Microchip’s PIC32CK 32-bit MCUs simplify embedded security

Meeting these new security compliance requirements from a product and supply chain perspective can be complex, costly, and time-consuming. To provide developers with an embedded security solution that allows them to design applications that comply with these requirements, Microchip Technology announces the new family of PIC32CK 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) with an integrated Hardware Security Module (HSM) subsystem and Arm Cortex-M33 core featuring TrustZone technology to help isolate and secure the device.

The PIC32CK SG is the first 32-bit device on the market that combines the strong security of an HSM with TrustZone technology, a hardware-based secure privilege environment. Microchip’s latest innovation for mid-range MCUs provides designers with a cost-effective embedded security solution for their products that meets the latest cyber security mandates. The inclusion of an HSM provides a high level of security for authentication, secure debug, secure boot, and secure updates, while TrustZone technology provides an additional level of protection for key software functions. The HSM can accelerate a wide range of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography standards, true random number generation, and secure key management.

The PIC32CK MCUs from Microchip are designed to support ISO 26262 functional safety and ISO/SAE 21434 cyber security standards. For increased flexibility and cost efficiency, the PIC32CK MCU family offers a wide range of options to tune the level of security, memory, and connectivity bandwidth based on the end application’s requirements. Options include up to 2MB dual-panel Flash and 512KB SRAM, with various connectivity options like 10/100 Ethernet, CAN FD, and USB.

“Emerging requirements make security mandatory for the majority of IoT connected devices. The PIC32CK makes it cost effective to provide hardware-based security to mid-range microcontroller applications,” said Rod Drake, Corporate Vice President of Microchip’s MCU32 and MPU32 business units. “Microchip’s ecosystem of tools and security expertise help our customers navigate the complexities of the new requirements and provide lifecycle support for their products.”

For product supply chains that require additional security and safety protection such as in industrial designs, medical devices, home appliances, and consumer IoT devices, the PIC32CK will be supported with Microchip’s Trust Platform Design Suite for provisioning as a service. This platform enables the secure factory provisioning of keys, certificates, and IP without the need to reveal these secrets within the supply chain.

Development tools

The 32-bit PIC32CK MCU family is supported by Microchip’s software platforms including MPLAB Harmony v3 and Trust Platform Design Suite. The PIC32CK family is also supported by the PIC32CK SG and PIC32CK GC Curiosity Ultra Development Boards including the EV33A17A and EV44P93A.

Pricing and availability

The PIC32CK family is now available for purchase in high-volume production quantities.