ST's 32-bit TPM supports next-gen TCH standards

ST's 32-bit TPM supports next-gen TCH standards
 
STMicroelectronics has rolled the ST33TPM12LPC Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which the company claims is the industry’s highest performing TPM, enabling significantly stronger security and trust for activities such as e-commerce and cloud-computing services.
 
As part of the Trusted Computing ecosystem, the TPM is a highly secure processor mounted on the computer motherboard to protect against threats such as software attacks, heft, and tampering. It guards sensitive data such as keys, passwords and digital certificates and provides trustworthy reports of system integrity. According to the Trusted Computing Group (TCG), the industry alliance promoting Trusted Computing technology, almost all enterprise PCs, servers and various embedded systems now have a TPM inside.
 
The ST33TPM12LPC is the first TPM to feature a 32-bit secure processor. This allows the device to handle advanced cryptography algorithms and makes the device ready to support the next-generation TPM 2.0 standard. The ST33TPM12LPC will not only achieve functional certification but also Common Criteria security certifications based on the TPM 1.2 latest Protection Profile at EAL4+ level, thus fully complying with the TPM Certification Program defined by the TCG.
 
ST will be proposing derived versions with other communication interfaces such as I2C and SPI to enable a range of devices besides desktops, notebooks, servers and network equipment to perform as trusted hardware. These include printers, copiers, mobile phones, tablets, home gateways, appliances, smart meters, industrial controls, and automotive electronics.
 
Secure Hashing Algorithm
The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) promotes best practice in using the SHA-256 (Secure Hashing Algorithm version 2, 256) algorithm.  However, to date, adoption in commercial markets has been much slower than originally anticipated.  “The decision to use this algorithm within the TPM Root Certificate supports the longer term needs of tomorrow’s trustworthy computing environments and offers real value to users today in being able to meet the NIST requirements and accelerate the replacement of ageing SHA1 implementations”, said Steve Roylance, Business Development Director for GlobalSign Ltd, the certificate authority chosen by ST to certify the Endorsement Key within the TPM.  “GlobalSign's TPM Root certificate authority is one of a family of 2048bit RSA SHA-256 Certificates. Other roots have already been adopted by web browsers and operating system providers in a bid to push forward the NIST recommendations.”
 
Major features of ST33TPM12LPC:

• ARM SC300 32-bit secure processor capable of supporting:
• SHA1 and SHA2 hash algorithms
• AES
• Ready for next-generation TPM 2.0
• Embedded EK certificate root certified by independent Certification Authority (GlobalSign)
• Embedded 90nm non-volatile memory
• Low Pin-Count (LPC) interface

Samples of the ST33TPM12LPC are available in the TCG-recommended TSSOP28 4.4 mm surface-mount package or a leadless QFN32 5x5 mm lead-free Ecopack option. The ST33TPM12LPC will be in volume production in Q1 2012.
 
Please contact your ST sales office for pricing options and sample requests.