SealSQ MS6001 Secure MCU for Smart Cards: Addressing Modern Security Needs
In today’s digital age, the demand for secure microcontrollers (MCUs) in smart card applications has never been more critical. With the obsolescence of many legacy parts, such as Atmel’s AT90SC family of secure MCUs, developers and manufacturers are facing increased pressure to find reliable alternatives that meet modern security standards. Smart cards, used widely in banking, identification, and access control, rely on MCUs that offer robust cryptographic capabilities and strong protection against physical and logical attacks. As older components are phased out, the industry is in need of advanced, secure MCUs that provide both the processing power and security features required to meet the ever-growing demands of secure transactions and data protection. The SealSQ MS6001 is one such solution, offering a secure and flexible platform designed to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of older components and future proof your system with the latest security protocols.
SealSQ MS6001: Core Features
The SealSQ MS6001 secure MCU for Smart Cards is built around the ARM® SecurCore® SC300™ architecture, designed to deliver robust security and flexible integration for a variety of smart card and embedded system applications. As a secure microcontroller, it combines cryptographic capabilities with the flexibility needed for custom code deployment, making it well-suited for secure elements in physical and logical access systems.
ARM® SecurCore® SC300™: This 32-bit RISC processor features a Harvard architecture, a Thumb2® high-code-density instruction set, and a 3-stage pipeline, delivering a balance of performance and security.
High Memory Capacity: The MS6001 offers 1 MB of flash memory and 24 KB of RAM, providing ample space for both code and data storage.
Advanced Security Features: With built-in hardware protection against a variety of side-channel and physical attacks, such as SPA/DPA/SEMA/DEMA, the MS6001 is optimised for security-critical applications.
Low Power Consumption: Designed for energy efficiency, the MS6001 supports low-power modes while maintaining high performance, making it suitable for mobile and embedded systems.
This combination of features makes the MS6001 a versatile secure microcontroller for use in smart cards, access control systems, and secure IoT applications.
Master Clock Synchronisation from Host Devices: Simplifying Smart Card Design
The feature allowing the SealSQ MS6001 to use the master clock signal from a host device is particularly valuable in smart card and embedded systems. It reduces the need for an additional external clock source, simplifying design and integration. This flexibility helps to reduce component costs and streamline system architecture, while still delivering precise timing and synchronization necessary for secure transactions and communications. This capability makes the MS6001 an attractive choice for applications that benefit from tighter integration with the host controller, such as in secure elements and connected IoT devices.
Peripherals and Communication Interfaces
The MS6001 is equipped with a range of peripherals and communication interfaces, enabling it to integrate seamlessly with host systems and external peripherals.
ISO 7816 Controller: The MS6001 includes a dedicated ISO 7816 interface, supporting communication rates of up to 625 Kbps at 5 MHz, and is compliant with both T=0 and T=1 protocols, commonly used in smart card applications.
Multiple Communication Options: The microcontroller features high-speed SPI (up to 20 Mbits/s) and I²C (up to 1 Mbits/s) interfaces, along with five GPIOs, offering flexibility in connecting to other devices.
SWP Slave Interface: For secure communication with NFC chips, the MS6001 includes a Single Wire Protocol (SWP) interface.
These peripherals allow the MS6001 to be easily connected to a wide variety of external systems, making it a strong candidate for embedded security solutions.
Security and Cryptographic Capabilities
The MS6001 is equipped with a wide range of cryptographic capabilities and security features, making it ideal for applications requiring high levels of data protection and encryption.
Cryptographic Co-processors: It supports hardware-based AES, DES/TDES, and RSA/DSA/ECC algorithms, allowing for fast and efficient cryptographic operations.
Random Number Generator (RNG): The MS6001 includes a hardware-based RNG for secure key generation.
Memory Protection and Secure Bootloader: With 64 KB of ROM dedicated to cryptographic code, wear-leveling, and a secure bootloader, the MS6001 ensures that code execution is protected against tampering.
These features allow the MS6001 to meet stringent security requirements, such as Common Criteria EAL5+ and FIPS 140-3, positioning it as a secure choice for embedded systems and smart card applications.
Development and Integration
Developing secure applications on the MS6001 is supported through a range of tools and documentation, ensuring that engineers can efficiently integrate the microcontroller into their designs.
Development Tools: Supported by IAR Embedded Workbench® EWARM, the MS6001 offers extensive software libraries and application notes to guide developers in implementing secure systems.
Flexible Packaging Options: Available in wafers, smart card modules, and a 4x4mm QFN20 package, the MS6001 is designed to fit a variety of form factors, ensuring compatibility with different product designs.
These development resources make the MS6001 a flexible and easily integrable solution for developers seeking to build secure systems across a range of industries.
MS6001 in Practical Applications
The SealSQ MS6001 is designed for applications where security and reliability are paramount. Its feature set is especially well-suited for:
Smart Cards: The MS6001’s support for ISO 7816 protocols and cryptographic algorithms make it ideal for use in secure smart card applications, including banking, identification, and access control.
Secure Embedded Systems: With its flexible memory and power efficiency, the MS6001 is a strong choice for embedded security systems, particularly in environments where security, low power consumption, and longevity are crucial.
Physical and Logical Access Control: The MS6001’s robust cryptographic capabilities and physical security protections make it well-suited for applications like secure door locks and access control systems, where integrity and confidentiality are essential.
Through its combination of security, performance, and integration flexibility, the MS6001 provides a reliable platform for developers building next-generation secure systems.
Conclusion
The SealSQ MS6001 is a secure microcontroller designed for high-performance, security-critical applications, offering advanced cryptographic features, low power consumption, and flexible integration options. It is an ideal choice for smart card applications and embedded systems where security is a top priority.