
Enhanced code security for 8bit microcontroller family
Microchip has launched an 8bit microcontroller family with enhanced security to protect embedded system management code.
The Microchip PIC18-Q24 8bit microcontroller family adds a Programming and Debugging Interface Disable (PDID) security feature to lock out access to the programming/debugging interface and block unauthorized attempts to read, modify or erase firmware. It also adds voltage level shifting capabilities help increase flexibility as a system controller and reduce system costs
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The Multi-Voltage I/O (MVIO) eliminates the need for external level shifters and allows the MCUs to interface with digital inputs or outputs at different operating voltages. In addition to reducing board complexity and Bill of Material (BOM) cost, MVIO makes PIC18-Q24 MCUs especially well-suited as system management processors, performing monitoring and telemetry for a larger processor. These seemingly routine tasks are typically most vulnerable to potential hackers as they try to gain access to embedded systems.
The PIC18-Q24 family is also enabled with the option to have an immutable bootloader for applications that want a secure way to upgrade firmware. The MCUs are fully supported by Microchip’s comprehensive development ecosystem and designed to integrate with the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC).
“System security is only as strong as its weakest link. Any programmable component can be vulnerable, and it is essential to implement enhanced protection features to prevent potential hacks,” said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s 8-bit MCU business unit. “The PIC18-Q24 family of MCUs from Microchip are designed with advanced security in the forefront, to help customers combat threats at the system’s foundation.”
The PIC18F56Q24 Curiosity Nano Evaluation Kit (EV01E86A) offers support for designing embedded systems with the PIC18-Q24 family.
