Integrated SIM solution for IoT

The nuSIM security certification refers to Common Criteria security standards, but significantly reduces time-to-market and lowers entry barriers for NB-IoT.

As Secure Element IP partner for leading SoC players, Tiempo helps its customers to reduce time-to-market and lower entry barriers by integrating its CC EAL5+ and EMVCo certification-ready TESIC Secure Element as IP macro directly into their IC-designs. With that, Tiempo helps to enter both market segments:

1. Low-cost NB-IoT devices, used in mobile IoT applications with a long life-span such as asset trackers, smart motion or temperature sensors and wearables
2. High-end IoT devices, requiring CC EAL5+ and/or EMVCo certifications. Such use-cases include automotive, industry 4.0, payment, etc.

For both markets, low-cost devices and high-end-devices, Tiempo co-operates with major SIM software stack providers.

Additionally, for low-cost NB-IoT devices, Tiempo supports Deutsche Telekom's nuSIM specification. It rigorously optimises the SIM function while keeping a high security level through a dedicated security certification, compatible with the cost-sensitive mobile IoT market.

"nuSIM will simplify IoT devices as it eliminates the need for a separate SIM component. The solution provides a very low hardware and software footprint for cost-efficient implementations with minimal power consumption, but without compromising on security," commented Stefan Kaliner, Head of UICC Development at Deutsche Telekom.

In a nuSIM implementation, the Secure Environment can be realised on a dedicated hardware enclave, like Tiempo's CC EAL5+ certified TESIC Secure Element, that is integrated with the other components of the SoC on the same die. It contains a dedicated (security) processor, crypto-processors, security sensors and memories for exclusive use within the secure enclave.

Serge Maginot, CEO of Tiempo Secure, said: "Especially for low-cost devices this brings simplicity as well as cost and time savings along the IoT value chain. All our customers targeting security-critical device markets continue to go for CC EAL5+ and/or EMVCo certifications. Many see the nuSIM approach as a perfectly logical step and a chance for a first and faster entry to the NB-IoT market."

Tiempo Secure is an independent company founded by semiconductor industry experts having experience in the development of secure microcontrollers and embedded secure software. The company has already designed and certified Common Criteria EAL5+ and EMVCo secure microcontroller chips, available in contact and dual interface mode, for Government ID and High-end Banking applications.

Tiempo Secure is expanding its roadmap by offering CC EAL5+ proven/certification-ready Secure Elements for the IoT market, either as companion chips or as hard IP macros that are easy to integrate into application/SoC chips.