STMicroelectronics Migrates TCG 1.2 Trusted Platform Module To 0.15-Micron Process Technology

Geneva - STMicroelectronics, believed to be the first company to release a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) fully compliant with the TCG (Trusted Computing Group) TPM 1.2 specification, recently announced a new module which is manufactured in ST's advanced 0.15-micron CMOS EEPROM process technology. The new ST19NP18 is based on the successful previous-generation ST19WP18 TPM, with the 0.15-micron process delivering additional cost benefits for PC manufacturers, claim the company sources.

STMicroelectronics released the following salient features about the module:

• Embedded in a computer system motherboard, the TPM provides secure storage for keys, passwords and digital certificates, to enable platform validation, core root of trust, and management of user credentials. The TPM can be used to verify that hardware is unchanged and that the BIOS has not been compromised. ST has shipped several million TPM devices to leading desktop and laptop computer manufacturers which have deployed the devices since the beginning of 2006. The introduction of this new device confirms ST's leading position and ongoing commitment to Trusted Computing technology.
• Conforming to the most up-to-date version of the TCG TPM specification, version 1.2, the ST19NP18-TPM also supports a highly secure Field Upgrade capability, to enable upgrades to future TCG specifications; to implement enhanced security countermeasures based on new security policies; and to react to newly-identified security threats. The upgrade mechanism takes full advantage of the product's hardware security features and a Public Key Infrastructure.
• Trusted capabilities, based on the TCG specifications, are being implemented in the majority of new PC platforms, with ST's TPMs being used by leading PC manufacturers, as well as by major motherboard makers and PC OEMs. The ST19NP18 TPM has tested successfully with the native device driver in Microsoft's forthcoming Windows Vista operating system, and forms a hardware basis for Vista's new BitLocker Drive Encryption™ security feature.
• The TPM is supported by a complete turnkey TCG software package for PC manufacturers and OEMs, thanks to third-party agreements. The chip includes the Core TCG Software Stack (CTSS) licensed from NTRU Cryptosystems Inc., which provides essential core interface and security services framework for any application that relies on the TPM; and the Embassy® Security Center (ESC) and Cryptographic Services Provider (CSP) from Wave Systems Corp., which are powerful TPM management and cryptographic support utilities for PC applications.

Documentation: the datasheet is online at http://www.st.com/stonline/products/literature/bd/12803/st19np18-tpm.htm

SOURCE: STMicroelectronics, Inc.