Secure authenticator protects device stored data

The device is the first secure authenticator to integrate the Maxim ChipDNA capability to protect all device stored data from invasive discovery.

ChipDNA technology involves a PUF that enables the DS28E38 to deliver cost-effective protection against invasive physical attacks.

Attempts to probe or observe ChipDNA operation modifies the underlying circuit characteristics, preventing discovery of the unique value used by the chip cryptographic functions.

With ChipDNA capability, the device provides a core set of cryptographic tools derived from integrated blocks including an asymmetric hardware engine, a FIPS/NIST-compliant true random number generator, 2Kbits of secured EEPROM, and a decrement-only counter.

The device also offers a unique 64-bit ROM identification number, which is used as a fundamental input parameter for cryptographic operations and serves as an electronic serial number within the application.

The DS28E38 communicates over the single-contact 1-Wire bus at both standard and overdrive speeds.

The communication follows the 1-Wire protocol with the ROM ID acting as node address in the case of a multidevice 1-Wire network. The DS28E38 is supported by the DS28E38 Evaluation System, which demonstrates the features of five DS28E38 authenticators and five DS2476 DeepCover secure coprocessors.

The authenticator enables engineers to add an extra layer of protection to applications such as Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, device management, secure peripherals, and medical sensors.