ARMv8-M architecture simplifies security for smart embedded devices

Beyond the architecture, ARM is taking data protection to the next level with the TrustZone CryptoCell product family. The enhanced security technology creates an additional layer of hardware security and enables the isolated storage of high value assets, offering optimised cryptography and the lifecycle management of key materials.

“By offering security, enhanced scalability, and improved debug, the ARMv8-M architecture makes it easier for developers to meet the needs of next generation embedded devices,” said Mike Muller, Chief Technology Officer, ARM. “Security is critical, yet small embedded devices often have limited protection or are secured with software-managed security that requires developers to have significant technical expertise. By moving the protection down into the hardware architecture, as is achieved with ARMv8-M, we are making security easier to implement and much more efficient.”

“As IoT innovation and adoption continues to grow, so has the opportunity for new cybersecurity risks,” said Shankar Somasundaram, senior director, IoT, Symantec. “Symantec has partnered with ARM to bring trust and security to IoT devices by releasing one of the first security commercial applications running on TrustZone and will continue to work with ARM to deliver innovative ‘secure-by-design’ solutions for TrustZone on ARMv8-M based devices.”

The new architecture makes it easier for developers to write code that spans from the most energy-efficient to the highest performing ARMv8-M based processor. It also makes it easier to integrate low power ARM Cortex-M processors alongside more powerful Cortex-A processors, to allow the development of higher performance SoC products. By enhancing the industry’s ability to produce premium embedded SoC designs, there will be new opportunities for smart connected technology. This can benefit any sector, including health, identification or factory machine management, where the analysis and use of secure data can add new value.

To complement the ARMv8-M architecture, the ARM AMBA 5 AHB5 specification has been launched to extend the TrustZone security foundation from the processor to the entire system for embedded designs. This new version of the AHB interconnect standard is available to download and adds security controls as well as extended memory types required for higher performance embedded systems. AMBA 5 AHB5 supports ARMv8-M architecture and TrustZone technology.

To further accelerate the design of ARMv8-M based systems, ARM is providing early access to software development tools, software abstraction layers and the architecture reference simulation model. These components allow system architects and software engineers to develop a TrustZone enabled embedded or IoT application prior to the availability of devices. The tools are available under an early access programme to ecosystem partners:

ARM KeilMDK: including Compiler, Debugger and IDE for Cortex-M processor based MCUs. Enhancements to Keil MDK enable both secure and non-secure ARMv8-M software development.

ARM CMSIS: includes functions to utilise the TrustZone security extensions of the ARMv8-M architecture. The non-secure programmer’s model of the CMSIS-Core allows direct migration of Cortex-M application code.

ARM Fast Models:provides the ARMv8-M architecture reference simulation model that connects to EDA and software development tools to enable complete software validation.