HCS509
DS40147A-page 2
Preliminary
1996 Microchip Technology Inc.
1.0
K
EE
L
OQ
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.1
Key Terms
Manufacturer’s Code – a 64-bit word, unique to
each manufacturer, used to produce a unique
encryption key in each transmitter (encoder).
Decryption Key – a unique 64-bit key generated or
programmed into the decoder. The decryption key
controls the encryption algorithm and is stored in
EEPROM on the decoder device.
Learn – The receiver uses the same information
that is transmitted during normal operation to
derive the transmitter’s secret key, decrypt the dis-
crimination value and the synchronization counter
in learning mode to match a transmitter to a
receiver. The encryption/decryption key is a func-
tion of the manufacturer’s key and the device
serial number.
The HCS encoders and decoders employ the K
code hopping technology and an encryption algorithm
to achieve a high level of security. Code hopping is a
method by which the code transmitted from the trans-
mitter to the receiver is different every time a button is
pushed. This method, coupled with a transmission
length of 66 bits, virtually eliminates the use of code
‘grabbing’ or code ‘scanning’.
EE
L
OQ
1.2
HCS Encoder Overview
The HCS encoders have a small EEPROM array which
must be loaded with several parameters before use.
The most important of these values are:
A 28-bit serial number which is meant to be
unique for every encoder
An encryption key that is generated at the time of
production
A 16-bit synchronization value
The serial number for each encoder is programmed by
the manufacturer at the time of production. The
generation of the encryption key is done using a key
generation algorithm (Figure 1-1). Typically, inputs to
the key generation algorithm are the serial number of
the encoder and a 64-bit manufacturer’s code. The
manufacturer’s code is chosen by the system
manufacturer and must be carefully controlled. The
manufacturer’s code is a pivotal part of the overall
system security.
FIGURE 1-1:
CREATION AND STORAGE OF ENCRYPTION KEY DURING PRODUCTION
Transmitter
Serial Number or
Seed
Manufacturer’s
Code
Encryption
Key
Key
Generation
Algorithm
Serial Number
Encryption Key
Sync Counter
.
.
.
HCSXXX EEPROM Array