Processor Protects Data In High-Speed Systems

An IC has been developed that is designed to bring a comprehensive suite of data security functions, as well as a hardware acceleration feature, to high-speed networking systems, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and to systems such as financial servers requiring cryptographic security capabilities. The VMS747 Security Processor melds onto a single chip an ARM7 32-bit, 100-MHz processor together with transportable IP blocks from the firm's large portfolio of security-related circuits.
The chip's security features include a dual-state processor architecture, encrypted program code execution, and anti-spoofing technology, all integrated with an IPSec accelerator. With a parallel 3DES and MD5/SHA-1 hashing speed exceeding 256 Mb/s, the VMS747 is well-suited for use in VPNs working at OC3 or greater speeds. Parallel execution of encryption and hashing functions saves multiple movements of data through the chip. And public-key operations are accelerated with an on-chip exponentiator. In addition, a random number generator is available for key generation. The chip is said to offer a savings of up to 35% over existing solutions.
Housed in 256-pin PBGAs, the VMS747 costs $42.79 each/10,000. The Velocity RSP7Security Platform, which comes as either a standalone development platform or a PCI add-in card costs $12,000. The VMS747 software development kit is also available.