Security
RT-641 Embedded HSM (Root of Trust)
ISO-26262 ASIL-B Compliant for Designs with Chinese Algorithms
The Rambus RT-640 Root of Trust is a fully programmable ASIL-B certified hardware security core. The RT-641 complements the RT-640 with Chinese cipher algorithms SM2, SM3 and SM4, offering security by design for automotive applications that require Chinese crypto-based security support. As the connected nature of automobiles evolves, device architects face a growing array of emerging security threats. Whether V2X, ADAS, infotainment, or other applications, one constant in automotive design is the need for a hardware root of trust-based security implementation. The Rambus RT-641 is the ideal security co-processor for automotive uses. Based on a custom 32-bit RISC-V siloed and layered secure coprocessor, along with dedicated secure memories, the RT-641 features a number of high-capability cryptographic accelerators like AES and SM4 (all modes), HMAC-SHA-2 and SM3 (all modes), RSA up to 4096 bits, ECC and SM2DSA up to 521 bits, a NIST compliant Random Bit Generator and fast DMA. Satisfying use cases such as secure boot, EVITA and SHE+ HSM, AutoSAR functionality, and protection of propriety algorithms, the ISO-26262 ASIL-B compliant RT-641 is ideally suited for automotive applications where security is a top priority.
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Product Brief
Navigating the Intersection of Safety and Security
Vehicle systems and the semiconductors used within them are some of the most complex electronics seen today. To support the realization of Level 4 and Level 5 (L4/L5) autonomous driving, a massive restructure is underway. The software-defined vehicle, the automotive Ethernet, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity, and domain controller units are just some of the new technologies required to realize L4/L5 capabilities. Ensuring all these new systems are both functionally safe and secure from cyberattacks is mission critical.
How the Root of Trust Works
The Rambus Root of Trust RT-641 is an independent hardware security core designed for integration into automotive semiconductor devices, offering secure execution of user applications, tamper detection and protection, and secure storage and handling of keys and security assets. The RT-641 implements hardware and software safety mechanisms to exceed ASIL-B safety integrity levels. It offers chipmakers a siloed approach to security; while located on the same silicon as the main processor, the secure processing core is physically separated. A layered security approach enforces access to crypto modules, memory ranges, I/O pins, and other resources, and assures critical keys are available through hardware only with no access by software. While based on a custom processor, the Rambus Root of Trust supports all common main processor architectures, including ARM, RISC-V, x86 and others.
The Root of Trust supports multi-tenant deployments by offering true multiple root of trust capabilities. Each individual Secure Application can be assigned its own unique keys, meaning permissions and access levels are set completely independent of others. Secure Applications are siloed from each other, ensuring the best approach to security. OEMs can determine access levels and permissions for each and all processes operating within the secure processor.
Secure Applications
Included with the RT-641 Hardware Root of Trust are a series of standard secure applications (“containers”) to speed development, including secure boot, identity management, HSM reference, and others. Dedicated EVITA-Full and EVITA-Medium Secure Applications can be offered on request. A container development kit (CSDK) is also included to allow the development of custom containers for specific use cases.
The Road to Post Quantum Cryptography
Quantum computing offers the promise of tremendous leaps in processing power over current digital computers. But for the public-key cryptography algorithms used today for e-commerce, mobile payments, media streaming, digital signatures and more, quantum computing represents an existential event. Quantum computers may be able to break the widely used RSA and ECC (Elliptic-Curve Cryptography) algorithms in as little as days. Learn about our solutions and recommendations to ready customers for a post-quantum world.
Solution Offerings
Superior Security
- ISO26262 ASIL-B compliant hardware root of trust employing a custom RISC-V secure processor
- Hardware and software safety mechanisms to exceed ASIL-B safety integrity levels
- Secure in-core processing and industry-leading anti-tamper protections
- Multi-layered security model provides protection of all components in the core
- OSCCA approved
- Chinese SM2, SM3 and SM4 algorithm support
Enhanced Flexibility
- 3rd-party applications run securely within trusted boundary, each with its own assigned security permissions
- Complete development environment allows OEMs and users to easily develop secure applications (”containers”); standard use case application containers provided
- Support for secure provisioning of keys and firmware at manufacturing or in the field
- Support for multiple roots of trust within a single secure core
Security Models
- Hierarchical privilege
- Secure key management policy
- Hardware-enforced isolation/access control/protection
- Error management policy
Cryptographic Accelerators
- Includes AES/SM4, SHA-2/SM3 and RSA/ECC/SM2
Security Modules
- Canary logic for protection against glitching and overclocking
- Secure key derivation and key transport
- Life cycle management
- Secure test and debug
- Feature management
Complete Documentation
- Hardware integration guide
- Hardware and software reference manuals
- Programming guides
- ASIL-B FMEDA and Safety Manual
Tools and Scripts
- Verilog for synthesis and simulation
- All scripts and support files needed for standard EDA tool flows integration deliverables
Integration Deliverables
- Complete verification test bench and comprehensive set of test vectors
- Container-authoring software
- Boot loader and firmware, including secure RTOS and security monitor
- HLOS APIs for accessing capabilities
- Complete development environment, including compiler, assembler, debugger, simulator, reference code
| Secure Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Linux Secure Boot | Implements secure boot for Linux OS, secured by the Root of Trust co-processor |
| Linux Secure FOTA | Implements secure Firmware Over the Air (FOTA) updates for Linux OS |
| ASIC Secure Boot | Uses the Root of Trust co-processor to assist in the secure boot process of ASICs and FPGAs |
| Secure Data Storage | Uses the Root of Trust co-processor to protect user credentials or biometric templates |
| Open SSL Hardening | Hardens the OpenSSL crypto operations via the Root of Trust secure co-processor |
| Reference HSM | Implements a basic HSM supporting AES, HMAC, SHA256, ECDSA, X.509 certificates and secure storage |
| Unique ID Generator | Creates a Root of Trust unique ID and stores it in the Root of Trust NVM (Non Volatile Memory) |
Full Disk Encryption of Solid State Drives and Root of Trust
File encryption, file system encryption and full disk encryption (FDE) are methods offered by the industry to allow users to protect their data stored on non-volatile storage devices, such as Solid State Disks (SSD). The main feature of FDE is to protect stored system and user date from unauthorized reading, writing, alteration, moving or rolling back. However, extended security features are key to securing FDE implementation.
