VLSI VMS230 GhostRider Security Chip Sets New Standards for PC-based Data Encryption/Decryption; Single Chip Solution Tackles Wide Range of New Media Data Security Applications, Important Pillar of Microsoft Interactive PC/TV Initiative

Business Wire, Jan 28, 1997

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 1997--VLSI Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: VLSI) will make PCI based computers, modems, web browsers and set-top-boxes safer for intellectual property distribution and electronic commerce through the hardware implementation of its new VMS230 GhostRider(TM) PCI bus-compatible real-time data encryption/decryption chip solution.

Already identified as a key element of Microsoft's interactive PC/TV Platform, the GhostRider security processor enables a full slate of functions including file encryption, secure communications, safe distribution of high-value intellectual property, secure electronic commerce, private email and user authentication with minimal impact on system speed or data throughput.

"Establishing a high confidence level in the security of electronic commerce is impossible without the protected transmission of intellectual property," commented Umesh Padval, senior vice president and general manager of VLSI computing products. "The GhostRider data security processor converts the PC into a very attractive platform for electronic commerce and content distribution by entertainment companies, publishers, software houses and other information providers.

"In return, end-users will enjoy a wider selection of products and services at lower prices as content providers discover the benefits of secured electronic product distribution. Imagine -- no printing, no tape or CD duplication, no shipping, no dealer returns, instant updates and direct contact with end-customers."

Rising Demand for Hardware-based Data Security

VLSI approaches the fast-growing market opportunity for electronic commerce security as the acknowledged leader in digital cryptography ICs. While traditional approaches to data security stress software solutions, software-only data security has proven vulnerable to attack. In addition, software security algorithms typically run on the same microprocessors used to manage other data.

This often slows down overall computer performance, particularly when using strong, mathematically intense cryptographic algorithms.

VLSI's security IC architecture vastly strengthens data security and privacy by performing all security encryption/decryption within a dedicated chip, closed to outside attack. In addition, VLSI security ICs integrate an on-chip RISC processor with encryption/decryption engine functional system blocks(TM) (FSB(TM)) that accelerate cryptography processing and relieve main CPUs of data security processing overhead.

VLSI began its involvement in the data security market supplying cryptography ICs to data security-conscious private companies. Rapid growth in sectors such as digital cable television, wireless communications, the Internet, direct broadcast satellite, electronic commerce, telephone, and digital subscriber lines (DSL) have resulted in unprecedented demand for secure, private communications in almost all niches of the electronics industry.

Designed Into Microsoft PC/TV Platform

The GhostRider chip has already been designated as the standard data encryption engine for the Microsoft interactive PC/TV platform. PC/TV services will deliver a wide range of electronic commerce products and services via satellite to end users including digital video, software downloads, home shopping and financial services. PC/TV lead customers and partners for the GhostRider chip include, ComStream, DIRECTV(R), Hughes Network Systems, and Samsung.

VLSI and Bell Labs Co-Development

The GhostRider security chip results from cooperative development between VLSI and Bell Laboratories, the research and development arm of Lucent Technologies. Bell Labs provided much of the encryption/decryption firmware embedded in the GhostRider chip.

"Working with VLSI, we have jointly created a robust data security solution ideally suited to addressing the security needs of the vast installed base of PCs. Data security is equally crucial on corporate desktops where companies want to preserve confidential data and in homes where families want to access commercial entertainment and on-line commerce services," said Dan Heer, technical manager, secure technologies department, Bell Labs, Andover, Mass.

"VLSI is enabling industries to secure intellectual property on a PC platform to a degree previously unimaginable. We are achieving tremendously high levels of security in the GhostRider chip with our encryption and anti-reverse engineering technologies," commented Richard Takahashi, director of engineering for the VLSI Secure and Commercial Products Group.

GhostRider Chip Security Features and Benefits

The VLSI GhostRider real-time data encryption/decryption chip is an application-specific standard product (ASSP) designed as a PCI based cryptographic processor. Main elements of the chip include a PCI bus master-slave interface block, VLSI VK110 Security FSB, secure VLSI vROM(TM) OTP (one time programmable) memory, ARM RISC processor FSB, an I2C serial interface block and a generic 8-bit input interface block. The VK110 security block supports DES (Data Encryption Standard), Triple DES and random number generation. The ARM RISC processor core manages operations of the GhostRider encryption chip, accelerating encryption/decryption functions. The VMS230 chip's PCI block acts as the gateway between the crypto subsystem and the PC's main data bus.