Secure NFC/RFID tag authenticator with energy harvesting protects sensitive data transfer between master and slave devices

health-1

Designers can now perform secure wireless data communication on their embedded systems without needing the host microcontroller, but by simply using a single MAX66242 DeepCover® Secure Authenticator from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

The MAX66242 secure authenticator is an advanced tag that combines a wireless NFC/RFID interface with an I²C interface. Designers can now collect vital system data from portable devices even when the main energy source on the master device is not functional. The I²C and wireless RFID/NFC interfaces make it highly flexible and scalable for a wide range of applications. The MAX66242 is especially useful for applications that require additional external functionality, but do not have the space to place a connector. Ideal applications include secure, wireless transfer of medical data or asset tracking.

The MAX66242 enables wireless, contactless data collection between a host and slave device. The integrated, proven SHA-256 cryptographic engine provides symmetric challenge-and-response authentication based on a secret key for data downloads. Needing no separate controller to write data, the MAX66242’s I²C interface port can operate as a master port or a slave port for secure data exchanges. The MAX66242 comes with multiple memory programmable options which let a user configure a secure master/slave system and set usage limits using the EEPROM emulation mode to create nonresettable counters. Designers can also use the MAX66242 to set up easy and intuitive WiFi® or Bluetooth® connections as a means to securely storing the pairing codes. It then provides security for access control, asset tracking, system alert/wakeup, and authentication of medical sensors for the secure transfer of personal data.

The MAX66242 does not require an external power source. Instead it integrates an energy harvesting capability that can be used to power surrounding ICs like a temp sensor, to which it is connected to via the I²C interface. Using this harvested energy, the MAX66242 provides the energy source to the slave device and gathers data from it. The energy harvesting feature also complements the existing power source in battery-powered devices, so it will extend overall battery life.

Key Advantages

  • Secure authentication: integrated SHA-256 die-level protection prevents cloning, counterfeiting, and data theft in applications that must have secure data transfer.
  • Dual interfaces: wired I²C and wireless RFID/NFC provide versatility for many applications.
  • Energy harvesting: supports two energy-harvested voltage output levels, 1.8V and 3.0V typical; harvests energy even on devices without a power source.
  • High integration: integrates SHA-256 bidirectional authentication with advanced security hardware; 32-byte SRAM buffer for fast I²C-to-RFID data transactions; dual interfaces eliminate the need for a separate controller.

Commentary

“The MAX66242 DeepCover Secure Authenticator enables secure, contactless data collection while eliminating the need to physically touch the device,” said Hamed Sanogo, executive business manager at Maxim Integrated. “The energy harvesting capability allows users to harvest power that would otherwise be wasted and collect data securely from any end equipment, even when the master system is not powered.”

Availability and Pricing

  • Specified over the -20-degree Celsius to +85-degree Celsius temperature range.
  • Pricing is available upon request.
RECENT ARTICLES

Semtech enhances global connectivity with NTN support in HL78 modules

Posted on: March 29, 2024

Semtech Corporation has announced the integration of non-terrestrial network (NTN) support into its HL series LPWA modules, specifically the HL7810 and HL7812. This significant advancement showcases a leap forward in enabling uninterrupted global connectivity even amidst the most challenging conditions.

Read more

Enhance EV charging performance with cellular connectivity

Posted on: March 28, 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are steadily growing their market share at the expense of internal combustion engine vehicles. The growth is fuelled by several factors. Perhaps most importantly, prices for EVs have started to drop as competition in the industry is intensifying. New players and models are emerging, prompting several established EV makers to lower their

Read more
FEATURED IoT STORIES

What is IoT? A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on: April 5, 2023

What is IoT? IoT, or the Internet of Things, refers to the connection of everyday objects, or “things,” to the internet, allowing them to collect, transmit, and share data. This interconnected network of devices transforms previously “dumb” objects, such as toasters or security cameras, into smart devices that can interact with each other and their

Read more

The IoT Adoption Boom – Everything You Need to Know

Posted on: September 28, 2022

In an age when we seem to go through technology boom after technology boom, it’s hard to imagine one sticking out. However, IoT adoption, or the Internet of Things adoption, is leading the charge to dominate the next decade’s discussion around business IT. Below, we’ll discuss the current boom, what’s driving it, where it’s going,

Read more

9 IoT applications that will change everything

Posted on: September 1, 2021

Whether you are a future-minded CEO, tech-driven CEO or IT leader, you’ve come across the term IoT before. It’s often used alongside superlatives regarding how it will revolutionize the way you work, play, and live. But is it just another buzzword, or is it the as-promised technological holy grail? The truth is that Internet of

Read more

Which IoT Platform 2021? IoT Now Enterprise Buyers’ Guide

Posted on: August 30, 2021

There are several different parts in a complete IoT solution, all of which must work together to get the result needed, write IoT Now Enterprise Buyers’ Guide – Which IoT Platform 2021? authors Robin Duke-Woolley, the CEO and Bill Ingle, a senior analyst, at Beecham Research. Figure 1 shows these parts and, although not all

Read more

CAT-M1 vs NB-IoT – examining the real differences

Posted on: June 21, 2021

As industry players look to provide the next generation of IoT connectivity, two different standards have emerged under release 13 of 3GPP – CAT-M1 and NB-IoT.

Read more

IoT and home automation: What does the future hold?

Posted on: June 10, 2020

Once a dream, home automation using iot is slowly but steadily becoming a part of daily lives around the world. In fact, it is believed that the global market for smart home automation will reach $40 billion by 2020.

Read more

5 challenges still facing the Internet of Things

Posted on: June 3, 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) has quickly become a huge part of how people live, communicate and do business. All around the world, web-enabled devices are turning our world into a more switched-on place to live.

Read more