Summary of Keep your secret safe with the ATECC608 crypto-authentication chip
Adafruit released the ATECC608 breakout board, featuring Microchip's crypto-auth chip for ECDH, AES-128 encryption, and SHA-256 hashing. It supports I2C communication, hardware random number generation, and operates at 3.3V or 5V. The board includes SparkFun qwiic STEMMA QT connectors for easy integration without soldering. Software support is available via the Arduino ATECCx08 library and Microchip's Cryptoauthlib.
Parts used in the ATECC608 Breakout Board:
- ATECC608 crypto-auth chip
- Breakout PCB with support circuitry
- SparkFun qwiic compatible STEMMA QT connectors
Adafruit has this week announced the availability of the ATECC608 breakout board, featuring the latest crypto-auth chip from Microchip. The chip uses I2C to send and receive commands and once you ‘lock’ the chip with your details, you can use it for ECDH and AES-128 encrypt,decrypt and signing. The breakout board also provides hardware support for random number generation, and SHA-256/HMAC hash functions to greatly speed up a slower micro’s cryptography commands. Adafruit explains a little more about the latest component to be made available from their online store.
“We’re starting to see these low-cost secure element chips in various products, so that a less expensive chip can be used to drive peripherals, without worrying about security. This chip does not have a public datasheet, but it is compatible with the ATECC508 earlier version which does, so please refer to that complete datasheet as well as the ATECC608 summary sheet. The good news is that, despite not having complete documentation, there is some software support. For Arduino use, check out the Arduino ATECCx08 library. For Python and C/C++ check out Microchips Cryptoauthlib (yes we also think it’s odd that there’s no datasheet but there is published code)
To make working with the ATECC608 as easy as possible, we’ve put it on a breakout PCB with the required support circuitry and SparkFun qwiic compatible STEMMA QT connectors. This allows you to use it with other similarly equipped boards without needing to solder. This chip will work with 3.3V or 5V power/logic micros, so it’s ready to get to work with a range of development boards.”
The ATECC608 crypto-authentication chip breakout board is now available to purchase from the Adafruit online store priced at just $4.95
Source: Keep your secret safe with the ATECC608 crypto-authentication chip
- What security features does the ATECC608 chip provide?
The chip supports ECDH, AES-128 encrypt/decrypt, signing, random number generation, and SHA-256/HMAC hash functions. - How does the chip communicate with microcontrollers?
The chip uses I2C to send and receive commands. - Can this board be used with 5V microcontrollers?
Yes, the chip works with 3.3V or 5V power/logic micros. - Is soldering required to connect the breakout board?
No, the board features STEMMA QT connectors that allow use without soldering. - Where can I find software libraries for Arduino?
You can check out the Arduino ATECCx08 library for Arduino use. - What library should I use for Python or C/C++?
Use Microchips Cryptoauthlib for Python and C/C++ development. - Does the ATECC608 have a public datasheet?
No, the chip does not have a public datasheet but is compatible with the earlier ATECC508 version. - What is the price of the ATECC608 breakout board?
The board is priced at just $4.95 from the Adafruit online store.
