Earlier this week, Rambus signed a license agreement with Xilinx that covers Rambus’ patented memory controller, SerDes and security technologies. In addition, the two companies agreed to evaluate potential collaboration on the use of Rambus’ CryptoManager platform, with Rambus also exploring the use of Xilinx FPGAs in its Smart Data Acceleration (SDA) research program.
As Rambus CEO Ron Black notes, Xilinx has built solutions to address an increased need for acceleration in the data center.
“Through collaboration, we see great potential for our CryptoManager platform to serve as the secure foundation that enables remote, dynamic activation of features once the devices are deployed in the field,” he stated. “We look forward to the possibilities of engaging in these programs with the Xilinx teams and providing innovative solutions to our shared customers.”
So, what is CryptoManager, exactly? Well, the security platform creates a trusted path from the SoC manufacturing supply chain to downstream service providers with a complete silicon-to-cloud security solution. More specifically, CryptoManager supports SoC management and device personalization capabilities, alongside in-field feature and service provisioning including secure mobile banking, identity and entertainment, as well as IoT device security. Put simply, CryptoManager allows device and service providers to securely enable or disable features in-field, unlocking the full value of SoCs and delivering Features as a Service (FaaS).
The CryptoManager platform includes a Security Engine; a flexible root-of-trust implemented as an embedded hardware core, or as a software agent for the secure provisioning, configuration, and authentication of keys and features in SoCs throughout the lifecycle of a device. Meanwhile, the Security Infrastructure offers a complete suite; including a root server, management server with unified user interface, in-factory hardware appliance cluster and ATE client lib for the secure delivery, programing and management of secure keys throughout the SoC supply chain and downstream ecosystem.
In addition, CryptoManager provides Trusted Provisioning Services for local and cloud-based trusted key creation, delivery and authentication. This includes optional hosting, operation and maintenance of the CryptoManager Infrastructure for secure SoC and device manufacturers, as well as application developers and service providers, to enable in-field provisioning of device features and functionality.
In conclusion, the expanded CryptoManager platform provides a secure foundation for downstream device configuration – offering chipmakers the flexibility needed for post-manufacturing inventory management and the creation of a trusted path from service providers to consumers for feature enablement.
Interested in learning more about Rambus CryptoManager? You can check out our CryptoManager product page here.