NXP and Intrinsic-ID demonstrate new security concept on NXP’s security chip against cloning and counterfeiting

Demonstration platform showcases superior security level

Eindhoven – 25th May 2011 -- NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ:NXPI) and Intrinsic-ID, a leading provider of security IP solutions, today announced the availability of a demonstration platform for the deployment of hardware intrinsic security (HIS) solutions based on Physical Unclonable Functions on NXP’s SmartMXTM security chip platform.

The demonstration leverages Intrinsic-ID’s QuiddikeyTM solution to increase the security level of SmartMX-powered assets against various forms of attack.

The Smart Card demo visualizes the unique characteristics of the HIS-based key storage method: the secret key is extracted from the hardware instead of storing it, as in traditional key storage methods.

This approach allows a device to generate a unique secret key only when needed and power down with no key present. The new key storage method is another important security milestone for NXP’s SmartMX security chip platform.

Kees Wesdorp, vice president and general manager, secure identity, NXP  Semiconductors, said: “Advanced measures against cloning and reverse engineering are key to protect against future highly sophisticated attacks. With the first implementation of the Intrinsic ID QuiddikeyTM technology ,NXP is further raising the security level of our SmartMX platform. This new security feature will become part of NXP’s Integral SecurityTM concept.”

The demonstration compares conventional cards with cards using HIS storage method. In the first step the difference in personalization mechanism is explained. In a second step, the user can try to clone conventional cards and HIS-based cards by copying data from one card to the other. For HIS-based cards, the cloning fails due to physical unclonability.

Tony Picard, vice president of business development for Intrinsic-ID, said: “We are delighted with this tangible success of NXP in commercially deploying our technology.  The NXP demonstration platform will be showcased for the first time at the upcoming semi-annual advisory meeting of the HIS Initiative in Eindhoven on 25th May.”

About NXP Semiconductors

NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) provides High Performance Mixed Signal and Standard Product solutions that leverage its leading RF, Analog, Power Management, Interface, Security and Digital Processing expertise. These innovations are used in a wide range of automotive, identification, wireless infrastructure, lighting, industrial, mobile, consumer and computing applications.  A global semiconductor company with operations in more than 25 countries, NXP posted revenue of $4.4 billion in 2010. Additional information can be found by visiting www.nxp.com.

About Intrinsic-ID

Intrinsic-ID is recognized as a worldwide leader in security solutions, delivering semiconductor IP and embedded software products based on Hardware Intrinsic Security. 

Its unique solutions that are based on the unique intrinsic characteristics of a device feature a low implementation cost, standard manufacturing flow, scalability and seamless integration. 

Headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Intrinsic-ID was founded in 2008 as a spin-out of Royal Philips Electronics. Its hardware intrinsic security products are based on patented physically unclonable function (PUF) technology that has been deployed in Philips’ production environment. To find out more, please visit http://www.intrinsic-id.com

About the HIS Initiative:

The HIS Initiative provides a forum for educational activities regarding a new hardware security approach, known as hardware intrinsic security (HIS). HIS technology provides a new level of hardware security utilizing the inherent uniqueness in each and every silicon chip. The goals of the Initiative are to validate the HIS approach by industry leaders, increase the education available, and reduce the barriers to adoption of HIS solutions. Members, which span the semiconductor ecosystem, include: Cisco Systems, imec, Intrinsic-ID, Irdeto, NXP, SiVenture, Synopsys and TSMC. To find out more, please visit www.hisinitiative.org.