Infineon Technologies SLE 66C168PE MFC5.6

Overview

SLE 66C168PE from Infineon Technologies is an 8/16-bit security controller IC designed for smart card applications, featuring 68-Kbyte ROM, 2304-Byte RAM (256-byte IRAM + 2048-byte XRAM), 16-Kbyte MicroSlim-EEPROM, dual-key Triple DES accelerator, and EAL5+-targeted security architecture in 0.22 µm CMOS. It supports ISO/IEC 7816 T=0/T=1 protocols and operates across 1.8 V / 3.0 V / 5.0 V supply rails.

For engineers reviewing the SLE 66C168PE datasheet, SLE 66C168PE pinout, SLE 66C168PE application, or SLE 66C168PE equivalent, this device serves as a certified-grade embedded security core for GSM UICC, EMV payment, and PayTV cards-requiring deterministic crypto timing, on-chip voltage/frequency/temperature sensing, and memory protection under side-channel attack conditions.

Technical Context

The SLE 66C168PE implements a hardened ECO2000 CPU core with SAB 8051 opcode compatibility plus extended instructions for >64 KB physical memory access up to 16 Mbyte. Its Memory Management and Protection Unit (MMU) enforces strict OS/application mode separation using 16 configurable descriptors and supports secure multi-application runtime loading.

Security execution relies on dedicated hardware: Dual-Key Triple DES accelerator (3.5 µs @ 33 MHz for 64-bit block), True Random Number Generator with firmware test, CRC-16 module per ISO/IEC 3309, and integrated sensor suite (voltage, frequency, temperature, light, glitch) with UMSLC life-test function-all coordinated by a hardware-controlled active shield and sparkling SFR encryption.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Die (unsawn/wire-bonded M5 module option for plastic card embedding). Pin count: 5-terminal configuration optimized for contact-based smart card interfaces.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar security controller applications.

Compared with SLE 66C167PE, the SLE 66C168PE adds DDES acceleration and larger ROM for complex payment kernels; versus SLE 78CLXX, it trades newer process and AES for proven field reliability and lower power in constrained 1.8 V UICC environments.

Availability

SLE 66C168PE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GSM UICC, EMV payment card, and PayTV conditional access applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and certified security IP.

Supply support for SLE 66C168PE 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

Infineon Technologies AG is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in security ICs, power management, and automotive electronics, headquartered in Munich.

The SLE 66C168PE belongs to Infineon's Security & Chip Card ICs product line, engineered specifically for contact smart cards meeting stringent Common Criteria, EMV, and telecom regulatory mandates.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported external clock frequency for SLE 66C168PE?

The SLE 66C168PE accepts external clock inputs from 1 MHz to 7.5 MHz, which feed its internal PLL to generate up to 33 MHz core frequency. Operation above 7.5 MHz on CLK violates specification and may cause undefined behavior in sensor monitoring and crypto timing.

Does SLE 66C168PE support AES encryption in hardware?

No-SLE 66C168PE provides only hardware-accelerated Dual-Key Triple DES (DDES) per ANSI X9.17. AES operations must be implemented in ROM-resident firmware; later Infineon families like SLE 78CLXX integrate native AES-NI engines.

Can the MicroSlim-EEPROM be programmed byte-by-byte during card personalization?

Yes-the EEPROM supports true byte-wise read/write and erase, enabled by its enhanced Error Correction Unit and flexible page mode (1–64 bytes). Fast personalization mode achieves <0.9 ms per page, critical for high-throughput card issuance lines.

Is the SLE 66C168PE qualified for use in medical implantable devices?

No-Infineon explicitly prohibits use in life-support devices unless granted express written approval. The SLE 66C168PE is certified for consumer-facing secure elements (UICC, payment, ID), not safety-critical biomedical systems per ISO 13485 or IEC 62304.