Data security is especially critical in wireless networks. Consumer applications like ZigBee RF4CE mandate data encryption and decryption. Compared to software solutions, the hardware cryptographic engine onboard the Microchip AT86RF232 2.4GHz RF transceiver speeds encrypted communications by up to several hundred times. The high crypto performance allows this device to spend less time processing and more time in sleep mode, thereby saving power. In addition, crypto can be added to high-speed communications without any performance impact. This offers the ideal solution for wireless and battery-powered applications that need secure, encrypted communications and low power consumption. The security module is based on an AES 128-bit core compliant with the FIPS 197 standard, and provides two modes: Electronic Code Book (ECB) and the Cipher Block Chaining (CBC). The security module works independently of other radio transceiver building blocks and can be accessed independently of frame transmission or reception. Encryption/decryption of 16 Bytes takes only 24 µs. AT86RF232 devices are authorized for export according to ECCN 5A002A.1, which allows export to all countries except Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea and Syria.