The MAXREFDES155 Development Kit for IoT Security

Maxim just released the MAXREFDES155 development kit and reference design aimed to secure IoT systems. Learn more about it here.

This IoT embedded-security reference design is used to authenticate and control sensor nodes. Maxim prefaced the release with a cryptic video (linked below) detailing common IoT security vulnerabilities and how their system tackles them. Maxim's goal for the development platform was to provide designers with quick and easy to implement crypto-strong authentication for their IoT products as they look to expand their embedded security portfolio.

Its targeted applications are authenticating IoT device nodes, securely updating IoT configuration data, authenticating data at all levels from the sensor endpoint to a web server, protecting network connected applications from counterfeiting, and invalidating unauthorized sensor endpoints.

 

The shield board (left) and the temperature sensor module (right)

How does it work? What comes in the kit?

The platform protects IoT systems from hackers by generating signatures and verifying message authenticity. The heart of their system is the DS2476 Deep Cover Secure Co-Processor and the DS28C36 Deep Cover Secure Authenticator, each of which is in a 3mm × 3mm, 6-pin TDFN package.

The kit, itself, comes with a shield board that holds the DS2476, a temperature sensor module with the DS28C36 authenticator, and a MAX32600 mbed microcontroller board. Make sure you have a USB-to-micro USB cable, though, as the Quick Start Guide says one is required but does not say if one is included.

You can learn how to set the platform up out of the box in that cryptic video mentioned earlier or via the MAXREFDES155 Quick Start Guide linked below.

Resources to Get Started

• Schematic (PDF)
• Bill of Materials (PDF)
• PCB Layout (PDF)
• PCB Gerber file (Zip File)
• Quick Start Guide

 

If you get your hands on one, let us know what you think of it in the comments!