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NXP opts for soft encryption solution

Add security to MCU applications in 12k code space

NXP has announced a co-operation with NTRU to incorporate the latter’s software-based encryption on to NXP’s ARM7-based microcontrollers. The software-based solution will allow you to upgrade a microcontroller in an installed application. NXP will supply the NTRU algorithms as security libraries for its MCUs, providing standard features such as encryption, decryption, digital signatures, random number generation and key negotiation, establishing confidentiality, authentication and integrity in transactions. Algorithms include Hash (SHA-1, MD5 and X9.82 RNG), AES, triple-DES, RSA, DSA and Diffie-Hellman. Pricing will be on a royalty basis.
In deciding to opt for a software solution for security, an NXP spokesman explained, a key factor was flexibility and the option of upgrading or retrofitting existing designs with inter-system data security. The solution will have a typical flash code overhead of around 12 kbytes, he said, adding that it will typically employ about 10% of the compute resources of the company’s LPC 2400 device – the solution will run on all of its ARM7-based range. You can also, with the software option, change algorithms while the system is in use, either as a result of it being compromised or as a matter of routine. You can also manufacture your product anywhere, with no export licence conditions (until the software is loaded on to the system). To configure the security solution, designers will deal direct with NTRU and license the code from that company: the solution will run only on NXP’s ARM chips.