1.2.1 HSM Module Types

Microchip is the official redistributor of nShield Edge (Figure 1-2) and nShield Solo HSM modules (Figure 1-3).

Figure 1-2. nCipher nShield Edge HSM Module
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Figure 1-3. nShield Solo PCIe HSM Module

The nShield Edge module is attached to USB 2.0 port of the PC and has an integrated card reader. The nShield Solo module is PCIe-based and requires a desktop PC with a spare PCIe port. The card reader is attached to the module through a cable.

Note: For the HSM module specification, including performance characteristics, see the nShield Edge and Solo User Guide for Windows.