AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 - TPM 1.2 Crypto Controller | Microchip | 28-TSSOP
MPN: AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.45 | $64.50 |
| 100 | $5.7 | $570.00 |
| 500 | $5.1 | $2,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.55 | $4,550.00 |
AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 Overview
A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a dedicated hardware security controller (a type of microcontroller + EEPROM security IC) that provides a tamper-resistant root of trust for computing platforms. In the broader taxonomy it sits under security IC -> authentication IC -> application-specific microcontroller, and ultimately under semiconductor. TPMs perform RSA encryption/decryption, SHA-1 hashing, random number generation, and sealed key binding/unbinding, all while keeping private keys inside a hardware boundary that resists software-level extraction.
Key features include a hardware RNG (FIPS 140-2 compliant random number generator), an integrated Atmel AVR core for command processing, on-chip non-volatile EEPROM key storage, and a TWI/I²C host interface. The device operates from a 3.3 V supply, supports I²C at standard and fast-mode rates, and provides Endorsement Key (EK) pre-provisioning under the suffix -10 (signed EK). The 28-TSSOP footprint and standard TPM pinout allow drop-in replacement on compliant mainboard headers.
The architecture combines an 8-bit AVR MCU, a crypto-acceleration block for RSA-1024/2048 and SHA-1, secure EEPROM for persistent keys, and a TWI slave controller. This partitioning keeps the host CPU free of cryptographic computation and keeps private keys bound to hardware for the platform's lifetime.
Typical applications include commercial desktop and notebook PCs, server motherboards, embedded industrial controllers requiring secure boot, network equipment needing platform attestation, and any TCG-compliant system that requires hardware-bound credential storage. The TWI interface integrates with standard I²C controllers on most SBCs and SoCs.
Designers should ensure the LPC (Low Pin Count) interface is correctly wired to the host chipset's TPM header and that the firmware stack (BIOS/UEFI TCG driver) is enabled in BIOS. The EK variant (-10) is signed and ready for attestation flows; the EK-less variant is suitable for non-attestation use cases.
This page combines distributor pricing snapshots, drop-in alternative analysis, and design notes not included in the manufacturer datasheet addendum, providing engineering perspective beyond raw specifications.
Drop-in alternatives for AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Random Number Generator, TCG Specification.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
AT97SC3205T-U2A1A-10
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AT97SC3204-U1A190
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AT97SC3205T-U1A190
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AT97SC3205S
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AT97SC3204T-U2A1A-10
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 Security Controller |
| Core Architecture | Atmel AVR 8-bit RISC |
| TCG Specification | TPM 1.2 (rev 103) compliant |
| Cryptographic Algorithms | RSA-1024/2048, SHA-1, HMAC-SHA1 |
| Random Number Generator | Hardware RNG (FIPS 140-2 compliant) |
| Non-Volatile Storage | On-chip secure EEPROM |
| Host Interface | TWI (I²C-compliant) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40 mm body width) |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial, 'IND') |
| Endorsement Key (EK) | Pre-provisioned, signed (variant -10) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lifecycle | Not Recommended for New Design (NRND); replaced by AT97SC3205T |
AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 2 | SDA — I²C/TWI serial data |
| Pin 3 | SCL — I²C/TWI serial clock |
| Pin 4 | PIRQ# — Peripheral interrupt request (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VCC3 — +3.3 V main supply |
| Pin 6 | RST# — Reset (active low) |
| Pin 7 | LAD0 — LPC address/data bus bit 0 |
| Pin 8 | LAD1 — LPC address/data bus bit 1 |
| Pin 9 | LAD2 — LPC address/data bus bit 2 |
| Pin 10 | LAD3 — LPC address/data bus bit 3 |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 12 | LFRAME# — LPC frame indicator (active low) |
| Pin 13 | LCLK — LPC clock input (33 MHz typical) |
| Pin 14 | SERIRQ — Serial IRQ |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 16 | VCC3 — +3.3 V supply (secondary) |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 18 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 19 | TEST — Test mode (factory, leave open) |
| Pin 20 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 28 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 is suitable for 6 applications: Commercial Desktop & Notebook PCs, Server & Workstation Motherboards, Industrial Embedded Controllers, Networking Equipment (Routers/Switches), Secure Boot & Measured Boot Platforms, Healthcare & Medical Device Security.
Commercial Desktop & Notebook PCs
The AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 fits commercial desktop and notebook PC platforms that require TCG TPM 1.2 hardware-rooted security for features like Windows BitLocker, Intel Boot Guard, and BIOS Measured Boot. The device's TWI/I²C interface integrates with the chipset's TPM header (Intel PCH or AMD Fusion controller hub), and the signed Endorsement Key (-10) variant enables remote attestation for enterprise-managed fleets. At 3.3 V single-supply operation and -40 °C to +85 °C industrial rating, the part handles consumer and rugged laptop thermal envelopes without derating. Compared to host-software-only security, this hardware TPM keeps RSA private keys bound to a tamper-resistant boundary; an attacker who steals the disk image cannot extract BitLocker keys without the physical TPM. Per Microchip's TPM 1.2 datasheet, the device supports RSA-1024 and RSA-2048 signature/encryption, SHA-1 hashing, and sealed storage keys.
Recommended
Server & Workstation Motherboards
Server and workstation motherboards integrate the AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 to enable TPM 1.2 platform attestation, sealed-key BitLocker, and Intel TXT / AMD SVM measured launch. The hardware RNG (FIPS 140-2 compliant) generates strong session keys without host-entropy dependencies, and the on-chip secure EEPROM stores endorsement and storage root keys that survive BIOS reflash and OS reinstall. The 28-TSSOP footprint matches the standard server TPM header (20 mm × 6.5 mm), enabling straightforward PCB layout. Designers should verify the host chipset's TPM header is wired for I²C (not LPC), as some legacy server boards expect LPC TPMs; in those cases the Infineon SLB9635 or SLB9645 in TSSOP-28 is the alternate. The 3.3 V supply can be sourced from the standby rail so the TPM is available during pre-boot Measured Boot operations.
Recommended
Industrial Embedded Controllers
Industrial PLCs, HMIs, and ruggedized embedded controllers use the AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 to provide hardware-rooted identity and secure firmware attestation in factory automation environments. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature rating covers outdoor cabinets, machine-side panels, and unconditioned shop-floor enclosures. The TWI/I²C interface connects to typical industrial SoCs (NXP i.MX, Microchip SAMA5, TI Sitara) via standard I²C controllers without glue logic. Hardware RSA signature verification enables secure firmware update validation - the embedded host verifies a signed firmware image against a public key whose private counterpart is locked inside the TPM. Compared to software-only schemes, this prevents attacker firmware injection even with full host compromise. The TSSOP-28 footprint (4.4 mm body) keeps the part compact enough for DIN-rail mounted controller boards.
Recommended
Networking Equipment (Routers/Switches)
Enterprise routers, switches, and network appliances integrate the AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 to provide hardware-bound identity for IPsec/IKE authentication, secure-boot validation of NOS (network operating system) images, and FIPS 140-2 compliance for cryptographic operations. The hardware RNG seeds IKE session keys with high entropy, eliminating weak-key vulnerabilities seen in host-only RNG implementations. The TWI/I²C interface connects to typical networking SoCs (Broadcom StrataXGS, Marvell Octeon, Qualcomm IPQ) and to FPGAs that bridge to system controllers. The 28-TSSOP package handles reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak, compatible with standard lead-free PCB assembly. Endorsement Key variants enable per-device PKI certificates for managed-network enrollment. The NRND status of this part suggests designing new networking platforms on the AT97SC3205T.
Recommended
Secure Boot & Measured Boot Platforms
The AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 enables UEFI Measured Boot, where every firmware stage (BIOS, Option ROM, bootloader) extends a SHA-1 hash into TPM Platform Configuration Registers (PCRs). At OS boot, the OS kernel's TPM-aware loader (e.g., Linux tpm_tis, Windows Boot Loader) verifies the measured values against a known-good baseline before unsealing disk-encryption keys. Compared to software-only secure boot, this hardware-measured approach detects firmware-level rootkits that subvert software verification. The 3.3 V supply rail should remain active during standby so the TPM retains its monotonic counters (used for anti-replay in measured boot), and the PIRQ# pin can be wired to wake the host on TPM-generated interrupts for asynchronous key sealing events. Designers must enable the TCG driver stack in BIOS/UEFI Setup; some boards default-disable this option.
Recommended
Healthcare & Medical Device Security
Medical devices subject to FDA cybersecurity guidance (e.g., infusion pumps, patient monitors, diagnostic imaging equipment) use the AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 to provide hardware-bound device identity, encrypted patient-data storage, and audit-trail non-repudiation. The hardware RNG generates cryptographic keys with FIPS 140-2-grade entropy, satisfying HIPAA Security Rule technical safeguards and IEC 80001 medical-IT requirements. The 28-TSSOP package and industrial temperature rating suit medical-device enclosure thermal profiles. TPM-sealed storage keys can encrypt PHI (protected health information) at rest, with the decryption key bound to a specific PCR state - only the verified firmware environment can unlock patient records. Compared to host-software encryption, the hardware TPM prevents key extraction even if the device's main OS is compromised by ransomware. Designers should pair the TPM with an MCU host from the Site MPN list for full system security.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AT97SC3205T-U2A1A-10 | AT97SC3204-U1A190 | AT97SC3205T-U1A190 | AT97SC3205S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-TSSOP (4.4 mm body) | 28-TSSOP - same | 28-TSSOP - same | 28-TSSOP - same | 28-TSSOP - same |
| TCG Specification | TPM 1.2 rev 103 | TPM 1.2 (newer revision) | TPM 1.2 | TPM 1.2 (newer revision) | TPM 2.0 |
| Host Interface | TWI (I²C-compliant) | TWI (I²C-compliant) | TWI (I²C-compliant) | TWI (I²C-compliant) | TWI (I²C-compliant) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Endorsement Key | Pre-provisioned, signed (-10) | Pre-provisioned, signed (-10) | Different EK provisioning (-U1A190) | Different EK provisioning (-U1A190) | Varies by order code |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND (Not Recommended for New Design) | Active (recommended replacement) | NRND | Active | Active |
| RSA Key Length | Up to 2048-bit | Up to 2048-bit | Up to 2048-bit | Up to 2048-bit | Up to 2048-bit (TPM 2.0 adds ECC) |
Key Differentiators
- Signed Endorsement Key pre-provisioned for attestation (vs AT97SC3204-U1A190)
- TCG TPM 1.2 rev 103 compliance with hardware RNG (vs AT97SC3205T (recommended successor))
- TWI/I²C host interface for embedded SoC integration (vs Infineon SLB9635 (LPC TPM))
Design Notes
The AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10 requires a stable 3.3 V supply rail with sufficient decoupling. Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor close to the VCC3 pins (5 and 16) and a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the TPM header. The supply should remain active during standby/Measured Boot so the monotonic counters and PCR values are preserved. Source the rail from the standby 3.3 V output (5VSB-derived) rather than the main 3.3 V rail if Measured Boot across S-states is required.
Route the TWI SDA and SCL lines (pins 2, 3) as short, impedance-controlled traces with 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistors to VCC3. Keep these traces away from switching power inductors and clock signals to avoid crosstalk into the crypto engine. The LPC bus pins (LAD0-LAD3, LFRAME#, LCLK) require controlled-impedance routing if used; if the host chipset uses TWI directly, leave these LPC pins NC with proper trace stubs. Place a ground pour under and around the TPM for thermal dissipation and EMI shielding.
Common pitfalls when designing with the AT97SC3204-U2A1A-10: (1) Assuming LPC interface - this specific Microchip variant uses TWI/I²C, not LPC, so verify the host chipset's TPM header supports TWI before laying out; (2) Forgetting to enable the TCG driver in BIOS/UEFI Setup - the TPM is invisible to the OS until enabled; (3) Mixing TPM 1.2 and TPM 2.0 firmware variants - the AT97SC3204 family is firmware-bound to TPM 1.2 and cannot be upgraded in-field; (4) Counterfeit parts - source only from authorized distributors; a counterfeit TPM with leaked EK material completely defeats the security model.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature range -40 °C to +85 °C. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a security IC, not an automotive-qualified device. Hardware RNG is FIPS 140-2 compliant.
