Infineon Technologies SLE 4442 C

Overview

SLE 4442 C from Siemens AG is an intelligent 256-byte EEPROM IC for contact-based smart cards, featuring a 3-byte programmable security code (PSC), irreversible byte-wise write protection for addresses 0–31, and ISO/IEC 7816-3 synchronous two-wire interface. It operates at 5 V, supports ≥10⁴ write/erase cycles, and guarantees ≥10-year data retention.

For engineers reviewing the SLE 4442 C datasheet, SLE 4442 C pinout, SLE 4442 C application in secure identification systems, or SLE 4442 C equivalent for chip card authentication, this page delivers verified electrical specs, contact-level functional roles, memory architecture details, and direct alternatives with documented security and protection differences.

Technical Context

The SLE 4442 C implements a synchronous serial interface compliant with ISO/IEC 7816-3 using CLK and bidirectional I/O lines, with RST-controlled reset and Answer-to-Reset response. Its memory is partitioned into 256-byte main memory, 32-bit protection memory (bits 0–31), and 24-bit security memory (3-byte PSC).

Security enforcement requires successful PSC verification before any update to main or security memory; failed attempts increment a permanent error counter. Protection memory bits are one-time programmable and lock corresponding main memory bytes permanently against overwrite.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SLE 4442 C is supplied as a bare die (chip) for customer packaging into ISO-compliant smart card modules. It uses the M2.2 contact layout defined in ISO/IEC 7816-2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT88SC0104CA-SH and SLE 4432 C, the SLE 4442 C provides deterministic, hardware-enforced PSC validation and irreversible protection within a minimal 256-byte footprint-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, ISO 7816-compliant ID systems where cryptographic acceleration is unnecessary.

Availability

SLE 4442 C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for government ID issuance, banking card personalization, telecom credential provisioning, and physical access token manufacturing requiring stable component supply across multi-year production programs.

Supply support for SLE 4442 C 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

Siemens AG Semiconductor Group (now Infineon Technologies) was a leading European semiconductor manufacturer, specializing in industrial, automotive, and secure identification ICs before its semiconductor division spun off in 1999.

The SLE 4442 C belongs to Siemens' Chip Card IC product line, designed specifically for contact-based smart card applications requiring tamper-resistant memory, standardized ISO 7816 interfaces, and hardware-level access control for credential integrity.

FAQ

Is the SLE 4442 C pin-compatible with the SLE 4432 C?

Yes, both share identical M2.2 contact layout and pin functions (C1–C8), including VCC, RST, CLK, GND, and I/O assignments. However, SLE 4442 C implements additional internal logic for PSC verification and security memory access, meaning firmware must be updated to issue Compare Verification and Update Security Memory commands-hardware replacement alone is insufficient for full feature migration.

What is the purpose of the 32-bit protection memory?

The 32-bit protection memory maps one-to-one with main memory bytes 0 through 31. Once programmed, each bit permanently disables write/erase operations to its corresponding byte. This protects critical header data-such as document type, issuer ID, or initial checksum-from modification, even after PSC verification succeeds, ensuring structural integrity of stored credentials.

Does the SLE 4442 C require a license for smart card use?

Yes. Use in smart card applications requires a separate license from Innovatron (Paris, France), which holds essential patents covering the transmission protocol and security architecture. Siemens explicitly states that component supply does not include this license; end users must obtain authorization directly from Innovatron prior to commercial deployment.

How is the Programmable Security Code (PSC) verified and updated?

The PSC is verified using the Compare Verification Data command (0x20), which compares a host-supplied 3-byte value against the stored 24-bit code. On match, subsequent Update Security Memory (0x22) or Update Main Memory (0x24) commands are enabled. The PSC itself can be rewritten only after successful verification, and failed attempts increment a non-resettable error counter that permanently disables further updates upon reaching threshold.