RISC-V SoCs can integrate post-quantum cryptography in hardware for key management, firmware updates, authentication, and device protection.
Synergy Quantum has introduced silicon IP cores for RISC-V-based system-on-chips (SoCs) that add hardware support for post-quantum cryptography. The cores can handle functions such as quantum-safe key exchange, digital signatures, secure boot, device identity, key protection, and firmware verification.
The IP can be used as a dedicated security block, cryptographic accelerator, or part of a hardware root of trust. It is aimed at chips used in embedded devices, industrial systems, automotive electronics, telecom and networking equipment, defence systems, satellite systems, and other products expected to remain in use for many years.
The cores move cryptographic operations from software into dedicated hardware. This can reduce the processing load on the main processor while keeping sensitive keys and intermediate data inside protected hardware.
The architecture combines a RISC-V processor with dedicated cryptographic hardware. Software or firmware can manage security policies and protocol logic, while the hardware handles cryptographic operations. Developers can use individual IP blocks or combine them into a larger security subsystem.
The IP can support secure firmware updates, device authentication, remote attestation, secure communications, TLS, VPN acceleration, and controlled release of protected keys. It is designed to work with standard SoC interconnects and processor-extension interfaces.
The hardware can also be configured based on power, performance, silicon area, and security requirements. Smaller implementations can be used in embedded and IoT devices, while larger accelerators can target networking, telecom, data-centre, and security equipment.
The architecture uses shared arithmetic engines and cryptographic datapaths so that different algorithms can use common hardware. For example, NTT and Keccak processing can be shared across multiple cryptographic functions.
The IP is intended for applications including industrial controllers, IoT devices, automotive systems, telecom and networking equipment, gateways and firewalls, defence and aerospace electronics, satellite systems, secure processors, data-centre equipment, and security appliances.
