mils electronic goes USB
by mils Electronic

Perfect message encryption goes hand in hand with a powerful hardware security module. Delicate data and processes like the storage of cryptographic keys, algorithms or encryption / decryption operations must take place in a protected environment like the M275 MilsCard.


For years, the MilsCard in PC-Card version has represented the heart of mils electronics' Secure Messaging Solutions.

But recent changes in PC technology have resulted in a growing demand for a new interface of the M275 MilsCard security module. Because of the powerful capabilities of USB technology, mils electronic decided to equip the new M286 MilsCard with the widespread USB 2.0 interface.


The M286 MilsCard was developed by using eight-layer HDI Micro VIA technology to provide a small footprint and the highest possible EMI and EMS protection.

mils electronic engineers have risen to this challenge by building the M286 as a highly integrated but also reliable device. Based on the field-proven M111 Security Controller, the M286 MilsCard with USB interface offers the same encryption algorithms and key storage capacity as the well known M275 MilsCard with PC-Card (PCMCIA) interface.

The M111 Security Controller which is the core of each MilsCard provides a physically protected key storage area. It is realized as a number of memory cells. The power supply of these memory cells is directly connected to a protective layer. Any attempt to access the memory cells (e.g. micro-probing) results in a damage of the protective layer. This immediately causes a loss of power to the memory cells whose contents are instantly erased.

Additional Features:

The USB MilsCard has been enhanced by the brand new Mils Block Cipher technology. Details about the Mils Block Cipher (MBC) technology can be found in the download area of our internet site at www.mils.com. The highlights of the new encryption technology are:

  • 256-bit block cipher algorithm for encryption and authentication
  • Extremely fast encryption speed (up to 20 MB/s)
  • Can be adapted to customer needs.

Enhanced Security:

In order to provide additional security, the M286 MilsCard features an "Emergency" button. If triggered, this feature will automatically delete all sensitive data (cryptographic keys, parameters,...) of the device. This prevents any further operation by unauthorized personnel.

Fully Backward Compatible:

The modern design of the new USB MilsCard is fully backward compatible to the M275 MilsCard with PC-Card interface. Even mixed operation of a PC-Card and USB MilsCards is possible.

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