that come into effect in 2024 have put forward stricter requirements for network security, from consumer IoT devices to critical infrastructure. From a product and supply chain perspective, meeting these new security and compliance requirements can be very complex, expensive, and time-consuming. In order to provide developers with embedded security solutions that enable them to design applications that comply with regulatory requirements, Microchip Technology today announced the launch of the new PIC32CK 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) series. This series integrates the Hardware Security Module (HSM) subsystem and adopts TrustZone ® Arm of technology ® Cortex ®- M33 kernel can help isolate and ensure device security.

PIC32CK SG is the first 32-bit device on the market that combines the powerful security of HSM with TrustZone technology, a hardware based security permission environment. Microchip's latest innovation for mid-range MCUs provides designers with a cost-effective embedded security solution that meets the latest network security requirements. The built-in HSM provides a high level of security for authentication, secure debugging, secure startup, and secure updates, while TrustZone technology provides additional protection for critical software functions. HSM can accelerate various symmetric and asymmetric encryption standards, true random number generation, and secure key management.

Microchip's PIC32CK MCU supports ISO 26262 functional security and ISO/SAE 21434 network security standards. To improve flexibility and cost-effectiveness, the PIC32CK MCU series offers multiple options that can adjust security levels, memory, and connection bandwidth according to the requirements of the final application. The available options include up to 2 MB of dual zone flash memory and 512 KB SRAM, as well as various connection options such as 10/100 Ethernet, CAN FD, and USB.
Rod Drake, Vice President of Microchip's MCU32 and MPU32 business units, said, "The new requirements require most IoT devices to have security. PIC32CK provides a high level of hardware based security for mid-range microcontroller applications, achieving cost-effectiveness. Microchip's tool ecosystem and security expertise help customers cope with the complexity of new requirements and provide support for their products throughout their entire lifecycle."

For product supply chains that require additional security protection, such as industrial design, medical equipment, household appliances, and consumer IoT devices, PIC32CK will receive support through Microchip's Trust Platform Design Suite, which can be configured as a service. This platform can achieve secure factory configuration of keys, certificates, and IPs without the need to disclose these secrets in the supply chain.

development tool

Microchip's software platform (including MPLAB) ®  Harmony v3 and Trust Platform Design Suite support the 32-bit PIC32CK MCU series. The PIC32CK SG and PIC32CK GC Curiosity Ultra development boards (including EV33A17A and EV44P93A) also support the PIC32CK series.