Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Microchip Adds Security Features

Chandler, Arizona-based Microchip Technology, a provider of microcontrollers and analog semiconductors, said today that it has rolled out 16-bit ICs that include security features to protect code from unauthorized tampering. The firm said that its dsPIC digital signal controlls and PIC24H microcontrollers provide partitioned, on-chip security that prevents tapping into firmware code. The new security-enabled chips are targeted at OEMs, such as those in the automotive, manufacturing-equipment, smart-card/ATM, and power-meter industry, who require that equipment not be tampered with in the field.