Tropic Square Unveils TROPIC01: An Open-Source, Tamper-Proof RISC-V Secure Element for IoT and Microcontrollers
Tropic Square, a Prague-based semiconductor company, has introduced the TROPIC01, an open-architecture, tamper-resistant secure element built on RISC-V technology. This innovative chip aims to provide transparent and verifiable security solutions for applications such as hardware wallets, authentication systems, biometric devices, medical equipment, and various IoT implementations.
Key Features of TROPIC01
Open Architecture: Unlike traditional secure elements that operate as closed systems, TROPIC01 offers full auditability. This transparency allows customers, industry experts, and the open-source community to thoroughly inspect and verify the chip's security protocols, fostering greater trust in its deployment.
RISC-V Design: The chip leverages the RISC-V IBEX Controller Core, enabling secure firmware updates and customizable firmware upon request. This design choice ensures adaptability and efficiency in various applications.
Robust Security Measures: TROPIC01 incorporates advanced tamper-resistance features, including detectors for voltage glitches, temperature anomalies, electromagnetic pulses, and laser intrusions. An active shield further enhances its defense against physical attacks.
Advanced Cryptographic Capabilities: The secure element supports a range of cryptographic functions, such as Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), Ed25519 EdDSA signing, P-256 ECDSA signing, Diffie-Hellman X25519 key exchange, Keccak-based PIN authentication, and AES256-GCM encryption.
Integration and Development Support
To facilitate seamless integration, Tropic Square provides a Software Development Kit (SDK) and software drivers for external hosts to communicate effectively with TROPIC01. Resources, including firmware and STM32 examples, are available on the company's GitHub repository.
For evaluation purposes, Tropic Square offers several development boards:
STM32-Based USB Dongle: Allows developers to connect and test the secure element via USB interfaces.
Mikroe Click Board: Designed for insertion into MikroBus sockets, facilitating easy integration with various microcontroller platforms.
Raspberry Pi Shield (TS1501): A Raspberry Pi HAT that accommodates the Mikroe Click Board, enabling Raspberry Pi users to incorporate TROPIC01 into their projects.
Arduino Shield (TS14): An Arduino UNO R3 shield equipped with a MikroBus socket, allowing Arduino enthusiasts to explore the secure element's capabilities.
A European Alternative in Secure Elements
Based in Prague, Czech Republic, Tropic Square positions TROPIC01 as a viable option for European manufacturers seeking alternatives to U.S. or Chinese secure elements. The company's commitment to open-source principles and transparency addresses concerns about trust and security in hardware components.
Availability
TROPIC01 is currently available for integration into hardware projects. Interested parties can obtain engineering samples and development kits by contacting Tropic Square through their official channels.
For more detailed information and technical resources, visit Tropic Square's official website or their GitHub repository.
