Modern digital systems almost always include a microprocessor and some number of peripheral devices in their system. Smaller systems might be implemented entirely with just an 8-bit microcontroller, but most systems include external devices such as memories, touch interface devices, wireless interface (RF) front ends, power management and peripheral logic. Microchip offers a complete set of 8-32 bit processors and a wide range of these peripheral chips necessary to complete the system design. The CryptoAuthentication chip is a natural complement to every microprocessor, regardless of its size. Even if the microprocessor includes a stream encryption accelerator such as AES or DES, the CryptoAuthentication device provides the ideal storage location for authentication keys, encryption secrets and other core security data.