Microchip Technology AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO

Overview

AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a development kit for the ATSHA204A CryptoAuthentication secure authentication IC, featuring hardware-based SHA-256 key storage, single-wire interface, and 4.5KB secure EEPROM. It enables secure boot, ecosystem control, and anti-cloning in cost-sensitive embedded systems using SOIC8 packaging.

For engineers reviewing the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO datasheet, AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO pinout, AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO application, or AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO equivalent, this kit provides hands-on validation of SHA-256 HMAC authentication, factory-unique 72-bit ID, low-power <150nA sleep mode, and I²C/SWI interoperability with host MCUs.

Technical Context

The AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO is a hardware evaluation platform designed to demonstrate the ATSHA204A crypto element's secure symmetric authentication capabilities. It supports both single-wire (SWI) and I²C interfaces, implements SHA-256-based HMAC challenge-response protocols, and exposes the device's 4.5KB encrypted EEPROM for secure credential storage.

This kit targets rapid integration of hardware-rooted trust into resource-constrained systems. It validates secure download workflows, firmware integrity checks, and accessory authentication-leveraging the ATSHA204A's tamper-resistant key vault, 256-bit keys, and factory-programmed unique identifiers without requiring MCU-side cryptographic expertise.

Key Specifications

Availability

AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure boot validation, accessory authentication, and firmware integrity verification requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing for industrial IoT and medical device OEMs.

Supply support for AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO 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

Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains the CryptoAuthentication product line as a leader in hardware security ICs for embedded trust and secure identity management.

The AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO belongs to Microchip's CryptoAuthentication evaluation kit family, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of hardware-rooted authentication in cost-sensitive, low-pin-count embedded designs.

FAQ

What is the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO used for?

The AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO is an evaluation kit for the ATSHA204A secure authentication IC. It allows engineers to validate SHA-256 HMAC challenge-response authentication, secure key storage, and factory-unique ID functionality in real hardware. The AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO supports both I²C and single-wire interfaces and is used for prototyping secure boot, accessory authentication, and firmware integrity verification before full system integration.

Does the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO include the ATSHA204A IC?

Yes, the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO includes a pre-soldered ATSHA204A crypto element in an SOIC8 package. The board provides test points, jumpers for interface selection (I²C or SWI), LED indicators, and a 3.3V LDO regulator - all configured to operate the ATSHA204A out-of-the-box with minimal host MCU setup.

Can the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO be used with Arduino or Raspberry Pi?

Yes, the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO is compatible with Arduino and Raspberry Pi via its standard I²C interface (address 0x64) and optional single-wire mode. Microchip provides open-source Arduino libraries and Python examples that directly support the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO, enabling rapid implementation of secure authentication without modifying the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO hardware.

What security standards does the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO help implement?

The AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO enables implementation of NIST SP 800-107 (HMAC-SHA256), FIPS 180-4 (SHA-256), and ISO/IEC 17025-aligned secure provisioning workflows. It demonstrates hardware-enforced key protection, secure counter usage, and authenticated data storage - all validated through the ATSHA204A's certified cryptographic engine, not software emulation. The AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO itself is not certified but serves as a reference for building compliant systems.

Is there documentation or example code for the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO?

Yes, Microchip provides the AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO User Guide (doc8756), complete schematic, BOM, and GitHub-hosted firmware examples for PIC, AVR, ARM, Arduino, and Linux platforms. These resources include working HMAC challenge-response sequences, secure memory write/read routines, and counter increment verification - all tested on the physical AT88CKSCKTSOIC-XPRO board.