
HCS410
DS40158B-page 2
Preliminary
1997 Microchip Technology Inc.
DESCRIPTION
The HCS410 is a code hopping transponder device
designed for secure entry systems. The HCS410 uti-
lizes the patented K
EELOQ
code hopping system and bi-
directional challenge-and-response for logical and
physical access control. High security learning mecha-
nisms make this a turnkey solution when used with the
K
EELOQ
decoders. The encoder keys and synchroniza-
tion information are stored in protected on-chip
EEPROM.
A low cost batteryless transponder can be implemented
with the addition of an inductor and two capacitors. A
packaged module including the inductor and capacitor
will also be offered.
A single HCS410 can be used as an encoder for
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) and a transponder for
immobilization in the same circuit and thereby dramati-
cally reducing the cost of hybrid transmitter/transpon-
der circuits.
1.0
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.1
Key Terms
CH Mode – Code Hopping Mode. The HCS410
will transmit a 69-bit transmission each time it is
activated, with at least 32-bits changing each time
the encoder is activated.
Encoder Key – A unique 64-bit key generated and
programmed into the encoder during the manufac-
turing process. The encoder key controls the
encryption algorithm and is stored in EEPROM on
the encoder device.
IFF – Identify friend or foe is a means of validating
a token. A decoder will send a random challenge
to the token and check that the response of the
token is a valid response.
K
EE
L
OQ
Encryption Algorithm – The high security
level of the HCS410 is based on the patented
K
EE
L
technology. A block cipher encryption
algorithm based on a block length of 32 bits and a
key length of 64 bits is used. The algorithm
obscures the information in such a way that even
if the unencrypted/challenge information differs by
only one bit from the information in the previous
transmission/challenge, the next coded transmis-
sion/response will be totally different. Statistically,
if only one bit in the 32-bit string of information
changes, approximately 50 percent of the coded
transmission will change.
Learn – The HCS product family facilitates several
learning strategies to be implemented on the
decoder. The following are examples of what can
be done.
Normal Learn
–The receiver uses the same informa-
tion that is transmitted during normal operation to
derive the transmitter’s encoder key, decrypt the dis-
crimination value and the synchronization counter.
Secure Learn*
– The transmitter is activated through
a special button combination to transmit a stored 60-
bit value (random seed) that can be used for key gen-
eration or be part of the key. Transmission of the ran-
dom seed can be disabled after learning is
completed.
Manufacturer’s Code – A 64-bit word, unique to
each manufacturer, used to produce a unique
encoder key in each transmitter (encoder).
OQ
*Secure Learn patent pending.