Enova X-Wall MX+ security chip protects SATA data in real-time

By Jim Harrison

The X-Wall MX+ SATA-to-SATA real-time crypto IC has selectable AES, ECB, CBC, CBC with Tweak, and XTS 256-bit encryption strength. It functions at SATA Gen 3 (6 Gbit/s) or Gen 2 (3 Gbit/s) real-time speeds. The chip also allows setting encrypted data keys along with identity- and role-based authentication capabilities derived from built-in hardware crypto. Key management can be versatile, which includes PIN/password through pre-boot authentication, TPM, smartcard, fingerprint, single sign-on, or USB-type external key token.

The X-Wall MX+ chip has built-in TCG Opal 2.0 capability to effectively transform any number of standard SATA disk or SSD to an Opal 2.0-compliant drive. When working in conjunction with another built-in IEEE1667 firmware, the X-Wall MX+ can transform any number or capacity of standard SATA disks or SSDs into an eDrive, and Microsoft BitLocker can manage and configure it. It comes in a 64-pin LQFP package and offers an optional –45° to 90°C operating range. Price information was not available.