Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAXQ1103-ENS+

Overview

MAXQ1103-ENS+ from Maxim Integrated is a DeepCover™ secure microcontroller featuring a 32-bit MAXQ30 RISC core, 512KB internal flash, 32KB SRAM (including 1KB battery-backed NV SRAM), hardware cryptographic accelerators for ECDSA/DSA/RSA/SHA-256/3DES, and rapid zeroization triggered by tamper sensors. It operates from -40°C to +85°C in 144-pin TQFP and targets EMV banking terminals and PCI-compliant secure transaction systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAXQ1103-ENS+ datasheet, MAXQ1103-ENS+ pinout, MAXQ1103-ENS+ application, or MAXQ1103-ENS+ equivalent, key selection considerations include FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification readiness, dual-voltage operation (1.8V core / 3.3V I/O), ISO 7816 UART support, USB device controller with four endpoints, and tamper-responsive rapid zeroization capability.

Technical Context

The MAXQ1103-ENS+ integrates a pipelined 32-bit MAXQ30 RISC core running DC to 25MHz (≈1 MIPS/MHz), with three independent data pointers and 16×32-bit accumulators. Its security architecture includes a secure memory protection unit, triple-DES encrypted external memory bus, and unresettable true-time clock for timestamping and expiration enforcement.

Cryptographic acceleration is implemented via dedicated hardware blocks: 2048-bit modulo arithmetic accelerator for RSA/DSA, SHA engine supporting SHA-1/224/256, DES/3DES engine, and FIPS 186-2–compliant true hardware RNG. Tamper detection uses on-die high/low temperature sensors and user-defined self-destruct inputs (SDI[1:7]).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAXQ1103-ENS+ is housed in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP) with 0.5mm pitch, thermally enhanced for industrial temperature operation (-40°C to +85°C). The package includes dedicated tamper-sensing pins (SDI[1:7]), dual power domains (VDD/VDDIO/VBAT), and segregated analog/digital ground planes (GND/GND2).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar secure microcontroller applications.

Compared with MAXQ1103-ENS+, the MAXQ1102-ENS+ reduces memory and removes USB but retains identical tamper response and crypto acceleration, while the ST33TPHF2ES offers stronger formal certification at the expense of zeroization speed and hardware RNG assurance.

Availability

MAXQ1103-ENS+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for EMV banking terminals, PCI PTS-compliant PIN pads, and secure access control systems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MAXQ1103-ENS+ 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

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) designs high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, communications, computing, and consumer applications.

The MAXQ1103-ENS+ belongs to the DeepCover® secure microcontroller product line, engineered specifically for applications demanding physical tamper resistance, cryptographic agility, and regulatory compliance in financial transaction and identity verification systems.

FAQ

What security certifications does the MAXQ1103-ENS+ support?

The MAXQ1103-ENS+ is designed to meet FIPS 140-2 Level 3, ITSEC E3 High, and Common Criteria certification requirements. Its architecture includes tamper-detection sensors, rapid zeroization, encrypted memory buses, and certified cryptographic engines - all essential for achieving these standards. While final certification is granted per implementation, the MAXQ1103-ENS+ provides the foundational hardware capabilities required for evaluation and validation against those criteria.

Does the MAXQ1103-ENS+ include a hardware random-number generator?

Yes, the MAXQ1103-ENS+ integrates a true hardware random-number generator (RNG) compliant with FIPS 186-2. It derives entropy from analog circuit noise and is directly accessible via dedicated registers. This RNG is used internally for key generation and can be accessed by firmware to seed cryptographic operations - a critical feature for the MAXQ1103-ENS+'s role in secure key establishment and non-repudiation.

Can the MAXQ1103-ENS+ operate with both 1.8V and 3.3V supplies simultaneously?

Yes, the MAXQ1103-ENS+ supports dual-supply operation: VDD = 1.8V powers the core logic, while VDDIO = 3.3V powers the I/O banks. This allows low-power core execution while maintaining compatibility with standard 3.3V peripherals and interfaces such as USB and ISO 7816. The MAXQ1103-ENS+ also supports 5V-tolerant I/O pins, simplifying integration into mixed-voltage systems.

What is the purpose of the SDI[1:7] pins on the MAXQ1103-ENS+?

The SDI[1:7] pins on the MAXQ1103-ENS+ are user-defined self-destruct inputs that trigger immediate rapid zeroization of all cryptographic keys and sensitive user data when asserted. These inputs can be connected to external tamper switches, enclosures, or sensor outputs. Their activation bypasses software control - ensuring that even if firmware is compromised, physical intrusion still results in irreversible key erasure on the MAXQ1103-ENS+.

Does the MAXQ1103-ENS+ support external memory expansion?

Yes, the MAXQ1103-ENS+ supports up to 8MB of external program and data memory via a dedicated word-wide memory bus with programmable wait states. This interface includes PCS1/PCS1N and PCS2/PCS2N chip selects, AD[19:0] address lines, and ED[31:0] data lines. The MAXQ1103-ENS+'s memory management unit (MMU) and secure encryptor/decryptor ensure protected, authenticated access to off-chip memory - extending secure storage beyond its 512KB internal flash.