Java™ Ring Fact Sheet

Features

  • A very personal Java™ computer is bonded to an individual by:
    • Wearing it at all times as a carefully guarded accessory
    • Logging on with your PIN or another biometric parameter
    • Automatically suspending applet execution on the expiration date unless the issuing authority can verify possession
  • It is Java Card™ 2.0-compliant to execute Java applets.
  • High-capacity, fast NV SRAM supports multiple independent applications.
  • Physically secure computer chip keeps keys private and executes public key algorithms for the safe exchange of information (R1.1).
  • Economical 1-Wire™ signaling reduces reader cost to below $15 for JavaStations, Sparc workstations and PCs—choice of serial or parallel port adapters.

Java Virtual Machine

  • Conforms to the Java Card 2.0 specification with additional capability for a superior Java operating environment
  • Enhancements to the Java Card 2.0 spec include:
    • True 32-bit Java integers for straightforward computation
    • Automatic garbage collection for efficient reuse of memory space
    • Resizable commit buffer optimizes memory usage and allows for large atomic transactions
    • Add or delete applets in a secure manner to update applications after issuance
    • Large Java stack supports complex computation
    • Java-accessible True Time Clock time stamps transactions
    • Java-accessible unique 64-bit registration number supplements IP addresses to make the intermittent network of roaming iButtons globally addressable
    • Standard cryptographic classes include SHA-1 for secret key digital signatures (RSA and DES for R1.1)
    • Java-accessible random number generator seeds generation of cryptographic keys

Computation Resources of the Java-powered iButton

  • 0.6-micron CMOS process operates from supplies of 3V to 5V
  • 800,000 transistors speed up the computationally intensive operations of public key cryptography
  • High-speed processor core is self-clocked to prevent tampering with program execution
  • 32kbyte (64k for R1.1) ROM stores firmware for Java VM and operating system
  • 6V SRAM (from 6Kbytes in R1.1 to 134Kbytes in R2.0) writes in 100 nanoseconds to create a high performance operating environment for the Java Virtual Machine
  • Math accelerator performs RSA encryption in less than one second using 1024-bit modulus and exponent (R1.1)
  • Tamper-resistant True Time Clock used to time stamp transactions and impose expiration dates
  • 1-Wire® Net controller allows many iButtons to multi-drop on the same wire and communicate at rates up to 115,200 bits per second
  • 1-Wire scratchpad buffer keeps each transaction with the iButton atomic even if the contact with a Blue Dot receptor is an intermittent hot connection

Physical Security

  • Armored with stainless steel for the hard knocks of everyday use
  • Wear tested for 1 million insertions and more than 10 years of life
  • ESD protection is more than 25,000 volts for wash-and-wear dependability
  • Three-layer metal technology and flip-chip bonding form barricades to protect data
  • Opening of the physical perimeter generates a tamper response
  • Tamper response causes rapid zeroization of NV SRAM to prevent disclosure of secure data

Highlights

Dallas Semiconductor designed this hardware token from a system perspective.

  1. Runs Java better (plus portions enhance JavaCard 2.0)
  2. Careful attention to physical security (rapid zeroization)
  3. Durability to stand up to everyday use (try to bend it, but you can’t; drop it, step on it, wash it…it’s sturdy)
  4. High memory capacity (up to 134K bytes NV SRAM)
  5. $15 retail connectivity to 250 million existing computers (less if designed-in before manufacturing)
  6. Your choice of digital accessories (Java-powered Decoder Ring, fob, watch, wallet, medical information bracelet)