Physical unclonable function (PUF)-based security technologies for FPGAs have been created with these unique needs in mind. These solutions are instantiated through the user configuration file, so they are easy to implement and can be applied to the entire range of Xilinx FPGAs – even those already in the field.Autonomous systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are playing an ever-larger role for defense systems in many theaters of operation. These systems can lower the risk and reduce the cost of a wide spectrum of tasks if used in place of manned operations. These new systems come with some new risks, however: For example, UAVs must communicate with a remote command-and-control system, and these communications must be secured. In addition, authentication is critical to guard against these assets being replaced by counterfeit devices while in the field. Very often, UAVs and other autonomous assets are left unattended for strategic reasons, whether for monitoring purposes or for logistical reasons. The data stored in these assets must be protected in these circumstances.Systems used in the defense and aerospace arenas often employ field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), as they provide flexible, lower-cost solutions for limited-production systems and possess the critical ability to update the circuits as deployments require. FPGA companies have done a lot to secure the FPGA bitstream, which contains all of the user configuration data for a device. Currently, for most FPGAs, the on-chip encrypted key protecting the bitstream can only be used for this purpose. However, the rise in the use of autonomous systems, such as UAVs, has created a need to create and manage user keys for purposes beyond securing the bitstream.In fact, user-managed keys are needed for most defense and aerospace applications, as design files may be too confidential to share with any outside entity, including those in the defense-electronics supply chain. Government defense programs need the ability to generate their own keys after configuration; these unique keys remain unknown to the remainder of the supply chain. Such users need a flexible key-management system that, in addition to providing a unique identity for authenticating FPGAs, can be used to secure user keys that are not known at the time of manufacturing and that can be used to secure both user data and FPGA connections.<h2>Soft PUFs: A new solution for FPGA user key management</h2>New solutions for FPGA security have emerged to meet these challenges. One approach that has gained traction over the last decade in the microprocessor world is the use of physical unclonable functions (PUFs) as unique chip identifiers that serve as the base of security systems that enable security, authentication, and key provisioning services. This concept has been translated to the FPGA world in the form of solutions that use “soft” PUFs that are incorporated into the configurable part of the FPGA, rather than hard IP in the FPGA device itself.Soft PUF-based systems enable lifetime authentication for FPGAs deployed in defense systems, guarding against counterfeiting and supplying the means to authenticate communications with the device, both of which are critical for the security of UAVs and other unmanned systems. In addition, these systems protect the FPGA’s secrets from attackers who capture or otherwise gain access to a system containing the device.For more information visit: <a href="https://www.intrinsic-id.com/products/apollo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.intrinsic-id.com/products/apollo/</a>

Aerospace and government defense program users have unique needs when it comes to FPGA (field-programmable gate array) devices, both in terms of security and in terms of long-term deployments. Increasing use of unmanned systems and other autonomous assets has created new security challenges.

Protecting unmanned systems with flexible key management for FPGAs

Creating a greener aerospace sector is key for the industry to bounce back from Covid-19 according to a new report released today.The second part of Protolabs’ Horizon Shift report – which involved aerospace business leaders from across Europe – reveals that more than three quarters of firms (77%) expect environmental credibility to become a key differentiator moving forward. Also, 72% indicate that new materials will be the driving force in lowering emissions and making flying cleaner.65% believe investment in innovation that reduces emissions should continue despite the pandemic, with 42% now transforming their supply chains as part of the innovation drive to cut down CO2 output.Senior executives from Composite Technology Center, Schiebel Group and Tecnam were among 80 senior leaders recently interviewed to understand how this critically important market was looking to recover from the far-reaching impact of Covid-19. The latest survey was conducted in June as a follow-up to an initial survey of 325 executives taken in February and March at the start of the pandemic. This latest report presents a unique insight into the sector, particularly in regard to what has changed as a result of the pandemic.In addition to environmental improvements, companies are also looking for Government support and stimulus packages to help them create new revenue streams, embed innovation in the supply chain and bring new products to market quickly.39% believe that there needs to be more immediate investment in infrastructure, whilst 33% are calling on more supportive fiscal policy, such as tax breaks or R&amp;D grants.“The two crises of climate change and the Covid-19 lockdowns are changing the face of the aerospace industry,” explained Bjoern Klaas, Vice President and Managing Director of Protolabs Europe, the world’s fastest digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and low-volume production parts.“New types of aircraft, business models and supply chains will emerge. Survival is not going to be about a fast transition, but about building up resilience for the long term and, part of that, is producing the next generation of aircraft: improved aerodynamics, lighter, more fuel-efficient and less polluting.”He continued: “Our latest Horizon Shift report brings this clearly into view. 77% of companies feel environmental performance will be a key differentiator, a 9% increase from when we asked the same question in our initial survey just before the lockdowns.“91% of business leaders admit that cutting CO2 is having some form of impact on how they run their companies and the good news for the European aerospace sector is that it appears they’ve decided to embrace the pressure by transforming supply chains and developing new technologies and materials.“Earlier this year, Airbus reconfirmed its commitment to decarbonisation and leading the development of a more sustainable global aerospace industry – this is a commitment that will filter through its supply chain.”The Horizon Shift report delves into challenges facing the supply chain and what operational improvements the sector is taking to overcome these.Top of the list of concerns for companies over the next two years was environmental compliance, followed by inflexibility/long supply chain delays (69%) and length of certification process (60%). Volatility in raw material costs and availability (57%) was also a key talking point.The research found that firms expect to move from using advanced manufacturing techniques in order to enhance productivity and output, to using them to create a more flexible product range (63%) and deliver parts/aircraft quicker (58%).3D printing’s transformation from a prototyping technology into a full production technology was also discussed in the Protolabs report. Through using the technology, companies talked of processing materials at a greater speed, with less waste, and even compressing multiple components into a single lighter 3D printed part.Bjoern concluded: “Companies that are experiencing financial pressures in the aftermath of Covid-19 are now focusing on quick wins and speed to market. One way to plan ahead is to create additional revenue streams, but this requires supply chain optimisation and increasing speed to market.“In the longer-term, our survey shows that they will look to hire talent, implement new technologies, use new materials and expand their manufacturing capabilities. They might see some unexpected positive outcomes from the crisis: flexibility from upgraded manufacturing supply chains and processes giving the ability to cater to consumer and social pressures with more environmentally friendly aircraft.”To download the second part of the Horizon Shift report, <a href="https://get.protolabs.co.uk/aerospace-chapter-two/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-aerospace-chap2-0920&utm_content=press-release-aerospace-chap2-0920" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">please click here</a>. If you would like further information, please visit <a href="http://www.protolabs.co.uk?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-aerospace-chap2-0920&utm_content=press-release-aerospace-chap2-0920" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.protolabs.co.uk</a>

airplanes

ORGANIZATIONS.

SHAPING THE INDUSTRY.

Addcomposites

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

University of Washington

Latest Posts

Protecting unmanned systems with flexible key management for FPGAs

Aerospace companies still set to invest in green opportunities despite Covid-19 reveals new report