Toshiba Broadens Offering Of ARM Cortex-M4F-Based Microcontrollers For Secure Communications Control

New MCU includes advanced memory and security features for IoT and EMS devices

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 2, 2015 -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today added a new microcontroller (MCU) to its TX04 line of products based on the ARM® Cortex®-M4F processor. Designed for secure communications control, the TMPM46BF10FG incorporates 514-Kbyte SRAM, four security circuits for network communications, and a single-level cell (SLC) NAND Flash memory controller for memory expansion.

"Users of secure communications control systems increasingly require firmware update management, failure analysis and high-precision data storage, as well as tamper detection, information concealment and other high-level security features," said Deepak Mithani, senior director, Mixed-Signal Business Unit, System LSI Group at TAEC. "Toshiba developed this new MCU specifically to address these demands, which are critical for IoT products and energy management system devices, as well as some industrial equipment."

The TMPM46BF10FG's ARM Cortex core is operable up to 120MHz. The MCU can be connected to an SLC NAND Flash memory with capacity ranging from 4Gb to 1Gb, and it includes 4- and 8-bit error correction circuits to detect and correct hardware errors. The IC also has a watchdog timer that operates along with a built-in clock separate from the system clock. This enables the watchdog timer to detect an error even if the system clock malfunctions.

The TMPM46BF10FB is housed in a LQFP100 package (14mm x 14mm x 0.5 mm pitch). Operating voltage ranges from 2.7V to 3.6V, with maximum operating frequency of 120MHz.

Other features of the new MCU include an encryption/decryption circuit (AES:FIPS197 standard), Hash function generation circuit (SHA: FIPS180-4 standard), and random seed generation circuit (ESG). Encryption/decryption is mainly processed by hardware, reducing the load on the CPU. The IC also implements a true random number generator (TRNG: SP800-90C standard) through the combination of the random seed generation circuit and Hash-DRGB created by the hash function generation circuit and the software program. This achieves the robust security function that is required in network communications.

Availability

Samples of the TMPM46BF10FG microcontroller have begun shipping. Mass production is slated to start in October 2015.

About TAEC

Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, VARs, distributors and fabless chip companies worldwide. A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state hybrid drives (SSHDs), discrete devices, custom SoCs/ASICs, imaging products, microcontrollers, wireless components, mobile peripheral devices, advanced materials and medical tubes that make possible today's leading smartphones, tablets, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics, industrial applications, enterprise solutions and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's sixth largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2014 Worldwide Semiconductor Revenue Estimates, December 2014). Founded in Tokyo in 1875, Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of over 590 consolidated companies employing over 200,000 people worldwide. Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.