Microchip Technology AT97SC3205-H3M4510B

Overview

AT97SC3205-H3M4510B from Microchip (formerly Atmel) is a single-chip Trusted Platform Module (TPM) implementing TCG TPM 1.2 and PC Client-Specific TIS 1.3 specifications. It integrates an AVR RISC microprocessor, hardware asymmetric crypto engine, FIPS-140-2 certified RNG, HMAC/AES/SHA/RSA engines, and 2066-byte NV user storage. It operates at 3.3V with SPI interface up to 45MHz and targets secure boot and platform integrity in PC and embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B datasheet, AT97SC3205-H3M4510B pinout, AT97SC3205-H3M4510B application, or AT97SC3205-H3M4510B equivalent, key selection considerations include TCG 1.2 compliance, SPI timing (24–33 MHz typical), industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), QFN-32 package, and FIPS-140-2 certification scope covering RNG, HMAC, AES, SHA, and RSA.

Technical Context

The AT97SC3205-H3M4510B implements a dedicated security co-processor architecture with on-die EEPROM for RSA key storage and dynamic internal memory management for key caching. Its hardware crypto engine offloads asymmetric operations (RSA), while the integrated FIPS-140-2 certified RNG supplies entropy for key generation and TCG protocol functions.

It uses a SPI slave interface with active-low PIRQ#, SPI_CS#, SPI_RST#, and configurable GPIOs including PP/GPIO for hardware physical presence assertion. The device enters low-power state automatically during idle periods without system intervention, and supports secure firmware execution via ROM and EEPROM-based program storage.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT97SC3205-H3M4510B is packaged in a 32-pad Very Thin QFN (32M3) with exposed thermal pad tied internally to GND. The package measures 4.0 × 4.0 × 0.9 mm with 0.4 mm lead pitch and complies with JEDEC MO-220.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar TPM 1.2 security module applications.

Compared with SLB9665TT2.0 and NPCT750YAXX, the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B provides a self-contained AVR-based execution environment with GPIO Express functionality and optimized SPI timing for legacy PC chipset compatibility - making it especially suitable for cost-sensitive industrial OEMs needing drop-in TPM 1.2 functionality without host CPU overhead.

Availability

AT97SC3205-H3M4510B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure boot authentication, embedded device identity provisioning, and industrial control system secure firmware update applications requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for AT97SC3205-H3M4510B 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 Inc. is a global semiconductor company delivering smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions. It acquired Atmel in 2016, integrating its AVR and security product lines.

The AT97SC3205-H3M4510B belongs to Microchip's Trusted Platform Module family, designed specifically to deliver certified, turnkey hardware-rooted trust for PC, server, and industrial embedded platforms requiring TCG 1.2 compliance and FIPS-140-2 validation.

FAQ

What TCG specifications does the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B implement?

The AT97SC3205-H3M4510B implements Trusted Computing Group (TCG) TPM Version 1.2 Specification and the PC Client-Specific TPM Interface Specification (TIS) Version 1.3. These standards define command sets, data structures, and communication protocols enabling interoperable trusted computing features across BIOS, OS, and applications. The AT97SC3205-H3M4510B fully conforms to both, supporting all mandatory commands and optional features defined in those documents.

Does the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B support FIPS-140-2 certification, and which modules are covered?

Yes, the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B is FIPS-140-2 Level 2 certified. Certification explicitly covers the hardware Random Number Generator (RNG), HMAC, AES, SHA, and RSA cryptographic engines. This validation confirms algorithm correctness, entropy quality, and resistance to physical and logical attacks - essential for deployment in U.S. federal and financial systems. The AT97SC3205-H3M4510B certificate number and scope are published in the NIST CMVP database.

What is the function of the PP/GPIO pin on the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B?

The PP/GPIO pin on the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B serves as the Hardware Physical Presence indicator, active-high. It enables hardware-enforced authorization for sensitive TPM operations such as TPM_Clear, dictionary attack lockout reset, or owner hierarchy disable. When asserted, it signals that a physically present operator has approved the action. The AT97SC3205-H3M4510B defaults this pin to GPIO input mode with internal pull-down, and it must be tied to VCC via a pushbutton or switch to activate physical presence mode.

What SPI timing parameters apply to the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B in typical PC operation?

In typical PC operation, the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B operates with SPI clock frequencies between 24 MHz and 33 MHz, as specified in the summary datasheet. While the device supports up to 45 MHz, the 24–33 MHz range aligns with standard Intel PCH and AMD chipset SPI timing budgets and ensures robust signal integrity across motherboard traces. The AT97SC3205-H3M4510B requires setup/hold times relative to SPI_CLK edges and mandates SPI_CS# deassertion between transactions to avoid bus contention.

How is non-volatile storage allocated on the AT97SC3205-H3M4510B?

The AT97SC3205-H3M4510B provides 2066 bytes of user-defined NV storage space, separate from internal RSA key storage. This area is accessible via TCG-defined NV write/read commands and persists across power cycles. It is implemented in on-die EEPROM and supports wear leveling through firmware-managed page allocation. The AT97SC3205-H3M4510B reserves additional NV space for TPM state variables, PCR logs, and authorization policies - all managed transparently by the onboard firmware without host intervention.