
ST NFC tags add elliptic curve encryption
STMicroelectronics has developed an NFC tag chip that strengthens the security of digital product passports and blockchain-based applications by implementing state-of-the-art on-chip digital signature mechanism.
The ST25TA-E implements the TruST25 Edge, which is based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). This runs on an advanced asymmetric cryptographic engine embedded in the ST25TA-E to ensure the authenticity of an attached physical object. Combining both on-chip and off-chip digital-signature mechanisms, the ST25TA-E NFC tag protects against counterfeit and gray market activities for luxury brands in particular and is ideal for protecting high-value products such as designer clothes and accessories, art, or other items that need a digital certificate.
Tapping with an NFC-enabled smartphone can track the attached product’s entire journey through the supply chain to verify the provenance of individual products and assist security auditing.
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The combination of strengthened authentication and on-chip user memory also lets brand owners deliver tailored consumer experiences. Customers can interact easily using a smartphone to access content stored on the tag and engage with the brand online, including securely registering and transferring ownership.
In blockchain-based applications, the TruST25 Edge ECC-based signature is natively supported by blockchain technology, ensuring immutability and transparency of data.
Further features of the ST25TA-E tag IC include partial and whole-memory protection by password in both read and write modes, permanent file locking to prevent rewriting, and anonymous mode to protect consumer privacy. In addition, support for Augmented NFC data exchange format (NDEF) enables simultaneous and native data transfer, initiated conveniently using a smartphone without needing to install an app.
Delivering the enhanced security of on-chip digital signatures with elliptic curve symmetric cryptography, the ST25TA-E NFC chip is priced from $0.325 for orders of 1000 pieces. Samples are available now and volume production is scheduled to start in August 2024.
