National plans security coprocessor for new PC spec

National plans security coprocessor for new PC spec
By the SBN news staff, Semiconductor Business News
August 24, 2000 (5:57 p.m. EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20000824S0033

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — National Semiconductor Corp. here is planning to develop a complete security coprocessor for PCs that supports the Trusted Computing Platform Alliance specification for security, which was released by the TCPA group this week.

National Semiconductor said it plans to ship hardware-based solutions in early 2001, and the company promised more initiatives to develop devices for enhanced security functions in conjunction with the new TCPA specs.

The security coprocessor will consist of a processor, memories, peripherals, cryptographic accelerators and embedded firmware, according to National. The company said its device will include cryptographic technology, licensed from Wave Systems Corp. (Lee, Mass.).

"National is leveraging its expertise in embedded controllers, I/O and analog to develop TCPA-compliant security technologies that provide a more trusted and secure platform for e-commerce transactions," said Jonathan L evy, director of National's Advanced I/O division. "The TCPA initiative dovetails with National's continuing efforts to provide its customers with highly integrated, cost-effective products that meet both current and future industry needs."

The TCPA is a consortium of more than 120 hardware and software companies whose objective is to develop a new hardware and software specification that will improve trust and security for e-business transactions.