With the goal of helping OEMs and their module suppliers simplify the upgrade of their existing designs to meet the security requirements of future generations, Microchip Technology Inc. has announced its CryptoAutomotive™ security integrated circuit, the TrustAnchor100 (TA100). This cryptographic auxiliary device is part of in-vehicle network security solutions such as secure start, firmware updates, and message authentication, including for CAN (Controller Area Network) at bus speed.
To meet new safety specifications, automotive designers must incorporate secure hardware into vehicle electronic control units (ECUs). Among the solutions available on the market are dual-core, single-chip hardware security modules (HSMs), which OEMs and their module suppliers are required to redesign their application software to integrate security. In addition to the effort required for this integration, the risk posed by security vulnerabilities introduced in some installations creates significant barriers to progress. Third-party security software can help overcome this barrier, albeit partially, at the expense of increased development costs.
The TA100, which offers an alternative to in-vehicle network architecture implementation for secure boot and message authentication, has already been adopted by numerous OEMs worldwide as a solution for meeting EVITA Medium and EVITA Full HSM requirements. Its features were designed based on a thorough analysis of various OEM cybersecurity reference specifications, aiming to facilitate Tier 1 companies' access to OEM Part Production Approval (PPAP). Furthermore, Microchip offers security specification review and Request for Quote (RFQ) services to help Tier 1 companies develop well-reasoned responses and improve the success rate of their projects. The TA100 eliminates the challenges associated with developing and delivering secure code by offering pre-programmed cryptographic internal application code supplied with unique asymmetric key pairs and associated x.509 certificates, thereby reducing risk, cost, and time to market.
The device's high resilience against attacks has been confirmed thanks to extensive third-party vulnerability assessments. It holds AEC-Q100 Automotive Grade 1 approval, FIPS 140-2 CMVP Security Level 2 certification, and Physical Key Protection Level 3 certification, and has received the highest possible vulnerability assessment rating from JIL (Joint Interpretation Library). Furthermore, the TA100 provides software components such as AUTOSAR and MCAL drivers, and Microchip's CryptoAuthentication™ library, enabling seamless integration with the industry-standard operating system, AUTOSAR, or with custom software stacks for cryptographic functions.
“The TrustAnchor100 makes it easier for Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs to securely upgrade thousands of ECUs,” said Nuri Dagdeviren, vice president of Microchip’s security product group. “The combination of the TA100 and an integrated software stack provides our customers with production-ready software, allowing them to easily add security to any automotive module.”.
Development Tools:
The TA100 offers AUTOSAR-compliant MCAL drivers that can be integrated into an AUTOSAR software stack. A complete AUTOSAR reference stack is available, enabling automotive suppliers to implement the latest cryptographic standards in their automotive systems within standard automotive production environments. MikroBUS™-compatible cards are also available.
Pricing and Availability
The TA100 is supplied in 8-pin and 14-pin SOIC packages with a starting price of $1.50 for orders of 10,000 units.
