Maxim Integrated Products  introduces the DS28E10, a challenge-and-response secure authentication IC that includes user-programmable nonvolatile (NV) memory. Authentication is implemented with the industry-proven FIPS 180-3 secure hash algorithm (SHA-1) combined with commands that operate on a programmable private secret and random challenge from a host controller. The device provides flexibility to implement private secret sizes from 64 bits to 288 bits; the host challenge size is 96 bits. These large secret and challenge sizes make algorithmic brute-force attacks to discover the private secret mathematically impractical. Because die-level probe methods are the more likely method of security attack, the DS28E10 implements proprietary circuits and methods to protect sensitive data from being captured. This authentication solution is well suited for a broad range of cost-sensitive consumer, medical, and industrial products.

The DS28E10 provides 28 bytes of user-programmable OTP-EPROM portioned with programmable protection modes. This memory can be used to store end-product information such as calibration constants, manufacturing data, and feature settings. Additionally, a unique, unalterable, factory-programmed, 64-bit serial number (ROM ID) is included and can be used as an input parameter for authentication security functions and/or as a unique identifier for the end product.

Communication with the DS28E10 is implemented using Maxim's 1-Wire interface. The single-contact I/O interface enables the part to be easily added to a design from a spare microcontroller or FPGA port pin.

The DS28E10 operates from 2.8V to 3.6V and is fully specified over the -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius extended temperature range. It is available in small, 3-pin SOT23 and 6-pin TSOC packages.

An evaluation kit (DS28E10EVKIT+) is also available to assist with end application development and to program device memory.