64-Bit MCU Packs IPsec Hardware

Sept. 29, 2003

Security demands require higher- performance hardware solutions. This is just the combination found in NEC Electronics' Vr4133 microcontroller (MCU), which is designed for secure networking operations. The Vr4133 includes hardware support for the encrypted IPsec virtual private network (VPN) protocol, along with a pair of 10/100 Ethernet media access controllers (MACs).

The architecture makes the Vr4133 ideal for residential gateway and router applications that need secure data transmission. In addition to IPsec, the Vr4133 supports Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP), Data Encryption Standard (DES), triple DES, and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithms, as well as Authentication Header (AH), which includes Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA).

The 266-MHz Vr4133 is based on a MIPS processing core with a dual-issue superscalar pipeline that delivers 443 MIPS at only 300 mW. The memory controller supports 32-bit/16-bit SDRAM along with flash and ROM. It also comes with a 16550-compatible serial port. The JTAG debug port is enhanced with N-Wire support.

The Vr4133 is available in a 240-pin fine-pitch ball grid array (FPBGA). Pricing starts at $27.50.

NEC Electronics Americawww.necelam.com

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William G. Wong | Senior Content Director - Electronic Design and Microwaves & RF

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