Atmel Introduces Enhanced ARM926-based eMPUs for Industrial Applications Requiring Secure Encryption and Authentication

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ESC Silicon Valley 2010 -- Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML), a leader in microcontroller and touch solutions, today introduced the next generation of its general-purpose ARM(R)-based embedded microprocessors (eMPUs) optimized for use in industrial applications. With the release of the SAM9M11 and SAM9G46 devices, Atmel is delivering tailored solutions for industrial embedded systems that require secured connectivity and authentication of applications via implementation of hardware encryption. These new devices are direct derivatives of the recently announced SAM9G45 and the SAM9M10, which was chosen as an Editor's Choice product by Embedded Computing Design in its February 2010 print edition.

The highly-integrated ARM-based devices—ideal for industrial and building control, HVAC systems, POS terminals, alarm systems, printers and medical equipment—feature an integrated hardware encryption engine that supports the leading industry standards, and comes on top of a true random number generator which passes the NIST Special Publication 800-22 and Diehard Random Tests Suites. As a result, the devices can now address secured networked applications utilizing hardware encryption via AES (256, 192 and 128-bit key algorithm) compliant with the American FIPS publication 197 specification, 3DES (single or three-key algorithm) compliant with the FIPS PUB 46-3 specification as well as digital signature authentication using SHA1 and SHA256 algorithms compliant with the FIPS Publication 180-2.

"The market for secured communication applications in commercial building automation, alarm systems and POS terminals is shifting towards much higher speeds and significantly lower power consumption," said Jacko Wilbrink, product marketing director, Atmel. "At the same time, developers want to authenticate software downloaded over internet, incorporate fully featured video with a comprehensive set of user interfaces and connectivity options. With its new devices, Atmel is addressing all of these critical design requirements."

Besides the encryption engine, the SAM9M11 and SAM9G46 offer the same feature set found in the SAM9M10 and SAM9G45, including DDR2 memory support, high-speed serial communication, such as 10/100 Ethernet, HS SDIO/SD/MMC and HS USB 2.0 Host and Device, as well as TFT LCD controller, touchscreen support, and more.

Comprehensive Eco-system

The SAM9G46 and SAM9M11 are supported by a free Linux(R) distribution and Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Embedded CE BSP, including a video driver and GStreamer and DirectShow multimedia frameworks, respectively. More information can be downloaded from the following websites: http://www.at91.com/windows4sam and www.linux4sam.org. Extensive documentation including a ready-to-run demonstration explaining how to use and customize the source code and how to build applications is also provided. The devices are supported by the worldwide ecosystem of industry-leading suppliers of development tools, operating systems, protocol stacks and applications that Atmel has built up around its AT91SAM family of ARM-based microcontrollers and embedded microprocessors including Mentor Graphics(R), Fluffy Spider Technology, QNX(R), Micrium(R), IAR(TM), Keil(TM), Segger, Adeneo, and TimeSys(R).

Availability, Pricing and Photo

The SAM9M11 is sampling now and will be in full production in the third quarter of 2010; the SAM9G46 will sample in summer 2010 with full production in fourth quarter 2010. Current SAM9M10 and SAM9G45 customers will be able to add powerful secured communication to their existing platforms while maximizing software reuse. Software development can be done using the AT91SAM9M10-G45-EK evaluation kit while encryption will be exercised on the chip itself once mounted in the final application.

The SAM9M11 is priced at $12.05 in quantities of 10k units, under the order code AT91SAM9M11-CU. The SAM9G46 is priced at $9.95 in quantities of 10k units, under the order code AT91SAM9G46-CU. The AT91SAM9M10-G45-EK evaluation kit is available now at $750 for single unit quantities.

To download a high-resolution photo of the AT91SAM9M11-CU, please click the following link: http://www.atmel.com/pressroom/photos/SAM9M11.jpg. To download a high-resolution photo of the SAM9G46-CU, please click the following link: http://www.atmel.com/pressroom/photos/SAM9G46.jpg.

More Information:

Atmel's ARM-based product information is available at: http://www.atmel.com/products/at91/default.asp?family_id=605.

About Atmel

Atmel (NASDAQ: ATML) is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, capacitive touch solutions, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets. For more information, go to www.atmel.com.

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SOURCE Atmel Corporation