FPGA's single-chip crypto design flow confirms strength of security solution

Security is now crucial for all designs in every vertical market. System architects and designers received further evidence of the security of their communications, industrial, aerospace, defence, nuclear and other systems relying on Microchip Technology's PolarFire FPGAs. The United Kingdom Government's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has reviewed the devices when utilised with the Single-Chip Crypto Design Flow against stringent device-level resiliency requirements.

"The NCSC conducts a very rigorous analysis, and the work done with Microchip on the Design Separation Methodology in the PolarFire FPGA enables the user to take advantage of improved resilience and functional isolation within the device. This reinforces Microchip's commitment to our comprehensive approach to security," said Tim Morin, technical fellow at Microchip's FPGA business unit. "This analysis provides the option for single-chip cryptography in addition to what already exists within the devices for protecting IP, securing data and protection against physical tampering – an often overlooked and very powerful threat to every electronic system, especially those at the intelligent edge."

These FPGAs implement the company's industry-leading security architecture to protect intellectual property, secure data and secure supply chains.

PolarFire FPGA IP protection includes AES 256-encrypted configuration files with SHA 256-based HMAC authentication. Processing is protected against DPA with technology licensed from CRI. Public key cryptographic cores include ECC for secure distribution of keys and true random number generators. The FPGA data security features include hardened cryptographic accelerators for the end application. Pass-through CRI license enables royalty-free development of DPA-protected algorithms using techniques patented by CRI. The FPGA supply chain security features reduce the risk of counterfeiting, re-marking and overbuilding and include silicon biometrics, including PUFs, that allow each device to be uniquely identified and cryptographically validated.

The devices are supported by the company's Libero SoC Design Suite, available to license, including no-charge versions, from its Purchasing and Client Services website. PolarFire FPGA and SoC development kits and hardware are also available on the website.