New 32-bit, high-security, ARM-based ASSP combats fraud and identity theft

To meet the growing demand for advanced security features to combat fraud and identity theft in the secure transactions arena whilst maintaining the best performance, and fastest timeto- market, Zilog has introduced its new high-performance Zatara™ 32-bit family of ARM® core based ASSP solutions, initially targeting the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Point-of-Sale (POS) market.

Zatara is a single-chip, system-on-chip solution that surpasses the limitations and costs constraints of the conventional dual-processor approach used in POS today. Zatara integrates security and application-management functions certified to EMV (L1) and PCI PED specifications. Besides POS markets, Zatara is also a perfect fit for adjacent markets such as ATMs, unmanned kiosks, vending machines, healthcare, e-government and other mobile and stationary applications.

Built around the 32-bit ARM9 core, the new Zatara solutions feature an embedded security subsystem to accelerate development of payment, identity-verification and credit system access-control applications. Security features include embedded secure boot ROM, a true 32- bit random number generator meeting NIST800-22 and an SHA-1 hash generator. There is also a battery-backed security island comprising secure RAM, an RTC, a security controller, and tamper circuitry. Multiple tamper-detection mechanisms are supported, including tamper switches, clock-frequency and glitch detection, as well as wire-mesh sensors.

Integrated peripherals include a magnetic card reader meeting ISO7811 standards and two Smart Card controllers. An embedded soft modem and LCD interface adds further valuable support for the wide range of retail, banking, security and government applications that will benefit from Zilog’s Zatara technology.

In addition to the current line-up of four application-optimised ICs, the Zatara environment provides comprehensive facilities including a Board Support Package (BSP), software and APIs, application notes, a POS reference-design kit and an extensive ecosystem of Zilog-certified developers.

 

FEATURES Support for any OS environment Ported Linux operating system DMA, SDRAM and interrupt controllers Power-management features

APPLICATIONS Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals Automated banking e-government systems Identity-verification Access-control system

 

 

The ZA9L POS reference design kit is available to members of the Future Board Club. To apply for the development board, and membership of the Board Club, go to www.my-boardclub.com/manf-offers.htm This offer is free and subject to qualification.

 

Zilog/Zatara