Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated 73S1209F-44M/F/PD

Overview

73S1209F-44M/F/PD from Teridian Semiconductor is a self-contained smart card reader IC with integrated 80515 CPU core, ISO-7816/EMV bridge, 5×6 PINpad interface, and dual power supply (2.7–3.6V digital / 4.75–5.5V analog) supporting 1.8V/3V/5V smart card voltages - deployed in low-cost POS terminals and secure government ID readers.

For engineers reviewing the 73S1209F-44M/F/PD datasheet, 73S1209F-44M/F/PD pinout, 73S1209F-44M/F/PD application, or 73S1209F-44M/F/PD equivalent, key selection criteria include UART-to-ISO7816 bridging capability, embedded EMV4.1 firmware support, 24 MIPS processing for AES/DES encryption, I²C expandability for multi-SAM architectures, and hardware-scanned keypad with scrambling.

Technical Context

The 73S1209F-44M/F/PD integrates an 80515-compatible core running at up to 24 MHz (24 MIPS), with dedicated FIFOs for ISO-7816 UART (T=0/T=1 protocols) and independent memory spaces: 32 KB Flash, 2 KB XRAM, and 256 B IRAM. Its on-chip linear regulator generates precise 1.8V/3V/5V VCC for smart cards from the 4.75–5.5V VPC supply.

It implements full EMV 4.1 compliance via hardware sequencers for card activation/deactivation, includes 7 kV ESD protection on all smart card interface pins, and supports expansion via 400 kbps I²C master interface to external Teridian 73S8010x ICs for multi-slot or multi-SAM configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

73S1209F-44M/F/PD is housed in a 44-pin QFN package (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per datasheet Rev. 1.2, Figures 42 and 44, and Table 1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar UART-to-ISO7816 bridge applications.

Compared with Infineon SLE78CLXX and NXP SLB9670, the 73S1209F-44M/F/PD uniquely combines autonomous smart card control, hardware-scrambled keypad, and integrated multi-voltage VCC generation - enabling single-chip, low-BOM PINpad designs without host dependency.

Availability

73S1209F-44M/F/PD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for POS terminal design, government e-ID reader production, and vending machine payment interface development requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 73S1209F-44M/F/PD includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Teridian Semiconductor Corporation was a fabless IC design company specializing in mixed-signal SoCs for secure transaction systems, later acquired by Maxim Integrated in 2010.

The 73S1209F product line targets cost-sensitive, high-assurance smart card reader applications - integrating secure MCU, ISO-7816 interface, PINpad logic, and EMV firmware to accelerate EMV Level 1 certification.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the 73S1209F-44M/F/PD in a smart card system?

The 73S1209F-44M/F/PD serves as a self-contained UART-to-ISO-7816/EMV bridge IC, integrating an 80515 CPU, smart card interface, 5×6 keypad scanner, and embedded EMV4.1 firmware. It enables host systems to communicate with contact smart cards using standard serial protocols while handling all low-level card activation, voltage selection, and cryptographic operations internally - eliminating the need for external controllers or software stacks.

Does the 73S1209F-44M/F/PD support all three ISO-7816 card voltages (1.8V, 3V, 5V)?

Yes, the 73S1209F-44M/F/PD supports all three standard smart card voltages. Its internal low-dropout linear regulator generates precise 1.8V, 3V, or 5V VCC from the 4.75–5.5V VPC supply, automatically selected based on card ATR response. This eliminates external voltage-switching circuitry and ensures full compliance with EMV 4.1 power sequencing requirements.

Can the 73S1209F-44M/F/PD operate without external firmware development?

Yes, the 73S1209F-44M/F/PD ships with turnkey firmware compliant with PC/SC, CCID, ISO-7816, and EMV4.1 specifications - enabling plug-and-play operation over UART with Windows XP/CE/Mobile and Linux host drivers. Customers may optionally develop custom firmware using Teridian's ANSI C libraries and JTAG-like emulator port, but it is not required for basic smart card reader functionality.

What is the role of the VPC and VDD power supplies in the 73S1209F-44M/F/PD?

The 73S1209F-44M/F/PD uses two independent supplies: VDD (2.7–3.6 V) powers the digital core including CPU, UART, I²C, and keypad logic; VPC (4.75–5.5 V) feeds the internal LDO that generates regulated smart card VCC (1.8V/3V/5V). This separation ensures noise isolation between digital switching and sensitive analog/card power domains - critical for EMV reliability and ESD robustness.

How does the 73S1209F-44M/F/PD handle PIN security in PINpad applications?

The 73S1209F-44M/F/PD implements hardware-based PIN security through its dedicated keypad engine: it performs real-time row/column scrambling during key scans, integrates hardware debouncing to reject mechanical glitches, and routes raw key data directly to the 80515 core for encrypted processing - preventing PIN leakage via electromagnetic or timing side channels. All firmware and keys reside in lockable Flash memory secured by on-silicon fuses.