Maxim Integrated Launches DS28E38 Secure Authenticator Using ChipDNA PUF for Unmatched IoT Protection

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. has unveiled the DS28E38 DeepCover® secure authenticator, a low‑cost, hardware‑based security solution that protects intellectual property and product designs from invasive physical attacks.

"Security can be complicated, but avoiding it is costly," says Don Loomis, vice president of Maxim’s Micros, Security & Software Business Unit. "When you’re protecting valuable assets—especially in medical equipment—the stakes are high," he adds.

Cyberattacks remain a top headline, with IoT devices identified as a major vulnerability. Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that cybercrime damages will reach US$6 trillion annually by 2021.

Despite this, many engineers treat security as an afterthought, believing that implementation is expensive, difficult, and time‑consuming, or relying solely on software to safeguard systems. Even secure integrated circuits can be compromised by sophisticated silicon‑level attacks aimed at extracting cryptographic keys.

The DS28E38 counters these threats with Maxim’s ChipDNA physical unclonable function (PUF) technology. The ChipDNA‑based root key never exists in static memory; instead, it is generated on‑demand from the naturally random analogue characteristics of MOSFET devices. When the key is no longer needed it disappears, and any invasive attack that alters the circuit’s electrical characteristics further impedes exploitation.

"With Maxim’s ChipDNA PUF technology, the DS28E38 is highly effective against physical or black‑box reverse engineering attacks," says Michael Strizich, president of MicroNet Solutions Inc. "Even in a worst‑case insider scenario, the PUF‑generated data remains protected by Maxim’s security features."

The ChipDNA approach also eliminates the need for complex key‑management procedures—keys can be used directly for cryptographic operations. The technology has demonstrated high reliability across process, voltage, temperature, and ageing, and its output passes NIST‑based randomness tests.

Engineers can incorporate the DS28E38 from the outset, adding a robust hacking defence to their designs. The IC is low‑cost and integrates easily via Maxim’s single‑contact 1‑Wire® interface, offering a fixed‑function command set that includes cryptographic operations.

"Designing in hardware‑based security early on doesn’t require a lot of effort, resources, or time," says Scott Jones, managing director of Embedded Security at Maxim Integrated. "With the ChipDNA technology‑based DS28E38, designers can easily fortify their products with the highest level of protection. After all, you can’t steal a key that isn’t there."

Key features of the DS28E38 include a ChipDNA‑protected set of cryptographic tools: an asymmetric (ECC‑P256) hardware engine, a true random number generator (TRNG), a decrement‑only counter with authenticated read, 2 Kb of secured electrically erasable programmable read‑only memory (EEPROM), and a unique 64‑bit ROM identification number.

Maxim highlights the solution’s ease of implementation and cost‑effectiveness: single‑contact 1‑Wire operation, no device‑level firmware development, simplified key management, free host‑system software tools, and a proven 5 ppb PUF key‑error rate over time, temperature, and voltage variations.

The DS28E38 is available on Maxim’s website and through select authorized distributors for $0.83 (1 000‑up, FOB USA). An evaluation kit is available for $65.00. https://www.maximintegrated.com/products/DS28E38

For a video on ChipDNA, see Defend Your IoT Designs from Hackers at https://www.maximintegrated.com/chipdna-video.