Architectural Overview

The Intel® 82802 Firmware Hub (FWH) discrete component is compatible with several Intel chipset platforms and a variety of applications. The device operates under the LPC/FWH interface/protocol. The hardware features of this device include a Random Number Generator (RNG), five General-Purpose Inputs (GPIs), register-based block locking, and hardware-based locking. This combination of logic features and non-volatile memory enables better protection for the storage and update of platform code and data, adds platform flexibility through additional GPIs, and allows for quicker introduction of new security/manageability features into current and future platforms. The platform RNG, accessed through the Intel® Security Driver and third-party software, enables security features for the PC platform. See the product features listed previously for a list of more key features that the Intel FWH provides.

Product Features

■ Intel platform compatability

- Enables security-enhanced platform infrastructure; facilitates option to remove ISA.

■ Firmware hub hardware interface mode

- 5-Signal communication interface supporting byte-at-a-time reads and writes

- Register-based read and write protection for each code/data storage block

- Hardware write protect pins for the top boot block and the remaining code/data storage blocks

- 5 Additional GPIs for platform design flexibility

- Contains a hardware Random Number Generator (RNG) for enhancing platform security

- Integrated Command User Interface (CUI) for requesting access to locking, programming, and erasing options. The CUI also handles requests for data residing in status, ID, and block-lock registers.

- Operates with 33-MHz PCI clock and 3.3 V I/O.

■ Industry-standard packages (40L TSOP or 32L PLCC)

■ Two configurable interfaces

- Firmware hub interface for platform operation

- Address/Address-Multiplexed (A/A Mux) interface for programming during manufacturing

■ 4 or 8 Mbits of flash memory for platform code/data nonvolatile storage

- Symmetrically blocked, 64-KB memory sections

- Available in 8-Mbit (Intel® 82802AC) and 4- Mbit (Intel® 82802AB) densities

- Automated byte program and block erase via an integrated Write State Machine (WSM)

■ Address/Address-Multiplexed (A/A Mux) interface/mode

- 11-Pin multiplexed address and 8-pin data I/O interface

- Supports fast on-board or out-of-system programming for manufacturing

■ Case temprature operating range

■ Power supply specifications

- Vcc: 3.3 V ± 0.3 V

- Vpp: 3.3 V and 12 V for fast programming, (80 hours maximum)