Fujitsu Intros Network-Ready MCU

SAN FRANCISCO -- Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) today introduced a new family of microcontrollers developed for network-enabled household appliances, including the industry’s first 32-bit MCUs that incorporate a full range of networking security features, on-board ROM and RAM, and support for IPv6, the next-generation Internet protocol.

The MB9140x series from Fujitsu features the MB91403, which supports IPv6 and includes encryption circuitry supporting the Advanced Data Encryption Standard (AES), Data Encryption Standard (DES), 3DES, and other established cryptographic systems. The encryption circuits in the MB91403 are 150 to 200 times faster than software-based encryption, and are complemented by authentication circuitry. The series also supports the MD5 and SHAR1 authentication standards, key exchange methods DH 1/DH 2, and the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol with hardware engine.

The series also includes the MB91401, a 32-bit network system MCU that supports IPv6, and the MB91402, which is available for customers whose designs do not require security features. All the new MCUs can operate as standalone systems or as companion chips for existing designs.

Each of the new system-on-chip MCUs is designed to simplify development of IPv6-capable products for ubiquitous-computing environments. On-board, high-capacity ROM and RAM reduce the need to add external memory, enabling lower overall system costs with fast, up-to-date, security-support features for embedded applications. Each device incorporates all the basic functions needed to serve as a controller for an appliance, including a 32-bit RISC CPU, an FR core, timer, interrupt controller and UART.

“This impressive 32-bit MCU family delivers the processing power, performance and security features required for Internet age appliances, and for important emerging applications that must include the best available encryption capability,” said Akio Nezu, senior marketing manager for the Embedded Products group at Fujitsu Microelectronics America. “As we move into the era of ubiquitous computing, users will be able to connect portable and handheld devices to the Internet with full confidence in reliability, privacy and security, because of the performance of this new generation of microcontroller technology.”

Fujitsu Microelectronics America Inc.