With a RISC-V core and cryptographic support, the EdgeLock A30 provides security in a small package.
NXP Semiconductors has announced the EdgeLock A30 Secure Authenticator as an easy-to-implement solution for device authentication. The device is based on a RISC-V core and offers a slew of features and certifications that make it simple to integrate into new designs.
The EdgeLock A30 is built on a RISC-V core and provides designers an easy route to meeting upcoming standards in device tracking and authentication.
As the number of electronic devices increases, several governments have begun imposing requirements for future connected devices to meet, especially those that manage sensitive data. NXP designed its new authenticator to meet these policy requirements and protect systems from the hardware up.
Battery Security Regulations
One of the key policies that has recently impacted the electronics industry is the EU’s Batteries Regulation 2023/1542 . This regulation mandates that all batteries with an energy storage greater than 2 kWh must be electronically registered and tracked using a battery copyright. This copyright summarizes the information on the battery’s material makeup, handling instructions, and state of health and must be implemented on all devices made after February 18, 2027.
The EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 imposes new requirements on batteries. EdgeLock A30 can help devices meet these requirements.
In addition to meeting the EU’s new regulations, NXP’s new EdgeLock chip bolsters authentication for two other purposes: it can create a reliable method for consumers to verify their device’s authenticity and also allow other devices to verify that their communications are being sent to the correct, legitimate device.
Secure Authentication on a Small Device
One of the most prominent features of the EdgeLock A30 (datasheet linked) is its small WLCSP package size , reported as being “smaller than a grain of rice.” This compact size ensures that the chip can be integrated nearly anywhere, providing an easier route to deployment by relaxing board area requirements.
The EdgeLock A30 packs a high number of features, including an I2C interface, secure RISC-V core, and cryptographic hardware for key management and storage.
Despite its size, the EdgeLock A30 packs in a surprising number of features. The device supports asymmetric authentication, key management and provisioning, and multiple encryption methods, including SHA-256 and AES-128. Furthermore, the chips include a secure RISC-V core and 16 kB of nonvolatile memory, allowing ample space for certificate storage.
Finally, the chips are certified according to Common Criteria EAL 6 and AVA_VAN.5, further instilling confidence that the chips are built to withstand a high degree of scrutiny when it comes to security.
Future-Proofing Security
The push toward improved device security and better authentication features aims to avert future security crises. NXP designed the EdgeLock A30 to ensure that the next generation of devices may be just as secure as they are smart.
The EdgeLock A30 evaluation board highlights the small size of the authenticator chip.
The EdgeLock A30 is available now from NXP, alongside an evaluation board that highlights the size of the authenticator chip.