IntellaSys Unveils Industry's First 128-Bit, Hardware-Encrypted Controller Chip for USB 2.0 NAND Flash Memory Used in Thumb Drives

New OnSpecxSil269 Controller Fully Complies With the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

CUPERTINO, Calif.-- March 05, 2007 --IntellaSys today introduced its new OnSpec™ xSil269 memory controller chip, the industry’s first such USB 2.0 NAND Flash controller to specify 128-bit, hardware-encrypted security. Fully compliant with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), the xSil269’s hardware-embedded encryption/decryption function combines with two-level software authentication of passwords to prevent unauthorized access of memory content.

According to Bryan Chin, OnSpec product marketing manager, the xSil269 provides virtually bulletproof controller security for USB 2.0 NAND Flash memory, which continues to be the popular choice for thumb drives. “With an unprecedented level of with 3.4x1038 possible keys, our new AES-compliant controller poses a daunting challenge to any would-be code cracker. In fact, anyone attempting to recover keys at a rate of one per second would have to spend 149 trillion years to determine all possibilities.”

Highlighting another xSil269 user benefit, Chin cited the new controller’s support of Windows ReadyBoost, a performance enhancement capability that comes with Microsoft’s recently released Vista operating system. He noted that Windows ReadyBoost enables a Flash memory device to store information that is being used by the PC’s memory manager. “When running a lot of applications on a PC that has limited memory, ReadyBoost allows a Flash thumb drive connected via USB 2.0, for example, to create a copy of virtual memory that can be accessed a whole lot faster than going to the hard disk.”

Designed to connect with both USB1.1 and high-speed USB 2.0 host interfaces, the xSil269 supports NAND, NAND MLC and AG-AND Flash media. Up to four chip selects allow extended addressing. Integrating 4-byte Forward Error Correction (FEC) in a real-time, the new OnSpec chip also packs a 16-bit processor along with a serial port, two general purpose timers and a watchdog timer. Internal RAM supports enhancements as ROM stores BIOS and application code. Moreover, on-board NAND Flash can be used to store firmware enhancements. The xSil269 also provides programmable R/W widths plus optimally controlled hardware transfer for speed and scalability.

Availability

Packaged in a 48-pin 9mm x 9mm LQFP package, the new xSil269 chip is now in production and has begun sampling along with evaluations boards to qualified OEMS. Due to competitive strategies, OEM pricing information is being disclosed only to qualified manufacturers of thumb drives and/or other products using NAND Flash memory.

About IntellaSys

Operating as TPL Group Enterprise, IntellaSys specializes in developing distributed digital media semiconductor solutions via three major product brands: SEAforth™ multicore processors, Indigita® content secure connectivity devices and OnSpec™ secure storage controllers. With headquarters in Cupertino, California, IntellaSys has seven design centers, three of which are in California as well as four others based in Arizona; Colorado, Ohio, and Austria. The TPL Group, founded in 1988, focuses on the development, commercialization and management of IP assets. For more information, visit www.intellasys.net.