Synopsys introduces new ARC security processors

The ultra-low power ARC SEM Processors offer advanced security features such as uniform instruction timing and power randomisation to obfuscate secure operations. In addition, the SecureShield Runtime Library manages the partitioning and isolation of containers within a TEE to ensure data is stored and processed in a safe environment. This combination of hardware and software features enables designers to create more secure SoCs (system-on-chips) for IoT and mobile applications.

ARC SEM Security Processors

The DesignWare ARC SEM Processors are based on the scalable, 32-bit ARCv2 ISA (instruction set architecture) and are optimised for area and power efficiency. The ARC SEM110 Processor integrates a wide range of security technologies and can be implemented in an SoC as either a standalone secure core or as a single core performing both secure and non-secure functions. The ARC SEM120D adds DSP functionality for applications such as sensor processing and voice identification in health care and IoT devices. Key features of the new processors include:

• Side-channel resistance with uniform instruction timing and timing / power randomisation obfuscate secure operations from potential hackers.
• An enhanced memory protection unit and SecureShield technology simplify development of a TEE.
• Tamper-resistant pipeline with in-line instruction / data encryption and address scrambling, and data integrity checks protect against system attacks and IP theft.
• Integrated watchdog timer detects system failures including tampering.
• DSP instructions and unified MUL/MAC unit in the ARC SEM120D support applications requiring enhanced security and real-time processing.

"High-profile security breaches are increasingly in global headlines, underscoring the need to ensure the right precautions are being taken during SoC design and test," said Mats Nählinder, president of Riscure North America. "As a global security test lab and a market leader in side-channel test equipment, our business is to evaluate security solutions for their ability to protect against such malicious attacks targeting hardware and software. The DesignWare ARC SEM processors enable designers to add protection to their embedded devices against such attacks." 

ARC Software, Development Tools and Ecosystem

Synopsys' embARC Open Software Platform provides software developers with online access to a comprehensive suite of free and open-source software, including security transport protocols. The platform includes the new SecureShield Runtime Library, which runs in the background and manages the partitioning and isolation of containers within a TEE.  

Like all ARC processors, the ARC SEM processors are supported by a robust ecosystem of software and hardware development tools, including:

• MetaWare Development Toolkit that generates highly efficient code ideal for deeply embedded applications.
• ARC nSIM fast instruction set simulator enables early software development.
• ARC xCAM provides 100 percent cycle-accurate simulation for software optimisation and system verification.

In addition, support for Synopsys' HAPS physical prototyping system enables early software development, hardware / software integration and system validation of ARC SEM processor-based designs.

The ARC SEM processors with SecureShield are part of Synopsys' comprehensive portfolio of security IP solutions that include the Enhanced Security Package and CryptoPack options for ARC EM processors and the DesignWare Security IP solutions, which consist of a range of cryptography cores and software library, protocol accelerators, root of trust, platform security and content protection IP.

"As security threats become more prevalent in connected devices, having security built-in at the SoC level is critical to minimising the risk of side-channel attacks, data breaches, IP theft and more," said John Koeter, vice president of marketing for IP and prototyping at Synopsys. "By expanding our portfolio of IP solutions with the new ARC SEM processors, Synopsys enables designers to integrate the necessary security features into their embedded devices, while meeting the stringent power and area requirements of their chips."

Availability and Resources

The DesignWare ARC SEM110 and SEM120D processors are scheduled for general availability in October 2016.