Stmicroelectronics launches next generation security microcontroller

     STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor leader serving multiple electronic applications, recently launched the latest generation of the ST31 security microcontroller, which enables contact and contactless payment cards, ID cards and gates to enhance transaction security.

     Using ST31N600's 40 nm eSTM manufacturing technology, the ST31N600 integrates the energy harvesting circuitry and additional connectivity technology required for biometric identification and Card Dynamic Verification (dCVV), enabling battery-free smart cards to enhance user authentication security in contactless and online transactions. Based on the latest generation Arm® SecurCore™ secure microcontroller architecture, the ST31N600 complies with the EMV ISO 7816, ISO 14443 and ISO 18092 standards for contact and contactless smart cards, and allows designers to securely connect a variety of peripherals, introducing value-added functionality within the card.

     "The ST31N600 is the starting point for a huge advance in smart cards, with its strong security and capabilities enabling easy-to-use, innovative payment authentication mechanisms," said Laurent Degauque, Marketing Director, Security Microcontroller Division, stmicroelectronics. We will be showcasing this product at Trustech 2021, along with a secure biometric payment scheme based on STPay-Topaz-Bio and a secure online transaction dCVV solution."

     STPay-Topaz-Bio is a ready-to-use payment solution that enhances the security of cardholder biometric verification, adding security to the speed and convenience of contactless transactions. The on-card Biometric Identification System (BSoC) solution is based on the ST31N600 and ultra-low power STM32L4* microcontroller, both embedded within the Eurocard Mastercard Visa mastercard (EMV) module. The ST31N600 runs payment applications, biometric template matching, and an energy harvesting system that powers the system.

     The ST31N600 product is also an ideal choice for e-commerce payment based on dCVV technology, which generates a dynamically refreshed payment code after each EMV transaction without the need for external batteries or clock timers.