STMicroelectronics is leading the next generation of secure dual-interface chip-card microcontrollers combining advanced computing power with high contactless performance. ST's new ST31 series is the first chip-card microcontroller to combine the latest ARM SecurCore SC000 processor that delivers outstanding computing performance and energy efficiency.
The ST31's extremely low-power architecture helps improve communication speed and reliability in contactless applications, in which the card circuitry is powered by RF energy from the reader."ST is a leading ARM SecurCore silicon licensee, and the first to announce general availability of products based on the SC000 processor," said Noel Hurley, Vice President Strategy and Marketing, Processor Division, ARM. "This advanced processor targets today's highest volume smart-card applications, with proven SecurCore security capabilities, low power consumption, reduced silicon footprint, and numerous architectural features that help reduce development costs and speed up time to market."Chip cards for banking and multi-applications including payment and transport are being adopted rapidly worldwide. Over 90% of card-payment terminals in Europe already comply with the EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) standard for chip and PIN cards. The latest contactless standards promise even greater convenience for customers, shorter transaction times, and greater security.The ST31 series chips rely on a highly secure architecture targeting EMVCo and Common Criteria EAL5+/EAL6+ security certifications, capable of supporting recognized cryptography algorithms such as DES, AES, RSA and ECC.
