Tiempo Secure goes asynchronous for secure MCU

[Don Dingee]

The arena of secure MCUs for applications such as smart cards draws some different technology, and announcements in the space are typically vague to protect sensitive details. The introduction of the TESIC-SC-500K from Tiempo Secure is no exception - there are few details on the core or the design itself. They do mention use of a 110nm fab at LFoundry Avezzano which is in the process of Common Criteria EAL5+ certification this year.

These parts are designed for smart cards, using contactless readers. Tiempo Secure is touting one big point: an asynchronous design. meaning it is clockless, adapting operation to the speed and strength of RF pairing. Applications include EMV payments, open loop transport, and e-government documents. The parts are sampling for product and operating system testing, with production expected in early 2016.


Press release:

Tiempo Secure TESIC-SC dual interface microcontroller is ready for evaluation and software development

 

[Daniel Payne]

Don,

Thanks for the update, I blogged about Tiempo back in May 2013 and their SMART Card efforts.

My own Visa card has been re-issued twice since October 2014 because of security violations, so I'm all for making these cards more secure.