DeepCover® embedded security solutions cloak sensitive data under multiple layers of advanced physical security to provide the most secure key storage possible.

The DeepCover secure microcontroller MAX32520 provides an interoperable, secure, and cost-effective solution to build new generations of trusted embedded systems and communication devices such as IoT, IoT gateways, and wireless access points.

The MAX32520 incorporates Maxim's patented ChipDNA™ PUF technology. ChipDNA technology involves a physically unclonable function (PUF) that enables cost-effective protection against invasive physical attacks. Using the random variation of semiconductor device characteristics that naturally occur during wafer fabrication, the ChipDNA circuit generates a unique output value that is repeatable over time, temperature, and operating voltage. Attempts to probe or observe ChipDNA operation modifies the underlying circuit characteristics, preventing discovery of the unique value used by the chip cryptographic functions. The MAX32520 utilizes the ChipDNA output as key content to cryptographically secure all device stored data including user firmware. User firmware encryption provides ultimate software IP protection. The ChipDNA can also generate a private key for the ECDSA signing operation.

The MAX32520 integrates an Arm® Cortex® -M4 processor, 2MB of Flash, 136KB of system RAM + 34KB ECC, 8KB of one-time-programmable (OTP) memory and 128KB of boot ROM.

The MAX32520 provides a FIPS/NIST compliant TRNG, environmental and tamper detection circuitry to facilitate system-level security.

Multiple high-speed interfaces are supported including SPI, UART, and an I²C. The four on-chip timers also support PWM output generation for direct control of external devices. One of the SPI ports has a serial flash emulation mode allowing direct code fetching enabling secure boot for a host microcontroller.