Product category:
Memory Devices and Modules
News Release from: Sharp Microelectronics Europe | Subject: Secure IC module
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 15 November 2005
Flash-based module approved for
e-passport use
The new Secure IC module from Sharp is the first Flash-based device for e-passports to receive validation for EAL4+ (Evaluation Assurance Level 4+) of the Common Criteria.
The new Secure IC module from Sharp is the first Flash-based device for e-passports to receive validation for EAL4+ (Evaluation Assurance Level 4+) of the Common Criteria, an international security evaluation standard The rapidly growing move towards e-passports is based on their effectiveness in preventing passport forgery, accurately verifying identities, and speeding up customs procedures
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 16 May 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Smartcard combines 32bit core with 1Mbyte of Flash
Sharp's next-generation high-performance 32bit smart card incorporates 1Mbyte of Flash memory.
Faster access for high-density Flash
Sharp Microelectronics Europe reckons its latest high-speed 128Mbit Flash memory features the fastest access time available to date.
Sharp's IC module for e-passports has large-capacity Flash memory (512Kbyte) that holds data on the physical attributes of the passport holder, and can handle high-speed data processing and rapid readout (424Kbit/s) of passport data.
Already highly rated, Sharp's IC module is among the first to be based on the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) e-passport recommendations.
The Common Criteria EAL4+ validation is proof that Sharp's IC module effectively meets international assessment standards for ensuring passport security including effective forgery prevention and accurate identity verification.
Sharp intends to use its proprietary technology to create highly secure and functional IC modules to expand its IC card business, with emphasis in the personal identification sector.
The flexible passport-sized IC card for e-passports can be placed in between the passport pages.
Common Criteria is an international accreditation standard to evaluate and validate targeted security levels for information systems and the hardware and software that comprise them.
It was adopted as an international standard in December 1999, as the ISO/IEC Information Technology Security Evaluation Standard 15408.
Currently, 21 countries participate in the Common Criteria, including the USA, the UK, France and other advanced nations (as of March 2005).
EAL4+ is one of the EALs (Evaluation Assurance Levels), numbered from 1 to 7, for the Common Criteria.
• Sharp Microelectronics Europe: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
