Atmel Connects Single-chip AES-128 Immobilizer and Remote Keyless Entry Microcontroller for Combi-Key Applications

Atmel ATA5795

Atmel Corporation announced the availability of the new single-chip AES-128 immobilizer and remote keyless entry AVR microcontroller for combi-key applications. This combi-key application will enable a fully integrated solution for automotive manufacturers and consumers seeking an easier to use, integrated system. Atmel’s ATA5795 is specifically targeted for high-volume, uni-directional car keys, while the immobilizer and the remote keyless entry functions are integrated in the same fob. An immobilizer is an electronic device fitted to an automobile which prevents the engine from running unless the correct key (or other token) is present.

Atmel’s new ATA5795 device incorporates an AES-128 immobilizer interface, an ultra-low power AVR core and a fractional-N RF transmitter in a single IC, covering 315 MHz and 433 MHz frequency bands. The built-in AES-128 cryptographic engine, along with the Atmel protocol stack, provides very high security protection with fast authentication time which is critical to immobilizer systems. Both immobilizer and RF transmitter interfaces have access to the AES-128 engine allowing similar security schemes for both functions.

On top of the AES-128 cryptography, Atmel’s ATA5795 includes a complete open immobilizer protocol stack with configurable authentication schemes to accommodate a wide range of security level requirements. The device features 8K-bytes Flash and 2K-bytes EEPROM for application and user data storage. The tiny QFN 5 mm by 5 mm package allows small footprint designs at optimized cost. While Atmel provides a complete immobilizer stack, the innovative open architecture allows for implementing any existing protocol that is backwards compatible with existing systems. The immobilizer physical interface is embedded in the device and is compatible with all major base stations available on the market. This allows for rolling-out cost effective fob designs without any base-station redesign.

Samples of the ATA5795 are now available in small QFN32 packages. Atmel’s ATA5795 offers designers a complete silicon with software tools to make it easier to use. Pricing starts at $1.80 USD for 10k quantities. To simplify and accelerate product development, the device hosts the application code in Flash and is supported by the standard AVR development tool chain (automotive-grade C compiler and AVR Studio IDE). Additionally, a remote keyless entry development kit (ATAPMxxxx) with an RF design kit provides complete reference designs for both hardware and software.

Atmel ATA5795

Features

  • AES-128 Immobilizer Transponder for Use in Contactless Mode
  • CMMI Certified. Configurable, Secure, Open Source Immobilizer Stack
  • Energy Supply and Bi-directional Communication via LF Link (125 kHz)
  • 32-bit Unique Identification Number
  • Integrated Codecs for Enhanced LF Communication Range
  • Fast AES-128 Cryptographic Engine for Both Immobilizer and RKE Functions
  • Two 128-bit Secret Keys
  • One 128-bit Transport Key
  • Embedded Ultra-low-power Atmel
  • AVR Microcontroller
  • Fractional-N RF Transmitter Covering 315 MHz and 433 MHz
  • 8-Kbyte Flash for User Application (6 Kbytes) and Immobilizer (2 Kbytes)
  • 2112-byte EEPROM for User Data Storage (2 Kbytes) and Device Configuration (64 Bytes)
  • Locking Mechanism Protects both Flash and EEPROM Contents
  • Error Correction Code (ECC) Engine Protects both the Flash and EEPROM Units
  • 1-wire Debug Interface Integrated with AVR Development Tools
  • Automotive Grade C Compiler
  • Small QFN 32 - 5×5 Package