Overview
The ATO016KX33TS040LLP7ZA is organized as 16K-bits by 33 one-time
programmable (OTP). This is a type of non-volatile memory fabricated in TSMC 40nm LP standard CMOS core logic process. The OTP can be widely used in chip ID, security key, memory redundancy, parameter trimming, configuration setting, feature selection, and PROM, etc.
Learn more about eFuse / OTP IP core
Patented by Attopsemi™, I-fuse™ is a revolutionary non-breaking fuse technology that can be reliably programmed by heat assisted electromigration below a break point. Any cell can be tested as programmable if the initial fuse resistance is low enough (e.g. <400 ohms) to generate enough heat for programming.
OTP stands for “One-Time Programmable”, a device that can only be programmed once to permanently store any kind of information (data for chip IDs, security keys, product feature selection, memory redundancy, device trimming, or MCU code memory). Every chip needs OTPs, as long as they are reliable, available, and affordable.
The hardware root of trust (HRoT) provides the trust base (root key), hardware identifier (UID), hardware unique key (HUK), and entropy required for the secure operation of the entire chip and therefore is often the focus of hacker attacks. If the design can’t effectively resist attacks, hackers can easily obtain the secrets of the entire chip. Attackers can use the secrets to crack identity authentication and data encryption and steal product design know-how, causing application security problems.
A sensor is a device that detects a change in a stimulus and converts it into an electronic signal that can be measured or recorded. The stimulus can be many things, including a physical property, environmental parameter, chemical composition or a location, to name just a few. All sensing elements have nonlinearities that include an intrinsic nonlinearity over sensing range along with offset and sensitivity nonlinearity variations over temperature.
With the invention of Physical Unclonable Functions (PUF), we can now create a unique, inborn, unclonable key at the hardware level. The natural follow-up question to this is, “but how do we protect this key?” It is like storing your key to secrets in a drawer, a surefire way to break the secure boundary and create vulnerabilities.
The market for piracy is huge and hackers have become increasingly sophisticated even when security is implemented in hardware. The race between the aggressors and protectors is a battle without end. Smart connected home devices are increasingly storing and processing very sensitive and private user data in addition to attempting to deliver copyright protected content from service providers. Protecting consumer data is vital.
