Microchip Technology Announces PIC Microcontroller For Passive-Keyless-Entry

Chandler, AZ -- Microchip Technology Inc. announced a Flash, 8-bit PIC microcontroller with a 3-channel, transponder analog front end and an integrated KEELOQ cryptographic peripheral. The combination of this new transponder analog front end, KEELOQ peripheral and low power consumption via nanoWatt Technology provides a total solution for passive-keyless-entry (PKE) and other wireless authentication applications.

Designers of wireless security systems and authentication products require an integrated solution for communication, security, and reliable low-power operation. The new PIC16F639 microcontroller meets these needs by providing engineers with the three-channel low-frequency (LF) transponder analog front end, the KEELOQ cryptographic peripheral, nanoWatt Technology, and the power of a PIC microcontroller.

"Microchip is building on its technology leadership in microcontrollers, analog and secure-data ICs by combining our PIC microcontroller core with an analog front end and the proven KEELOQ security technology," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "This new microcontroller provides a complete solution for PKE and authentication systems." ,P> Applications for the PIC16F639 include: Automotive (PKE, tire-pressure monitoring systems); Authentication (intelligent RFID, property and identity, hospital systems, computer access); Security Systems (door locks, gate openers, doggie doors, remote sensors and their intercommunication); and other General Purpose applications.

The three-channel transponder analog front end provides bi-directional LF communication, commonly used in PKE and RFID applications. KEELOQ technology is based on a proprietary, non-linear encryption algorithm that creates a unique transmission on every use, rendering code capture and resend schemes useless.

SOURCE: Microchip Technology