Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAXQ1004, a low-power 16-bit microcontroller that can add secure authentication to any application. Designed with the same security technology as Maxim's ultra-secure financial terminal microcontrollers, the MAXQ1004 integrates a true random-number generator (RNG) and a high-speed AES encryption engine supporting 128-, 192-, and 256-bit key sizes. These features enable the most secure authentication and communication schemes, while resisting analytical and cryptanalysis attacks. This type of authentication is appropriate for use in protecting revenue streams (battery pack authentication), validating peripherals (video game controllers), and implementing secure communication schemes (automotive keyfobs). With 16KB of integrated flash memory and multiple communication options (including SPI and 1-Wire interfaces), the MAXQ1004 is flexible enough to be programmed for any kind of secure authentication application.
Key Features
- High-Performance, Low-Power, 16-Bit MAXQ20 RISC Core
- 6MHz Operation from an Internal Oscillator, Approaching 1MIPS per MHz
- 1.7V to 3.6V Wide Operating Voltage
- Three Independent Data Pointers Accelerate Data Movement with Automatic Increment/Decrement
- Up to Eight General-Purpose I/O Pins
- 16-Level Hardware Stack
- Optimized for C-Compiler (High-Speed/Density Code)
- Memory
- 16KB Flash Memory, In-Application Programmable
- 640B of Data RAM
- 4KB of ROM
- JTAG/TAP Bootloader Mode for In-System Programming
- Peripheral Features
- 10-Bit Delta-Sigma ADC, Internal Reference
- 1-Wire Slave Interface
- On-Chip Power-On Reset (POR)/Power-Fail Reset
- Overvoltage Detection
- Programmable Watchdog Timer
- Built-In Temperature Sensor, ±6°C
- Secure Programming Interface
- Flash Programming Through Secure ROM Loader
- Secret Key Destruction on Mass Erase
- Permanent Loader Lockout Option
- Code and Secret Scrambling
- Unique 64-Bit Serial Number
- Low-Power Consumption
- 300nA (typ) in Stop Mode
- 3.75mA (typ) at 6MHz, 0.8mA (typ) at 1MHz
- Low-Power Divide-by Modes (2, 4, 8, 256)
- 1-Wire/Interrupt Activity Detector
In addition to providing robust authentication, this microcontroller consumes very little power, making it ideal for applications where power consumption must be kept to a minimum. When operating at 6MHz, the single-cycle MAXQ1004 consumes only 3.75mA; in its lowest power stop mode, it consumes only 300nA! For applications like digital still cameras, the MAXQ1004's effect on overall battery consumption is negligible. However, for coin-cell-powered applications like keyfobs, the device provides extremely long battery life: a MAXQ1004 running from a 64mAh battery with a 0.1% duty cycle will last for 1.8 years, and with a duty cycle of 0.01%, the battery will last for over 10 years! An extremely wide operating range (1.7V to 3.6V) allows the MAXQ1004 to run from two AA batteries.
The MAXQ1004 is available in a lead-free, 16-pin TQFN package and operates over -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range. Prices start at $2.50 (1000-up, FOB USA). An evaluation kit (MAXQ1004-KIT) will be available soon—contact the factory for availability.
