1.2 Device Features

ECC206 includes an EEPROM array that can be used for storage of one private ECC P-256 key, 2 certificates, one symmetric secret key, miscellaneous read/write data, consumption logging and security configurations. Write access to the various data zone slots and configuration sub-zones of memory can be restricted.

The device supports a Microchip proprietary PWM Single-Wire Interface (SWI) , which can reduce the number of GPIOs required on the system processor and/or reduce the number of pins on connectors. The chip operates in parasitic power mode, reducing the total pin count to just 2 pins.

Each ECC206 unit ships with a unique 72-bit serial number. Also, ECC206 features a wide array of defense mechanisms specifically designed to prevent physical attacks on the device itself or logical attacks on the data transmitted between the device and the system. Hardware restrictions on the ways in which a key is used or generated provide further defense against certain styles of attack.

For those customers interested in a FIPS 140-3-compliant mode version of the device, a special CMP_Mode compliance bit is available in the configuration zone.

The ECC206 has a monotonic counter that can be attached to either the ECC P-256 Private key or the HMAC Key to limit the use of one of those keys. If so desired, the monotonic counter can also be used by the system and not be attached to any of the ECC206 keys.