Avnet Electronics Marketing Becomes Global Programming Partner for Atmel SHA204 CryptoAuthentication™ Chips

PHOENIX --(Business Wire)--

Avnet Electronics Marketing, an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), today announced it has received formal certification from Atmel (News - Alert)® Corporation (NASDAQ: ATML) as a programming service provider for its SHA204 CryptoAuthentication™ high-security hardware authentication devices. Avnet met Atmel's requirements for static data programming service guidelines, which include producing samples for verification and validating the security of its systems for data protection throughout the programming process.

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"This certification ensures customers can easily pair any microcontroller on the market today with Atmel's SHA204 CryptoAuthentication chips, helping bring secure, differentiated products to market faster," said Rob Valiton, senior vice president and general manager, automotive, aerospace and memory business units, Atmel. "In this increasingly connected world, security is a must have, and we are thrilled Avnet is one of our first distributors to receive this certification for our secure SHA204 chips."

"The complexity of writing, debugging and testing system crypto code has definitely inhibited widespread adoption of hardware-based authentication technologies in those applications where it is not absolutely required. But, in today's world, there really is no device that cannot benefit from having more secure data storage, better firmware protection and improved defenses against counterfiting, cloning and IP theft," said Alex Iuorio, senior vice president, supplier development, Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas. "The fact that the SHA204 can be paired with just about any microprocessor on the market today is a tremendous asset to Avnet customers who require a solution that can securely authenticate messages or connect embedded devices without adding to the cost or complexity of the system. Being a part of the SHA204 support ecosystem will enable Avnet to help accelerate adoption of this crucial technology."

Atmel's ultra-low power SHA204 is part of the company's CryptoAuthentication™ family of high-security hardware authentication devices. It was the first device in the CryptoAuthentication™ line to integrate the SHA-256 hash algorithm with a 4.5-Kbit EEPROM that can be used for storage of keys, miscellaneous read/write, read-only or secret data, consumption logging and security configuration. Each SHA204 ships with a guaranteed unique 72-bit serial number. With the SHA204, developers can implement secure authentication and validation of physical or logical elements in virtually all microprocessor-based systems using the straightforward, 256-bit challenge/response protocol. The device's small outline plastic packaging and single-wire interface it particularly well suited for space-constrained embedded and handheld electronic systems used in markets including medical, metering and home and industrial automation.

Avnet can provide the SHA204 programming service at any of its 10 global integration centers. To view the entire Atmel Corp. product line available from Avnet, visit http://www.AvnetExpress.com.

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About Avnet Electronics Marketing
Avnet Electronics Marketing is an operating group of Phoenix-based Avnet, Inc. that serves electronic original equipment manufacturers (EOEMs) and electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers in more than 70 countries, distributing electronic components from leading manufacturers and providing associated design-chain and supply-chain services. The group's website is located at www.em.avnet.com.

About Avnet, Inc.
Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers globally. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of customers by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, Avnet generated revenue of $25.7 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.