Renesas releases the AE470G secure MCU1

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Sep 24, 2008

Renesas has brought out the AE470G secure MCU1 for M2M (Machine-to-Machine) wireless communication applications.

The AE470G is built around the AE-4 CPU core, which was developed for use in secure MCUs, and integrates 144 Kbytes of electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) with a guaranteed operating temperature range of -40 to +105C, 500,000 rewrite cycles and a data storage period after programming of 10 years.

The device offers a 16-bit computing element and bus width and operates at a maximum internal frequency of 10 MHz (at 3V).

This ensures software compatibility with earlier AE-4 Series MCUs, which also incorporate the AE-4 CPU core.

It is suitable for use in a range of machines requiring M2M wireless communication capabilities.

EEPROM write/erase times are 2.4ms for page-unit rewrites, 1.3ms for page-unit erases and 1.1ms for page-unit overwrites.

The ample ROM capacity of 288 Kbytes can accommodate a general-use OS supporting complex processing.

Application programs or data that does not need to be rewritten can be stored in mask ROM beforehand to make full use of the EEPROM.

Additional peripheral and security functions include an I/O port, a half-duplex UART that complies with ISO/IEC7816-3, a random number generator, a coprocessor with DES encryption support and an interval timer.

The AE470G employs an eight-pin ultra-thin small-outline non-lead (USON) surface mount package measuring 5.0 x 6.0mm (0.65mm thick).

The small mounting area of the ultra-compact and thin package makes the AE470G suitable for use in compact systems such as utility meters.

The M2M communication market includes systems such as vending machines, which require continuous operation over long periods of time.

This means secure MCUs for such applications must be reliable.

The improved operating temperature range of the AE470G makes it suitable for M2M equipment that must withstand severe temperatures, such as systems intended to be installed outdoors.

The E6000 full emulator is available as a development tool.