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First automotive processor available with Hardware Security Module

First automotive processor available with Hardware Security Module

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By Christoph Hammerschmidt



Industry analysts predict that the number of connected cars will rise to more than 250 million by 2020. Networked services supported by telematics units, Wi-Fi hotspots and Bluetooth functions and – to a minor extend – retrofit features such as OBD dongles improved connectivity, entertainment and the ability to update vehicle software over the air. This connectivity however creates an attack surface for potential hackers.

Automotive industry associations are focusing their attention on security measures to accelerate growth in key markets for networked services. The spectrum ranges from content streaming, location-based assistance and intelligent emergency support to wireless remote software updates for electronic control units (ECUs) in the vehicle. At the same time, hackers are to be prevented from abusing these connections for their own purposes. Vehicle manufacturers have a range of techniques at their disposal to do this, such as setting up trust in the networked devices and securing all connections to create multiple layers of defense in the vehicle’s electronic circuits and software.


To help the developers to meest such challenges, STMicroelectronics (ST) has combined its expertise in the field of security chips with its automotive semiconductors. The new telematics and connectivity processors of the Telemaco3P family (STA1385 and variants) are the first automotive microprocessors to incorporate a dedicated and isolated Hardware Security Module (HSM). The HSM serves as an independent security monitor for monitoring data exchange and for encryption and authentication of the transmitted messages. The module verifies the authenticity of received messages and any external devices that attempt to connect, while providing eavesdropping protection. Other functions include handling cryptographic algorithms. The integration of CAN FD- (Controller Area Network with Flexible Data rate), Gigabit Ethernet and SDIO interfaces (Secure Digital I/O) with 100 Mbps allows the Telemaco3P family to be used as communication gateways in the entire vehicle for connecting infotainment systems or electronic control units (ECUs) to the CAN bus such as door controls, motor or transmission management systems or chassis electronics) It also integrates power management circuits to simplify design, facilitate miniaturization and reduce material costs. With all these features, the STA1385 complies with the functional safety standard ISO 26261 to ASIL-B and to meet the AUTOSAR specification for protected communication via the CAN bus.

With the built-in HSM, the Telemaco3P devices are ahead of the universal application processors commonly found in today’s networked vehicle systems, but lacking special hardware-based security features, ST claims. To enable designers to locate these chips challenging environments such as intelligent antennas on or directly under the vehicle roof, ST’s devices are designed to withstand temperatures up to 105°C during operation.

The new automotive processors are part of ST’s strategy to offer products with built-in security features. These include stand-alone safety elements (ST33) and microcontrollers with built-in flash memory (SPC5). Development samples of the STA1385 are available for lead customers. Mass production is scheduled to start in mid-2018.

More information: www.st.com

 

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