Embedded Security Using Cryptography


In the previous blog post, “Securing Offload Engines for a Robust Secure SoC System,” we briefly looked at some of the methods employed for achieving embedded security, i.e., cryptography, hardware partitioning and isolation, and hardware root of trust. In this blog, and subsequent blogs, we will explore more about each of these approaches in detail. Cryptography is not a new concept. It... » read more

Week In Review: Auto, Security, Pervasive Computing


Automotive The New York Auto Show has been canceled due to concerns over the COVID-19 Delta variant. The show, which usually occurs in April, was scheduled for August 20 through 29th. Semiconductor company Qualcomm has offered to acquire Veoneer, an ADAS company, for $37 per share in cash. Automotive Tier 1 Magna International already has a definitive merger agreement to acquire Veoneer, wh... » read more

Building A More Secure SoC


SoC integrators know that a software-only chip security plan leaves devices open to attack. All that a hacker needs to do is find a way to replace key parts of the bootloader or the low-level firmware to compromise other software in the system used to support secure access. The most simple attacks come remotely over a network, and these can be patched with software upgrades. However, we see ... » read more

Integrate FPGAs For A Customizable MCU


MCUs come in a broad range of flavors, meaning you can pick the best one for the application with the right performance, feature set, peripherals, memory, and software programmability. So, then, why do many systems also use FPGAs next to the MCUs? Usually, it’s because there’s not a “perfect” MCU for their application. MCUs by definition are built to be generic for a wide variety of app... » read more

Automotive Lidar Technologies Battle It Out


Lidar is likely to be added to the list of sensors that future cars will use to help with navigation and safety, but most likely it won't be the large rotating mirror assembly on the top of vehicles. Newer solid-state radar technologies are being researched and developed, although it’s not yet clear which of these will win. “The benefits of lidar technology are well known dating back to ... » read more

Protecting Automotive SoCs Starts With Secure IP


The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Cars are becoming more sophisticated and valuable with increased connectivity and capabilities to provide a better user experience. They are also collecting and transmitting more and more sensitive data and thus are becoming very attractive targets for attacks. Cybercrime in the automotive industry is growing rapidly. How bad i... » read more

Does Your IC Security Need A Renovation?


Five years ago, I moved from Silicon Valley to Gig Harbor, Washington and bought a fixer-upper. As part of my ongoing (and extensive) home renovations, I just finished having the entire exterior redone: roof, siding, paint, masonry, front porch, back deck, outdoor lighting, the works. If you’ve ever embarked on any kind of home remodel project, I don’t have to tell you that the process incl... » read more

Auto Displays: Bigger, Brighter, More Numerous


Displays are rapidly becoming more critical to the central brains in automobiles, accelerating the adoption and evolution of this technology to handle multiple types of audio, visual, and other data traffic coming into and flowing throughout the vehicle. These changes are having a broad impact on the entire design-through-manufacturing flow for display chip architectures. In the past, these ... » read more

Securing The SoC Life Cycle


Over the course of its life, an SoC (system on chip) goes through multiple life cycle states which are different in character and have varying and sometimes contradictory security requirements. In each state, the SoC may be under different ownership in the supply chain. Also, as it transitions through different manufacturing phases, it is subject to a different set of possible attacks, which sh... » read more

Will PAYGO Shake Up How We Pay for Chips?


System builders are used to buying integrated circuits on a simple transactional basis — the chip has a price, and that’s what you pay. But some application spaces may have a wide variety of capabilities that need hardware support, and each feature may not be used for every instance. Traditionally, one would design different chips for different feature mixes and price points. But a new p... » read more

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