Microchip Protects FPGA-based Designs with Tool that Combats Threat to System Security in the Field
June 01, 2021
News
Mission-critical and other high-assurance systems deployed worldwide are under evolving threats from cybercriminals who attempt to extract Critical Program Information (CPI) via the FPGAs that power them.
Microchip Technology announced it has extended its FPGA family’s security with the DesignShield development tool that is designed to further help prevent this information from being extracted for malicious purposes.
The DesignShield tool was created to protect developers of aerospace, defense, and other high-assurance systems from cybercriminals trying to acquire an FPGA’s bitstream from the fielded system. It deters reverse-engineering of the bitstream, which can often include CPI, by obscuring its logical equivalent using a combination of logic and routing-based encryption techniques. This improves design security and integrity while reducing system corruption risks, and reduces the possibility that custom code, intellectual property, or information critical to national security is used by non-authorized agents.
The DesignShield tool is available under license as part of Microchip’s Early Access Program, which enables customers to begin designing with FPGA devices and design tools ahead of broader commercial availability. The DesignShield tool is part of Microchip’s Libero Development Tool Suite.
For more information, contact [email protected], or visit: www.microchip.com.
Tiera Oliver is the assistant managing editor at Embedded Computing Design. She is responsible for web content editing, product news, and story development. She also manages, edits, and develops content for ECD podcasts, including Embedded Insiders.
She utilizes her expertise in journalism and content management to oversee editorial content, coordinate with editors, and ensure high-quality output across web, print, and multimedia platforms. She manages diverse projects, assists in the production of digital magazines, and hosts company podcasts by conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders to deliver engaging and insightful discussions.
Tiera attended Northern Arizona University, where she received her bachelor's in journalism and political science. She was also a news reporter for the student-led newspaper, The Lumberjack.
